MPC 3 TUTORIAL

[@Mercwerx2]

Just picked the mpc back up after 15 years, and this is by far the best explanatory video I've seen.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks. I’m glad you’re picking up the MPC again. Have fun and keep practicing.

[@MarcellsWorldJjr]

but what about the update?

[@amconsole]

Yes, been waiting for this from You! Probably the best indepth MPC videos apart from Tubedigga.

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome! thanks for watching. Have fun!

[@OrangeDrinkMusic]

don't even have one but ollie loops tutorials are so fun to watch. can you make an octatrack masterclass?

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks, Orange Drink. I always appreciate your comments. I love Elektron devices. I would be interested in doing an Octatrack tutorial, though I don't have one. I know a lot of people love them and they are powerful devices.

[@carmitoelosito2075]

Ollie your channel is severely underrated, each video you upload is well put together and clear at explaining new topics don't stop uploading

[@OllieLoops]

Hey, thanks for your comment. I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Stay tuned for more videos...

[@Syntox]

I love it. LOVE IT. I feel like they've somehow added five years to the lifespan of these again machines

[@OllieLoops]

That's a good point. I love it when a company continues to add features and value to a device years after it's been released. Enjoy!

[@MrMotion54]

I’m calling you “Data” from now on. Your delivery and level of communication is second to none!!

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome.

[@biggcebo]

You can set the MPC to show recent projects' splash screen in the preferences tab.

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

[@remyvegamedia]

I'm super happy with MPC 3 overall, but really worried we're gonna permanently lose odd time signatures for sequences, which was available in previous firmware versions. I've already had to ditch a handful of good ideas that I was playing on synth that were in 5/8, 7/8, and 11/8 because it's stuck in 4/4 😞 Spread the word! Let's get those odd times back!

[@OllieLoops]

Interesting. How are you setting up those odd time signatures?

[@remyvegamedia]

@ Well, on MPC 3 I can't do them at all haha, but on 2.15 you can just add bars to the sequence and choose the time signature, including 8th note pulse, which actually is different than a quarter note pulse in how it's phrased. I play a lot of odd time modern jazz on piano, so I write that way haha. Sort of inspired by Tigran Hamasyan, but with hip-hop/glitch-hop/IDM elements.

[@OllieLoops]

@remyvegamedia That's pretty cool. So, you're not able to set a time signature in sequences anymore? That's really too bad. I wonder why they had to keep it 4/4.

[@remyvegamedia]

@ As of right now there's no way to go odd time in MPC3 Beta 😢 I'm hoping enough people bring this to their attention that they try and work it into the official version.

[@OllieLoops]

yeah. I agree. seems like a big step backwards if you can only use 4/4 timing.

[@TadDoylemusic]

MPC Firmware 3.0 makes the most sense to me. I was almost ready to give up on thye previous firmware version becasue it wasn't logical and usable to me. Thanks for all of the videos you share.

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome! thanks for your comment and support.

[@kchapman1145]

Excellent clear info on mpc3. Cheers man 🙏👊

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks. Have fun!

[@jalocin]

great video. Really clearly lexplained!

[@OllieLoops]

thanks.

[@abassra]

Great video mate! 🙂👌🏽

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! have fun.

[@lordgeronimo72]

This is excellent. Thank you!

[@OllieLoops]

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

[@anthonytyson1708]

Love the vid. I think MPC3 is a good update. Appreciate you sharing.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Enjoy MPC 3.

[@jaymac8421]

I use song mode to chain my sequences together then I export it to a pad and it’ll automatically load into the arranger, that’s what’s so awesome about the Mpc’s, there are so many different ways to create.

[@OllieLoops]

That's awesome. Yeah, lots of different workflow options. Have fun!

[@SelfDestruct.]

Thank you for this. I couldn't figure out how to address a work around for programs. Hopefully Akai See's your recommendations cause that would easily solve my problem without the extra steps and return my old workflow without losing the arranger.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks. Yeah, I hope Akai impements some or all of the suggestions. Some things are a bit half baked.

[@Harlem-Instrumental]

Great break down of MPC3 AKA Force lite. I wish Akai would the Force's clip-matrix to the MPC & all it's macros options.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks. I think they should tap into the Force, metaphorically and figuratively.

