How to get that head nodding GROOVE & SWING in your hi-hats & beats in the MPC Standalone.

[@unworthyServant08]

I consider your channel my best find of the first half of this year! All your MPC-related tips and tutorials are amazing! Thanks to you, I'm beginning to truly take advantage of the depth of my Live II. Please, keep coming with more!

[@riddim7774]

Agreed. Pretty much what I commented on another video. I have my mpc 2 years and this gentleman has levelled up my knowledge so much since I found this channel a few weeks ago.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Wow thank you for the kind words. I’m just paying it forward.

[@REMRODFILMS]

GOOD CONTENT BRO ! I WILL USE THAT TECHNIQUE

[@TheCratesMotel]

Awesome man, there are so many things you can do with it if you dig deep on it, not just with hats, but ghost snares, kicks, percussion etc

[@REMRODFILMS]

@@TheCratesMotel most def bro i play with the swing and time correct alot as well and shift timing. I will add your technique with that

[@TheCratesMotel]

@@REMRODFILMS Exactly, there is more than one way to catch a fish.

[@illanoiz1]

I saw Marlow Diggs do this about a year or so ago but didn’t understand the technique so I appreciate your input because now it makes sense! Thanks bro

[@TheCratesMotel]

Yes Marlow does some great videos. I haven't seen that one. But we all have different ways of presenting things and sometimes it just clicks with one person better than another I guess. Thank you for watching.

[@Dr_Fangaz334]

Conan, "The Crates Motel" name flip is genius. Great video tutorial also.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks man and thank you for watching.

[@Dr_Fangaz334]

@@TheCratesMotel you're welcome.

[@yzimsx]

One way to do pairwise swinging shakers or tambourines is to set two pads for simultaneous play on the same pad, one of them playing at note-on and the other at note-off. It's a bit tricky to play, but can sound very organic.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Yes that’s another great technique I have also used. As you say, it can be a bit trickier to get right but it can sound super organic.

[@ceciliafbrown373]

Track has a Nujabes vibe. Like it!

[@TheCratesMotel]

A major compliment thank you.

[@ThatBonsaipanda]

Also one nice tip I've learned to give the beat a bit more funk is to move the snare/clap backwards almost 1/64th note so it hits too early - too much and it sounds weird but the sweet spot and it gives a nice 70's funk feel. \o/

[@riddim7774]

Reminds me of a Marco Polo mpc video. He said some beats he plays the drums in quantised then moves the hats (forward) and snare (back) off 3 points, mpc having 95 points per bar. So snare hitting earlier and hats later.

[@AutodidacticRED]

Dilla Dawg

[@Reggi_Sample]

You have a tendency of hitting the nail smack on the head with perfect timing wit these drops! I finally found the 'set swing on qlink release' after so long of being frustrated with it, thanks for all the help OG

[@TheCratesMotel]

Ah that's awesome man. Our energies obviously collided in the ether haha. Thank you for watching.

[@gigamaxmusic]

Delay sync is also good for this❤️

[@TheCratesMotel]

Yes Delay sync is great

[@slimluva69xxx]

I use it delay sync has a lot of options too

[@Noise-Conductor]

Cool demo! Offset is a form of controlled randomness!

[@TheCratesMotel]

Yeh I guess it is. A bit of chaos can be good lol.

[@salix5380]

Exactement ce que je recherchais,pour donner du groove je ne trouvais pas ,,merci beaucoup

[@TheCratesMotel]

Je vous en prie

[@salix5380]

@@TheCratesMotel vous parlez français ?

