Akai MPC Software Step by Step Tutorial - Producing a Track From Scratch

** THIS VIDEO HAS A DELAY/LATENCY ISSUE BECAUSE I GOOFED UP WITH THE SCREEN CAPTURE SOFTWARE. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO THE WITH MPC SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE ** I'm showcasing the basic features and workflow of the new Akai MPC Software and MPC Studio. The primary focus....... Sampling, Chopping, Patched Phrase Slicing & Looping, pulling up Insert Effects, Drum Programming / Sequencing, Song Mode programming, and Exporting the completed project as a WAV, AIFF, or MP3 file.

[@XkztyIpKtHrwmNxlKhPy]

I know this is 7 years old but it's one of the best videos on the MPC software I've seen so far. Thanks, I've learned a lot.

[@djwolfd]

I'd say that this would be the best route to approach it.... put the sampling on hold, and start out by focusing on learning how to pull up all of the available "Factory Content" and using those sounds to master the drum programming / sequencing aspect of the MPC. Once you become confident and fluent with the drum programming / sequencing functionality, then you should start learning how to use it as a sampler because you'll be much more familiar with the software and hardware as a whole.

[@SchockBlocked]

Mad respect on this tutorial, I was drowning in this program, now I'm walkin' on water cause of you. Respect bruh, tonnes of it.

[@adamhearts3764]

Lucky you I'm still drowning 😔😔😔

[@erique1238]

Adam Hearts how are you doing now?? I’m swimming with one floaty

[@victoremelio9497]

this is my first mpc i ever used and u made it really simple for me and for that praise to the most high

[@djskillzz215]

Me being a former MPC2000XL user and looking to get back in the game, I was researching new MPC's and researching the Studio vs the other models.... Watching this video and having you Wolf D as a VERY good tutor for the basics has encouraged me to now make arrangements to purchase one.... Thanks again!!! I appreciate a clear instructor... #skillzlogic #salute

[@jamesonjamerson6827]

Im a get one to

[@nuffflavor]

Dude ! You have the best videos ! Everyone else jus SHOW. You SHOW and EXPLAIN !!! Outstanding !!!!!!

[@djwolfd]

Well, depending on if you use it live as opposed to just in the studio, a downside may be that these 2 new MPC's are not stand alone units like all of the MPC's of the past. Because they're just controllers for the MPC software, you always have to have them hooked up to your computer. In terms of studio use, the upside is that you're doing everything in your computer, so you can work way faster (no more bouncing audio in real time) with way more sampling, editing, and programming enhancements.

[@JacksonHarrisNYC]

For a guy who hasn't used an AKAI before...you have helped me out immensely! Thanks so much for this video. Im sure Ill have many questions!

[@NinjaTrackProductions]

Great tutorial Wolf. It's still relevant in 2019. Peace!

[@christophermattox1820]

Absolutely! I'm just getting it in too

[@djsoops]

Respect Sir! Best mpc renaissance tutorial video I've seen by far, this has put the last nail in the coffin for my beloved 5k ....subbed

[@DJOLSKOOL42]

This is probably the BEST tutorial I've seen. Great job, i just ordered the studio black. I have the mpc 60ii but this is much more simple to make beatz. Thanks for this great lesson.

[@djwolfd]

Word. That Studio Black looks craaaaazy dope. The color just makes it look WICKED!

[@KeenanIvormusic]

Im just getting back in to the swing of using a mpc havent used one since 2006 I feel like I never ever touched one lol

[@jMiL10302]

You literally do not understand how much this helped me with learning the software and the hardware, Thank you very much!!!

[@adamingo36]

Dear Wolf D, Any chance you could make a video for beginners regarding navigation? What all the buttons do on an MPC and how they can be programmed?

[@ThePYRmovement]

MAN!!!!!!!! NEED THIS NEED THIS NEED THIS!!! Just got mine a few weeks ago. I jumped from the mpc2000 and I'm pretty much starting from scratch. Thanx Sir!

[@goyoone8991]

i had to come back to this tutorial....Thanx once again

[@djwolfd]

The MPC Renaissance and Studio are both controllers for the MPC software, so you would always need them connected to your computer. Other than that, it'll be just like working on any of the older MPC's, but with WAYYYYYY more flexibility and features.