[@Harlem-Instrumental]

@@OllieLoops I think they should drop the Force name & make a new MPC64 while giving MPC3 all the Force OS features.

[@OllieLoops]

I think you're onto something. I bet that would work.

[@Harlem-Instrumental]

@OllieLoops I know the Force didn't have a great start, but I think many MPC wouldn't like it no matter what just because it's not an MPC. Plus the the OS was too outside of their comfort zone. So Akai took that info & watered down the Force OS with MPC3. I remember your Pyramid demos. It's a great box, but I like the Force more & picked it over the Pyramid as my main sequencer.

[@OllieLoops]

You make good points. On paper, the Force was the device for the next generation. I can picture both product lines coexisting, because they are different and have their use. If they were equally supported and marketed separately, the Force may have more market share today. But the MPC has so much more momentum and following behind it. I'm glad you found a device and workflow that works for you. Have fun!

[@EGarcia55]

Regarding programs... What does this mean for past projects done before this update? How do programs transfer over to the new architecture if they are now to be loaded into the track?

[@OllieLoops]

MPC2 projects can be imported. Programs are still there. It's more that the interface is different, but the architecture remains the same.

[@chrisanderson1513]

Would love a video for people totally new to synths and mpcs. I have one for christmas but have never made a song or done live looping

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your comment. Check out the MPC Key Concepts video I made. That's a good place to start. And your suggestion for a beginner's tutorial is noted and appreciated.

[@RaverOperator]

Thanks Ollie

[@OllieLoops]

youre welcome. Enjoy.

[@LeRoy9000]

Good video, but can you do one about all the things that have been taken out as well please. MPC 3 is buggy and lacks previously available features. It is nowhere near ready.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your comment. MPC 3 is currently in beta, so there's no telling what they will fix and change before the official release. Hopefully Akai is watching these videos to see what people initially think and making adjustments before the official release.

[@AyeTek]

Hoping for an update version of the software to fix the Ableton session bug 🐞

[@OllieLoops]

Yes, that would be good. I'm assuming they will fix it with an upcoming firmware release.

[@chrisanderson1513]

You can use shift and tap set to put a locator at the playhead, was just watching a different video

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for that info.

[@Jbmkzx]

I have a question regarding the metronome count in.. is it only limited to two counts before starting the sequence? I'm so used to four clicks it's so annoying there's no setting to change it

[@OllieLoops]

There's a 1 bar / 4 beat count in by default which is a 1/4 division. You can change the division. But as far as I know, it's always a 1 bar count in. Check out the Metronome Settings in the Metronome menu. Hope that helps.

[@Thisisjigg]

u can have the previous project on startup screen

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@Thisisjigg]

@ replace the demo startup on the pref menu

[@OllieLoops]

Dope. thanks.

[@alanbutterworth4219]

You can mark the locate points using shift

[@OllieLoops]

What's the sequence using Shift?

[@alanbutterworth4219]

@OllieLoops Just be in the arranger page, hold shift and the six locate memories come up on the bottom of the screen. If nothing is entered into a locate point, by selecting it, it registers the current play position. This way, you can play the song from the beginning and mark all six points. Or FF to a position and log them in that way. Once logged, using shift and pressing a locate, moves the playhead to that point. If the song is already playing back, this jumps to the locate point pressed.

[@OllieLoops]

@@alanbutterworth4219 Nice. thanks for that info.

[@fredflintstone1428]

@@OllieLoops you're welcome

[@joshuagardner894]

