Asterix Making A Beat Using an MPC-2000XL and Vinyl Records

Want to hear more? Check out B.A.D Company - Bars and Drums (Produced by Asterix) on Itunes itun.es/iLY3LT.
Here is a video breaking down the creative process of a sampled based beat using an MPC 2000XL and Vinyl records.
Shot by OneShot Everything / oneshoteverything

[@Dru_Won]

Wow I can't believe I'm so late viewing this masterpiece. 3 stabs with some delay and a 2 bar sequence. So dope, most definitely must've gave an mc a lot of inspiration. He also went from sampling some drums off a record , to using a stock type rimshot that was already on a pad, which made this even doper. Incredible.

[@NorthStarpoolcare]

Great video, I only wish you hadn't edited out the process though. The times when you were trying to figure something out...creators appreciate those moments, show us how you push through the frustration and create. Sure it looks cool to some if you get it in one take or go straight through..and for consumers that's all good. But, it takes a certain type of man to teach.

[@beataddiktgodd]

Corey Brown He not gonna show you, a lot of these beatmakers, I are afraid, that someone like you, will surpass them...Cheakout Elevation Productionz, the videos are a little long and are not edited, just straight raw footage.

[@maja216]

That's a very good question. The best way to have your drums stand out is to adjust their levels in the mixer screen, in your case I would turn down the sample so it doesn't over power your drums. Once the sample is at a good level adjust the individual drum hits so they sit where you ant them in the mix. The Kick should be the driving force so it should almost always be the loudest.

[@rdmkemestry510]

Dope beat man. I love how u break things down and layer up things!

[@costanzaman42]

Damn this is sick. I just got a 2000XL and am realizing quickly how endless the possibilities are on this machine once you figure it out.

[@djceejaay]

I've been watching a lot of ur vids lately. Wish I would have discovered them sooner. I REALLY like how you chop and build your beats. I've been working on my sampling hard the last year or so, and your commentary about what you're doing is right on point. A lot of cats on here are always talking about how good they are. Not you, just go in and do your thing, you're a humble dude, yo! Keep it moving brother.

[@urbanfabric]

If you start thinking outside the box, you can flip any beat you want. Good video Asterix!

[@maja216]

It's called "In this profession" it on an Album we put out in 2010 Called 'Firehouse Muzik Vol 1" you can find it on itunes.

[@maja216]

The first thing you do is add a Low Pass Filter. Tweak it's frequency until it blocks out all the highs making sure the lows are still well defined. Most of the time once you do this the bass line will be low in volume, add some gain to bring it out and that's it. Every bass line will be a little different so practice to get the process down. Remember your ears are the best tool you have for sound shaping so picture what you want the bass line to sound like and tweak it til it matches.

[@techromancer1]

love that poopin from the old records ... 2:08 de la soul used that sample in there second album..cool awesome gear by the way

[@ApocalypseLater8]

poopin’

[@dub142]

The layers on this add so much depth. Thank you for sharing

[@maja216]

I use the mixer kind of like a patch bay. Everything is hooked up to the mixer so you can monitor playback and also route what you want to record into Protools or sample into the MPC or Maschine. I also use the mixers EQ's to treat sounds before I sample them. For example if I want to extract the bass line from a sample I'll turn up the lower frequencies on the mixers EQ before sampling the phrase.

[@lordjared]

This dude is a freakin sound artist and a visionary. Very talented.

[@maja216]

This can be done using the "Zone" tab in the "Trim" menu. You will have to adjust the slice points most of the time to get it to sound right.

[@maja216]

I shaped these sounds using filters and Equalizers. Since the bass was behind all the other instruments I put a filter on the original sample and only let the lower frequencies pass through. Then I used an equalizer to shape and boost the bass line. I used the same technique on the other parts I used except I filtered out the bass on those so they wouldn't clash with the bass line I already had.

[@WesWookBeats]

I've watched about a million beat videos and this is top echelon status. Well articulated, good quality, solid process. Props.

