Akai XR20 ( Portable MPC ) Part B - Beat Making Basics
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.ย. 2024
- [ Update: See my new 4K videos comparing the XR20 with the MPC Live 2 ! and MC707 ]
Examples of making user beats, and some preset examples. Comment, rate and subscribe!
FAQ: Please see the Link below to the XR20 Online Manual before asking basic questions! You CAN'T add more samples to this machine.
Hey, before asking me basic questions, check the official instruction books here! Quickstart Manual www.akaipro.com/amfile/file/download/file/269/product/42/ Reference Manual www.akaipro.com/amfile/file/download/file/270/product/42/
Where’s part A?
Sorry, it wasn’t interesting manual.
@@ZInChat Part A wasn't an interesting video B - )
Quantitize = Officially in my vocabulary
😆😆😆
I love this. I heard ‘quantanize’ used on another video. I guess it’s a word that trips up a few electronic musicians
Quantisize took me years to not say
I had this thing in storage for about 10 years. I could never quite figure it out. So I just busted it out, watched your videos and now I'm making beats!!! THANK YOU!!!
You're welcome. B - ) another happy viewer
10 years?! That's tragic, I'm anxious to get my hands on this unit to pair up with my sp404sx.
Can you chop samples on it
I took this to a local open mic night last week, and it was a huge hit. Earlier that day, I taught a kid in my computer class to use it in about 30 minutes. This is just a great machine. ;-)
Your welcome, thanks for watching. Nobody likes reading manuals more than making music ;-) but you should read them anyway eventually, because that can be the key to more advanced features
I know this video is old...but Im thankful for it. I noticed that you seemed to enter a recording "rehearsal" mode on it. I thought that was impossible...happy I was wrong.
Thanks for watching! I'm amazed how many still do look at this vid, but it is a clear intro to the device that people are obviously buying used. See my newer video directly comparing it with MPC Live 2! (Hopefully we will get a #MPCLiveMini in the future! and the rumors will be realized.)
Despite the tin hat wearing people that often get delight in nit picking videos, I appreciate someone taking the time to make a video in order to help people. I have the xr20. I need to learn how to store the patterns I make.
One of the most underrated little beat boxes ever. The samples are brilliantly processed and the unit can do just about everything people complain about thinking it can't.a card slot to add your own samples and some more functions for the mute button is all it really needs a bonus would be saving midi assignments but there's a lot of work arounds for that. It needs to be noted that it's perfect for just about every genre of electronic music. I'm tired of hearing people whine about it being aimed at hip hop when the reality is both styles of music have most the same drum machine sounds as the backbone of their beats. You get 909,808,707,etc samples in here and processed the same way they've been processed over the years that made them legendary sounds to begin with. You can hear that they were processed through sp1200s, mp60s, etc.
I think maybe you should make a video! ; - ) I haven't actually used that much, the soundset is indeed good.
Right on. I’m thinking of adding a Volca Sample to control with it, you get the best of both worlds then. This has a very decent sequencer
@@uniquebeatsboutique Cool. I'll look out for that. I just yesterday picked up an MPX16 to go with this. Sequences the samples brilliantly. They work really well together. It's great fun. Got them both used for a total of $130. That's a killer setup for not a lot of money in my book. Sure I'd love a Digitakt or chromatic playback but for the price this combo I'd pretty hard to beat
Man... finally someone who can coherently demo the XR20. The other XR20 videos were almost like people were trying to make it sound like a bad retro drum machine with really really bad beats. Akai should pay YOU money for being the only good demo video for this gear.
Thanks for making these videos! I just got an XR-20 and I'm really excited to start really messing around with the thing a bunch, but I'm not so big on reading manuals.
Thanks for making it easier.....love my xr20
Yeah! There are 700 samples built in, selected by Chronic Music of LA ( a leading source for producers ) which include all kinds of extra things you'd want to make a track - spoken voices, singing riffs, scratches, jazz hits ( note 5:11 ) , and some unexplainable noises. Half the reason I bought it was because of the quality of included sounds, ( Cleared $amples! ) and the other half was - it's got quality pads, and is really straightforward and even fun to make pro sounding beats.
i think quantitize sounds great, it has more quantity than just plain old quantize :)
+kassie2k4 hehe My brain will not accept that it's called quantize..
5:11 is a master at work. nice style
i immediately noticed your voice. it's like your the voices in nat geo programs. very clear and comprehensible speech. anyway, cool tutorial, man!
