Finger drumming + loops live

Couldn't find a thread about this subject so here it goes. This is actually my first post to this forum and I don’t own an MPC yet, but I'll buy one if I find out that I can do what I need to do. I’m considering MPC Live II mainly becouse of 6 built in outputs but still being pretty portable compared to X. Thanks in advance for everyone who read and reply! (English is not my first language, I hope I express myself clearly enough)

So the things I need to do is finger drum and play loops. Specifically what I need:

1. Separate loops for bass, keys and drums (+ click track?) routed to different outputs (drums 1+2, keys 3+4, bass 5, click 6)

2. Ability to make different kind of loops for one instrument inside one song, for example verse bass line, pre-chorus bass line, chorus bass line etc.

3. Ability to go from a loop (in MPC I guess sequence) to another while finger drumming at the same time. Is this possible with the "next sequence" button and not having to go to a different view/menu while finger drumming?

4. Ability to extend certain song sections on the fly, so I guess song mode isn’t an option? As an example, I loop the intro + finger drum while the rapper speaks to the audience, and when the rapper is done I go to verse on cue.

5. Having a drum loop playing for example hi-hat part and I drum only the kicks and snares/claps. Best case for me would be if the same drum program would be used for the loops and finger drumming.

6. Ablitity to make different time signatures inside one song (all other loops in 4/4 but one being in 7/4)

7. (BONUS) Is it possible to plug in 2 external midi controllers to play sounds of different programs? For example, one on midi channel 1 triggering a drum program and another on midi channel 2 triggering a keygroup program/another drum program? And if I do so, is it possible to use the MPC's pads for other stuff (track mutes, choosing a section) at the same time?

I would do most of the loops inside MPC using sequensing to trigger one shots, maybe some 4 bar wav-files here and there.

Right now I’m using an Arturia Beatstep Pro (midi loops and finger drumming) with Mainstage (only for sounds that I trigger with the Beatstep) for these purposes and I’m able to do everything I've listed (except the click track, but I believe I could if I just did the research), but this setup is not reliable enough for my use. Also I would like to use the MPC for backing tracks while I'm playing other instruments in a whole other context, but I guess that's a different topic.

Do my needs line up with MPC's abilities? Thanks for the help and sorry for the long post.

Possible in an mpc but probably more suited to the Akai force. Have you looked at force ?

MPC-Tutor wrote:Possible in an mpc

How would this work? Of course pads for drumming but would I use the next sequence button to go from a section to another?

MPC-Tutor wrote: probably more suited to the Akai force. Have you looked at force ?

Actually just found out about that piece of gear. I have been checking videos about it but the smaller pads and only 4 outs is kind of a turn off. Of course I could use my Arturia and a USB audio interface to solve those problems but less (and smaller) gear would be better for me. But I haven’t made my mind yet, so I’m open to that option too.

Thanks for the help!

The "next sequence" button displays another view, and finger drumming is not possible in that state. On the main screen, you can also use the +/- button or the data wheel to change the sequence.

In the Force all this can be achieved using clips which can be fired off in any order you wish while simultaneously finger drumming. You can split the 64 pad grid, with the top rows dedicated to launching clips (midi or audio clips) and the bottom 4 rows of pads set to play the currently selected kit or instrument. For live performances the Force completely trumps the MPC, it's much more flexible and significantly more optimised. The smaller pads are not a problem IMO, they are plenty big enough and having 64 is a huge advantage compared to 16, as are the eight Q links vs 4.

Basically if I was a live performer I would absolutely be looking at the Force before considering an MPC. Plus you have disk streaming as well, so effectively no real memory limitations. And as you mention, if audio I/O is an issue, you have the option of using a usb interface.

Check out Nick Trikakis for examples of what's possible on the Force (and most of these are using an older firmware):

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTz1SJ ... 1YqFS6IaWA

Elijah wrote:The "next sequence" button displays another view, and finger drumming is not possible in that state. On the main screen, you can also use the +/- button or the data wheel to change the sequence.

This clarifies very much, thanks!

MPC-Tutor wrote:In the Force all this can be achieved using clips which can be fired off in any order you wish while simultaneously finger drumming. You can split the 64 pad grid, with the top rows dedicated to launching clips (midi or audio clips) and the bottom 4 rows of pads set to play the currently selected kit or instrument. For live performances the Force completely trumps the MPC, it's much more flexible and significantly more optimised. The smaller pads are not a problem IMO, they are plenty big enough and having 64 is a huge advantage compared to 16, as are the eight Q links vs 4.

Basically if I was a live performer I would absolutely be looking at the Force before considering an MPC. Plus you have disk streaming as well, so effectively no real memory limitations. And as you mention, if audio I/O is an issue, you have the option of using a usb interface.

Check out Nick Trikakis for examples of what's possible on the Force (and most of these are using an older firmware):

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTz1SJ ... 1YqFS6IaWA

Ok now I start so see why the Force is better for my use than the MPC. I thought that I wouldn't need clips or scenes from Force, but now that I better understand the limitations of the MPC sequences I think I will appreciate scenes and clips more.

Great that you also brought up disk streaming! I didn't actually know that such a thing even exists, but now after checking out what it means it's an eye opener, perfect solution for the kind of limited RAM on the MPC. It's not so vital for me for this setup but for other purposes that I need it for (backing tracks while playing acoustic drums) it's a major advantage.

Thank you so much for the help!

Elijah wrote:The "next sequence" button displays another view, and finger drumming is not possible in that state. On the main screen, you can also use the +/- button or the data wheel to change the sequence.

Or, with your external midi controller buttons/footswitch you could map "next seq" as program change, thus no need to leave main screen.

First, let me say welcome to the community & this is a great post.

2nd, download & browse the manual before you make any purchase

3rd, if you get an MPC. the MPC bible is a must
We are still waiting on that FORCE BIBLE

Now for My 2 cents,

I think the FORCE is a better bet simply b/c it has more pads, disk streaming, ableton setup. I have midi map’d an old AKAI APC40 to my mpc LIVE but the FORCE is much closer to what you want out the box.

A lot of limitations can be overcome by having 2 of a machine. I am a dead sure that 2 FORCEs or MPC will do what all that you want but I think you can get 80-90% of what u want with just 1 FORCE. See that NIK video for a glimpse of the future

The only thing better than the FORCE right now is an ABLETON LIVE rig which will cost you $2-5k

u can find lots of answers here viewforum.php?f=44