Mixing Your Beats CORRECTLY (DO THIS FIRST) MPC X Beat Making - MPC One, MPC Live 2

[@teddybeargram3]

Great video. Most plugins have a input and an output volume fader. So you can control how hot the signal is going into the plugin. And then after you adjust use the output to keep your volume at the same level as when it went in the plugin. Volume levels coming out after you use a plugin whether eq compressor or distortion will trick a person into believing it sounds better just cause its louder. Mixing has nothing to do with loudness at the end of the day. Mixing is sculpting frequency and correcting phase issue and placement of all tracks to have a good stereo image. What this guy is explaining is gainstaging. And it is one of the most important tools we have in our mix arsenal. When you mix dont worry about how loud everything is. Worry about how everything melds together. What frequencies clash what frequencies phase each other out. Pulling certain important sounds to the front of the track while setting supporting sounds to the back then at the end of the mixing and cleaning stage. After you fixed phase issues and made all the sounds sit in a good stereo field and got rid of muddiness and conflicting frequencies. Then you get your mix louder. When its said and done if you can get your mix sounding right and its hitting -6 to -3 db. Then your track can be mastered properly. You will hear a total difference. When you attack a track with this mindframe. In my humble opinion

[@MusicWizard85]

Great comment and tip! Thank you. 🙏

[@luisfarias134]

That is the first thing beginners should learn, the next thing is equing. Thanks for the video.

[@SuperQuazemodo]

Excellent tip...a lot of ppl dont know how to mix nor understand the concept simple tutorials such as this is well needed and I commend u brother keep banging.

[@DaDrankKang]

🙏🏾 glad to help out

[@jameshutchins7042]

Lmao. I knew exactly who u were referring to with the coffee. You do get right to the point with your videos. They are also very informative. This upcoming week I made my music goal to watch as many of your videos as possible. Keep the good work up.

[@WaynePryce]

I use the hornet vu meter for what you're doing. It's called gain staging, and the VU helps you do it in bulk vs. trk by trk. Salute

[@exodusgrindtimerecordings1778]

I can’t lie your videos are very intuitive the way u explain things is on point

[@DaDrankKang]

Much thanks. I try my best. 🙏🏾

[@gumboonwax]

I am so glad that u bout the craft, the creativity, the journey when puttin' these masterpieces together ... Thank you for what you do and stayin' true to u✊🏽

[@DaDrankKang]

Always glad to help

[@forsale313]

Yes indeed this will help. Thank you so Much.

[@bashali4068]

Drank Kang got the “One Stop Shop” for everything on Beat Making and sound production 👌🏾

[@AndytheWoodButcher]

Thanks so much! I made a fantastic track when i loaded to a track sounded tinny and quiet. But on the software it was running hot and sounded load. This helps so much

[@DRDUNNY]

Da Drank Kang dope cookup bro 🔥🔥🎶 keep working fam

[@DaDrankKang]

Much appreciated

[@darkmajniss]

Man this helps alot very thorough information ive been on class mode ever since i bought this mpc. Thanks alot stay up much luv, and positive energy to the you definite channel subscription.

[@kimebel2755]

This is amazing! Thank you for putting this up!

[@DaDrankKang]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ravi_Charran]

This is so helpful the most helpful video once you trying to make beats on a laptop

[@rpolk9743]

Brotha...you are the absolute best at this thing!!!! RESPECT!

[@pray4megaming670]

bro, I love your channel. You always drop in Jules respect can you make a video on how to place your 808 when making ia beat and how to get your 808 to sound like you’re beat

[@MKCastle26]

How does this man only have 17K subscribers? He should have millions.

[@DaDrankKang]

Not everyone on KZbin is after subs. Some of us do this just to help out. That's all. 👍🏾

[@MKCastle26]

@@DaDrankKang Much appreciated, too. I love your content. I just feel that you deserve more.

[@lovelexburgundy]

Thank you for the helpful tips!

[@REMRODFILMS]

Gain Staging is everything!