[@markr6939]

Great great job Wolf, THANK YOU! Such a cool approach; clear explanations, keeping the overly heady business to a minimum. Thanks man, this was really helpful in learning this piece.

[@thiscoketastelikepepsi1402]

Just ordered a MPC studio 5 minutes ago. Great video! That took care of all my questions I had!

[@BiggVic]

Fam good walkthrough!!! Proud new owner of the MPC Studio Black!!

[@djwolfd]

Ahhhhh.... that new black joint looks CRAAAAAZY DOPE!!!

[@victornewton5712]

I love it!!!!!

[@DefsidemixtapesOnline]

I get the Studio Black this Saturday. Is the sampling process the same as what you're doing in this video?

[@djwolfd]

Well... yes, but this video is 3 1/2 years old, so there have been many many updates and upgrades within the MPC software since I made this back in 2012. All of the current MPC models (Studio, Renaissance, Touch, & Studio Black) use the exact same software, and there are multiple ways of sampling, chopping, etc.... which is a good thing, because you'll ultimately pick the sampling option (or options) that best fit your workflow.

[@athainmajolica9285]

Just got my mpc studio today 👌🏿🙌🏿👏🏿👊🏿👍🏿

[@djwolfd]

I completely feel you on that. I also had a period where I was without my older MPC's and my workflow was never the same.

[@shaneisinthehouse]

I'm tired of people saying how easy this shit is. it couldn't be more difficult, the instructions the packet gives you is pathetic

[@djwolfd]

+Shane O'Brien I agree. Akai did a pretty horrible job at attempting to explain how to operate their own software and hardware. It's especially frustrating for people who have never used an MPC before.

[@PdotSHOT]

Shane O'Brien yea I'm looking at this like fuck! Maschine is so cake compared to this

[@FroggyLoops420]

agreed tony slumz, i have the maschine mk2 and to me its easier than the MPC sofware when it comes to layer sounds on the software .

[@djwolfd]

Yes. It's the "16 LEVEL" feature. 1.) Press the 16 LEVEL button on the MPC hardware. 2.) Press the pad/sample that you want to assign to the 16 LEVEL. 3.) Choose the type of 16 LEVEL... which in this case would be TUNE. 4.) Assign which of the 16 pads you want to be the Original Pad (the default setting is pad # 4). 5.) Press the "Do It" button (which is F5) and it spreads that sample across all 16 pads chromatically allowing you to play the pads like a keyboard.

[@leonardcrawford1799]

Hey man, this was very informative and to the point... great job... I’ve had an MPC-Studio for about 2years but never used it till now...and now I feel good about getting into it.. Thx

[@theoriginaldustjunky6812]

This dudes done the job Akai should have done. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@drehendrix6994]

We endorse this brother, much love from The Orphanz Wolf... You are the man!!!!!!

[@BeatShopTV4u]

watching this making me want to get one now, it has sort of a fruity loop format on the screen which can make my workflow more sufficient

[@djwolfd]

The MPC Studio doesn't have direct audio inputs built into it like the MPC Renaissance does, so you would need to plug your turntable into an audio interface and then pull that up as the audio input source inside of the MPC software. If the audio interface you're using doesn't have a connection for your turntables ground wire, then plug the turntable into a mixer, and then plug the mixer into the audio interface.

[@AlexSousas]

thank you for sharing your knowledge. just unboxed my mpc studio and i've already learned a lot from you. thank you.

[@vshopskater]

Just copped the Studio myself and wanted a crash course through its many features and I gotta say all your videos are gold man! Many thanks for these uploads!

[@ndmdigital]

Nice video ! I used mpc200 years ago then sold it like a fool to use computer software like ableton and reason... my production and inspiration has never been the same, I am sold on this piece since it looks like it touches on old school and technology. Great job Wolf D Thanks for the instruction :)

[@djwolfd]

You can layer up to 4 samples on a pad (and you'll still have individual control over the volume, panning, etc. for each layered sample). Hold down the SHIFT key on your computer keyboard and drag the samples to the pad.

[@traumegaz]

you are the best teacher ive seen for mpc, no doubt.

