Tempo change in sequence

Hi,

I have a fast question. Is it possible to change the tempo in the middle of a sequence? I have a midi file (sequence) with 6 tracks. In the middle of the song the tempo has to be changed.

Thanks

Nope. They didn't implement tempo change events, despite this being a feature of previous MPCs. I submitted this request when I was a beta tester back in 2012, but obviously it's not seen as a priority. Workaround is to create a separate sequence at the different tempo, chain it together in song mode. But then you can't convert it back to a sequence for tracking/exploding tracks/recording audio across seqeunces etc, because the converted sequence will just have the single tempo again.

Damn!

This, to me, is yet another example of how these new MPC's, even though they have enormous potential and some awesome features already, are lacking in basic functionality. It's almost as if they really just created the X, Live, Force and One as the most basic MIDI player ever. Without some fundamental feature editing (e.g. tempo "track") and (e.g. time signatures).

The two mentioned examples automatically generates additional needs when it comes to programming a sequencer, which is probably why they have not been implemented on these new platforms. Not because they can't, but because it requires more effort and therefor more time.

We got an expansion manager, plugins, sample subscription (on a sampler!?), which are all basically not previous MPC features? (I say that as a question, because I have never owned an MPC before the X.) So in all, I would say that the most important feature, that we visibly can use, that was made in the last few versions, well since I bought it in 2018 anyways, is the automation editor. But it does not affect the MIDI player at all, automation was always there, just not easily editable.

Now, please, I am not dissing something like the plugins, that's VERY cool and all. BUT, the fact that the sequencer is in such an infant stage is a real shame. Especially since there is a clear and present interest in a better sequencer on the MPC.

OK, so let me elaborate on my thoughts here for a second and see if I can make sense of it... imagine that they removed the various sample playing, as it exists today in the MPC, and replaced it with a sample player PLUGIN, e.g. a HALion alike, and e.g. added a simple granular plugin. This would render the traditional integrated MPC sampler rather obsolete, no?

Anyways, what I am really interested in here, is what remains. The sequencer where we organize ALL of the playing for us. This is the part that I think is important, but that Akai has basically, more or less, neglected. They may be working on a more elaborate version, but I have observed no such evidence. No access to basic functionality like tempo tracking and time signatures makes for limited overall potential of musical arrangements (e.g. much like "mpc-tutor" mentioned).

I would make the claim that the MPC still is a MIDI Production Center, simply because it lacks the access to the fundamental/basic musical elements mentioned earlier. How many MIDI file players on any computer are unable to play a slur of in-line tempo changes?

How does the MPC X, Live, Force or One handle a MID file with such tempo changes?

People have been complaining for tempo changes for eons now, you just have to scratch your head at this glaring omission.

I would definitely pay get some basic/legacy features back into this unit,

As a work around, you could use Song mode. Seq 1 Tempo 132bpm & Seq 2 Tempo 98bpm and then Seq 3 Tempo back to 132bpm... might not be ideal but pulls it off...

kaydigi wrote:People have been complaining for tempo changes for eons now, you just have to scratch your head at this glaring omission.

I would definitely pay get some basic/legacy features back into this unit,

This.

The MPC is cool, and yes it does some things that legacy MPCs can’t, but it’s just silly not to be able to things like this. But this type of composition isn’t their focus. Look at the last few updates. The MPC addresses the clip-based world, Splice world, press a button and make sound, 2 bar loops of a sample, kick, snare and hi-hat.

You want to actually produce a song with more complexity? You need something else to do that. And I don’t think they care to make it that, honestly.

the software is broken at its core for these things it seems, any old mpc does this no porblem, in fact older the better with this one, its a major frustration for me along with the no multimode midi in, lack of sample latch hold in the main screen, constant meh with these, while waiting for a decent update gone back to my old mpcs for everything other than gigs i catch a train to

Yea you may be right. But I believe the New Akai Dev team is not as deep rooted as the Old Designers. I believe they concentrated on New Technology and wants. Next Level.