[@villanosamoficial]

Great!!!!

[@TieDiesel]

Man! I really appreciate you bro. This really helped me. Many blessings to you and yours.

[@DaDrankKang]

You're very welcome

[@Blockstarbeatz155]

big fkn help thanks my guy . i really wnted moreperfect sound for my beats and songs 👍👍👍

[@DJFRANKNICE34]

Wow! Thanks for the great info, I'm a new subscriber and I will be definitely checking out all of your videos.... 💯💯💯💪💪

[@DaDrankKang]

Welcome to the channel 🙏🏾

[@andyambience1269]

thank you for the free knowledge

[@jessetorres3663]

Nice! Can I do this on the MPC Standalone?

[@larryshields3839]

Thank you sir. All information helps.

[@DaDrankKang]

Glad to help out. 💯 🙏🏾

[@QUDASCIENTISTTV]

Thanks! Been looking for this.

[@ChrisMcConvilleMusic]

Great tip - thanks!

[@michaelbarhammb]

Thanks D. I have learned so much from your videos. I really appreciate you!!!

[@DaDrankKang]

All good 🙏🏾 glad to help out

[@kingrabeats_2025]

Your Studio is lit 🔥 fam thanks for the awesome information. 💯💯

[@prodxJew]

Thank you so much from a beginner like myself in MPC. This was golden for me!

[@ahleempennyfeather18]

I'm thankful my guy

[@urieldeveaud]

very good tips here ! MPC software is very sensitive todistortion and satu, if the volume goes to 0 ! limiting to -0.3 will definitly removepops and cracks

[@philippebackprotips]

Interesting. I am using MUtility for this but the GST gain knob seems nice too! Seems there is no pre/post fader option in MPC Software. Focused tips videos like this one are great.

[@DaDrankKang]

Hopefully they will bring that feature. 👍🏾

[@philippebackprotips]

@@DaDrankKang I ran an experiment since adding gain plugins in inserts eats up one slot (BlueCat Patchwork notwithstanding, but that is not always very visual when looking for what is going on). So, when I route a program to a submix, the fader on the program can act as a gain control and then inserts put on the submix have the proper level. So, using a gain plugin to have an idea/better view on what is going on first and then setting the program fader to the right position would be an option. Hornet plugin is great indeed for easy gain setting. On sale now, half price, so, snatching it. Thanks for all of your work, the more I progress, the more I appreciate it. Now, I realize that the MIDI track fader kind of adjusts the input level pre fader of the programs. More investigation needed.

[@calvincorley7675]

Great information

[@DaDrankKang]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ErickGalloway-x2k]

Thank you so much man. All love.

[@samgoldsberry3029]

Nice.

[@LawrinMaxwellsmpc500]

Thanks brother man! You have the best videos on MPC

[@markdabeattraffickerm1051]

Thanks

[@TAZZYFRFR]

Thanks bo frfr this really helped me out.

[@DaDrankKang]

Glad I could help

[@gamandello]

Very useful and instructive video. Thanks for sharing

[@bosslife_bangin]

Great advice...💨🎛️

[@Mr.KeionDerey]

Thank you for this great content. Instant subscribe. road to 15k. Salute.

[@MrBlueHaze]

Knowledge is key. Thanks Brother man

[@Artistlife1]

I totally appreciate the meter you put on the track to check levels. Has 2.11 changed any of this? I see under q-links Pad Scene and Pad Parameters. Why don’t these achieve the same thing in terms of adjusting level? It “seems” Pad Parameters has levels control for each pad. The question is, are these controls at the right place in the signal chain. Seems like something Akai should be aware of. That they know what they are doing. Would like to know your experience. Me: “Not a bedroom producer, just a guy in a bed room.”

[@soulyah144k]

Do you eq the samples ( high mids lows ) 1st? then check adjust volumes, or the otherway around ? Bomb channel thnx Kang!

[@cashbrown3209]

Another gem! Thank you Bro!

