How to: Mpc1000 as the center of a hardware setup for electronic music, no computer necessary

[@ranzee]

Such an informative, honest and practical video. Well done mate - lots of people will learn from this!

[@spookypen]

Just like to say that this is the video that sold me on the MPC2500, just seeing the workflow being used was a huge help, thanks dude.

[@stephenhare7369]

This was fantastic - thanks for taking the time to explain your workflow. May the music be with you!!

[@elusivemite]

Thanks for sharing. Just confirmed the method I have in mind will work. Hopefully my 1000 arrives next week

[@buckflowens]

This has been incredibly useful. I have an MPC500 and a couple synths I'll be trying this out with later. Thanks!

[@agusyacob5040]

4 years later, how did it go? same idea here now :)

[@buckflowens]

@@agusyacob5040 Hilarious because I just got everything setup how I want it. Midi controller into the MPC, Midi out to the XR20 thru it’s midi thru out to midi solutions Quadra thru which outputs to 4 synths. Or whatever I want to hook them up to. I’m glad that it’s actually possible.

[@almadixon-cider31]

Dude, I love Your Setup! Classic, Tactile, Get Her Done Hardware! I Know This Is Late AF!

[@jimijamma6106]

simple, direct to the point and very informative, thank you.

[@danielhornecker]

thank you! I've been so overwhelmed for a while and this definitely gave some clarity.

[@chadpescod-realtor3308]

Wow. Ypu have most of what I want. An ms2000, 101 (clone for me is fine), mpc1000 (have it and love it), bass station. Very nice setup. Great video too.

[@bobbyarctor4735]

4 years later..thanks man, this has got me fired to get my set-up down- that is; moving the focus away from the PC/ Mac & towards the MPC (& other instruments). I know this is the way forward (for me)- internet OFF, creativity GO! I got a sign in my studio that I wrote- it says, 'INTERNET IS A TOOL, DON'T BE A TOOL.'

[@drnocka-rocksteady]

Your setup is dope, but where's the chair budget?

[@wm_shadde]

Eric Jackson lol, that chair is awesome! it goes high enough to almost stand and lean against, and low enough to sit comfortably. and it was only 20$ at the thrift store... and the cat fits in it perfectly lol

[@drnocka-rocksteady]

will I'm just joking. That chair could be the secret to creativity.

[@BobbyHoward73]

LOLOLOL

[@marcmistermarc]

Thanks for doing this way back when... it’s helped me understand several things. I have been writing on a DAW and bought the 1k for live sequencing. It’s going to work for me I just need to put the time in. It’s one of the few sequencers that include a proper song mode in 2019.

[@particlesintowaves8842]

GREAT video man. I am going to be getting an MPC 1000 soon and this video confirms that it will be a perfect "brain" to my setup.

[@Taka_Takata]

You just confirmed that the workflow I have in mind is possible, thanks! The only difference is that I would trigger extra drum samples from the MPC 1000 itself along with the rest. Also glad to see that multibar polyphonic pads via MIDI work fine (up to the sequence length, I guess...) Gonna start hunting for a MPC. 👍

[@monsirto]

I use MPC Live. This video was still extremely useful. 5 stars 👍. My humble suggestion, an additional sequencer with decent randomisation and outs slaved to the MPC (eg: BSP or similar).

[@Phoneticbeats]

Awesome set up. Great use of the 1000.

[@jamsloud8103]

Nice video! I have my studio routed almost identically. Like you mentioned at the end of the video I am also interested in routing things so that I can play each synth and record the notes back to the MPC. What kind of midi router would allow this? I haven't seen anything that can do the trick?!?

[@mobileapp1]

Hi, for such midi routing tasks you could use a Midi patchbay like the „MIDI Express XT“ from motu.com. motu.com/products/midi/xpressxt_usb This device lets you program your midi routes on computer as you desire and the uploading to the device. After that it works standalone (no need for a computer).

