I have had my MPC Live for about a year. I think I just learnt more in the last 20 minutes, You are a talented communicator and producer. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Probably worth noting that individual sequences can have track mutes… AND you can record a performance of track mutes in that sequence. So a little pre-arranging before you go into song mode and start chaining sequences together.
Wow I was doing insert then selecting sequence then insert choosing that then scrolling to the sequence I wanted haha that record function and selecting sequences wow thank you Really appreciate the MPC one videos !!! As I did with the mc-101 circuit tracks help Thank you once again Gabe !
Great walkthrough! One clarifying question because I haven't tried this myself yet, but I think the caveat you're mentioning about Song Mode is that you must ensure that each track (per Sequence) has the same Program assigned to it across all sequences, meaning, Track 4 will be mapped to the Program corresponding to Track 4 on the first Sequence of the song. You said something slightly different on the video, that a Program can only be assigned to one Track. This isn't really true, as I often use several tracks within one sequence to quickly swap out sequences on the same program. I typically use this to stay on one single sequence for as long as I can in the creative process. One example is to create one track for the monotone bass part, and then another track for the chord progression part of that same bass (using the same program). As long as the same track numbers are pointing to the same programs, this works fine across several sequences.
Yep, you're correct, I worded that weird and I see how that could be misleading. The tracks should have the same programs assigned to them in every sequence for that version of song mode to work.
This is the only video I found on youtube where this is so well explained. Akai should give at least the MPC X a hdmi connector such that a song can be built properly inside the MPC using a 2k screen, I don't understand why we should do this in a separate daw. Well done, thanks!
i believe people came with a way to display MPC standalone view on PC like 2nd screen which is how the MPC Touch work. I forgot what its called but its there
I actually learned the record method of Song Mode from an MPC Touch tutorial video from 9 years ago. Strange that they have yet to mention that the since then in any way
I actually prefer Song Mode myself because it keeps the sequences shorter, making them easier to edit by e.g. adding programmed automation through the twist of a knob without potentially ruining other parts of the song (it's too easy to forget to switch back from write to read mode). The other reason I like song mode is that it forces me to think through arrangement a bit more explicitly. In the DAW, it feels more like one giant blob, whereas even the trivial aspect of naming the sequences gets me to think about arrangement differently. Lastly, it offers a neat way of scrolling quickly through a song without having to use the Grid sequencer view, which unfortunately comes to a complete crawl when working with 100+ bar sequences.
I think the fun of it is the minor limitations. I don't like using a Daw if at all possible, I will most of the time make a mega sequence in song mode and then add mutes and maybe some LP or HP stuff on top, sometimes I'll use XYfX. Occasionally though I'll just create all separate tracks and just manually swap between them, seems to work well with some songs.
Nice Tutorial. Imma make a tutorial on how to make a beat and record on the mpc itself and maka e full song on the mpc one in standalone. No computer. Mixed and master and with automations.
I like to come up with ideas then mute tracks and then copy to new sequences. Then when I have a song mapped out I export to single sequence (the mutes are copied). The only problem I don’t like with song mode is that if you add programs to a sequence they don’t ripple though to other sequences
Recently acquired an MPC and think its a wonderful machine HOWEVER...wish they would invest more time updating the software and exporting tracks to DAW more intuitive. It shouldn't have to be such a chore (I get why people stick by Elektron for Overbridge). Also exporting tracks when you have external gear plugged in thru MIDI.....there should be a entire tutorial on just that instead of having to use autosample especially when theres multiple program changes.
I'm looking at the MPC One. For musicians for whom music is something that changes speed, gradually, has pauses etc...when do you think the MPC sequencer is going to be able to facilitate that, like most DAWs can (i.e. tempo tracks)? Or do you think Akai seeks to permanently exclude such musicians from using their MPCs for some reason?