Dude, seriously , i love your videos , i was just looking up the XR20 and i seen your name pop up and i was like "YO THATS MY MAN" thanks cuz
Got the XR20. Like most machines, probably a third of the sounds are useable (for my style). Wish it had a tiny USB expansion slot :D
It's easy to learn, but I think there could be a faster way to navigate / associate your Drum Sets with Patterns. (In time I guess :D)
I'm going to get Roland DP-2 pedals so I can work it on the fly with my left foot at the drum kit. I was mainly looking for something to do additional electronic perc / synth things on top of my hybrid kit. So far I DIG IT !
yes, if you want it to - use "quantization" and "swing" settings, the "roll" button, etc. see manual, which you can DL from their website. ( actually, a great way to check out features of many synths )
This is a great basic video for using this machine
What an adorable little beatbox!
Don't let the XR20 hear you say that - It's a tough guy. ; - )
Thank you. When you're discussing complicated technical things, it's good to be as understandable as possible. ;-) though this particular drum machine is a lot more straightforward to use than many!
thanks for making this video! helped me decide on getting this!
You could indeed make that. ;-) Even though everyone mostly asks me about "dubstep" these days. Either program it at 160-180, or "half speed it" at 80-90 bpm Might do it a video if there's time.
my favorite part is when he said “...to make the beat sound fatter" I can picture him turning around after saying that, and giving the thumbs up to a few guys in suits in the room, and them giving him the thumbs up back xD
You have a lively imagination! I'm an independent reviewer, often amazed by the reactions I get by actually speaking correctly. Eighty seven thousand views, that speaks for itself.
VJ FRANZ K Thanks for tutorial Mr. Anderson (Matrix reference) ;). I have learned to save my beats now! But... how do we name our beats once saved?? Cheers.
VJ FRANZ K can you make
Billie Jean on it or
Remember the time ?
@@peterveer7798 You'd want something more complicated!
one of the only useful demos of this ive seen, thanks
Your voice is SO AWESOME!!!!!! Just like steve austin from 70s six million dollar man
My friend brought this to lunch and we was making bangers
actually, the pads are pressure sensitive, and I think these are the nicest ones of a unit in this price range. You have a good point about the "sample set", which is quite usable.
MPC style rather than X0X -
beats are not stuck to a grid? in the unit's memory - you select quantization and swing as you enter the beats. You could get the effect of different swing by changing the values after entering some of them, or just by playing with jazzy timing in the first place.
Thank you for this tutorial
lmfaoo the way he laughed when he scrolled past country.. "priceless"
You'd never expect it to be actually used in earlier country music. But now, the hip hop influenced country? It could be quite suitable!
@DarienTheHedgehog EVERYONE - I've answered this several times here - THERE IS NO WAY TO DUMP THE BEATS EXCEPT BY AUDIO IN! So just connect the output of the XR20 to your computer or sound cards' in port. MIDI cables and adaptors are needed to control devices either way. THERE IS NO USB on this machine.
1 second into the video, and his voice had me thinking, "This is a journey, into sound". (great overview, thanks!)
Yes, you can change the number of bars to whatever you like. I don't remember how at this moment, see the manual. Also see new review of iMPC App, which may be of interest!
@FRB1420 yes, but you may have to adjust which MIDI channel ( 1-16 ) the notes are sent on. See XR20 manual, and that of your controlling device.
Thanks verry much for the info. Sounds like theres allot of mixed ideas on what it can or cant do. If I were going to buy it, I will definately try one out first to see what I can get it to do and weather I think its capable of doing what I want it too.
Thanks again.
@LaffAttakProductions several ways are possible, but for example, plug a MIDI cable into the "MIDI OUT" port on the XR20, and then the other end into the "MIDI IN" of something like a MicroKorgXL to make the tempo match. Check the manual of your specific synth for the specifics (you may have to change settings etc. to make it work)
best xr20 review o the youtube. thanx
NICE!! VJ FK...Where is Part A?
It was not very good. ; - ) I will do a Part C soon.
QUANTITIZE! FTW (I just wasn't used to hearing people say "Quantize" at this time. There weren't so many beat making videos in 2010)
@conkerzzz the Preset patterns all (?) have A/B variations AND fills, and you can make your own.
The unit is mostly aimed at Hip Hop, some Techno and Electro.
You COULD use it for rock or metal, most appropriate for "Industrial Metal" or "rap metal" .
but note -
Many of the sounds here are not meant to sound like they were played by a live drummer,
but instead have a gritty "sampled from vinyl" or a bass heavy drum machine sound to them.
hope that helps!
@SeeGabeGo read manual more carefully ;-) There are 3 seperate sections: beats, 1 shots and synth. they all play at the same time, or you can any off (for "breakdowns" etc.) you edit which one is currently selected, by one of the 3 buttons near the top of the control panel.
I've had this since 2014
Ok Mr. Franz K. you do a very good job on demonstrating Hip-Hop, Rock, Funk, etc... BUT!! what about '3/6, 6/8 , 3/12 and so forth, What about the BLUES, Jazz Swing or Straight ahead? Can this machine tackle these types of beats?
Many of these video "How to do it" never seem to show "How to do that.