[@TheCratesMotel]

@@salix5380 non, I used Google translate 😊

[@Eight-Bit-Hustler]

Cool tip with the volume panning and offset values! (I was automating the pans in like you explained in your ducking video! 😂 I started drumming at the same age as you although I’m 45 and I can see this being far easier than adjusting the velocities of every other hat in grid mode, or dare I say the step sequencer!? 😆 Not sure who’s using it, but it’s not for me… What I’ve been doing to get more swing on my hats is either adjusting the Swing value after they’re played in with note repeat on and apply the TC range (to selected) and adjust the Swing Value up to taste by ear while listening back to the hats til they’re in the pocket, you can create a pad with up to 4 layered ”cycled” hats with different velocity etc… and set the cycle value to random for some cool humanized sounding stuff to use with note repeat! Also similarly to what you’re doing here with layering using offsets, I’ll sometimes layer 2 hats and just set the layers to play as note on/ note off (toggle I believe!?) and it cycles between the two. Just release the pad when I want the second hat to hit played in half time a bit like releasing your foot on an open high hat on drums to get a more humanized sound too!? You guys can also get some cool scratch effects by reversing a kick or the first kick in a chopped break program and copying it with the original to another pad in the drum program with the start/end point adjusted on them or (attack/ release) set to mute out everything else in the drum program for a really cool way to get a baby scratch in your beats that mutes out everything like bringing a record back when DJing. I’m sure some of you guys have tried stuff like that before, but just in case anyone here hasn’t and is interested in trying anything it’s a really neat effect to have in your drum programs, hopefully it helps someone? it really sounds cool on an 808 with a bit more decay too… Sorry for the long text but this channel is a refreshing change and if I can help inspire someone else with some creative approaches to sampling then that’s great! Stay blessed, stay positive and keep inspiring each other!

[@TheCratesMotel]

Hey dude, thank you for watching and thank you for sharing some really ace tips. I have tried a few of those but there are some there I haven't tried so I will experiment with them. I think the thing I love about the MPC is there are often multiple ways to do the same thing and the method I have demonstrated in this video is just one of the ways I do it, but I do use others to get the same result. The cycling layers option is great to use in so many different ways and if used properly can get some reall ynatural sounding drums. Anyway thanks for sharing dude.

[@mnlrbeats]

cool!

[@TheReddchin]

That’s greet information. Thanks for making this video.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching.

[@samgoldsberry3029]

That's a great way to offset samples. Thanks for the tip. You also can use a delay plugin to get that effect.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Exactly. That’s another great way to do it. Thank you for watching.

[@bendickeson424]

… then modulate the send/return level so the bounces breathe a little 🥁

[@pelvinsjamz]

Loving the offset 😉👍😎🙏thanks again .

[@ryancovill2878]

Game changer! Thanks Conan

[@TheCratesMotel]

You’re welcome brother

[@NetterForest]

Incredible tip. Very very valuable information!!!!.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks man, I am glad it was useful to you. Thank you for watching.

[@Reelsmokaz]

Dope tip appreciate you sharing the knowledge! I’m gonna try this on my mpc4000!

[@TheCratesMotel]

Ah man, I miss my 4000.

[@BeatsByGemsmiff]

Very nice tip! 👌🏾

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks dude and thank you for watching

[@Eagles4life221]

You're awesome 🤘 started off as a drummer myself too. Keep it up with these MPC tips! 🎚️

[@TheCratesMotel]

Ah thanks dude. I’m glad there is something there for you. Thank you for watching.

[@kingrueone]

This is an incredible tip. thank you for posting

[@TheCratesMotel]

You’re welcome mate

[@nicks.8003]

Do you ever play with offset for a single layered sound? I think it is also a nice way to push a quantized snare ahead or behind the beat without moving the midi. It also could be useful for hits where the sample doesn’t start on the hit, but slightly before it. You can get that air in before the transient.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Yes that’s a great way of doing it. Thanks for watching.

[@mclite8746]

definitely helped me out a lot thanks

[@TheCratesMotel]

Always glad to be of help. Thank you for watching.

[@klauskowski4241]

I'm new to your channel. With only a few videos I've learned so much. Thank you, Conan ✌🏻

[@TheCratesMotel]

You’re welcome brother. Thank you for watching.

[@OBZRV82]

You, sir, have yourself another subscriber.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks dude 🙏🏼

[@RustyShacklefordIrishHipHop]

This is an absolute gem!