Why does exploding the tracks remove what you have applied to them, like side chain, etc? That doesn't even sound like it should be? What is the point of mixing and mastering in the unit if you can't export exactly what it is that you did and took the time to make? This is what I've feared all along, because all that I do is stand alone on the MPC One? What should I not apply to the sounds or the plugins so I maybe know for future sake. Thanks Gabe, your a huge help...SBN RESONATE
Most of the effects you apply to sounds stay intact, it just breaks connections between tracks. Exploding tracks definitely does put the emphasis on mixing in the DAW rather than the MPC, but don't forget that you don't have to use it. Exporting unexploded tracks keeps all processing, interconnected or otherwise.
Hello, thank you very much for the video, it is very complete and easy to understand. I have a question, how can I link several songs to make a live? thanks a lot
Hi Gabe, I usually create my songs in my DAW and I'm looking to use MPC One for live. Should I bounce my tracks to wav files, then chop up in MPC One or can I put marker points? Many thanks for sharing your wonderful channel.
What's your favorite way to organize and complete song, the method you showed with the ssd card/exporting tracks to daw or just simply writing the song directly in daw? Im having a issue writing beats/music with MPC unless I want the same freaking beat the whole song, that messes up my creativity. I love how fast I can write beats with the mpc but putting in daw makes extra work at writing song.
Everything I hear coming out of MPC sounds over-maximized and squashed, is it your preference or "MPC sound"? I didn't notice this with your other grooveboxes demos.
So you mean that whatever I have recorded in stand alone, when I explode the tracks, it will remove certain things? What does it change or do when you explode the tracks? It doesn't mess up the applied effects or the specific parameters that I set for all of my kits and other sounds will it? What will I have to look out for?...SBN RESONATE
It doesn't remove stuff per se, but it does remove the connections between elements. Sidechain is a good example, since it requires a track sent to the ducker and a track getting ducked. I've also noticed that processing that goes on top of an entire drum track seems to disappear, although I'd need to test it more to double check that.
hi, does anyone know how to use pitch bend on the MPC one in standalone mode? I need to apply pitch bend to a bass note recorded on the sequencer and don't find where this option is.
There’s two alternatives to SD. You can plug in an external USB drive or stick. But you can also get the MPC to appear as a drive in your Mac over USB. It’s a little fiddle so the USB drive is my suggestion.
I got an MPC One several months ago and I've barely touched it because I want to write full songs and the work flow is not very clear. I have windows 7 on my PC and am unable to use the MPC softwatre. Errr. I am still using my old school system: MMT-8 Sequencer and Hardware synths synced to multi-track recorder for vocals. Maybe one day I'll get used to the MPC workflow...Or maybe I'll dump it at a lose.
I love to work on Cubase but I was looking at the MPC as a starting point, unplugged from the computer, but after watching this process, definitely is not for me. The idea is to make something like a song but clearly this machine is intended for beats only. This process is a PITA xD Anyway, great video and you helped me to save money and frustrations :P
@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah honestly I was looking for a good hardware sequencer and the MPC looks nice, but I want something more old school, like the sequencers I used in the 90s. I have one, but is at my mother´s house, pretty far from where I live.
Not to get off the subject, but in the end, the MPC ONE, LIVE, or X seem like glorified midi controller/mini daw similar to Maschine. You truly didn't leave your software/laptop. They can't produce a finished product. Aside from live playing, you aren't composing and finishing a song on them. You really would never master a song, or even really compile your song on the hardware. SO, it's a bit deceptive in that way. Even if I buy the best of the best and order MPC X, I'm still faced with the fact, I'll be back at a DAW anyway! With all your experience Gabe, what is the end all easiest/most fun gear/setup to go from 'ideas' to a finished song? I would think it is reasonable to ask this question as a novice of 30 years, aka hobbyist, as I'm guessing 95% of those on youtube are. We aren't releasing major hits! Let's be honest. If we were, we'd not be here talking about all these toys. We'd be signed with a label and well known. Otherwise, we are all just screwing around and enjoying music together.