[@CupofCloud]

gorgeous beat

[@fauxshowbro]

Appreciate your videos man. I was hoping to be the 10k sub. Dang you're close.

[@IsshmanGarcia]

Can also use the TrackUtility MK2 itself: set to peak, set the max level you want(-6 or-12 or whatever) and select AUTO and press play on the track so it automatically lowers the level to desired value. Essentially the same process as the Hornet VU/LU Meter you used in the "Gain Stage" video you previously released. Good stuff to know.

[@jackmademusic]

Bro I appreciate your help. Thanks for making this video. Iv been producing a for a while now. And you always show me something I didn't know. Good work bro.

[@CrossoverFlowMuzik]

Man that was very informative. Thanks !

[@DaDrankKang]

Glad to help.

[@jaycemusic360francis8]

Thanks bro

[@DjTrickey]

thx for the tip

[@TwizzyTwade]

Never knew that one great tips !!!

[@RosssRoyce]

11+K and still going!! You’ve got the best vibe! I just got this machine, it’s so flexible and allow sound molding, I wish I could bounce a selection of tracks into one audio wave and continue with the composition: like this very complex textures can be made without encumbering the CPU.. I’m talking about the MPC one standalone.

[@jacobmontes2330]

Like clip gaining 🙏🏽 I was doing this in pro tools didn't know I was able to on Mpc. Thank you

[@tonysmooth9387]

Thanks a lot for sharing man. Really good, clear and usefull informations.

[@mossomstylz]

Can you do some tutorials on mixing just using stand alone, good video! Thanks

[@DaDrankKang]

I dont use standalone. It is the old way of making beats. Just on newer machines. It doesn't matter what you are on or what plugins you use. The concepts still applies if you understand them. If you need personal help my sessions are always available. Links are always in the video descriptions. 👍🏾

[@mossomstylz]

@@DaDrankKang I respect that you only use the computer, I thought maybe you did both, to spend that much on the x and only use it as a controller, the stand alone is the first way not the old way without it there would be no so called new way. Thanks

[@DaDrankKang]

@@mossomstylz No matter the opinions... the fact is you are doing the same exact thing I was doing 10 years ago. 👍🏾 You are just on a newer machine with newer features. That's all. But the good part is learning the software first will teach you both. Learning standalone will still leave you clueless as to how the software works. 💯 If I want to use standalone I will go hook up my MPC5000 and rock out. lol! I purchased this new machine to go forward. Not to go back to what I was doing before. As much as I respect standalone and came from it ... im just not trying to go backwards. I would rather learn this new age of software and keep up with the moving culture. The same way I put my old CDMA phone away and learned the new smart phone era. 😅

[@mossomstylz]

@@DaDrankKang mad respect kang, but it's not an opinion standalone is the first way, I'm well learned on the daws but opportunities are presenting themselves for live performances, but I can't perform efficiently on stage with a computer, im using my (old mpc's) to perform but was looking for some insight on mixing in the live so I can make my rig even smaller and get away from the computer.

[@DaDrankKang]

@@mossomstylz yes... I remember performing on stage (13 YEARS AGO) with the MPC200XL. I do the same now just a bit more efficiently with the software and its integration with other performance software. I am very aware of when standalone was introduced. Thanks for the history lesson. 😅 The opinions I speak of are which is "best". Not the era in which it was introduced. For me and my career standalone is a step backwards. For you and what you do... again I was doing the same thing 13 years ago just not as effectively. If you want to learn how to mix efficiently I provide 1on 1 help sessions for this. The concepts still apply with whatever you are using. That is the beauty of software. 👍🏾 All links are in the video descriptions.

[@molech7640]

Keep it up g very professional 👏

[@lordsesss]

Ty😊

[@DaDrankKang]

Very welcome!

[@Greenthumb8]

Thanks Man, that vst is pretty dope 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ZombCity]

What’s the difference between picking that plugin vs the vu meter one ?

