MPC Beats Software Tutorial - For Complete Beginners

[@cresshead]

just incase people miss it..Its FREE Akai releases MPC Beats, a free DAW for beatmakers and producers Aimed at beginners, the software packs a 2GB content library and three plug-ins.

[@spaced4448]

Hi, does does this replace the mpc essentials? I hope so as I’m struggling to get motivated with mpc essentials. It seems much easier to learn by the akai mpc beats academy video 👈🏻

[@EPIXANIMATIONS]

whoever said this was for begginers was a liar

[@spaced4448]

EPIX ANIMATIONS 😂 give it some time and chill out. I found the mpc essentials really hard and gave up.. until the mpc beats came along. This is way better and after watching this gentleman’s videos and the mpc academy a few times I’m actually starting to get the hang of this! And thumbs up to Mathew for a great video 👍🏻nice one Mat

[@MatthewStratton]

@@EPIXANIMATIONS Everybody starts somewhere. Keep going.

[@MatthewStratton]

@@spaced4448 Thanks. Glad you are getting the hang of it!

[@LoganS1]

@6:16 if you can't see the Inserts, go to the top-left menu (3 lines) > help > open startup wizard > advanced workspace

[@sana4li]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@khavinramanathan28]

Bro you came in clutch

[@baarnie]

YOU ARE A ACTUAL GOAT

[@quemoymike]

Thank you!

[@jonrixbus]

This deserves a gold star

[@joemankowski3898]

This is my first experience not only with MPC Beats, but with DAW as well. I know absolutely nothing about this stuff but am a professional pianist. I am already making baby steps in recording! Thank you!

[@Syngeman]

Please come over and help me neighbor 😊

[@SailingFriend]

Thank you! I found this EXTREMLY helpful as a complete newb to midi controller world. You are a great teacher!

[@shaniasardar99]

Thank you so much for this video! It is extremely helpful. I was so lost before watching your video. I am a legit beginner, so this was the best video I've watched so far.

[@MatthewStratton]

Awesome! So glad it was helpful!

[@shaniasardar99]

@@MatthewStratton Do you have a video on voice recording on MPC BEATS ?

[@louisik1]

I've watched a zillion tutorials on a zillion subjects and I gotta say Matt your presentation is so easy to learn from. Subscribed!

[@MatthewStratton]

Awesome, thank you!

[@nicklaschan1]

Bro this is hands down the best tutorial of MPC beats on youtube so far please make more of this!

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks, will do!

[@alleycatuk]

Got an MPK Mini Play a month or so ago and been trying to get started with MPC Beats. Thanks to one fo your other videos, managed to program my 30+ year old Yamaha DD-12 drumpad in to control MPC Beats as well as the MPK and just started recording. Mindblowing number of options but thanks to your clear explantions in this video, I'm much more clear what's where in the the screens. Very much appreciated. Thanks!

[@adontewalk6479]

Dude you make it look sooo easy and explain the important stuff that a noob like myself would've not understood had i came across myself.

[@bilouronchette]

Hi Matthew, Thx for the tuto, it's great. Just a question, how can setup my pad so it's playing the C3 like you at 17:27 and not just a simple note of the keyboard ? Thx

[@brianchild3242]

A complete beginner, I play mainly folk music these days and thought that I could enhance my performance using the MPC, a Boss looper, Lexicon Alpha and all the other electronic bits and pieces. I am not young so your videos are a god send as I can play them iver and over until I understand what I am doing. Thank you. P.S Indo play Rock as well, not bad for a Grandad. Lol.

[@alhaj7401]

you rock!

[@303scarface2]

Lol you not the only one playing these vids over and over

[@DJ_TideWave]

@@303scarface2 Hehe, same 😛 And I am only 42…😄 Guess I am old and slow already 😛

[@OBZRV82]

@Jamis Billson Stop it.. You got this O.G.l👍🏿

[@willburke5843]

A good example of folksy-roots-rock with programmed beats is Larkin Poe.

[@chipfilmstv]

This is a really good starter video. Im old AF and dont know anybody and I just bought a MPD218 to learn while Im in lockdown. I cant believe I can learn MPC style production for $119.00 This is the best thing I have bought other than the Behringer 808 clone. What a great time to be locked in the house.