That's an interesting observation. Since the MPC is standalone and has arrangement, mixing, and mastering tools, you absolutely can make a finished product on it if you've got the patience. I just like putting the finishing touches on a track in a DAW because it's easier. I'd say I still spend about 80% of my time in the MPC and only 20% in my DAW, which is a ratio that works for me. If you're trying to get away from a DAW (or even a DAWlike experience) entirely, you'll probably be better served by a more "traditional" groovebox, like a Novation Circuit. Those are more immediacy and jamming focused, and once you record the jam, what you hear is what you get. I often get annoyed at stuff that I can't change after the fact, but it can be kinda nice to just commit to how it sounds and then you're done. And the workflow is definitely fast and intuitive. There's more expensive stuff out there too that will do these jobs even better, the Circuit is just a good, simple to use entry point that is a lot deeper then people give it credit for.
@@GabeMillerMusic thank you. Good feedback. I just have to commit to a method and a kit, and stick with it. In some ways, I think mpc might be close to what I am thinking about. If the mpc x had a video out to work on a larger monitor w mouse, it might be the all in one I am looking for. Being in my 50s, you start to appreciate the bigger screens and more tactile stuff.
If you want speed and everything go with Ableton. I used Cubase, Logic, Ableton and then back to Logic and now on MPC 2.0 with Studio II Controller. I like the simplicity but you have to have song structure mentality to use Song mode well. The hard part is grabbing sequences to add fills and builds but it can easily be done. It’s a lot of fun going back to basics - only grip is I really hope the 3.0 release gives us 6-8 insert slots per track🤞🏻 I would like to have the option of linear arrangement like others daws just for when you might want it.
@@powderedtoastman3093 Thus far, I've stuck with Native Instruments Maschine , Studio. Software is easy, the hardware can be more or less used to control everything right on the two LCD screens built in. Certainly, can't beat the price point. It's the portability that it still lacks. Must have a laptop along. Also, it just seems to lack a few features. I know the new Maschine are great. I did have one for a while. The best of both was the Maschine Jam combined with Maschine MKIII. I'm most likely going back to hardware for the most part. I still like the MPC X. Although, now with the MPC 61 keyboard, it will be very hard to not go with that! Seems well built, and may end up being the solution I've always wanted. TOO MANY OPTIONS and they keep adding more, LOL.
Definitely some badly needed quality of life tweeks can be made to the OS....but at least Akai has made it clear they're in it for the long haul with this generation of equipment
Yeah I imagine it would need a bit of an overhaul so the various updates they've made over time could be more tightly integrated. The current system works, and it's awesome that they keep adding new stuff, but it feels pretty patchwork.
I think the Akai Force is their approach to bridging the traditional MPC workflow and the more modern Ableton style DAW. One thing Gabe didn’t cover was the MPC and Ableton integration which is useful.
I showed everything I could think of related to the song mode, and provided very clear timestamps so that people can skip around or cherry pick only the parts they want. Plus, exporting stems is a huge part of a lot of people's workflow. Yes, not all of the video takes place on the MPC itself, but this was meant to be as complete as possible for multiple different ways to make full songs with the MPC.
Have you ever really made a track on the MPC? I mean really? Or let me rephrase that.... Have you ever made a track on anything? I think not.... Seems this is all quite simply regurgitated drivel, from one who is paid to review.
I have had my MPC Live for about a year. I think I just learnt more in the last 20 minutes, You are a talented communicator and producer. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Probably worth noting that individual sequences can have track mutes… AND you can record a performance of track mutes in that sequence. So a little pre-arranging before you go into song mode and start chaining sequences together.
Wow I was doing insert then selecting sequence then insert choosing that then scrolling to the sequence I wanted haha that record function and selecting sequences wow thank you
Really appreciate the MPC one videos !!! As I did with the mc-101 circuit tracks help
Thank you once again Gabe !
Yeah I was doing the exact same thing at first. Glad the videos have been helpful!
I’ve been doing that for ages but I always felt like I was missing something!
