Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
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By Blue Haze Fri Dec 26, 2008 7:50 am
These two videos apply to the keygroup programs of the 4k because of the ability to add separate env to each keygroup and creative pitches across the keyboard the guy simplifies alot of the process enjoy.


Part 1 of the video* http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=FvImLI_KH ... re=channel


Part 2 of the video * http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=rQP3XAfdB ... re=related
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By Blue Haze Sun Dec 28, 2008 5:01 am
Quick reminder in the video the samples are in keygroups not zones mind you, keygroups. Main idea of zones is if you want to layer a hard, mid, and soft samples of the same sound and velocity switch when you press the key on the controller like a piano played softly, mid, and loudly.

The reason to use keygroups assigned to the same midi number is that each keygroups will have its own separate ENVs, FILTERS, and PROGRAM MATRIXS aka CONTROLLER ASSIGNMENT. If you use just zones you will have the same ENV, and FILTER on all the zones since it is just one keygroup like the other mpcs do including the 5k.

You want to use separate keygroups for separate ENVs, Filters, AMPs, Crossfade layerings via Tilt Velocitiy layering over other keygroups on the same key using Program Matrix settings to TWEAK the sounds.


Sampler video is the same as 4k each sample is on it`s own keygroup not zones.
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By Blue Haze Sun Dec 28, 2008 6:36 am
Askia Shaheed wrote:
ToOxSicK wrote:that keygroup is sick,i just feel bad that akai is refusing to further update 4k.If they put that feature on 5k it would be something great but they will never do it.

Haven't you been told to never say never :P



Watch it Jahrome this is a thread for 4k techniques no baiting or nonsense allowed here.
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By Blue Haze Sun Dec 28, 2008 6:42 am
With a midi controller you can assign the controllers to each kegroups ENVs, LFOS, Filter, Amps and parameters and tweak realtime as you like easily like a real synth/sampler without being depend on qlinks. Most of the other mpc like the 5k cannot receive external controllers and are depend on only the build in qlink controllers for one pad and or the one synth programs.

The 4k can use controllers to change any number of keygroups as the same time assign to different parts of the parameters.
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By Askia Shaheed Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:06 am
Blue Haze wrote: Most of the other mpc like the 5k cannot receive external controllers and are depend on only the build in qlink controllers for one pad and or the one synth programs.

That is not exactly accurate. But I will have to create another thread outlining all the details.
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By Blue Haze Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:17 am
Askia Shaheed wrote:
Blue Haze wrote: Most of the other mpc like the 5k cannot receive external controllers and are depend on only the build in qlink controllers for one pad and or the one synth programs.

That is not exactly accurate. But I will have to create another thread outlining all the details.



It is extremely accurate.




Go check for yourself it is accurate 5k can send controllers but not receive controller data like a 4k cuz you don`t have a program matrix you can read under qlink controllers in your ref manual. Now if you know how to do systex you might on a 5k no promises though.

Please create another thread in the 5k forum if you can or add to the 4k vs 5k too. Like I said and it is a civil gesture no nonsense in this 4k technique thread.
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By Askia Shaheed Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:30 am
Blue Haze wrote:
Askia Shaheed wrote:
Blue Haze wrote: Most of the other mpc like the 5k cannot receive external controllers and are depend on only the build in qlink controllers for one pad and or the one synth programs.

That is not exactly accurate. But I will have to create another thread outlining all the details.



It is extremely accurate.




Go check for yourself it is accurate 5k can send controllers but not receive controller data like a 4k cuz you don`t have a program matrix you can read under qlink controllers in your ref manual. Now if you know how to do systex you might on a 5k no promises though.

Please create another thread in the 5k forum if you can or add to the 4k vs 5k too. Like I said and it is a civil gesture no nonsense in this 4k technique thread.


I will do that. I simply responded to correct, incorrect info. And providing factual info is what this forum is all about. I have time for nonsense.
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By Blue Haze Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:39 am
Now back to the thread you can control the 4k keygroup parameters via a midi controller or keyboard which is the whole reason to first use different keygroups to get the functions of envs, filters, and etc using the program matrix which no other I state no other mpc including the 5k series has.
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By McSmooth Tue Dec 30, 2008 6:01 pm
Blue Haze wrote:Quick reminder in the video the samples are in keygroups not zones mind you, keygroups. Main idea of zones is if you want to layer a hard, mid, and soft samples of the same sound and velocity switch when you press the key on the controller like a piano played softly, mid, and loudly.

The reason to use keygroups assigned to the same midi number is that each keygroups will have its own separate ENVs, FILTERS, and PROGRAM MATRIXS aka CONTROLLER ASSIGNMENT. If you use just zones you will have the same ENV, and FILTER on all the zones since it is just one keygroup like the other mpcs do including the 5k.

You want to use separate keygroups for separate ENVs, Filters, AMPs, Crossfade layerings via Tilt Velocitiy layering over other keygroups on the same key using Program Matrix settings to TWEAK the sounds.


Sampler video is the same as 4k each sample is on it`s own keygroup not zones.


Good point there, I often try to squeeze as much as I can into one keygroup, but you do get more flexibility using separate keygroups. If you are dealing with really well done mutli-velocity samples, you might be keeping them dry though.

If you do need to have variation on parameters of each sample, here is an important tip that allows you to keep samples in one keygroup or drum program pad: Try adding velocity modulations to ENVs, filters, etc. Doing that allows all of these parameters to morph depending on velocity and can be done within one drum program pad if you have 4 samples or less. I believe all MPCs can do this to some degree, it just isn't anywhere near as flexible. With the Z engine you have a lot more options and control and can use as many layers as needed.

My vague guide to the ultimate snare (or any dynamic drum) on the 4K:
-Take 4 samples for each velocity level and assign them to one keygroup
-Use the random LFO to zone select trick to trigger each sample (to add variation and avoid the "machine-gun" sound)
-If you have any shaping or modulations you want to apply to velocity, try to do that now
-Make copies of that keygroup for all the velocity layers you need
-Adjust samples, velocity ranges, and other desired parameters for each
-Make sure Full Level is off and play it like a real drum
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By Blue Haze Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:08 pm
Great addition McSmooth using velocity and lfo sources>>individual zones modulations. There are many ways to create sounds thanks.


Adding controller>>individual keygroups over amp, fil, env r1, r2, r4 I use also to customized found sounds with different sounds to layer. I use my keyboards controllers knobs and sliders to change the parameters in the 4k to come up with the sounds as the sequence it playing. Even create your own round robin by real time controller.



More on sound designing a kick drum from a vocal sample remember you can play the sounds over a keyboard and resample the one you wish.


Next video is making a kick drum from a found vocal sample.


I like the tip the speaker gives on adjusting the start point of the sample to get the sound one wants.
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=pqPpVjqO4 ... re=channel