[@maja216]

Thanks for the shout out!

[@chibzzz]

check out disko dave

[@Dru_Won]

Lmao

[@tekktron5163]

The "sprinkles" you add always make the beat live lol..great work and inspirational!!

[@_Nitrous_]

damn man this is gold ! the way u chop it is not an easy task amazing work

[@chomomma07]

Very well done. Thanks for sharing. Just got my Mpc Ren....I've worked 50 days straight since then. Damn. Can't wait to get home and play. Cheers

[@llcfieldsofpain7323]

this is one of the better beat making videos ive seen, was really helpful for things i was wondering about thanks for the vid bro

[@maja216]

I usually sample those pieces with the lower frequencies (120k and lower) already turned down. If they still sound muddy or need a little more shaping I'll use the effects inside the MPC. If I can't get the desired sound using the effects in the MPC I'll shape the sound in protools once I track out the beat.

[@maja216]

The bigger 16 channel is a Mackie CFX16 the small 2 channel mixer hooked to the turntables is a Vestax 05 Pro.

[@GTrizza]

MAN! i love beat break down videos especially yours. please do more of these videos ive learned so much.

[@maja216]

Thanks bro I truly appreciate the support.

[@DJillogick]

Dig it, that bass line is vibe-a-licious

[@JohanBrodd]

I wouldn't mind hearing that beat completed. That shit was total dopeness!

[@maja216]

Thanks bro. I might use it for an upcoming remix. I'll keep you posted.

[@maja216]

I do have the effects board installed. It really comes in really handy when chopping. You can mask the slice points with a little echo.

[@maja216]

@kuxvibes The speakers I have are actually the Samson Resolve A6. They we're part of a package I won at a beat battle a while back. They are a bit bright but once you tune them to your room they perform quite well. The low end on them is very defined and it makes it easier to work on bass lines and things below 120hz.

[@Juanfifarek]

Thanks for a great sampling demo of the MPC 2000

[@maja216]

Yeah that's the process. Everything should have it's place. If you low pass filter a bass line and layer other samples that also have bass you start boosting and or canceling out low frequencies. It's best to remove the low frequencies from samples when you are layering them over a bass line.

[@maja216]

Lookup "Note off" for the MPC 2000Xl. That is the feature that makes one pad cut off another.

[@maja216]

It depends on the desired effect. Sometimes using pitch can have a cool effect but if it's overdone it can sound dated. Time stretching is really useful but if you stretch it too much it can distort the sound.

[@maja216]

Everything usually ends up being mixed in Protools but the final beat I played on this video was recorded straight out of the MPC.

[@maja216]

I use a set of Samson Resolv A6's I got them as part of the prize in a beat battle so I put them to use. I used to use an 8 inch woofer but the heavy bass made it really hard to mix accurately. Since I got rid of the woofer my mixes sound just as good in the car as they do in the studio. I do use the 8 outs on the MPC but I run them straight into my Digi 003. I use the mackie board to manage and route all the sound sources I have in the studio. Turntables, keyboards, computers etc.

[@Croix1]

Yo, just got a maschinealike a month back after having been doing stuff in Fl and Ableton Live for a few years and I've been kinda trying to get a good workflow going with it. This video was real good help, thanks man!

[@maja216]

Well for the most part people who use a keyboard to make beats usually play the various parts 1 at a time until they have a finished song. People who use MPC's for the most part rely on samples as the basis of their composition. There is a new grove box on the market called the Beat Thang that is a good piece of gear to start on and grown into.

[@maja216]

The big board is a Mackie CFX16 I also use a Vestax 05 Pro with the turntables.

[@maja216]

Thank you. I edited this one using iMovie.

[@dub142]

Love that green eyed love Mayer Hawthorn loop

[@maja216]

Thanks bro. As far as the desk it's a corner desk I bought at Office Max a while back I made a few mods to it to make it work for my gear.

[@maja216]

Thanks for the support bro.