Great walkthrough! One clarifying question because I haven't tried this myself yet, but I think the caveat you're mentioning about Song Mode is that you must ensure that each track (per Sequence) has the same Program assigned to it across all sequences, meaning, Track 4 will be mapped to the Program corresponding to Track 4 on the first Sequence of the song.
You said something slightly different on the video, that a Program can only be assigned to one Track. This isn't really true, as I often use several tracks within one sequence to quickly swap out sequences on the same program. I typically use this to stay on one single sequence for as long as I can in the creative process. One example is to create one track for the monotone bass part, and then another track for the chord progression part of that same bass (using the same program). As long as the same track numbers are pointing to the same programs, this works fine across several sequences.
Yep, you're correct, I worded that weird and I see how that could be misleading. The tracks should have the same programs assigned to them in every sequence for that version of song mode to work.
This is the only video I found on youtube where this is so well explained. Akai should give at least the MPC X a hdmi connector such that a song can be built properly inside the MPC using a 2k screen, I don't understand why we should do this in a separate daw. Well done, thanks!
i believe people came with a way to display MPC standalone view on PC like 2nd screen which is how the MPC Touch work. I forgot what its called but its there
I actually learned the record method of Song Mode from an MPC Touch tutorial video from 9 years ago. Strange that they have yet to mention that the since then in any way
I actually prefer Song Mode myself because it keeps the sequences shorter, making them easier to edit by e.g. adding programmed automation through the twist of a knob without potentially ruining other parts of the song (it's too easy to forget to switch back from write to read mode). The other reason I like song mode is that it forces me to think through arrangement a bit more explicitly. In the DAW, it feels more like one giant blob, whereas even the trivial aspect of naming the sequences gets me to think about arrangement differently. Lastly, it offers a neat way of scrolling quickly through a song without having to use the Grid sequencer view, which unfortunately comes to a complete crawl when working with 100+ bar sequences.
I think this is exactly the flow that Akai are trying to encourage.
I think the fun of it is the minor limitations. I don't like using a Daw if at all possible, I will most of the time make a mega sequence in song mode and then add mutes and maybe some LP or HP stuff on top, sometimes I'll use XYfX. Occasionally though I'll just create all separate tracks and just manually swap between them, seems to work well with some songs.
Sounds awesome man, was getting some very Tetris vibes from the melody in sequence two.
I appreciate you.
Glad the videos have been helpful, thanks for watching!
Nice Tutorial. Imma make a tutorial on how to make a beat and record on the mpc itself and maka e full song on the mpc one in standalone. No computer. Mixed and master and with automations.
Do you have a video where you teach how add my guitar recordings into sequence?
Nicely done.
I like to come up with ideas then mute tracks and then copy to new sequences. Then when I have a song mapped out I export to single sequence (the mutes are copied). The only problem I don’t like with song mode is that if you add programs to a sequence they don’t ripple though to other sequences
I love you ❤
You could also enable one track (in Reaper) to hold multiple items and you can overlap also. Seems easier than a folder.😁😎
Recently acquired an MPC and think its a wonderful machine HOWEVER...wish they would invest more time updating the software and exporting tracks to DAW more intuitive. It shouldn't have to be such a chore (I get why people stick by Elektron for Overbridge). Also exporting tracks when you have external gear plugged in thru MIDI.....there should be a entire tutorial on just that instead of having to use autosample especially when theres multiple program changes.
Tried to explode my track. Then my brain explodes
Gabe your one cool dude....🥀
I'm looking at the MPC One. For musicians for whom music is something that changes speed, gradually, has pauses etc...when do you think the MPC sequencer is going to be able to facilitate that, like most DAWs can (i.e. tempo tracks)? Or do you think Akai seeks to permanently exclude such musicians from using their MPCs for some reason?
Why does exploding the tracks remove what you have applied to them, like side chain, etc? That doesn't even sound like it should be? What is the point of mixing and mastering in the unit if you can't export exactly what it is that you did and took the time to make? This is what I've feared all along, because all that I do is stand alone on the MPC One? What should I not apply to the sounds or the plugins so I maybe know for future sake. Thanks Gabe, your a huge help...SBN RESONATE
Most of the effects you apply to sounds stay intact, it just breaks connections between tracks. Exploding tracks definitely does put the emphasis on mixing in the DAW rather than the MPC, but don't forget that you don't have to use it. Exporting unexploded tracks keeps all processing, interconnected or otherwise.