That's a matter of opinion, each has good features of it's own. Read up on the stats, and then compare that to what you want to produce. ( And next year there is the MPC FLY for iPad - "Expected to Ship 05-17-2013" )
Thanks for showing this unit. Are there preprogrammed A/B patterns and Fills installed on the unit? Does it come with rock and metal drum sounds? Would you recommend using it as a drum machine?
@VJFranzK Those plug-ins are definitly interesting, but I like the immediateness of drum machines and it's nice to not have to start up a computer. Since I'm dealing with my computers alot, I enjoy beeing away from them too.
aka 1/4" cable, yes - all audio connections on this machine are this, there's no RCA or XLR ( but there is a basic "mic in" )
Can you tell me would it be necessary to buy one of these if i already have FL studio and a 49-key midi, thes things seem pretty cool and easy to use. but will i get any use from it FL comes with drum sounds. would it benefit me to use them together? if possible?
@VJFranzK Thanks very much for the explanation. For my purposes, I'll settle for one of the Boss Dr Rhythm machines.
@drewsk1fer yes, the metronome and quantization are adjustable and can be turned off completely. All different playing styles are possible.
@greensteez You can't add more samples. (But there are more expensive MPCs, SP404, Electribes out there to check out ;-) But it does come with 700 in there, pretty good stuff.
Thanks fella for posting this vid,am just about to buy the Akai Your vid is totally helpfull Thankyou so much ,ps you have the best sounding voice you should do voice overs etc you'd make a fortune no shit !! lol
@greensteez NO ... an MPC its for PRODUCTION ... u can do everything in that one machine... with an mpd its a "controller" for a PC software... so if u dont got the software like "FL Studio, Reason" u arent gonna do anything!
i have this machine with my zoom mrs 1608.and use the zoom pads for samples,and the xr20 for drum,,
and i have alot of masterpieces..
the akai xr20 is a great product..
@lap246 You use the audio in. In this case, there is no way to do a direct digital transfer
@nightshadetheexorcis 6 x AA Batteries, fairly standard, or wall adapter (included). You can use rechargables, as I do, though it may fake you out with "low battery" warnings before they are really low, you know?
Have fun with the beats!
Maybe Beck, or Kid Rock? ;-) Crossover beats. You can hear drum machines on some pop country these days, as well as loads of Auto Tune. All the styles are getting mashed up in the Y2K
You can change the pitch, and perhaps the length. The samples are in ROM, so you can't edit the waveforms themselves.
@RashadGlover1 Set Quantize settings and / or use "beat repeat" button. See manual, which you can download from their site if you bought it second hand.
@xxguitarhero48xx both. you could do a show with just this, or record an album, if you have a recorder.
nice video. one remark. please put your voice on both channels cause it is irritating when you have stereo information and one voice only hard left speaker
@redtidestudios I have no experience with the SR-18, so can't answer that? My best suggestion is to download the .PDF manual and read it, then go to Sam Ash, Guitar Center etc. and try it out. I can say that the XR20 is a great machine! You might also consider an iPad and various beat making software...
You could use it for rock. It won't sound exactly like a human drummer, but it certainly will keep the beat for you. There IS a "foot pedal" plug that you can use to control various things without using your hands. The flavor of the sounds says "hip hop" or "EDM" but some acoustic percussion is included. There are cheaper machines ( or fx pedals ) that are more intended for rock drum usage - I suggest a trip to your local music store to give them a listen.
You look like having same Jon Lajoie 's voice. Nice tutorial anyway
@seannopak25 you can DL the manual from Akai's website ;-) do read it, because some of the advanced features arent as obvious, but are worth your while to know - like the A / B mode, which is great to make a "verse and chorus section" structure. Thanks for subscribing, and have fun!
im having trouble following this tutorial. I dont cant see what buttons you are pressing.
@ChrisSMOOTHhook read comments. NO, can't add more. It's a ROMpler with 700+ built in samples. They are legit quality, though!
Thank you so much!!!! This helped alot
@SikanderKahlonVEVO Oh yeah, I'll also mention - the new "Akai Professional EIE I/O Audio/MIDI Interface With USB Hub" which would be an appropriate choice for attaching to a computer, considering it's the same company. I have not tested one of them yet, but they look good.
yo this shit is ill , great review man really appreciate it
I liked this because it has inbuilt patterns and other more expensive units do not !
Tapping? You mean the metronome? Pretty difficult to make a beat without some way of keeping track of the beats per minute. But I've never heard it called "tapping", which you likely got from the "Tap Tempo" button.
@TheKeyesProduction There are tons of different sounds included. This is a great start if you want to make beats. Or better, you could wait a little, and get the new "MPC Fly" + an iPad 2 - that'a my recommendation now for a good start at this game! ( See a video showing it soon here - subscribe! )
I'm sorry to hear you didn't like it? Did you read the manual, it seems fairly straightforward in operation? "Good Sounds" are a matter of opinion, of course - What you are calling "DJ" are sounds chosen for Hip Hop and Electro producers - they may seem out of place if you want the sound of an acoustic drummer.