[@ClassicCult]

07:40 u had some nice italo disco going on before that bassline

[@davebell3684]

nicely done mate. similar set up at mine but a yamaha sequencer and "proper" mixer.

[@multipreach2674]

Is it easy enough to hook up a turntable do you need an interface or just a dj mixer ?

[@user-qf4zs6qj4c]

You'll need a phono pre-amp to boost the turntable signal to line level, then that goes into the MPC audio input (assuming you want to sample it). That phono pre-amp can be in a DJ mixer, a hi-fi amp (especially an old one if you want cheap), or as a standalone device.

[@duberxl9717]

Great setup! Would love to know what midi splitter you are using on the back of the Kawai MX8R/how it is hooked up. Thanks!

[@Trackaddicts]

Hey bro! Nice Video/Set up!! What city are you located in?

[@andrefriza8723]

great video! what would be a good midi router to play each instrument for itself thru the mpc and then record the sequences? I also think about using one controller for everything, but would be great to just play the instrument and tweak knobs while Im recording sequences on mpc.

[@illGatesMusic]

Really appreciate the knowledge! Thanks so much!

[@willmich1]

Thumbs up because I use a controller with my MPC 1000. MIDI out to my instruments, and I use A/B channels! 😀 I run my sounds to Yamaha Mixer and thru the MPC! Whoop!

[@htechdance]

Thanks for the reply Will!

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

I like the how you’re setup. I’ve been trying to find the “perfect” table for that U-stable arrangement you have. They exist, but they’re crazy expensive. Think I’m just gonna get three similar tables and call it a studio🤷🏽‍♂️ Also trying to figure out which device of mine will/can serve as your MPC is functioning in your studio. This video is a big help. Funny, I used to have that exact MPC. May need to get another or a sequencer of some sort. I use Logic X for the most part, but with 6 synths, a Spark LE, an MPD218, loads of VSTs and iOS synths, I’d like to be capable of just jamming with sync sans Logic sometimes.

[@storehausholdingllc406]

Thanks for this man!!! What are you using for mixdown

[@chandravadanbachhav197]

Honest Attempt to educate newbies !

[@cjwillis6965]

I used to run my setup through my MPC300 before I went DAW with Ableton. Just picked up a MPC Live might go back to this. LOL

[@wm_shadde]

How do you like the MPC Live? Since I don't do much sampling, I am on the fence with either the Live or the Social Entropy Engine as a sequencer

[@faitken193]

Can I use the mpc1000 as an audio playback machine for live performance? I'd prefer this instead of using a laptop. Basically playback the songs without specific parts that we'd play live. It's 7 songs about 4 min each.

[@wm_shadde]

@@faitken193 as other chime in with their experiences, I'd say I prefer the sp-404 mk2 for this kind of audio playback. You'd have to check the manual to see if the mpc1k could even load that length of audio into one project..

[@faitken193]

Cool, thanks for the help.

[@anthonyellis5517]

Awesome set up

[@Zemael]

I have a similar setup! Nice. Did you find a way to do it without stoping? As on ableton live? Thanks.

[@wm_shadde]

Sure, just toggle between turning dub off and on, or record off and on while the sequence is playing to record/dub new midi in. Probably want to turn the click off or down if you're performing as long as you have some method of keeping time

[@R_Durand]

What’s the black 2U device in the rack under the Drum Station? Mixer?

[@konradhausmann6359]

Kawai MX8r line mixer

[@wickedmelodiesent.2051]

Dope Video bro!! The way u have it connected are you still able to play off each different hardware 🎹 instead of midi controller ???

