MPC Sequencer Capabilities ?

From what I've read the MPC's are not designed for styles such as 'classic' rock, hard rock, ect - since they
don't handle chromatic instruments (piano, ect) well .... though I'm not sure why this is (?)
I understand they're really designed for hop hop, techno, loops...

Can someone explain how the sequencer 'itself' works, and what it's capable of doing ??

Is it a 16 (or so) track sequencer like most others (mc-50, qy-700, emu command station) and able to
handle (just the internal sequencer) chromatic sequences ..... ??
- If so can I use the MPC (both seqncer & internal samples) for drum tracks while also using the sequencer
to drive external sound modules (piano, keys) for the chromatic instruments ??

I'm just not clear on why the MPC can't do chromatic intruments "well" (?)
But maybe the MPC's sequencer is capable of handling 'external'
chromatic sound modules (?) like any standard midi sequencer would...

I'm thinking of picking up an MPC1000 btw, that's why I posted here...
unless one of the other MPC's would be better for this situation .....


Thanks, CS

btw, I did check out the other seq (EMU, Yamaha) that a few mpc
members here recommended - but wasn't all that impressed .....
Didn't think the command station's sounds were all that great (imho) ....

The sequencer can handle all normal notes, it's just the mpc1000 sampling engine that isn't built for normal chromatic instruments.

It can be done though: http://stereoroid.com/sounds/mpc1000/faq.php#multi

Or did I miss the point?

Thanks digital, that cleared things up.

Though I just read that the mpc1000 is only 96ppqn ...
Is 96 enough to create a 'human' feel (rock) to your tracks ??

If that isn't enough, it would have to be really subtle.
96ppqn means 6 clocks per 64th note, 3 per 128th note... can you play 256th note triplets at any clock speed?

The other thing is: these high PPQN rates quoted by sequencer makers, like 480ppqn, might be OK within the sequencer, but once a MIDI event leaves there and hits a normal 5-pin MIDI interface, things like the delay on the MIDI chip itself can be a factor. If USB gets involved, well, this is why we see Steinberg and MOTU using dedicated MIDI hardware and "timestamping" on the USB data to keep things in line.

At 96ppqn at 120bpm (1 quarter note = 1/2 second) your resolution is 1/192th second. I think that will do... but if you need more, you could try the old trick of doubling the tempo, so you get 192 ppqn (because a 1/4 note is really a 1/2 note)!

The Sequencer resolution (timing of note events) is not to be confused with MIDI Clock: that only sends and receives at 24ppqn, that's plenty unless your tempo changes are really wild.

stereoroid wrote:If that isn't enough, it would have to be really subtle.
96ppqn means 6 clocks per 64th note, 3 per 128th note... can you play 256th note triplets at any clock speed?

Thanks Stereoroid, for an informative response...
It's an interesting topic. I've read those who believe that 96 is not enough. He was a drummer who felt 96ppqn killed the 'feel' to his tracks.
Yet Akai's (mpc1k) and Roland's (dr770 & dr670) amoung others are all
set to 96 ppqn (?)

Anyone try out the mpc 4k ( ppqn 960 ) ?? notice a difference in feel ??


CS

I'll add one thing .... I think diff styles have alot to do with the importance of resolution.

I've been puzzled by this as well. After much headscratching and listening I came to the conclusion that ..it's pretty involved. There IS a technical bottom line if you just consider midi bandwidth, tempo and sequencer resolution, but then again there are additional factors involved such as sequencer 'logistics', midi over usb or firewire etc. I trust my gut and ears.

But to start you off on this if you want to maximize accuracy in capturing and reproducing a performance, you have to consider more than sequencer resolution. It's only part of the equation. Benjamin Tubb did some work on this a few years ago. I suggest you start reading from the third question on this page:

http://midistudio.com/Management/R-Finley/q&a.htm

Other articles can be found here:

Improving Recording Timing Nuances
http://home.cybertron.com/~brtubb/text/017.txt

Optimal Live Recording of Timing Nuances
http://home.cybertron.com/~brtubb/text/056.txt

Optimal Tempo/PPQN Values for Recording
http://home.cybertron.com/~brtubb/text/060.txt

What PPQN does MOST music need?
http://home.cybertron.com/~brtubb/text/029.txt

BTW, you are a Zep fan I presume? Have a listen to the factory snare sounds on the E-mu sp-12, they're on the akai site. If it keeps on raining..

Thanks Donc, I see I have a lot of readin to do ....

CS


E-mu sp-12, on the akai site ?

Drummachine trivia: I evaluated a bunch of old drummachine samples the other night and all of a sudden Jon Bonham hit something. The snaredrum from 'When the levy breaks' is in the factory kit of the E-mu sp-12. I thought I downloaded the samples from the akai or hollowsun site but it was from an old compilation I got.

Hmm. Wonder if E-mu had to clear that sample.