[@DaDrankKang]

As the video says the plugin doesnt matter. Just the meter. As long as you can see your meter anything will do. 👍🏾

[@ZombCity]

Da Drank Kang Thanks

[@by_antony]

The lowering of the signal method works great on the drum packs with just the Hornet plugin - I note that once the track level has been turned down, identified by the Hortnet plugin, the Hornet plugin can be turned off and taken away, as the track volume remains reduced. How about for MIDI tracks which are not drums? To do the same process you need to use 2 plugins that if removed, result in the track volume returning to original value. Is there a better way to do this without having to utilize TWO of the four plugins for each 'stem'?

[@DaDrankKang]

Same concept on anything playing sound through a track. You can do this however you want. Just remember the overall concept. Do not let you fader deceive you.

[@lightsondentsout8637]

I Cant see my tracks to add the hornet and gain plugin? how do I add these. I just have the MPC free software I had with my akai purchase mpk Mini mk2

[@djfuzzymusic1715]

Yo man can you do a video on how to setup 808 drums sounds in MPC pad performer. Thanks

[@DaDrankKang]

Use VSTs that allow you to drop your own 808 samples in them. Very simple. 👍🏾

[@djfuzzymusic1715]

@@DaDrankKang So it can’t be done in pad performance mode in the MPC ?

[@DaDrankKang]

@@djfuzzymusic1715 pad performance mode is for VSTs. It puts VSTs in scales so you cant play a wrong note. Just go find a vst that allows you to use your own samples like omnishpere there are alot. Drop your own 808 sample in the vst then put the vst in pad perform mode. It will operate just like an instrument. 👍🏾

[@djfuzzymusic1715]

@@DaDrankKang Thanks Brother I’ve learned how to produce trap beats from your video’s. I was a boom bap producer and hated trap beats but you opened me up to them. Appreciate you. Peace.

[@DaDrankKang]

@@djfuzzymusic1715 🙏🏾 a real producer is an open producer. Leave the feelings off the table. It's not about what you like. It's about what your clients want. You dont buy your own music. The public does. It's just smart business to learn to make what sells. 💯

[@youtubechangedmyname4895]

Why would Akai have the signal get sent to plugin pre fader? Makes no sense, and I don't see much use for it being this way. How to I remedy this in standalone?

[@DaDrankKang]

All DAWs do this. It is the default. The reason is because it starts you out with the ability to control a signal flow of plugins to create. This shows how to change that signal flow for mixing and not just creating. Pre fader is how older consoles work. There is a button that switches it if needed when its time to start mixing. All DAWs will start you off with the ability to create first. Thats post fader. You will need to change that if needed when its time to level and mix.

[@djleggo9855]

Hey the Hornet plug-in is in Euro and it says 4,80€. What is that in American Dollars

[@culturecrushmusic]

Hi Da Drank Kang, great video and explanation. But I have an anoying question about it. How do you organize your live sets project? Suppose like 6 Pop songs or electronic tracks in a unique "Live" project. You have only a unique one template with 4 send/retuns and one unique template Master configuration for all the sequences. Any suggestion? Thanks!

[@DaDrankKang]

I dont know what you are talking about. This video is about leveling sounds in your project. Not organizing unique live sets with sends and return templates. You went way left on your question. If you have any questions about this video I can help. 👍🏾 My advice is to book a live help session so you can show me what you are doing and I can show you what you need. LINK is in video description.

[@culturecrushmusic]

@@DaDrankKang Sorry I'm asking you about the same, leveling sound or organize a mix in another context. But ok sorry for asked you...

[@DaDrankKang]

@@culturecrushmusic nothing is wrong with your question. Its just in the wrong place. If you need help with something like this then look into a help session. Your specific question is exactly what my sessions are for.

[@LUCKYMONKEY230]

Dope

[@savv.e2088]

Nice work what laptop are you using for production.

