Post your views and questions about the Akai MPC2500

Do you use the full level option

8
67%
3
25%
1
8%
User avatar
By Fasttracker Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:49 pm
Ever since i have an mpc i've allways had the full level option turned on.
But lately i've been practicing some live drumming and was thinking of dropping the full level to get some dynamics in my drums.
I tried it but i find it hard to get a steady volume this way.
so , who here uses the full level option?
User avatar

By selecta jo Sat Dec 09, 2006 4:54 pm
for me it is a fourth option: i use full level only on certain sounds (some bassdrums, some snares) and not on every track.
most of the time i use full level in trim and in program mode, because i can hear the sample clearer...
sometimes i use it while jamming on the pads and turn it off for recording...
maybe you need to adjust your pad sensivity so you don´t have to hit them very hard to reach full velocity. and to develop a steady strenght you have to practice, i´m afraid... 8)

peace jo

By drumtrack Sat Dec 09, 2006 4:59 pm
kickdrum: full level
sd, hh, cymabls, bass, instruments: no full level
if i play my kit: full level

By ShaneFontane Sat Dec 09, 2006 6:59 pm
full level for a more accurate representation of analog drum machines...
User avatar

By LaJProd Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:09 pm
Always on....

By dutch Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:26 pm
Always on
User avatar

By Upright Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:27 pm
drumtrack wrote:kickdrum: full level
sd, hh, cymabls, bass, instruments: no full level
if i play my kit: full level


ditto , you should've had an optional " I use full levels for certain instruments" the two bottom choices in your poll are pretty much the same question or answer. :D
User avatar

By jahrome Sat Dec 09, 2006 9:08 pm
For the most part..kicks always FULL LEVEL...SNARES a majority of the time FULL LEVEL. HATS..some times FULL level.
User avatar

By episode Sat Dec 09, 2006 10:38 pm
It's usually always on.....

However a good way to get a some good dynamics for your sounds is to play the sample at 16 levels (velocity), and perhaps restrict yourself to the top 4, or 8, pads and hit the pads randomly.
User avatar

By Rozzer Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:53 pm
I didn't vote because there was no option for 'both'. I turn the FULL LEVEL on and off constantly, depending on what I'm playing. Things like kick & snare are usually fairly constant, but hi-hats, basslines or any 'instrument' I find better played with a bit of velocity variation.
User avatar

By udenjoe Sun Dec 10, 2006 6:57 am
You don't have an option for sending your own velocity.... :wink:

I do each part per track bass drum, snare, high hat different, and accent at certain points for each part.
User avatar

By Fasttracker Sun Dec 10, 2006 9:07 am
:shock: Where's my head at :D
I wanted to keep the choices to a minimum and forgot to add a Both option.
Can't edit it now.
Maybe MPC-tutor can use his magic on this one.

I use both too , i tend to turn off the full level option to record my hihats.

Yes roxstar , i thought practice would be the key , i've been doing 30 minutes of practice every day since last week, i'd better turn off the full level during practice.

I know drummers never play at a consistent volume but i think the kick and snare should allways hit at full level ( off-beats not included offcourse) .

Greetz....
Last edited by Fasttracker on Sun Dec 10, 2006 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar

By savilion Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:22 am
yeah.... I used full level for samples mostly... drums never full level

By Leeno Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:35 pm
All samples full level and lower within the mix as needed. Drums Kick and Snare usually Full level and hihats/shakers whatever else no full levels.