Basic MPC1000 questions (ADSR related)

Post your questions, opinions and reviews of the MPC1000. This forum is for discussion of the OFFICIAL Akai OS (2.1). If you wish to discuss the JJ OS, please use the dedicated JJ OS forum
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Basic MPC1000 questions (ADSR related)

By Shook Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:51 pm
Hi all.

I'm new here, your patience would be much appreciated!

Just bought a 2nd hand mpc 1000. So far, so good but I have a few questions. I've searched the forum but only found half answers.

I'm running the OS from 2004, v1.04 I think. How do I upgrade to the latest version?

Also I really need to know whether there is an ADSR filter here, if there isn't it is the first sampler I've used without one! Is there any way I can set a smooth release on a kick or snare?

Also the saving procedure really confuses me. I have to save samples, programs and sequences separately right? Onto either the internal memory or the compact flash card?

I'm used to Logic with big Emu samplers; I know the worth of the mpc but right now it's feeling like a backwards step.

Sorry for such basic questions...

s
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By Pendulum Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:59 pm
You can grab the latest OS 2.10 and instructions on how to install it from here :

http://www.akaipro.com/supportos.php#MFC1000

There is a dedicated Filter envelope generator for each pad, however it is not a 4 segment, full on ADSR implementation. It is much simpler (effectively an AD) and well suited for drum hits. There is a similarly simple Amplifier envelope and that is what you would want to look at for this Q:

"Is there any way I can set a smooth release on a kick or snare?"

Try tweaking the decay on the amp envelope.

"Also the saving procedure really confuses me. I have to save samples, programs and sequences separately right? Onto either the internal memory or the compact flash card?"

Check out the Save Entire Memory option too, which saves all the files in your current Project, lots said about that here on the forum and there's a video tutorial over at futureproducers.com IIRC.

p.

By medway Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:35 am
shook,

As great as the mpcs are don't confuse them with a full fledge sampler like an emu or rack akai. The mpcs are geared towards drums therefor their envelopes and modulation capabilitties will not stand up to a proper standard sampler.

you can do release though theres just no sustain section.

good luck

Medway

By Shook Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:45 am
Thanks for your reply...

Where is the release setting, I can't find it anywhere?

s

By unloop Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:56 am
in mode: Program highlight volume and press Window.
It ll bring up an amp envelope section.
You can do the same thing in program, filter for a filter envelope but there is sadly no pitch env mod......yet.

By Shook Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:28 am
Great that's perfect.

Can you tell me how I upgrade to a newer OS too?

Sorry, just trying to get started nice and quick.

thanks

s
User avatar

By Lampdog Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:52 am
Pendulum wrote:You can grab the latest OS 2.10 and instructions on how to install it from here :

http://www.akaipro.com/supportos.php#MFC1000

By Shook Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:02 am
Thanks all.

I'm up and running already now, 2 beats in.

First thing that has struck me is how punchy and loud the outputs are...

nice little piece of kit indeed.


s
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By Antonym Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:21 pm
i think it's the samples you're using that's making the outputs seem punchy...but i'm glad you like it.

be sure to use step edit. a lot of new mpc users neglect it and basically use their mpcs like a newer roland sp.

there are tons of good tips here.
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By Pendulum Wed Jul 05, 2006 4:26 pm
unloop wrote:... but there is sadly no pitch env mod......yet.


I've been cheating and using a Saw Down shaped LFO to modulate pitch in the same way as an AD envelope would. Because the LFO is key-synced you just need to set a period that ensures the LFO only does a single cycle during a pad event.

p.
User avatar

By distortedtekno Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:52 am
Antonym wrote:i think it's the samples you're using that's making the outputs seem punchy...

co-sign on that... but also from years of working with different hardware and software setups, there's still something to be said about the punch of the mpc (all of them including the 1k). they just emphasize the punch alot better than other samplers. roland, yahama, korg, and the rest fall short in this aspect.

By Shook Thu Jul 06, 2006 8:49 am
It does seem that way. Using the same samples on my mpc, I get a louder sound than the one I get from Logic + ESX24 + motu 828 mkII.

For me it's not a new thing, the mpc60 (and then 3000) used to give out a really hot signal.

I also have an EMU 6400 Ultra, which is superb, but sounds very different to the mpc. Warmer perhaps, but not so much boldness.

By unloop Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:16 pm
Pendulum wrote:
unloop wrote:... but there is sadly no pitch env mod......yet.


I've been cheating and using a Saw Down shaped LFO to modulate pitch in the same way as an AD envelope would. Because the LFO is key-synced you just need to set a period that ensures the LFO only does a single cycle during a pad event.

p.


I did play about with this when i badly needed a it for a layer of bassdrum ... but i want all 4 stages....sob..weep....

By medway Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:42 pm
Shook wrote:It does seem that way. Using the same samples on my mpc, I get a louder sound than the one I get from Logic + ESX24 + motu 828 mkII.

For me it's not a new thing, the mpc60 (and then 3000) used to give out a really hot signal.

I also have an EMU 6400 Ultra, which is superb, but sounds very different to the mpc. Warmer perhaps, but not so much boldness.


Its not just you. I've taken sounds directly bounced from SX and imported into the MPC and they sounded punchier and overall more musical. Even my singer noticed right away.

By Shook Thu Jul 06, 2006 10:32 pm
It's really growing on me now. Sequencing wise it's a bit, well, long... Especially when you're used to the 'bells and whistles' sequencing methods offered by Logic and the like. But I'm having no problems integrating it into my whole setup so it's all good.

Hey how can I put some of my new mpc beats up for you guys to hear?

Be nice to get some feedback about how I'm getting on.

s

thanks again to everyone, this is a really helpful forum.
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