@CheaIncx Yes. There are 700 to choose from
Ok quick question. If I like the triangles in the drum set Bigfoot but want those triangles on addidaz drum set. Is there a way I can do that? Basically taking the triangles from a different drum set to the addidaz drum set
You can change the sample numbers in a kit! I think you can then save that to a "User Kit", don't remember how to do it now...
In the manual somewhere www.akaipro.com/amfile/file/download/file/270/product/42/
@MrTopStarMusic I wish that you could! There is a "MUTE" button that turns on and off each of 3 sections - Beats, One Shots and Synth. You can't solo or mute individual pads, though! ( That's kind of surprising, isn't it? ) But - you CAN play the pads of a section manually even if that section is muted
what i dont get is how u added the synth to play with the drums at the same time. when i try to do that it changes the beat i made to whatever drum set im choosing from.
Very helpful video thanks for the post
Interesting... I have a friend who agrees with this opinion. They are now the owned by the same company, so the XR20 is sort of a Hip Hop focused sequel?
@TBoneProductionsVB nope its just a drum machine not a sampler
Hold the Mute button, and press the One Shots and Synth buttons. You will hear only the drums
@xraydog2011 Nope, it's a ROM-pler. You can't load extra samples. I suggest the new "MPC Fly" at this point!
i was looking at the product review and i thought there was 100 blank slots too??
what i dont get is how u added the synth to the beat u made and got them to play at the same time. the manual is freaking confusing!
you were a great help, i have this same machine and im pretty good at it but im limited to the buttons because it had no manual, i have one video of me freestyling a simple beat and for some reason it cut off part of my sound so now im afraid people are gonna steal my music so i dont put out the good stuff but check it out if you can.
dude u gotta coll voice hahaha i thought the machine was talking at first lol! good video
"Knowlege is power." haha thanks for the vid
I do know what a metronome is, but some beginning viewers may not. I try and explain things as clearly as possible, not assuming any prior knowledge, especially on a video titled "basics".
No, XR20 only uses 700 included samples. Wait for the MPC FLY - ( iPad MPC buttons + App ) which WILL let you do that. ( Stay tuned for review, or see preview elsewhere in my video list. Subscribe! )
hold the mute button then press the drum while still holding mute or 1shot what ever one you want to mute
so i noticed when u recorded something u pushed the record button to start recording but you never pushed it to stop but it still played back. how does it know when to stop recording and start playing back?
I don't know how your able to record a beat & be able to change the pad sounds without the set recorded pad sounds changing with it... Ex: I have pad 6 & 1 going with the set sound of "Hustla DRUM043" But I also want to add in pad 8 for "DRUM041".. But when I need to change To "Drum041" for its set sound, pad 6 & 1 (that I have set & recorded) also changes .. So how can I keep the set sounds for pad 6 & 1 without them changing, but change the drum sounds for only 1 different pad sound..? ..... If you get what I'm asking...😐
Very cool. My local music shop has a used on in stock. I’m off to get it now. I love the look and sound of it. Love that it can do more mellow chill sounds as well as the hip hop staple. Can you trick it into two synth tracks by replacing the samples in the one shot bank with samples from the synth bank?
Yeah, you can make user banks with any of the 700 samples, so could make complicated melodies ( No, you can't upload external samples )
VJ FRANZ K Cheers. So I ended up buying one. Really loving it. Quite flexible and powerful for programming, performing and customizing. Really a great little unit. Can’t trick it into two synth layers but by tweeking the one shot samples and effects you can add some nice flavors to the beat. And definitely ore versatile than just hip hop. Going to get a Volca Sample at some point to trigger with one of the pattern layers. Best of both worlds for less than an MPC
Where exactly are the cables in this video hooked up to? A amp?
is there anyway to change how its only an 8 beat pattern?????
Alright, so I can use it AS a midi controller, but can I use a midi controller (keyboard) for it, to control the synths?
@swussy1 yes, of course you can "save" them, for the next time you activate the unit, but not "export" them as digital audio .WAV. You must "record" them onto another device via analog audio (or midi) format
@icwo There is MPC500 but it costs more. There is the SP404 EX, similar to MPC
(buy from NoiseBug! Tell em I sent you.)
Computer wise:
You could get an AKAI MPD controller to use with your computer?
I think it comes with software
MASCHINE totally rocks, but it's more.
There are several good iPad mpc type things out there too! (see my other vids)
Oh, I forgot to ask, is swing global or can you put diff swing on each drum ?
You can pick these up on ebay for £100...think about it people some sample packs cost £60. I'm gonna get one as a scratch pad but there is no reason it can't be used in a srs project i think.