[@daangraanbanaan]

16:24 😉

[@sascharurik527]

Hey: I have a question: Is there a way that I can connect my Synthesizer MIDI OUT to my MPC-1000 MIDI IN; and then get a MIDI THRU from my MPC-1000 to my Audio Capture Edirol UA-25EX?? That way, when I'm recording in My DAW, I don't have to keep on disconnecting and connecting the cord.... In other words, thus far, I've been going MIDI OUT from the Synthesizer to The Audio Capture; and then when I use the MPC-1000 as a controller, I just disconnect the Synthesizer and connect The MPC-1000..... (I just want to use The Synthesizer as a controller when making the music, and the MPC-1000 also as a controller when making the beats.) Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million.

[@al.cavalu]

Get a MIDI splitter, like DoReMIDI?

[@htechdance]

I aplogize in my last comment I said the microlite requires a computer and just found out it can be powered by a USB hub. th the rack items can be purchased minus the MS 2000. Nevertheless, I am still interested in the rack you have and the Kawai mixer that does the splitting . Please inform as to where

[@williamhatcher4471]

Great video, fellow Will! I'm curious about the midi routing with so many synths. I run a 4000 and want to, once money allows, have several synths running through it. Anyone have recommendations on good midi routers? I want to be able to run midi in and out to/from various devices (4-5) into the 4 outs and 2 ins of the mpc. I've got a controller for my semi-mod, but I know I'll prefer to jam direct on the synth, especially when I save enough to get a poly... Cheers!

[@wm_shadde]

Sup Will, a couple of 4:1 midi boxes should do the trick. Use them to route the ins since you have enough outs. And it your 1 or 2 short on the outs, put the synths that have a 'thru' in between the 4k and another synth.. I've greatly reduced the complexity of my setup and will be making a new video.. as soon as the akai force comes in

[@popcycles]

I got a question. Why can't you use the Bass Station as a controller too? I mean is it possible to have your controller and the bass station both be controllers so you can use all the knobs on the different gear and the MPC will then play it all back? It seems to be limited to just one controller controlling the other gear that has it's own knobs. Is it possible to have it set up as I described: Can there be a set up where each piece of gear that has it's own knobs or keys play to the mpc and the mpc will play it back? I've always wondered about this.

[@hughchapman5319]

Interesting question. Not all knobs on gear will send midi info. The way I think of it, a midi sequencer like the mpc1000 used in this vid tells outboard gear what notes to play at what velocity etc. Knobs can be tweaked while the gear us playing the midi and the resulting audio can then be recorded into a DAW or onto tape or whatever.

[@StevenSclafani]

Really enjoyed this. You're totally in a flow state. My MPC1000 is used in a very similar fashion. One trick I use is to copy synth or bass tracks and just change the MIDI channel to layer different machines playing the same part. It helps thicken things up. Did you ever update your monitor? That Behringer is not doing your gear justice.

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

btw, The Human League called. They want their track back😄 love the League!

[@anthonyellis5517]

Thanks for sharing 👌🏾

[@htechdance]

Where do you get a rack like that? I don't need the MS2000 because I have a MicroKorg but those two mixers (the Kawai and other) that are rack-mountable I have no idea where you get those from as well as that cool rack? Also the idea of a "midi-splitter" is fascinating- I currently only have a microlite which requires computer- which of these mixers acts as the midi-splitter? I do own an MPC 1000 with JS OS1 and am saving the $74 to get OS3 right now. I have never synced with more than one external synth and noticed the comment where they mentioned you used the midi-thrus but there are only two ins and outs midi on the MPC 1000 and would really enjoy getting a hardware "splitter" that could sync many instruments. Please inform

[@wm_shadde]

The rack stand can be found here: amzn.to/2dzHQBv The kawaii mixer and the Drumstation are both ebay or reverb items. I picked up the mixer locally for 40? USD if I remember correctly. The drumstation was a bit harder to come by and imo sounds awesom for the size.

[@josephpassamonte2449]

I use a setup similar to this but I run my BS2 through a Zoom G1on fx pedal. In order to not lose the effects between sessions, should I record it into my MPC and put it on a pad to sequence? Am I missing something?