Hi.
Total newbie here.
Why do I not have the folder icon at the top of my screen?
Hello, thank you very much for the video, it is very complete and easy to understand. I have a question, how can I link several songs to make a live? thanks a lot
Hi Gabe, I usually create my songs in my DAW and I'm looking to use MPC One for live. Should I bounce my tracks to wav files, then chop up in MPC One or can I put marker points? Many thanks for sharing your wonderful channel.
What's your favorite way to organize and complete song, the method you showed with the ssd card/exporting tracks to daw or just simply writing the song directly in daw? Im having a issue writing beats/music with MPC unless I want the same freaking beat the whole song, that messes up my creativity. I love how fast I can write beats with the mpc but putting in daw makes extra work at writing song.
Everything I hear coming out of MPC sounds over-maximized and squashed, is it your preference or "MPC sound"? I didn't notice this with your other grooveboxes demos.
Do the stems line up correctly when you import them into your daw?
i should have done more research before buying. I hate this process.
How many tracks/ channels.
I’ve seen a Irish guy who works with wood who look just like you
So you mean that whatever I have recorded in stand alone, when I explode the tracks, it will remove certain things? What does it change or do when you explode the tracks? It doesn't mess up the applied effects or the specific parameters that I set for all of my kits and other sounds will it? What will I have to look out for?...SBN RESONATE
It doesn't remove stuff per se, but it does remove the connections between elements. Sidechain is a good example, since it requires a track sent to the ducker and a track getting ducked. I've also noticed that processing that goes on top of an entire drum track seems to disappear, although I'd need to test it more to double check that.
hi, does anyone know how to use pitch bend on the MPC one in standalone mode? I need to apply pitch bend to a bass note recorded on the sequencer and don't find where this option is.
You could try assigning the LFO to the pitch maybe?
120.97 ?
Tap tempo + laziness
Do you need an sd card reader on ur comp or can u just transfer the data through USB?
There’s two alternatives to SD. You can plug in an external USB drive or stick. But you can also get the MPC to appear as a drive in your Mac over USB. It’s a little fiddle so the USB drive is my suggestion.
I got an MPC One several months ago and I've barely touched it because I want to write full songs and the work flow is not very clear. I have windows 7 on my PC and am unable to use the MPC softwatre. Errr. I am still using my old school system: MMT-8 Sequencer and Hardware synths synced to multi-track recorder for vocals. Maybe one day I'll get used to the MPC workflow...Or maybe I'll dump it at a lose.
I love to work on Cubase but I was looking at the MPC as a starting point, unplugged from the computer, but after watching this process, definitely is not for me. The idea is to make something like a song but clearly this machine is intended for beats only. This process is a PITA xD Anyway, great video and you helped me to save money and frustrations :P
To be fair, there are other devices with song modes that are similar, but it's definitely not for everyone. Glad the video was helpful!
@@GabeMillerMusic Yeah honestly I was looking for a good hardware sequencer and the MPC looks nice, but I want something more old school, like the sequencers I used in the 90s. I have one, but is at my mother´s house, pretty far from where I live.
Check out Akai Force, Maschine Plus, or MC707. ✌️
Not to get off the subject, but in the end, the MPC ONE, LIVE, or X seem like glorified midi controller/mini daw similar to Maschine. You truly didn't leave your software/laptop. They can't produce a finished product. Aside from live playing, you aren't composing and finishing a song on them. You really would never master a song, or even really compile your song on the hardware. SO, it's a bit deceptive in that way. Even if I buy the best of the best and order MPC X, I'm still faced with the fact, I'll be back at a DAW anyway!
