Best way to create arrangements on MPC ONE

Hello.

I have had the MPC one and am liking it alot.
Whats the best way to create fleshed out arrangements? Is it best to create a new sequence per part intro verse ect? Or do some people do it all in one sequence?

Thanks

1) create lots of small sequences and chain together in song mode
or
2) Build a single long sequence, utilising 'double length' and copy bars etc to duplicate sections etc
or
3) a combination of both, So start with the song mode option, then convert to a single sequence and continue working on that sequence, e.g. adding audio tracks, automation, overdubs, etc.

Plus, flip between different workflows to force yourself into different creative directions.

The beauty of the MPC is there are many ways to get to your end result. For me, I do smaller sequences, and then chain them together in the end. I usually stick to 16 bars per sequence, as any longer and editing gets to be too much scrolling/zooming/etc. I can't imagine writing a 6 minute song in a single sequence when you need to delete a note in the middle somewhere. When its all done, I'll string everything together in Song Mode, and its a bunch of sequences like 'Intro A', 'Intro B', 'Breakdown A', 'Drop 1A', 'Drop 1B', etc..

Once everything is together in song mode, convert it to a new sequence, make sure all your tracks/instruments lined up right, and that's the sequence I use to sync to Cubase and track into the DAW when its done.

If they expanded the 'locate' points feature this would really help with the long sequences. So 128 locate markers, ability to name them, auto-generate from song mode steps, etc.

MPC-Tutor wrote:1) create lots of small sequences and chain together in song mode
or
2) Build a single long sequence, utilising 'double length' and copy bars etc to duplicate sections etc
or
3) a combination of both, So start with the song mode option, then convert to a single sequence and continue working on that sequence, e.g. adding audio tracks, automation, overdubs, etc.

Plus, flip between different workflows to force yourself into different creative directions.

#3 is the way

A small pro tip for using songmode. Songmode only lets you work by bars. If you want a sequence of as little as a quarter beat, double or quadruple your sequence tempo. Then 1 bar can equal as little as 1 or 2 beats. This is a great tool for doing stutters and transitions. You also have to use half length to stretch your sequence to match your tempo. If you have any timed quantized effects you'll have to adjust the settings on it them as well.

MPC-Tutor wrote:If they expanded the 'locate' points feature this would really help with the long sequences. So 128 locate markers, ability to name them, auto-generate from song mode steps, etc.

That’s a great idea. These are the type of workflow updates they need to be making but unfortunately don’t lead to new sales so aren’t prioritized

I use #3 aswell.

Thanks for all the advise.

I must admit, I really love the instant gratification from the stock drums and think with a bit of tweaking of the air synths, that they sound really good. I remember when hype and the other synths air did for pro tools only how they did sound good. Maybe one day they will bring more out for the MPC

I've spent ages trying to find the best way to move from a loop to a linear track and my favourite is:

1. Spend ages in a loop adding everything you could possibly need, transitions etc (I still rarely go over 16tracks)
2. Copy the loop to a new sequence
3. Double to loop as many times to get near your full track length
4. Start deleting notes out from each track as per your desire
5. Tweak transitions, adding extra beats, subtle changes etc as you build the final track

If you are using external synths it can be best to have sampled these in if you want to export stems and master on a computer.

From here after mixing everything as best I can, I export everything as stems then do a final master in Reaper.

Notes:

I hated using 'recorded' mutes personally although i know people like to use this instead do deleting elements. Its harder to see your mutes.
You can add/delete bars after double to get the track to more the right length, but then need to copy and paste elements - its best to make it longer then shorten it

Amazing ideas cheers.