New MPC XL 3.7 - Questions

Hello,

I'm new to MPC's and its workflow. I did a bit of research before purchasing the new MPC XL. Now of course I have some questions.

Time Signatures are my biggest issue: I am sometimes composing with alternating signatures: ie 4/4,5/8,4/4,5/8 etc.

Researching this prior to purchase, the most common solution seemed to be to use insert bars on a sequence and select the new time signature. Easy enough I thought.

Now I find that this was removed in later versions, and I understand it was moved to project level in 3.6. Now in 3.7 it is at sequence level. Seems in 3.7 I can create a two sequences with different time signatures. No issue if I can somehow loop them together.

Is there a way to create a section or something in the Arranger or other area so I can loop two or more sequences?

I can use the workaround using a 1/8 timing as I've read here, but its really an odd way to compose for me. Is this the only way?

Thanks!

fstrat76 wrote: I understand it was moved to project level in 3.6. Now in 3.7 it is at sequence level.

No, still project level only.

I can use the workaround using a 1/8 timing as I've read here, but its really an odd way to compose for me. Is this the only way?!

Yes, I don't think there's any other way, it's the way I suggest to achieve mixed meters in the MPC Bible course. It's not a problem, it's easy to work like this once you accept the slightly adjusted way of working.

No matter which device you choose, you'll always need to use workarounds eventually, no device offers the perfect solution

MPC-Tutor wrote:No, still project level only.

Ok, I see. Was confused because the Time Signature field is on the Sequence Row.

MPC-Tutor wrote:Yes, I don't think there's any other way, it's the way I suggest to achieve mixed meters in the MPC Bible course. It's not a problem, it's easy to work like this once you accept the slightly adjusted way of working.

No matter which device you choose, you'll always need to use workarounds eventually, no device offers the perfect solution

I'll give the workaround a go, but that seems to make it difficult if you don't know in advance if you'll use odd meters or not. I guess you'd have to start each composition project by always setting to 1/8.

Its possible that an MPC is just not for me. I can still return it.

Thanks for your prompt reply.

fstrat76 wrote:Ok, I see. Was confused because the Time Signature field is on the Sequence Row.

I'll give the workaround a go, but that seems to make it difficult if you don't know in advance if you'll use odd meters or not. I guess you'd have to start each composition project by always setting to 1/8.

Its possible that an MPC is just not for me. I can still return it.

Thanks for your prompt reply.

If you got a hold of an MPC XL, that's an amazing music making device my friend. I'd hold onto it and use it to its ability. If you have to do a workaround for something, so be it, it will be the same for other devices not nearly as capable for one thing or another. Good luck to you anyway and congrats on the XL.