[@bukaglasna]

Can u record midi cc from all the synths on the mpc in this setup like filter cutoff on the bs2? Thanx

[@Zemael]

Hi, on my MPC 5000 it never mutes the Korg CX3 (II) track. Generaly it mutes the equipment on the track and not the track itself. So I can not mute the seuencer line and play the line directly myself. Your 1000 has the original OS? Thank you.

[@wm_shadde]

yep akai os on mine.. and I am not sure about the mute issue on the 5k.. On the 1k, when you mute the track, you can play the instrument live because the mpc is only muting the midi data going out. But you if you mute the track you cannot use the pads to play from that selected track as that midi data is muted as well..

[@winstonedwards]

Have a question for you. I am running a pretty similar setup, with a KeyStep running into my MPC, and the MPC MIDI out going to a MIDI splitter connected to my synths. However one little annoyance I've come up with is that you can't disable the "active track" MIDI input. So if I am not on the intended receiving track(s) on my MPC, and in, say, a drum program, it plays both the drum program and the external synth at the same time when I hit keys. This is simply worked around by making sure I'm on the track that I want to play/record on, but it would be nice if I could play ONLY the synth no matter what track I have in focus. Any ideas?

[@blowstudiouk1594]

Hi Winston I've been trying to figure this out too. My master keyboard triggers the drum pads as well as its synth sounds and I can't yet find a way to separate the two. However it might be worth looking at multitimbre setting if you have OS2XL. That seems to assign each track its own midi channel. I haven't tried it tho, need to upgrade the OS first :)

[@anastasiablank6208]

did you figure this out?

[@oele]

running with a mpc 500 as the center. i would like to use the sequencers of my drummachine's. but they are not starting.. what im a doing wrong?

[@JeezVince]

Cool vid! Just a couple of questions: If you got all midi sequences ready in the MPC, is it easy to navigate and launch them during a live performance or it is more of a studio gear when it come to send midi to external gear? Can you easily import midi files from a computer to the MPC? If no, I guess you still can record from Ableton Live (as an example) straight to the MPS?

[@wm_shadde]

With the stock os, you can mute/unmute tracks instantly in track mute mode (you get 64 tracks per sequence). Very good for live use. With jjos, i think, you can actually 'launch' midi clips on demand. Sequences (the highest level of container on mpc) can be queued or arranged in song mode as well. I, however, prefer to make my sequences track length or simply compose on the fly based on 16 or 32 bar loops.. As for importing, once you get the hang of how the track should be structured, importing mutlitrack midi is as easy as copy and paste to the cf card or hdd. And yes, you can record anything that outputs midi data (hardware or software), but onl 1 track at a time.

[@JeezVince]

That's just perfect... Im really thinking about buying one with a virus ti2 to use together.

[@danicsibra1951]

Will NEVER get rid of my 1000.

[@fritz3802]

What's a cheap hardware only setup for recording onto tape

[@LohPro]

would you lose the tightness of the MPC sequencing, if you wanted to sequence hardware synths + using the MPC to trigger drums off the computer (FL Studio)... and having the MPC sequence all of it together? I figure if I'd be incorporating the PC, that it would throw the timing off, as opposed to just having all my hardware synths sequenced. Reason I ask, is because I could use transient shapers on my drums to make them "hit" harder & I could scroll & find drums MUCH quicker than on the MPC itself.

[@lugo4905]

That depends on your computer's latency. If you have very little latency, then you should be fine. However, it's probably a good idea to just sample individual hits and save them on you mpc

[@markchristopher2signal2]

Hello and good day, do I save my sequences n songs on a diskette? Or it has its own storage

[@wm_shadde]

They save to the MPC internal storage.

[@M.T.G.]

I love electronic music, but I hate computers (DAW). VSTS are horrible !!! COOL VIDEO :)

[@BlauHD]

Quick question, are each synth recorded on different tracks on reaper or are all recorded onto one track and if so how do you get around this with mixing?