You can simplify the difference between a track and a program. A program is literally the instrument(s), the thing that will produce audio. This statement can be a bit misleading, because it can include multiple instruments. For example, it might include a piano and background strings. It might include a pad. It could include an entire orchestra, if you have a wav file of an entire orchestra playing a note. A program is the sound that will be used to play notes. A track is the raw midi data. This is the notes that will play. In simple terms, a program is the instrument(s), the track is the sheet music. Neither will produce any sound without the other. A sheet of music will just sit there unless there is an instrument there to play the notes, and an instrument will just sit there without any notes to play. For new users, this was very confusing. Akai couldnt even outline the distinction between a track and a program. It was cumbersome trying to figure out the difference, especially for people coming from a DAW experience. It made zero sense having tracks and programs as separate entities. To simplify the interface, Akai thought about this and did the right thing, simply combined programs and tracks such that they are one. In combination with this move, Akai introduced disk streaming, an integral part of the combining of tracks and programs. This allows the user to use an audio sample in multiple tracks without using more memory to do so. Imagine, I have a piano I sampled using wav files. In a later sequence, I wish to use the same piano, but add strings to the same piano. Not only is the firmware smart enough to figure out that I am reusing the piano, and as such, will not load the piano in twice (once for the solo piano, and another for the piano + strings variant), but for the super memory conscious people, you can just set the piano to stream from the disk and use significantly less memory than even loading it in once. There has been alot of misinformation about MPC 3.0, largely from people who do not know what they are talking about. Many talking negatively about it have not even used the firmware and are instead, making assumptions based on the way they assume it would work, or, based on misinformation. Akai has made this very easy to test and experiment, and very easy to roll back to 2.15.1 firmware if needed. However, there are only two reasons to be using 2.15.1 at this point. The first is old projects. Yes, you can import old projects into v3, but the process is not seemless. Once you push to v3, you should consider your v2 projects done, unless you are dedicated to spending alot of time fixing them to make them work for v3. The second is if you need to write in time signatures other than 4/4. Currently, v3 only works in 4/4. Im sure Akai will address this in the future, but this is the current big limitation. Before you say anything negative about v3, use it. spend just a bit of time with it. Get acquainted with the arranger view. Specifically, try writing tracks linearly, without using the lame track mute methodology. Really try to create unique sequences that are more than just track mutes. Try to create a full track that has unique sections. You'll feel right at home within 30 minutes or less, and, you'll really start to feel like you are connecting more with the hardware and less like you are having to manipulate the hardware to do something. v3 is a huge step forward. It still needs improvement, it still needs refining, it still needs changes that v2 even needed. Write automation is a pain. Editing write automation is a pain. Write automation is not possible on the main output (for things like flexbeat, this is a wtf thing). There is a workaround, you have to create a submix and then you can use write automation on the submix, but it is a workaround. Write automation is easier to edit and change with v3, but still tedious. In the arranger view, tap "List" and you can filter the list to only show the parameter you wish to edit, but still, tedious, more than it should be. The aforementioned 4/4 time signature limitation is a problem, one hopefully that will be addressed. The parameter that allows you to change to a different instrument on outboard MIDI equipment remains broken (LSF and MSF I think they are called?). All in all however, this breathes new life into the MPC platform and quite frankly, leaves many Maschine+ users knowing they should jump ship, and dont get me started on the Push 3 situation.

[@OllieLoops]

Hi Josh, Thanks for your comment. You make a lot of good points. And I appreciate that you're sharing your expertise here.

[@unclemick-synths]

I'm concerned that the features I need are screwed up or made harder to use in 3.0. I'm not keen that they seem to be heading towards the "entire song in one massive sequence". Completely the opposite of my entire use case for using the MPC at all - if I wanted a DAW in a box, I'd use my laptop or buy a tablet.

[@OllieLoops]

I agree with you. I'm not sure how much they are thinking about long term/existing users with some of these new features. But, you can still use sequences and song mode if you want.

[@WilyEPeyote]

Thanks, enjoyed this very much. Still slightly concerned that, if I want several different sounds from Akai's own plugins, I need to use up my precious instances of them and will still be limited to 8 overall. Worse, I hear that MIDI programs will lose the ability to send unique patch changes per sequence, which I rely on because of the aforementioned limit on built-in plugs. Hope that ain't the case! Otherwise, this is what I've been waiting for since day 1. And as for the better, more logical mixer screen, yay.

[@OllieLoops]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. One workflow you may consider is to export midi tracks to audio tracks when you like them. This frees up processing power for additional plugins. And as a final step, you can explore stems for final mixdown, if desired. I hope that helps.

[@WilyEPeyote]

@@OllieLoops The problem with doing that is I bake in all the steps that use probability and make my MIDI tracks more alive and varied. It seems like a no-brainer that youshould be able to send MIDI program changes and bank select - and not just to external instruments but to Akai's own plugins. Still amazed that isn't a thing actually as these things aren't exactly hidden in the MIDI spec. Cheers though, it might help under certain conditions.