[@djwolfd]

Try this.... 1.) go to the upper left corner of the software and click MPC 2.) click PREFERENCES 3.) click the AUDIO tab 4.) look at where your AUDIO BUFFER SIZE is right now, and try taking it down to about 128 samples (2.9 ms). That should help if you're having latency issues.

[@beatbotmuzikgt8763]

Good looking out Wolf D I just got my mpc studio in Nov I watched your video and it good me started seeing how I'm a first time mpc user Thanks! The mpc studio is amazing!

[@entyce66]

ur mpc tutorials are the best by far you explain it nicely i copped the mpc ren and i was getting ready to take it back bcuz it was a lil complicated but after seeing this ima keep it thx bruh

[@robertfrost6492]

Thank for these MPC tut vids! I'd just bought Studio a few months ago. Your help videos are the best I've found! Too ez!

[@ReflectiveAudio]

Extremely helpful!! I've this MPC Studio for about a year and never did make anything off of it, cuz I felt like I didn't know what I was doing, but thanks to you I made something dope from two of my favorite songs. Really appreciate the helpful video!

[@olesolja1407]

Wolf D I revisited this vid after years and I must say, this is the “BEST” MPC tutorial on YT. This is my no. 1 reference vid for learning the MPC. Thank you for making and posting this one bruh.Be Blessed.

[@666doublekay]

You've been really helpful I got a studio black a few days back and you fast forwarded my progression quite a bit. thanks brother

[@Tayvonmusic]

DJ WolfD, That was the BEST Demostration I ever watched on an unfarmilar Akai product yet. You are very easy to listen to, very informative and humble. I love how you showed me there was more than one way to approach the work Flow. I'm SOLD. Please tell me that AKAI will have YOU at NAMM 2014. I would love to meet you in person. Great Job Sir.

[@TheAssassin342]

Thanks for the help fam. You’re the only one with quality content. I appreciate you

[@dassteam]

This was so so helpful and clearly explained, thanks!

[@djwolfd]

1.) Make sure you have the correct original tempo of the sample. You can use the TAP TEMPO button on the MPC, but in order to get more accurate, I would suggest using a program like Serato Scratch Live or MixMeister to calculate the BPM for you. 2.) Open the sample on the EDIT SCREEN of the MPC software and make sure it's in TRIM MODE. 3.) Select the TIME STRETCH button in the PROCESS section. 4.) It'll then ask you to punch in both the original and new tempo, then click the DO IT button.

[@djwolfd]

The touch sensitivity on these pads are INCREDIBLE! Anyone who has ever used a 1000, 4000, 2000XL, etc. will feel right at home. It completely outshines those horrible MPD & MPK pads.

[@coryleeroesler]

Awesome tutorial. Just picked up the new MPC Studio Black and this tutorial got me up and running quick.

[@djwolfd]

Thanks. I'm not a Logic user, but I was told that you can using the following steps..... 1. Launch Logic 2. Create Instrument Track 3. Add MPC multi-channel plugin (8 stereo outs) 4. Within Logic, create 7 aux tracks by clicking + sign on the channel strip of Track 5. In MPC Software Program Mix Mode, route sounds to 8 stereo pairs of outputs.

[@notmyradio]

thanks for this, this is going to help me when mine comes in, looks so easy as far as setting it up

[@SpaceShapedTV]

Just bought the thing , had no ida how to use it until now , you my friend were a great help , thank you !

[@jtjwhite]

awesome tutorial, dude! Exactly how a tutorial/review should be..concise and not "all over the place". Thanks, man.

[@iancomposer]

Great tutorial! This detailed step-by-step instruction has helped me to start to experiment with the MPC STUDIO in an informed manner. Thank you very much!

[@njper123]

btw really appreciate this. i just came here after watchin some sales engineer from akai do a really crappy job. hats off to you sir

[@bornasoul]

Great intro vid. Don't know what these cats aren't getting, it's pretty straight forward. I've been making beats on hardware for a while (asr, mpc etc) and took a long break from it. Now decided to get back and noticed technology has changed since I been at it last. This was a perfect vid to bridge the generation gap for me big ups Wolf.

[@djewalt]

Thanks Wolf D. This is the best tutorial I've seen on the MPC Studio. I have a MPC 1000 right now and this tutorial helped me understand how to use some if the features on it. I definitely plan on purchasing the Studio though.