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching dude

[@RustyShacklefordIrishHipHop]

@@TheCratesMotel Always a pleasure. I fell a bit behind after a few videos but am back now. The level of knowledge and the topics covered on the channel I feel is head and shoulders above all other pure MPC content on YT - kudos to you!

[@gigamaxmusic]

Wow, the algorithm didn't like you😂 Shocking the quality you can find in the attic❤️

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@jjbing3]

Thank you! This is what I needed!!

[@TheCratesMotel]

You’re welcome 🙏🏼

[@InsideOutBeats]

Conan, excellent vid and knowledge shared here. Clearly you have a high level knowledge of the more technical tips and tricks. Keep these up man as you are helping many progress and 'level' up. I have not used or seen this technique before and should really use the program edit more. Appreciated. If I were to put in a request for something that I would personally like to see is vocal mixing as I like to use vocals in my beats and as I only mix and master in my MPC without any DAW I'd appreciate your knowledge on this especially with say an acapella and making it the best it can be. Thanks again.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching dude. Yes I will definitely be doing a vocal mix video soon.

[@philippebackprotips]

Interesting way. I usually put a 1/16 or so delay sync with no feedback to get that kind of result. I'll try this one as it saves one insert.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Exactly man, and as I said in the video, there are so many ways to get the same result, which is why I love the MPC so much. As you said, if you are in a position where you need to save an insert you can use this method. Also, I don't think you can adjust the swing on sync delays?? It's not attached to the Time Correction as far as I know.

[@philippebackprotips]

@@TheCratesMotel No you can't but you can set the swing on the hat itself, stil not the same thing. Maybe Delay Pro can do that, I tried the eval but didn't bought it so can't check as trial is over.

[@TheCratesMotel]

@@philippebackprotips it’s just great we have a bunch of options. I’ve not tried the new delay yet either.

[@vano2vano]

Super amazing videos, thanks you!

[@TheCratesMotel]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@HzofArt]

Excellent tutorial 🔥

[@sanblasisnice4070]

thank man! Really appreciate.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thank you for watching bro

[@ThaBeatBuffet]

Great video Conan! I just recently made a nice clap using offset that sounded great. Haven’t used it on hats yet because I just started using offset. But this is a great way to get the exact feel you want. Thanks for the video and are you still going to do the S1 and MPC sync video? Thanks

[@TheCratesMotel]

Hey man, yes it can sound great on claps. You get that live clap feeling. I have not had a chance to do any videos lately as I hav ebeen busy mastering for clients, but the S1 MPC sync is on my list.

[@therainmaka6455]

Nice 👍🏾

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thank you for watching 🙏🏼

[@Panlenerhouseofmusicandmore]

Shits smooth homie, I like it.

[@TheCratesMotel]

🙏🏼

[@jellemeeuwsen9842]

Love this!

[@TheCratesMotel]

🙏🏼

[@jorellfraser5135]

Hey been through a bunch of your videos todays learnt alot thanks to u👍🏽 do u have any videos on how to use the filter in envelope section

[@TheCratesMotel]

Hey dude, thank you for watching. I haven't touched on filters yet, but it is on the list.

[@jorellfraser5135]

Also one more thing mate so I've followed every step to get my hats swinging they you have done it in this video but everytime I press the pad I can only here a single note where on your video u press the pad and u hear two notes

[@TheCratesMotel]

@@jorellfraser5135 Hmm thats odd. Do you have the level turned up on layer 2?

[@jorellfraser5135]

@@TheCratesMotel I have layer 1 on 80 let's and layer 2 lower 30 40

[@jorellfraser5135]

@@TheCratesMotel does it have to be all the way up

[@sb2406]

I have been using this technique but in the wrong way, adding the delay (and lowering the velocity) on the first hit instead of the second. Thanks for the advice.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching dude. I guess there is not really a wrong way of doing it, but it's good to have more than one option.