[@maja216]

Yeah I ran the sample through a low pass filter to extract the bass, then I used the effects board in the MPC to EQ and boost the bass line making it a bit more defined.

[@davidscott2095]

I was hoping you could answer a question for me: I am thinking about adding the EB16 effects/soundboard to the 2000XL. Does the high pass filter work okay? How about the reverb options? I love adding reverb to my snares. Are you happy with the results of the effects/soundboard? Thank you kindly. Blessings!

[@anthonydorsey7176]

Snare is pretty much the same as when i bough... -i mean.... started layering on that...lls

[@jmorrisey79]

Anthony Dorsey - ahhh caught eeem

[@maja216]

It has not been released up until now. It was in the process of being sold a few months back but the deal fell through.

[@katannamon]

worth the wait! that turned out vibealicious

[@maja216]

It's called "Lift me up" as of this point it's still unreleased but we're working on a placement for it.

[@LightGreenMuzzikk]

dope freshness ! i love the sprinkles you used.. they fit sooo well!!

[@Pduzz]

I really appreciate the videos you put up, as a beatmaker myself i feel that its really helpful for producers/beat makers to showcase their knowledge and diversity on how they approach making music on youtube. Been watching a couple of your vids and I feel you got some great music! I recently am trying to re-up on equipment but i dont know where to start! I had Reasons and a midi keyboard, what would you prefer as a beginer

[@BIdouble94]

Like the way you think outside the box on chopping samples!

[@maja216]

I added echo at 50% from the effects chip in the MPC. I also raised the resonance to 6 in the program screen of the MPC.

[@Diddddu]

you know i always check your stuff homie i love the the way you get that snare to pop just right.(peace)

[@denizozturkmen4256]

that bassline is so dope

[@dhampex]

Man I need that vol one drum drops to compleat the collection!

[@maja216]

All the effects are coming from the EB16 effects chip inside of the MPC. I adjust the effects by ear so I'm not too sure what specific settings were used.

[@maja216]

It's a Rode NT2-A. It has great sound and variable pick up patterns.

[@maja216]

Stanton STR8-100. Best turntable ever made for production. If you are trying to DJ I recoment Techniques all day.

[@markoeberhardt3132]

damn.. the music has such a good flow to it

[@maja216]

What you have currently is a very powerful combo. Look up "Dj Khalil Reason" for some good insight on your set up. My advise to producers who are just starting out is just to stick to one thing for a while. For the majority of the time I've been producing I've used the MPC 2000XL new models came out and I was tempted to upgrade but at the end sticking to one piece of gear helped me build up my creativity without having to worry about learning basic functions over and over.

[@maja216]

I used a low pass filter. I basically turned all the frequencies down except for the ones I wanted to use for the bass line.

[@HipHopAus]

Fuck, that's a dope beat. I just bought a 2000XL in mint condition on ebay, pretty excited for it to arrive - should turn up sometime next week. Have only ever used a 2500 (and Maschine) in the past but we'll see how it goes...

[@maja216]

+HipHopAus You'll be good. It's a lot like the 2500

[@simplebeatskrisqu071]

damn... the break and such a nice lyrics after!!!

[@demowon]

Best beat vid ive seen in awhile now sick beat !!

[@Microphunktv-jb3kj]

And that's why i'm planning to get mpc ; ) to sample old records for deephouse/techno ;P... you got some nice sampling skills ;) cool beat

[@BigNoseTony]

what a relief this is. HOPE! nice work

[@mdee2581]

that mpc2000 looks super nice! wow dope

[@unknowncip]

Man that's awesome I liked that beat a lot! I liked how you broke it down I learned a couple things

[@powerpier]

nice nice vibes...the bassline rocks!! bless!

[@D0CT0RS0UL]

Awesome work on this session !

[@eforce1200]

Dude, sick MP and SICK BEAT!!!

[@MrMondho]

i love your styles man for real you got tha flava

[@blackboogaloo]

Big Respect to you for sharing your knowledge Sir!