[@DaDrankKang]

I use a desktop in all my Studios. My laptop is for travel. MSI G73 VR1 Gaming laptop

[@shortlord5456]

thx bro this was helpfull

[@bashali4068]

Wow! Didnt kno dat bro thanks✌🏾

[@timmerkerson9741]

Thanks for the tips. Can you adjust your VSTs while making your beats in the process?

[@DaDrankKang]

Yes. Adjust your VST is the obvious way. Some VSTs dont have volume knobs though.

[@timmerkerson9741]

Thanks Brother. I appreciate your hard work and teaching me with making music. With everything going on in the world, I need an outlet.

[@DeeDrumz]

i needed this bro bro good looking

[@MITTEL.PUNKT_13]

Germany appreciate DDK

[@matthewmcnamarabeats7182]

Hey man I don’t know if you have a video but can u show how to turn sequences into songs in standalone mode?

[@DaDrankKang]

My channel is designed to teach you guys the mpc SOFTWARE. If you notice I have no videos on standalone. The way you learn standalone mode is by learning the software. Same rules apply same things. The only difference is you can do waaaaay more. Trust me you would not be wondering how to do that if you knew the software better. You would be doing it in both places. So that is why you dont see standalone videos here. 👍🏾 If you want to learn how to do it in the software so you can understand how to do it in standalone my live video help sessions are always available. 💯 Thanks for watching. 🙏🏾

[@lionjmusic4471]

were can I get this utility plug in ?

[@victorcoronado5746]

Does this work the same way when mixing vocals? Metering to check if the signal is running hot?

[@DaDrankKang]

I works on any track with audio.

[@jayjay1982ful]

I normally make my beat bounce to audio tracks then start adding EQ and Compression is this right? What’s the best order to use plug-in to achieve the best results

[@DemetriusCastle]

thank eee G

[@mobeleen]

How can this be achieved in Standalone?

[@ngl0202]

Does this work when lowering the level in the track mix screen as well? Also, another great video. This is quickly becoming my favorite channel as a long time rapper and new beat maker.

[@DaDrankKang]

The track mix screen is the same as what you saw here.

[@ngl0202]

@@DaDrankKang Thank you!

[@Djrhayne]

This is my current problem. I couldn't understand no matter how much I adjusted the level, stuff sounded to loud. Thanks

[@michaelburks7928]

Was up with the keyboard bro

[@DaDrankKang]

Still rolling 👍🏾

[@jacedowman8590]

Shots fired.... Also a great short cut to bring up your mixer is - Shift + CTRL+ALT+M

[@DaDrankKang]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@MurdaOnYou]

So if I was to bring up a sample in audacity and make sure it is at 0db or less prior to loading it up in the Mpc software it won’t run hot? 🤔

[@DaDrankKang]

I dont know. I dont use audacity. But you can try it for yourself.

[@sinewaymusic]

Trying to figure this out - why would Akai design it so that all signals are running too hot as they go through the insert fx if it will distort the signal? That just seems to make no sense to me since it means that every customer will get distorted output on all of their songs. Are you really sure there is no additional internal headroom despite running hot according to this meter? Normally DAWs run mix channels through something crazy high like 128 bit depth internally, meaning that all of those meter values are really just relative values between the different channels/tracks/programs. Are you really sure MPC clips its internal signals by default? I find it too hard to believe. Thanks!

[@DaDrankKang]

Every DAW comes in pre fader default. It comes ready for you to create not mix. You must be aware of post fader if it is necessary. Creating doesn't matter what your levels are just not too loud. Mixing however may require you to deal with this first if necessary. 👍🏾

[@sinewaymusic]

@@DaDrankKang Hmm, I'm not sure I understand your answer. Do you have examples of A/B testing where you have heard clipping/distortion in the reverbs (for example) as a result of not taking down the signal level on the program/pad level like you're showing here? Would be really interesting to hear the difference. I'm struggling to understand how, by default, Akai would send a signal to its effects chain that is distorted.