[@dj_muggzy]

Great tip!

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks dude. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@bartboguski635]

G.O.A.T !

[@TheCratesMotel]

🙏🏼

[@molech7640]

Dope beat

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thank you dude

[@SuperJg1975]

thank you

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thank you for watching dude

[@JosephAirborne]

I was wondering with the knobs you have on your MPC do you get a slight delay from the Q-links when first turning them? I have some similar that do that.

[@TheCratesMotel]

I have them on both my One and my Live 2. With the Live 2 they are 100% responsive. With the One, initially there was an issue with one of them. I had to tap it first sometimes. I took it off and cleaned inside the hole with a QTip. Now all knobs are as responsive as the OG knobs.

[@JosephAirborne]

@@TheCratesMotel Thanks I'll try the QTip to see if that helps. I have a Live 2.

[@ScottESippin]

You sample your drums in from a turntable? My kick drum always has too much of a harsh attack.

[@TheCratesMotel]

I use various ways to sample. Sometimes straight from a turntable, iPhone, etc, sometimes drag and drop from my laptop. If you are finding your transients are harsh on your kicks, maybe consider using the Air Transient to soften the attack, or use some compression. To soften transients with compression, use a quicker attack. Thanks for watching.

[@Beatxtract]

Use the same hat on same pad..Lay the first hat then shift to half level and change your tc or turn it off and fill in behind the first hat sequence. Way faster in my opinion.

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching. I find my method faster IMO, but there is no right or wrong and they both work.

[@beatsandsamples]

@@TheCratesMotel Yeh same, your method is quicker and you have way more control.

[@MrSRellz]

Great tips you’re dropping on your channel. I tried to do this on the MPC software on the computer (I have the MPC studio 2) but it seems that the “sample layer offset” does not exist, unless I’m missing something? I see velocity and the randomise offset but not the sample layer offset. I guess this feature is only on the standalone hardware

[@TheCratesMotel]

Ohhh I hadn’t noticed that. That’s a bit odd. I’ll check it out later. Thanks for watching dude.

[@MrSRellz]

@@TheCratesMotel thank you for the excellent MPC videos. It is odd as I thought the software was the same on the computer and the hardware.

[@TheCratesMotel]

@@MrSRellz Yes me too

[@MrSRellz]

@@TheCratesMotel I’ve found the answer! On the computer, you can change the offset in the Wave(form) Editor View. Shift +W 🙌

[@TheCratesMotel]

@@MrSRellz ahhh good shout

[@kellysk8er]

By any chance do you know how to do this in the Akai Force? It looks so simple in MPC One but I'm am having a lot of trouble figuring out how to do it in my Akai Force. Thanks ❤

[@TheCratesMotel]

Hey, I am afraid I don't actually. I have never used a Force before. There is a guy called Marcus who runs a channel www.youtube.com/@healthymusic50 He might be able to help. He uses a Force and runs courses and tutorials.

[@kellysk8er]

@@TheCratesMotel Thanks for the reply! I actually figured out how to do it shortly after I sent that message. The menu to get to the sample layers and offset was in a hidden menu and I saw another video that helped me figure out how to get to that menu. Thanks so much for having this video. I was able to make a couple great sounding reggae and hip hop beats using this offset hi hat idea along with overdubbing different hi hat variations. Sounds awesome!

[@lennyb3932]

Does this work with the MPC2000?

[@TheCratesMotel]

As far as I can remember yes. I haven’t used a 2000 in over 20 years.

[@lennyb3932]

@@TheCratesMotel Hey thanks for the reply and great videos!

[@TheCratesMotel]

@@lennyb3932 Thanks mate 🙏🏼

[@undergrounderCDA]

👍👍👍👍

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching brother

[@FewAndSecret11]

great tutorial!

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks for watching dude

[@djokenzi]

Great stuff, Conan!

[@TheCratesMotel]

Thanks man, I hope there is something there for you. Thank you for watching.