[@djneptoon]

This beat is super dope!!! Great Channel.. I don't understand why artist don't get it, They expect you to have the whole beat finished and arranged, I very rarely Arrange my Tracks until they're ready to be written on, Most big name producers do this as well.

[@AGgotBeats]

Dope vid fam! you got those drums knockin bro! thanks for sharing... peace

[@CahlajWasHere]

Yeah I have been working on getting into production and I have never seen that technique done also. I thought it was dope, and thanks for sharing the information.

[@maja216]

@deelib96 I filtered the bass line and treated it with the effects board in the MPC. I had also applied E.Q through the board prior to sampling it.

[@SuperRoycethe59]

Great work love the beat and the workflow

[@Felnuts]

this dude is tight

[@mistaencore732]

this is dope, your custom mpc is fire!!!

[@maja216]

Mista Encore Thank You. I Appreciate the support.

[@Detrimental313]

Firehouse SoundLabs what mixer do you use

[@maja216]

I use Mackie CFX16 but I'm looking to upgrade soon. Some of the channels are starting to go out.

[@maja216]

The sun always hits on our side of the street.

[@DJJunkfoodJay]

That beat is sick!!! Good job!

[@xkour92]

u really transformed it into banger!

[@user-km4et4bt6y]

this was tight, dope flip

[@maja216]

I still prefer MPC but in reality the Maschine and the soon to be released Akai Renaissance are much more versatile and practical in today's world. The older MPC's have a certain sound and timing that is hard to get out of the newer computer based grove boxes but I'm sure it's just a matter of time before they figure out a way to make that happen too. If I had never owned a grove box and I was going to buy one today I would probably go with Maschine.

[@breconmafia]

Ha! nice smooth groove man keep bustin' these vids out

[@TheToteneira]

Muy bueno, gracias compadre! Aguante las MPC!

[@norbert2847]

So sick samples

[@weliveproductions]

THIS BEAT IS SICK BRO

[@bcitral]

Thats a sweet groove.

[@johnnytsiattalou3025]

Masterful and very creative

[@BodyRocker9]

I love the mpc it's a lost piece of equipment that made tons of hits

[@maja216]

We have added max memory (32mb), 8 output board, FX card, 20gb Hard Drive, 250mb Zip drive, CD Rom drive and an internal SD, CF and MS reader. I currently looking for a place to attach a coffee maker lol.

[@PlayroomProduction1]

Dope thanks for more inspiration. Love the creativity

[@Nothingtypical]

Very coool Maja, please feel free to sahre some more

[@OfficialTWSandco]

Crazy beat mashing man, on point!

[@thisisyaren]

amazing as always man!

[@MrBUGSY115]

BIG UP FROM SPANISH HARLEM NEW YORK I HAD JUST BEEN SURFING THE WEB WHEN I BUMPED INTO YOUR SITE..THE BEAT'S YOU MAKE TAKE ME BACK TO A TIME WHEN HIP HOP WAS ABOUT SKILL'S AND SCRATH.THESE DAY'S THESE YOUNG BOY'S GOT THE GAME ALL TWISTED TALKING ABOUT LICKING LOLIPOPS AND FLYING LIKE SUPERMAN.WHAT HAPPEN TO THE DJ AND THE MC'S WHO ARE THE FOUNDATION TO THIS CULTURE WHY DON'T WE HEAR MORE MUSIC LIKE THIS ANYMORE...AND ANOTHER THING I LIKED THAT BAD COMPANY JOINT FIGHT MUSIC ( DJ FRANKIE DIAMONDS)

[@Metamophisis]

Dope i like your technique. First time ive seen some one chop the bass line like you do peace.

[@rulloSHC]

too many respect from italy(TO REPRESENT)!!

[@verbzceo3391]

Keepin it real with that sample I chopped the same joint haha...keep it movin big homie!! nice work peace respect

[@michelbluecinema]

one of the best Producer very good technic