[@omenjh]

Shift button will allow you to do quick locators

[@OllieLoops]

Do you mind listing the steps? I know you can press and hold shift and select a locator to move the playhead to it. Not sure what else Shift can do. thanks.

[@omenjh]

Set where you want the locator to be using the jog wheel. Then press shift and choose one of the set buttons on the bottom of the screen to set a locator

[@yodab.at1746]

When will 3 be available for general download?

[@OllieLoops]

I don't believe they have an official release date. But, it may come in January during the NAMM show. That's just a guess.

[@yodab.at1746]

@OllieLoops thanks 👍

[@mdjey2]

Is it possible to stack samples on single note and crossfade between them by velocity change?

[@OllieLoops]

I would try something like this: Using two tracks, place a note on each track where you want it. Then using automation, adjust the velocity of each to fade in or out, respectively. Hope that helps.

[@mdjey2]

@@OllieLoops I was thinking not in a sequence, but for making instruments that responds to pad or keyboard velocity. I was thinking if it is possible to make something like sample library instruments, like orchestral or ethnic sample library for percussive sounds that vary in softness and timbre depending on how hard pad or key gets hit.

[@OllieLoops]

Interesting. I think you could still use automation to create custom and dynamic layers of sounds. They could be plugins or samples. Depending on your goals, you could also create this layered sound and export an audio file as a single sample to use later. Hope that helps.

[@dafunkycanuck]

Tubedigga has a video called "Remixing Using Velocity" that might help with what you are after .

[@ILLUDIUM_Q_36]

6:02 Dumb! Moving backwards In 3.whatever you have the ability to load samples into ram. But why not just give us the option to load whole programs into ram? That would fix a lot my issues with the new version

[@OllieLoops]

I understand where you're coming from. What they are doing with programs is a bit controversial. It's kind of like when Apple got rid of the headphone jack on iPhones. In order to force users into a ecosystem where their wireless headphones can seamlessly pair with Apple devices, they had to get rid of the headphone jack, to the annoyance of many users. I would still like to have the headphone jack and use whatever headphones I want. But, I also understand and appreciate the ecosystem and how easy it is to use wireless headphones between different devices. In a way, Akai is trying to clean up the workflow and make it less clunky. The transition will be difficult for some users, but hopefully it results in a better experience down the road.

[@piloadami_]

How can I load an audio loop from auditioning in the folder into the arranger? I don’t need to chop it/use with midi

[@OllieLoops]

Good question. It wasn't discussed in the video, but Audio Tracks are also available in Arrange View. You would want to add an Audio Track in Arrange View to start. I'm not 100% sure if you can browse and import an audio file into an Audio Track, but that would be ideal. AKAI: let users import audio files directly into Audio Tracks. And then let users copy & paste audio files within Arrange View. Otherwise, the workaround is you need to record the audio file into the audio track somehow. It might be easiest to add it to a Drum Track on a pad, then bounce that pad to an Audio Track. I hope that helps.

[@crazzylee]

Akai needs to implement mouse functionality ASAP!

[@OllieLoops]

That would be dope! My old Roland MV-8000 had mouse functionality. It was convenient.

[@Ruffmade]

You can use a mouse plug a dongle in one of the USBs with mouse if I'm not mistaken

[@Getsmore]

I can use my Apple Bluetooth keyboard with my key 37. I’ll have to try the mouse

[@crazzylee]

@@Getsmoreif it works let me know. I really don’t think so though. We would have seen it by now.

[@Getsmore]

@ Yes, you can use the Akai MPC Renaissance with the MPC Key 37 in standalone mode, meaning you can produce music directly on the hardware without needing a computer, as the Key 37 is a fully standalone MPC production keyboard with its own onboard sampling and sequencing capabilities. • Key points about using MPC Key 37 standalone: Built-in functionality: The MPC Key 37 has its own processing power to handle sampling, sequencing, and effects without needing a computer. Touchscreen interface: The 7-inch touchscreen on the Key 37 allows you to navigate and control all aspects of your production workflow directly on the device. No external DAW required: You can create music using the onboard sounds, samples, and plugins within the MPC Key 37 standalone mode. Side note from me: probably very limited

[@shingloc3320]

just wondering is it vst3 compatible if not native instruments here i come

[@OllieLoops]

I don't see any info confirming that it is VST3. Maybe someone else knows.