In their mind..they figured..."If you want Roll Up Windows, and the Smell of a Carbureted Engine, Go buy the Old Technology!"

I believe there's a Workaround to every request!

Sample Latch...I Apply an Air Delay on the Pad, set the feedback to 100. It'll ring for an Hour (Not the best workaround but hey)
Multi In....Ummm No real workaround lol....Time to Grab a Mixer and feed Multiple Instruments thru that. (lol...sorry)
Tempo Changes....Create different sequences with different Tempos...(Easy one)

I know I've rubbed a few feathers

This +1000!

MPC-Tutor wrote: I submitted this request when I was a beta tester back in 2012, but obviously it's not seen as a priority. Workaround is to create a separate sequence at the different tempo, chain it together in song mode. But then you can't convert it back to a sequence for tracking/exploding tracks/recording audio across seqeunces etc, because the converted sequence will just have the single tempo again.

lol a delay is no substiute or workaround for a loop/hold/latch mode, we have note on option with loop option but no way to sustain the loop unless gonna stand around holding the pad indefinately, that is our current work around, looks dope during a finger drumming set, i will continue to lug my 2500 as can hold a pad, press track mute and it will latch hold the loop as long as i want, thats a real workarond. only an extra 5kg to carry

Thats why i suggested Air Delay with Max Feedback...WITH THE LOOP LOCK OFF... Its the Next Best workaround for someone who wants to Latch a Sample indefinitely. (must be a Live performance thing lol)
Lol Or....Hit the Gym to get ya Biceps ready to Lug 12lbs around

Your choice

I haven't checked all the options for the Foot Switch settings yet, but perhaps that might be a workaround? That way you're holding the foot switch instead of the drum pad.

40Beatz wrote:But I believe the New Akai Dev team is not as deep rooted as the Old Designers. I believe they concentrated on New Technology and wants. Next Level.

If this is true, why bother to force in what the "old designers" created, at all? E.g., the MIDI MAP is still the old jagged one. If they are on the "next level", they'd be able to read the "old" files and convert them on the fly. The sequence-track-program-sample structure is the same as the "old" one. The "new" file formats seem to be the same as the "old" ones. Not being able to change tempo is simple negligence, deemed unneeded by someone, and the same for time signatures. Basic elements of music.

I guess that stance can be considered "new design", i.e. the near absence of musical elements.
(A joke, in case it was unclear!)

Nah, when they release things like the 1-to-1 tracks on the MPC X and MIDI multi-mode, there has begun a "new" thought process, but right now it's old thinking with modern hardware technology available, e.g. Wi-Fi and BT, but so limited that only one specific group can use it (i.e. Ableton users). And that is definitely a turn that was not "marketed" when I bought the X. Lame turn by Akai, at least from my perspective. Ableton users perhaps view it differently.

You are definitely correct! However... I believe Akai was on a Death Spiral a few years back. They were(still are) losing in Music Software Game. Still in the infant/Toddler stage.
Akai had to make a move or succumb a few years back.
Ultimately they got back to basics and rebrand themselves. What better way to accomplish that... By recapitalizing on what made them great... The Standalone Market.
I believe combining Standalone with Software was brilliant.

But of course there's challenges. They were successful integrating Standalone and Being Tethered. But they missed out on some of the basic shit. I believe in time they'll integrate the basic Legacy features that 2-3% of the Veteran MPC users need.

But on a Larger Scale... The omission of a few features does NOT make the MPC any less Professional of A Machine.

I put my X up for about 2, 2 & half weeks now. Went back to puttin in work on my 2000xl and 2500. Ooo Wee! Night and Day!

I, MORE THAN EVER appreciate the X/Live n it's accomplishments! Never realized how integrated n flexible, jammed packed with effects, editing, heavy storage/RAM, Etc.

After bussing my ass navigating on 2000xl for weeks, I pulled my LIVE out and Made Love To it!

I think it's Pregnant too. It may give birth to a MPC One in 9 months... Stay Tuned