By Clint
Thu Jan 20, 2005 12:15 pm
Yesterday I spent some time setting up a MPC drum-map for use with Cubase SX. In fact I made two, specifically for the way I like to work.
The idea was to create a drum map which would allow me to sequence my drums in Cubase using General Midi drums (GM Map) and then have the sequence playback on the MPC using exactly the same drum assignments (Custom MPC Map).
To do this I would also have to map my programs on the MPC in a fashion that was consistent with the GM specification, but using only 16 samples (for simplicity). So I used the basic drum kit elements (Bd, Sn, Ride Cym, Crash Cym, C Hats, O Hats, L Tom, M Tom, H Tom) and added a Rimshot, Shaker, Cowbell, Clap and a second Bass Drum and Snare. This used 15 pads, one was left spare to be used for any other instrument.
I also wanted my MPC Bank A pads to be mapped chromatically on the 16 white keys from Middle C (C3/Note 60 to D5/Note 85) upwards. This was so I could sequence my drums 'live' using the Cubase sequencer to trigger the MPC samples in real time.
Although the MPC is good enough for sequencing, sometimes I prefer to sit back in my seat and sequence from the PC. It's easier for you (and anyone else in the studio) to see what you're doing on a large screen.
BTW, I did search the forums for 'Drum Map', but got no relevant results. Obviously it is possible to map all 4 banks A-D (different samples) and sequence 'live' using Cubase. This is not the same as Auto Chromatic Assignment which map a single sample auto-chromatically.
Anyway, job done and the result is impressive and helpful. I was wondering whether any of you guys use drum maps with your MPC's?
Don't know about drum maps? A drum programmers dream, so check it out!!
(P.S While making my custom drum maps I discovered that the pad note assignments stated on MPC2000XL.com site are not strictly correct, in terms of Bank A at least. For example pad A1. Note 37 on a keyboard is C#1 NOT C#2 as stated. The stated notes appear to be an OCTAVE TOO HIGH!!)
The idea was to create a drum map which would allow me to sequence my drums in Cubase using General Midi drums (GM Map) and then have the sequence playback on the MPC using exactly the same drum assignments (Custom MPC Map).
To do this I would also have to map my programs on the MPC in a fashion that was consistent with the GM specification, but using only 16 samples (for simplicity). So I used the basic drum kit elements (Bd, Sn, Ride Cym, Crash Cym, C Hats, O Hats, L Tom, M Tom, H Tom) and added a Rimshot, Shaker, Cowbell, Clap and a second Bass Drum and Snare. This used 15 pads, one was left spare to be used for any other instrument.
I also wanted my MPC Bank A pads to be mapped chromatically on the 16 white keys from Middle C (C3/Note 60 to D5/Note 85) upwards. This was so I could sequence my drums 'live' using the Cubase sequencer to trigger the MPC samples in real time.
Although the MPC is good enough for sequencing, sometimes I prefer to sit back in my seat and sequence from the PC. It's easier for you (and anyone else in the studio) to see what you're doing on a large screen.
BTW, I did search the forums for 'Drum Map', but got no relevant results. Obviously it is possible to map all 4 banks A-D (different samples) and sequence 'live' using Cubase. This is not the same as Auto Chromatic Assignment which map a single sample auto-chromatically.
Anyway, job done and the result is impressive and helpful. I was wondering whether any of you guys use drum maps with your MPC's?
Don't know about drum maps? A drum programmers dream, so check it out!!
(P.S While making my custom drum maps I discovered that the pad note assignments stated on MPC2000XL.com site are not strictly correct, in terms of Bank A at least. For example pad A1. Note 37 on a keyboard is C#1 NOT C#2 as stated. The stated notes appear to be an OCTAVE TOO HIGH!!)