[@CoachKOnline]

Down graded to 2 because 3 kept giving my saving errors. Any reason why?

[@OllieLoops]

I'm not sure. Have you tried contacting Akai support?

[@CoachKOnline]

@@OllieLoops I have they told me that 3 is just the beta. No real support.

[@jackr.7903]

Love mpc3 vs old one.. but hate that we can't add memory like in a computer... also not sure why but when going through different project I lost something that the project name get darker and I can't open it anymore... it should have a browser like a computer with more possibilities

[@OllieLoops]

Good points. thanks for sharing!

[@TheCuri]

you can change the start up screen already…mines starts with all my own projects

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@afghanica]

wait, i thought you can record direct to pad without naming the sample? please tell me this is true. naming every sample i take sucks

[@OllieLoops]

Naming samples is optional.

[@Russplight]

These AI videos at times can be hypnotizing.

[@OllieLoops]

This video was 100% human made!

[@patrickhowes5833]

​@@OllieLoopsThat's what an AI would say! Lol.

[@OllieLoops]

Zap, you got me. As tears started streaming down his face, the AI short-circuited from water damage.

[@patrickhowes5833]

@@OllieLoops best videos and best comments!

[@unclemick-synths]

AI LOL 😂 was it insurance fraud or was it the cyclists fault?

[@incaroads001]

Adding locators is preposterously difficult. Not to mention that there are only 6. Why? Audio editing should be far more robust. It's very difficult. And you can't use a mouse. My MPC one plus has Bluetooth, but its use is ridiculously limited. Btw there's a setting for recent projects on the startup screen.

[@OllieLoops]

Good points. Thanks for your comment.

[@josephdi-lenardo6637]

could i do live looping on this like this guy is doing here with the MP3 Live 2 should it be the same on the MP3 One with this update ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2jKdmVugtWeptE heres what i mean

[@BuleriaChk]

MPC3 has no Time Signatures???? It has been dumbed down to the Force???? Not even Waltzes (3/4 or 6/8). I can't believe this!!!! (Note, 3/4 is NOT 4/4 triplets or 2/4 triplets it is 3 beats per MEASURE (loop length = 3 NOT 4!!!!) in quarter notes). Four-on-the-Floor plus the Amen Break???? I call BS on Akai!! Workarounds will screw up the BPM if you have to sync ANYTHING else in triple meter!! And what of Karsilama (9/8), Take Five, and Blue Rondo a la Turk (Dave Brubeck standards)

[@OllieLoops]

Good points and I hear you. Hopefully Akai can correct this before the official release.

[@BuleriaChk]

@@OllieLoops They haven't changed the Force, so I am not confident they will be adding this functionality to MPC 3. (The software does, have time signatures in the current version).

[@OllieLoops]

@@BuleriaChk I see. Well, one alternative is to go back to MPC 2.x to keep those time signature options. But of course there's a trade off with that option. It's too bad they lost that functionality in MPC 3.

[@BuleriaChk]

@@OllieLoops The alternative I choose is to rid myself of everything MPC and transition to Maschine+ and Ableton Push 3.

[@OllieLoops]

@@BuleriaChk To be honest, going the Ableton route is a great solution. I love Ableton and Push 3. I highly recommend going this route.

[@CoreyChambersLA]

Say what the heck it is up front! Description makes it sound kinda like a boring PC with windows.

[@OllieLoops]

Hi Corey, thanks for your comment. Could you be more constructive? In the first minute of the video, all features are briefly listed. Then they are described in more detail. How far into the video did you watch before commenting?

[@khalilroukoz]

This machine became worst through time, it's hell to get the basicsthings done in 2025, and i have no time to go deep down the rabbit hole, cheers

[@OllieLoops]

Hey, thanks for your comment. I appreciate your honesty and I understand where you're coming from. Use what works best for you and have fun. That's what matters most. Peace.

[@khalilroukoz]

@ Thank you for you reply! Cheers!

[@SH-ry2xi]

So is it not possible to have a midi track and the swap the drum set? I haven’t figured this out yet, it used to be so easy with programs.

[@OllieLoops]

You have to import them in if you want to swap them. The midi track remains the same. It will replace the drum kit/program when you import in a new drum kit/program.

[@SH-ry2xi]

@@OllieLoops I still don't get it, could you explain this a bit further?