With all your experience Gabe, what is the end all easiest/most fun gear/setup to go from 'ideas' to a finished song? I would think it is reasonable to ask this question as a novice of 30 years, aka hobbyist, as I'm guessing 95% of those on youtube are. We aren't releasing major hits! Let's be honest. If we were, we'd not be here talking about all these toys. We'd be signed with a label and well known. Otherwise, we are all just screwing around and enjoying music together.
That's an interesting observation. Since the MPC is standalone and has arrangement, mixing, and mastering tools, you absolutely can make a finished product on it if you've got the patience. I just like putting the finishing touches on a track in a DAW because it's easier. I'd say I still spend about 80% of my time in the MPC and only 20% in my DAW, which is a ratio that works for me.
If you're trying to get away from a DAW (or even a DAWlike experience) entirely, you'll probably be better served by a more "traditional" groovebox, like a Novation Circuit. Those are more immediacy and jamming focused, and once you record the jam, what you hear is what you get. I often get annoyed at stuff that I can't change after the fact, but it can be kinda nice to just commit to how it sounds and then you're done. And the workflow is definitely fast and intuitive. There's more expensive stuff out there too that will do these jobs even better, the Circuit is just a good, simple to use entry point that is a lot deeper then people give it credit for.
@@GabeMillerMusic thank you. Good feedback. I just have to commit to a method and a kit, and stick with it. In some ways, I think mpc might be close to what I am thinking about. If the mpc x had a video out to work on a larger monitor w mouse, it might be the all in one I am looking for. Being in my 50s, you start to appreciate the bigger screens and more tactile stuff.
If you want speed and everything go with Ableton.
I used Cubase, Logic, Ableton and then back to Logic and now on MPC 2.0 with Studio II Controller. I like the simplicity but you have to have song structure mentality to use Song mode well. The hard part is grabbing sequences to add fills and builds but it can easily be done. It’s a lot of fun going back to basics - only grip is I really hope the 3.0 release gives us 6-8 insert slots per track🤞🏻
I would like to have the option of linear arrangement like others daws just for when you might want it.
@@powderedtoastman3093 Thus far, I've stuck with Native Instruments Maschine , Studio. Software is easy, the hardware can be more or less used to control everything right on the two LCD screens built in. Certainly, can't beat the price point. It's the portability that it still lacks. Must have a laptop along. Also, it just seems to lack a few features. I know the new Maschine are great. I did have one for a while. The best of both was the Maschine Jam combined with Maschine MKIII.
I'm most likely going back to hardware for the most part. I still like the MPC X. Although, now with the MPC 61 keyboard, it will be very hard to not go with that! Seems well built, and may end up being the solution I've always wanted. TOO MANY OPTIONS and they keep adding more, LOL.
Reupload?
Yeah, there were a couple of important details that I had missed, so I refilmed and reedited a portion of the video yesterday evening.
Definitely some badly needed quality of life tweeks can be made to the OS....but at least Akai has made it clear they're in it for the long haul with this generation of equipment
Yeah I imagine it would need a bit of an overhaul so the various updates they've made over time could be more tightly integrated. The current system works, and it's awesome that they keep adding new stuff, but it feels pretty patchwork.
I think the Akai Force is their approach to bridging the traditional MPC workflow and the more modern Ableton style DAW. One thing Gabe didn’t cover was the MPC and Ableton integration which is useful.
Soo no computer at all? Take my money
What the hell dude. Fix your title please. "How to make a full song on your daw" ...
I showed everything I could think of related to the song mode, and provided very clear timestamps so that people can skip around or cherry pick only the parts they want. Plus, exporting stems is a huge part of a lot of people's workflow. Yes, not all of the video takes place on the MPC itself, but this was meant to be as complete as possible for multiple different ways to make full songs with the MPC.
Have you ever really made a track on the MPC?
I mean really?
Or let me rephrase that....
Have you ever made a track on anything?
I think not.... Seems this is all quite simply regurgitated drivel, from one who is paid to review.
I've made albums worth of full tracks, most of them with my hardware. And I don't do paid reviews, ever.