[@wm_shadde]

at the time, i was using reaper as a stereo recorder (everything premixed on the fly). Now I have a multichannel interface to record to separate channels, then bounce it out to a stereo tape recorder, then back to reaper to tweak the final eq

[@BlauHD]

will thanks for the reply, could you tell me which multichannel interface you’re using or maybe recommend a good one as I’ve pretty much the same setup just with a 2000xl. Thanks again

[@wm_shadde]

I am using a Komplete audio 6. This is partly because I have vastly slimmed down my setup and have focused on acid so I don't need/use many channels. BUT mostly because it has spdif that works with the mpc1000. I was going to go with a higher channel focusrite interface but it seems that the spdif is not compatible with the mpc line (something about not enough voltage?) so I would avoid them completely

[@BlauHD]

will could you maybe help me with my setup as I’ve been confused for months on what’s the best way to produce my music. As I said I’ve a similar setup with a 2000xl,a drum machine, 4 synths, midi splitter, steinberg interface and a 18 channel mixer. I previously just sampled everything into the mpc but it’s just time consuming more than anything. Do you think if I switched the interface for one of these multitrack interfaces I could record everything at the same time separately into Reaper? Thanks sorry for taking up your time

[@wm_shadde]

Yes, that seems like the next logical step.. it really depends on how many channels you get and how much time you want to spend recording. A stereo synth will take up 2 channels, drums could take as many as you'd like, or at least as many outputs you have on the mpc.. You might even look into soundcraft 22 channel signature mtk mixer. That would replace your current mixer and it has a built in 22 channel interface.. might work for you. Spend time creating and arranging on the mpc and then record it all in one go with everything separated.

[@alexovercast3359]

Which JJOS are you using?

[@wm_shadde]

Stock akai 2.13 if I remember correctly, no jjos

[@Arperture]

Off topic, but do you have a MS2000 and a MS2000R? KInda redundant, no?

[@wm_shadde]

ChasingDogma I've sold the keyboard version since this video, but not redundant at all.. you can chain them together for 8 voices of polyphony, which was nice

[@justinurra2718]

it cant play two patterns from the same synth at once then fade out one, correct? you have to totally mute the track before playing another track from the same synth..sorry Im a noob

[@wm_shadde]

You can play multiple patterns at the same time, they will just over lap. Not sure about fading one out, unless you programmed in a decreasing velocity for a pseudo fade

[@captmcgravy2669]

never shoulda sold that kawai mixer...

[@kiefhouse]

How did you get your midi controller to learn the functions of the MPC? I'm trying to get my controller to switch through my different hardware instruments and can't seem to figure it out. Sweet vid by the way. Appreciate you taking the time to do this.

[@wm_shadde]

AstralBliss basically, the controller will need need to be able to switch midi channels. When the mpc is set to 'soft thru', whatever come through the inputs will be sent out of both outputs. So if you play notes on midi channel 1 into the mpc and have a synth plugged in to mpc midi output AND set to receive midi on 1, then it should sound (regardless of the midi channel that is set on the mpcs current track.) Make sure each of your instruments are set to receive different midi tracks and you should be good.

[@kiefhouse]

Thanks man! appreciate it

[@wm_shadde]

AstralBliss right on, link back when you get some tracks up

[@staxmontega9553]

I have a MPC1000 I just got and I need someones guidance. I want to be able to load wav frm my laptop and I cant seem to find any help

[@wm_shadde]

The sure fire way to do this is find and download MPCMaid (is a Java app) and use it on the PC to build your programs. If you can't hear it in the app, then your wav is in the wrong format. Then save and transfer with a cf card (careful with those pins). I rarely got the USB connection to work and then had to reboot after connecting. But if you're going that route, connect the USB cable on both ends and then use Mode - Load - USB tab to check the connection status. If no connection, try a different cable.. that's been an issue for me too, that's why I went the cf card route..

[@MrMammovies]

How do you have it connected to the MachineDrum?