[@sosmooth7]

To Wolf D,WOW!, this is an incredible demo. Excellent,is what I'd call it!. Thank You so much for taking the time to go through some of the basics of the MPC Studio. Your demo is so informative. This is my introductory to the MPC family of sequnecing tools. I'm sure that when I get up to par with the operational function tools I'll be able to do some good beat patterns. Again,a huge THANK YOU!!!

[@ExAppeal100]

Awesome video sir! You have made using this software n hardware so much more easier for me!

[@BrianBuckalew]

Great video, DJ Wolf. I think you just convinced me to go purchase an MPC - thanks!

[@djwolfd]

You would plug the Studio into your Macbook Pro using a standard USB cable. When the software and hardware is up and running, you'll be able to route the audio output of the MPC Software to either the computers internal speakers, the audio output port on the Macbook Pro, or a connected audio interface. The MPC software runs both as a standalone program, and as a plugin within a DAW.

[@RYANMAKO]

Still utilize this tutorial whenever I get stuck! Appreciate you fam ✊🏼🙌🏼

[@djwolfd]

Yep. I'm using Pro Tools. You can separate the tracks by exporting them out as WAV, AIFF, or MP3 files.

[@mighttimothynoche9995]

This is the best free software Ive seen. Respect.

[@TheHeru724]

Thanks WolfD. You got me up and running with my MPC Studio. Much appreciated.

[@2001StarChild]

Thanks for a great tutorial, really helpful and well presented!

[@RobBanManasseh]

Thanks for the info Wolf! I have the mpc element hardware but I am using the studio one software and I was trying to learn how to do the basics and you explained it clearly and perfectly. Thanks again and keep the tutorials coming if you can. Peace & love all!

[@smietnikinternetu4729]

That`s a very good video, my man. I went through it using the same sounds You did. I`ve got an AKAI Studio for 3 days, and that was reeaaaaalyyyyy helpful in explaing how things work. Thanks a lot.

[@happygoruckyrandy]

Great tutorial dude. I have been trying to chop stuff up but have been doing it back asswards Thanks for this.

[@djjayski]

Great video Wolf! I had Maschine, sold it because it actually slowed my workflow down. Never been an MPC dude, always had the SP 1200 and Asr-10, etc and been using just Logic and plug-ins for the last 10 years. But this just sold me! Thanks for the overview of how easy it is, just what I needed to see. By the way this is your man Jay-Ski from the Ricky Leigh conf calls. Keep bangin' homie!

[@djwolfd]

Ahhhh... your comment clarified what he was actually saying to me. Thanks. When he said "layered" I thought he was talking MPC terminology - stacking multiple samples on one pad.

[@ChicityAngel]

Waiting on my Studio Black to come in, in the meantime this video has really taught me some stuff already

[@garbo3x]

This run through is SOOO helpful

[@anteeko]

The best quick start guide ever!!

[@Diegosees]

My man! So appreciative of this walkthrough; now I've got a little work flow going. Thank you!

[@phatdrums]

Great Video Wolf D. You are one of the only few users I've seen using Patch phrase.

[@djwolfd]

In terms of sonics, the internal speakers on your Mac don't carry a full range of quality sound, so it's best to get a pair of studio monitors... even if it's a small low priced pair like the KRK Rokit 5... M-Audio BX5 D2... or M-Audio BX5a.

[@Whatzzzz999]

Thanks for a great tutorial. A really useful intro - very clear and concise.

[@Daemonforce-Gaming]

absolute fantastic video as thinking of getting an mpc as first time user very informative ty 😊

[@djwolfd]

I don't know anything about Logic Pro, but you can look at it like this.... the MPC Software can use all universal VST plugins, and depending on what type of sound you're referring to, you can always just try to sample the sound. But if you already have Logic Pro, I would think your best bet would be to just pull up the MPC as a plugin inside of Logic Pro and use them both together.

[@adamgarcia9714]

Thank you. You have no idea how much time you just saved me!

[@crossthestreetpdx]

Your the best! Great tips easy to follow instructions very well spoken young man. Thanks for all your help.