[@DaDrankKang]

Not everything you will understand from just youtube. I provide live video help sessions for this specific purpose. If you want further clarification on anything you see on this channel the link is always in the video description. I take you through anything you see step by step until you get it. 💯

[@tryhardclips5669]

Was this fixed in 2.9 update?

[@jayjay1982ful]

What stock plug-in comes with MPC can I use to do this. I have no job or money to buy the plug-in

[@DaDrankKang]

None. You will have to invest in your craft to make something of it.

[@ruffnreadybeatz7349]

is there a way to utilize this in standalone mode??

[@DaDrankKang]

Same concept applies. You just can not use 3rd party plugins

[@ItsIMC]

i watched this and thought it was helpful but now im a little confused becasue when i mix the pads the sound levels drop and i dont have an issue with the plug in that i added clipping. is mixing off the pads to under red an additional way to accomplish the same thing or am i missing somthing

[@DaDrankKang]

i would guess you are missing something. if you need further specific help on what you see here book your live video help session and i will get you straight. link is always in the video description.

[@ledisciple7023]

I feel the same way, I think that by mixing and making levels in the pad mixer is working nicely if plugins and levels done well. I havent tried the software tho always using standalone and I think it sounds well. Tubedigga made a nice tutorial on mixing and mastering in standalone mode, he's using the pad mixer.

[@TheBlackMadonna1]

this is a good tutorial. thanks✨

[@mrloosethegoose]

Does the mpc live come with the software if you purchase mpc live 2

[@DaDrankKang]

Yes all of them come with software unlock

[@frikshun_]

Gain staging 👌🏽 nice video bro.

[@lgpatterson6259]

Pre-Fader gain staging

[@CertainMan81]

What should my levels be when recording samples into my Daw or MPC. So I leave head room for an engineer

[@DaDrankKang]

Listen to different types of music that fits yours. Listen to how loud everything is. There is no hard fast rules in making music. Some things are soft. Some are hard and loud. Train your ear by listening to different types of music to understand what levels go where. After all if your are trying to make music you should be very familiar with the sound of it from your favorite songs. 👍🏾

[@JulianX3__]

how the hell do you load your plug-ins? I'm new to the Akai software and have no clue.

[@DaDrankKang]

It has nothing to do with the software. You need to research plugins and how they work on a computer. 👍🏾

[@JulianX3__]

nm im an idiot

[@DaDrankKang]

@@JulianX3__ Ur not an idiot. You wouldn't be able to send this message if you were. Most just don't do the research. That is the mark of a good producer.

[@jackpot1247]

where do you get your plug ins to mix and master your production fam? Im sure that's where im lacking at as a music producer, I've been doing music seriously for about 2 years, great video by the way

[@DaDrankKang]

I get them from alot of research reading and testing. It's never the gear... always the ear. Stock plugins can accomplish the same. Just in a different way.

[@jackpot1247]

@@DaDrankKang thx I just can't find the right stock plug ins other then my sound inserts such as air channel air compressor , air enhancement, that's all I can find lol, I most likely gotta buy the real mastering stuff such as the one you stated in this video, I don't have those plug ins that I see you got lol

[@bt70495]

@@jackpot1247 man I’m not gonna lie to you there’s a lot of free plugin that do same things a paid would and some even better than the ones you paid for but like he said it’s about the ear. Don’t always think you’re gonna have to pay an arm and leg in order to achieve something. Worst case try the free stuff out and then start venturing into the paid stuff but 9/10 you won’t need to. Just do some research.

[@BritoWorx]

One thing I’ve learned is to just leave the faders alone indefinitely. Always use gain plugins. Kick : -6 Snr : -9 Bass : -12 Hats : -24 etc…

[@DaDrankKang]

Mixing is not an exact science same as beat making. You mix according to what you hear and how it feels. Not much numbers. There is no such thing as a robot with feeling. 👍🏾

[@ralf5886]

where you get all the plugins from?

[@DaDrankKang]

I've been in this game for a while. I'm just new to KZbin. Companies send me their plugins to test. 👍🏾