[@hughchapman5319]

midi cable

[@platinumedgemusic9293]

I routed my production set like this from my MPC 2000xl for years. Then I went DAW in 2004.....it was the worst creative move. I went back analog in 2011.

[@anteeko]

Are you back to use the 2000xl?

[@platinumedgemusic9293]

I sold my 2000xl, now have a 1000 jjos

[@AnxiousCowboy]

why run stereo out to another mixer? trying to understand mixers and set ups better...

[@wm_shadde]

Basically, this was done because i didn't have a mixer with enough channels. But sometimes its a good idea: for example, if you had all of your drums separated and ran through mixer A , you could submix them down (effects/panning/eq/etc) and then send your stereo pair out to another mixer with the rest of your instruments. Best bet though is to start with a mixer with enough channels

[@AnxiousCowboy]

ok cool thanks. so you can connect mixers to each other from the stereo out to in? I like the idea of having a smaller mixer dedicated to drums

[@j-yc.1846]

hello mate , is it possible to contact you in PV for some advices ? please

[@ClassicCult]

so the 3 midi thrus you send midi to everything?

[@wm_shadde]

yep, and then use the thru on to the next one if I'm short on outs

[@zazz63]

7.17 ...that was bronski beat ...what’s the problem?

[@datsnasty1819]

Very helpful video! What midi controller are you using?

[@datsnasty1819]

Yes i did. i have mpc 1000 and the video was helpful. just wanted to know what was the model of keyboard thats all.

[@Labyrinth1010]

Dats Nasty I'm almost positive it's an Edirol PCR-300. I think they're discontinued. Novation make some great controllers, too.

[@Psyhoduck]

Nice free cost sticker ;)

[@rubenpineda1716]

Thanks mate!

[@DrakDeth]

what mpc OS are u running?

[@wm_shadde]

I am using the stock akai os with the last update. I haven't felt the need to get jjos...

[@roym1444]

Can i ask you some question regarding syncing . Im aiming to get my mpc 2500 as the master, running with ableton and my two synths via a kenton quad midi adapter and a Scarlett 2i4.

[@Zaqwilson1]

schematic please? :) :) thanks for video

[@R_Durand]

Ooh you have 2 MS2000’s u can MIDI chain them for 8 voices 🤗

[@ClassicCult]

ableton live is my mpc currently

[@JoseLopez-fb5yv]

cool

[@workethicrecords5901]

All I know about the MS2000 is that you can't just have 1 of them.

[@woabeatz9717]

Damn bud....you bought all of this new....?

[@wm_shadde]

No! Most purchased used for maximum savings

[@woabeatz9717]

@@wm_shadde cool

[@NyakzOTSD]

great tutorial but honestly the music was trash (sorry)!! woow!! Question - When/if you do a live gig do you carry all your equipment?

[@wm_shadde]

lol, you're right, I should have sat down beforehand and worked up a proper composition, and maybe even recorded direct, but in all honesty, i just don't care that much.. Nah too much gear to haul around. I sample most things down to the mpc (the new mpcx/live will make that much better with audio tracks!) and maybe take 2 synths to play licks and tweak knobs + effects. All that being said, the setup has changed quite a bit since a year ago, and doing more with less is the new goal. Less sampled, more live sequencing.

[@NyakzOTSD]

Glad you didn't take offence!! And yes sometimes less is more too many options in music can be problematic lol

[@C0V1LSeSSi0nS]

where can we listen to your music work?

[@R_Durand]

Yeah do u have a SoundCloud or bandcamp?

[@RaymondCastile]

Who is the bust?

[@wm_shadde]

ah! that would be Vlad III aka Vlad the Impaler. Inspiration comes in many forms :-)

[@maximiliandigregorio]

Nice studio setup ,, thanks for showing and explaining, subsc, your channel, check my if you want, greetings from Italy m.

[@ClassicCult]

behringer sucks. get a mackie 1202 :D