[@aquapandora]

Just picked up Akai Prof MPC Studio Slimline yesterday (the exact device being used in this video, which comes with the software on CD, and 2 expansions as well, 9gb+ of samples and loops). I purchased it new from Guitar Center. That being said, I got it on sale because of a Labor Day sale (which probably ends today). It lists for 599.99, and I got it for 399.99. Just visit the guitar center, search by brand "Akai Professional". Though you may need to visit a local store to get the 399 price.

[@SoulN1]

great vid!!! this def puts a stamp of approval on my purchase..cant wait til it arrives..i like how you show the basics and getting started... well done.. im comming from fl studio so i kno this is going too be a big challenge..

[@MakThaNife]

Very good tutorial! You covered a lot in a very easy to follow manner. You'd make a good teacher! Now I am definitely going to buy an MPC Studio.

[@MrLeobeats]

Thanks Very Much!! You are a Legend...The Explaination was simple comparing to Young Guru..

[@djwolfd]

Yep. Open up the sample in the edit window (you can just double click the sample). There's a "REVERSE" button/feature in the PROCESS section on the MPC software screen. You can also press the COPY button to make a copy of the sample first, and then reverse it so that you have both the original forward playing sample and the reverse sample.

[@Mutualsoundz]

Thanks so much for this video! You made it look so easy, ready to start making beats on mine!

[@frikshun_]

Nice tutorial. My MPC Studio Black should arrive in the next few days. I'm an old school MPC 2000 user, so this gave me a good overview of the software side of things. I'll be checking out more of your videos. I might even post a few myself once I get started.

[@djwolfd]

1st thing that comes to mind is.... are you pulling up The Bank on a new track? If you don't, then The Bank is just going to replace the sounds that you originally had on that track. Any time you pull up a new instrument, it needs to be pulled up on a new track.

[@djwolfd]

Hmmm. Try this..... in terms of the using the MPC pads for the synth sounds (instead of using a midi keyboard), the sounds are spread across the pads throughout all of 8 Pad Banks (A thru H). Try switching to a different Pad Bank (for example B, C, D, etc). That would be the same as you going up the scale of keys on a midi keyboard. See if that makes a difference.

[@bigsleep7593]

Your videos have been a huge help. Thanks man.

[@raymurillo7393]

i always come back to this vid as a reference .good looking out hopefully u can add some more videos on the mpc studio like this one

[@AppleBag1000]

great work explaining how to get through the process, i was able to fallow along and make some beats

[@KAUTIOUZBEATZ4]

God bless u & thank you 4 your clarity tutorials it help me a lot just got mpc studio bk & in 2.0 im greatfuff & appreciate ur knowledge thank u ..keep up da good work bro.👍👍👍👍👍🔥

[@djwolfd]

KAUTIOUZBEATZ4 Mannnn.... 2.0 is incredible! I just got it a few days ago, and I’m in learning mode myself with all of the new features. Have fun my man!

[@newbegining4361]

Thank you for this, this video made me take decision to buy the Akai MPC Studio, and I just ordered it right now art Musician's Friend. Thanks man. I know I will always need your video right after I get my new device, to learn it accurately.

[@djwolfd]

+New Begining And just to let you know.... most of my other MPC tutorial videos are much shorter and cover individual specific topics. I was kind'a all over the place with this one. Enjoy!

[@aliftedroot]

Awesome Tutorial! Very easy to follow! Thumbs Up!

[@dalekify]

Thank you very much. I had no idea what MPC was. It;s a computer drum kit that can play your own sound samples. Now I know. Thanks again.

[@wolfunplugged]

hey...thanks for demonstrating how to copy a sequence...I didn't find that anywhere explained yet, cool!

[@djwolfd]

Yes. You can record your live instruments thru an audio interface which you would pull up as the input device inside of the MPC software. Just remember... the new MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio devices are only controllers. They will not work as stand alone units like all of the older MPC's. The computer based MPC software is where all the processing takes place.

[@krzysztofcichocki4179]

I did exactly same song and it sounds amazing as yours. Thank you for your lesson. I enjoyed your tutorial. I will also look at your other videos. Thank you again :)

[@manganese46]

Great presentation! I enjoyed the video. Very clear, and great pace! Thanks, Wolf. I got my MPC today!

[@isabelchaib6]

thank you for existing I love you forever

[@Barncore]

I just got a MPC so this is really useful for me. Thanks