MPC fingerdrumming.

From what I noticed, the MPC is so shitty for fingerdrumming (what is it good for )
The sensitivity of the pads is terrible. I tried to set it up somehow, but it doesn't bring any positive results.
Pressing lightly returns 0 to 100 random results. it is not possible to continuously tap the pad and hold the range e.g. 20-30
Adjusting the sensitivity of the pads according to the instruction manual changes almost nothing.




Anyone here has experience in fingerdrumming and could advise something?

Practice.

Just because its an MPC doesn't mean it doesn't take the same skillset playing drums or a real instrument would. If the pads are giving back 100 different velocities that means you're just not hitting consistently enough. The pads only detect what theyre given to detect and unless the hardware itself is bad inside, that means the user needs to provide the chops. You're not going to hit those pads with a fist at full force and get 100 different readings out of it, but you will if your fingers aren't up to snuff and your game isn't tight. Its just like playing any new instrument. You're going to be pretty sloppy until you do it more than a few times.

One trick I've done to practice is sample the vocal "one", "two", "three", "four"... or something similar... and then setup a four velocity layers on the pad. It will really help you practice and learn how hard you are hitting by having something distinct to listen to that sounds different.

Check this finger pattern. Pad A9 should be played softly.
It is technically impossible on my MPC One.
Probably the Maschine has very sensitive pads and a light tap is enough for trigger sound.
Even pressing this pad with one finger, I am unable to recreate this soft hihat.

Have you tried reducing the velocity input for the hi hat? It's possible that the hat is way too loud to start, making it more difficult to get the sounds out of the pads.

NearTao wrote:Have you tried reducing the velocity input for the hi hat? It's possible that the hat is way too loud to start, making it more difficult to get the sounds out of the pads.

My hihat consists of 4 samples layered in Program Edit in cycle setting. So far I have set the velocity of the two samples, so they are triggered even when I hit harder.
But it's a bit of a cheat, I might as well turn the pad volume down in half and hit it with full force.
Maybe the larger MPCs have a slightly different rubber and you can actually hit them continuously with the same soft sensitivity.

1. Get a good VST drum kit like BFD or Superior Drummer 3
2. Find a simple drum layout that you can memorize
3. Find an appropriate angle and height for your drum machine
4. Turn off full level
5. Keep the standard midi velocity curve
6. Learn and practice the basic
7. It's not the MPC, it's the person playing it.

You'll notice that lots of really good finger drummers are percussionist and pianist. Because they've already
mastered the basics and two hand coordination. My finger drumming was okay in my book, but I taken much more seriously and took drum lesson to really lock in the basics, really read drum tablature, and capture the mindset of an acoustic drummer.

I shouldn't have to say it but, Finger drumming is just as much of a real discipline as playing the guitar, violin, acoustic drums. It requires the same dedicated practice time, same understanding of rhythms, feel/groove, intricate timings, as well as it's own unique skill sets.

So again... if the players skills set is not up to par using the default settings. It really won't matter how the person tweak the settings. Stay cool, enjoy yourself, and keep practicing.

The pads on maschine are much more sensitive than the MPC, do you need a lighter touch, but the new MPCs are fine, you just need to practice and you'll get the velocity control.

Thanks for the tips guys.

NewAkaiUser wrote:Thanks for the tips guys.

Look these up and learn them if you've haven't already.

Standard 8th note groove
Four to the floor
Shuffle groove
16th note groove
Half-time groove
Half-time shuffle


This is also a good
https://drumhelper.com/blog/basic-drum-beats/

When I first got my MPC One I was learning that same pattern setup as in that Quest for groove video you screen recorded. It's definitely a situation of practicing and also adjusting sensitivity settings. More of a practice situation though. Everyone had some great input on this thread! Happy grooving

Here’s an ancient suggestion for y’all: I bought a book way back in the early 1990s called “The Art of Digital Drumming.” Has lots of cool tips on how to create different style beats on old fashioned drum machines but the info is still relevant.

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Digital-Drum ... 0881888699

QuentinB wrote:When I first got my MPC One I was learning that same pattern setup as in that Quest for groove video you screen recorded. It's definitely a situation of practicing and also adjusting sensitivity settings. More of a practice situation though. Everyone had some great input on this thread! Happy grooving

Yes, it comes down to daily focused practice. Dialing in the sensitivity will come, once the players skill set is up to par where it makes a difference. One important thing when finger drumming, is keeping one's shoulders, arms, wrist, hands, and fingers loose. This will allow for longer playing, accurate strikes, and better velocity control.

Some nice info can be found also inside the fellow Elektronauts forum...
https://www.elektronauts.com/t/finger-d ... ques/11532
Heard a lot of nice reviews for this guy:
https://www.xpresspads.com/

I just did a video exploring the pad sensitivity and threshold settings. Not sure it will help the OP, just trying to figure it out myself and I don't think it could hurt to add to this thread as it could be a resource to some searching in the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BQNw5-dVcU