New to the MPC production world? Got a music production question that's not really specific to any particular MPC? Try your luck here and get help from our experienced members.
By mikesclone Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:37 pm
Hello Everyone,

I am brand new to the world of production and have a couple of questions on how to get started. First I am going to be buying an MPC500 very soon (as soon as i have the funds).

First I was wondering if I need a computer program to make my own sample of if I can do this right on my MPC. Or can both be done. What computer programs are best/cheapest to use to create samples.

Also i was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what I will need could use to get started in the world of production. I have been completed enthralled and interested in the production side of hip hop for quite some time and really want to start making my own beats. I play a bunch of instruments but want to dive deep into something new. Very sorry if my questions are obvious I just really have no clue and would love some help. Thanks!!
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By HARRY HUSTLE Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:04 pm
In all honesty, get your equipment and come back and drop these threads....

I see cats time and time again, every one wants to be a producer and only half actually step up and invest in to doing so...

if and when they finally get the funds or purchase equipment then they are back here with the same exact questions....

don't put all your eggs in the same basket, when you don't even know if your going to like the basket to begin with....

I would advise you, since you already have a computer to get a software like Reason or fruity loops and even see if you enjoy production...then if its something you still have a hungry desire for then move onto a mpc and whatever other equipment you want to incorporate...

or if money wasnt an issue I would tell you grab an MPC, a turntable, mixer...get your hands on as many records as possible and get busy...

then again thats just me....first just start reading around the boards and soak up general knowledge, figure out if you rather compose beats or make sampled beats...or both...

depending on which style of way you want to produce can obviously effect the setup and equipment you would want to buy....

I know this myte not help much, but at your stage best thing I can tell u is save the questions for when you can have a hands on with the equipment in question....untill then float the boards and soak up the knowledge thats spread all over.....

good luck man...

By mikesclone Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:27 pm
Thanks for the suggestions and the help. I think your totally right, I need to just make the purchase and then ask. I do have a passion for it or sure, this is quite beginner but ever since I discovered garageband on my mac I havent been able to stop using it.

Until now that I have done just about everything it can do and thats not to much. So no ill be moving onto Reason I think. I messed around with the demo a bit and I like it alot. I also think ill start with a Korg Microkontrol midi keyboard, learn that, learn the software and then buy an MPC in the next couple of months. In you opinion is this a good starting point.

Thanks for the help!!! I appreciate it
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By stonetrooper Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:44 pm
Ok u say you have a passion for it but do you have any experience with the drums?(or piano) do you know how to phrase and count ? can you play a basic 4/4 rock beat . if not i can already see ur gonna be having multiple headaches when you get an mpc.

By mikesclone Thu Jun 07, 2007 12:23 am
oh yeah I have a bunch of musical experience, ive been playing guitar since I was ten so about ten years now. been playing drums for a few years now. Mess around on a melodica a bit, play some harmonica. I can count and such so that shouldnt be a problem.
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By ReckOne Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:51 am
mikesclone wrote:been playing drums for a few years now.


Having played the drums even if it's only for a few years comes in handy when starting to dj or make beats.