Reviews and questions about the entry-level MPC500
By quicksilverXP Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:53 pm
Sorry for my newbness, but I am using the MPC500 more as a simple sample playback device for live performances. I bought it because between the SP404 and the MPC500, I can control the midi note numbers and be able to play the sounds on the MPC500 through my Korg Radias (which is my primary instrument.) I had a question though on being able to record an arpeggio from the Radias. Here is what I want to accomplish.

I want to be able to record an arpeggio on my Korg Radias into the MPC500, and then be able to trigger that arpeggio sample on the MPC500 AND be able to tap tempo to it during a live performance. I undestand that the tap tempo only works for controlling the tempo of a sequence.

How do I go about doing this? And can this be done without altering the pitch?

Thanks again.
By spartikus Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:21 am
There is only one way you can make this work. You need to be able to record the arpeggio on your Korg radius as midi data onto the MPC. Once this is done you can then send the midi data back to the Korg Radius and it will trigger the same notes and sounds. Then when use the tap tempo the midi data will adjust to the tempo without any impact on the sonic quality or pitch.

When reading your questions it sounded like you wanted to sample the arpeggio and then play it back on the MPC with the ability to have the audio time stretch in real time to match whatever tempo you tap in. This, unfortunately, can not be done on the MPC with audio samples. I hope this helps.
By Emilie Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:10 pm
You should get recycle from propellerhead! That's dope!!!
By quicksilverXP Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:20 am
Yes. That's what I was thinking... I know I can't in real-time control the length of sample.

So my only way was to record each part of the arpeggio and sample it on the MPC500, and then make a sequence of it manually.... problem with that though is it won't sound like an arpeggio anymore since it loses that computer precise playback.

My friend has Recycle... I will read up on that but what does it do exactly?