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad you are taking steps and learning!

[@shampoo768]

Still works well in 2022. My programs weren't on the left hand side, but if you click Channel Mixer at the top you'll see your programs. 2:55 Starting a project 3:20 Control Panel and templates 5:35 Programs 6:30 Insert effects 8:53 Metronome and recording 10:53 Adding and removing tracks to the grid 12:05 Beat creation (Download ASIO!!!) 13:06 Recording a basic drum beat 16:23 Pad Perform 17:50 Elongating a sequence 20:08 Shortening notes 20:47 Saving projects 21:35 Program Edit 25:00 Bass Track 27:58 Adding tracks 29:46 Changing presets 31:34 Presents and programs 33:00 Faders

[@derbatta]

Good advice! Thx mate

[@MrJoolzman]

Purchased an MPCX 1 year ago (haven’t touched it/brain fogged), this video is helping me BIG TIME, salute to you ✌🏾

[@levonclark9817]

Yes finally someone dedicating videos to the MPC software I've already learned a few things to speed up my production by watching your videos great work man. Look forward to more MPC videos. Would love to see more woth vocal recording and mastering.

[@MatthewStratton]

More videos on the way. Thanks for watching.

[@davidsvarrer8942]

You shall know that this indeed has been very workable for me to listen to and watch. I am a total beginner on making music. I made some stuff 20+ years ago with "analog instruments" and I am a drum player, but this one here, must be the future. I just bought the AKAI MPD218, and I hope that I will get through it to use it to make music. Thanks a million for making your tutorial. You're great to do such things, Matthew. Thanks a lot...

[@mistahsmif]

Is there any way you can do a tutorial on chopping samples next? Thanks again!

[@artissonbeats3057]

Come over to my my channel I'll show u some stuff Brody

[@DrKazAstro]

Thanks Matthew - even 2 years later this tutorial is a great intro to MPC beats - I spent hours on this tutorial - back and forward and it was worth every minute - totally feel confident to start with this now - played the ads too so at least you get some return. :-)

[@johnramhos]

At first I was like, WTH was Akai thinking for releasing this but now I think about it, its brilliant. Getting people into learning the MPC software for free and once they get more advanced, they can then update to the full MPC 2.80 version.

[@MatthewStratton]

I think it is good for people wanting to start making music in general. Great free way to get started. Also, it is a good way for someone coming from another software to test out the MPC Software to see if it a good fit.

[@renechang2406]

And they are nearing 3.0 .This could be a lead in into 2021. I'm thinking they have something up their sleeve in year 2021 because 2020 is mostly awash.So offer a free version to garner more people in.

[@artissonbeats3057]

I only use akai mpc 20000

[@WATCHINGTHEWATCHERS]

@@MatthewStratton Like Me.

[@WATCHINGTHEWATCHERS]

It's the same software included with The MPC X, one, live, live two and so on.

[@emillurr]

I started messing with Ableton in November and just got an MPK225 which had MPC Beats. I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere! Thank you for making it easy to follow.

[@RicoN.glacius]

Thank you Matt.. this tutorial has taught me a lot. Now I’m using my Mpc x, laptop mouse ad trackpad simultaneously.. I was stuck trying to do the stand alone thing and this tutorial opened the floodgates for me.. I remade that beat with my own drums and it came out so dope.... I’ll be sampling from my extensive album collection soon. I was gonna sell my Mpc x but I won’t now.. I appreciate what you do.

[@georgemapp2855]

I just bought the X slowly watching Videos manual etc i’m complete I’m confused about 2.0 and now I’m seeing MPC beats. I’m gonna see if I could download MPC beats and work with it with my X

[@neolance22]

so far the best tutorial!! he did not even flag lots of ads in his video 🤩

[@thepurpleroom222]

ALL I Can Muster Up To Say Is; "THANKS Matthew For Being My Music Producing Class Professor!" 😉

[@blackswanmedia712]

Thanks for the video Matthew! Setting this program up to work with my MPD 226 has been a real headache, you-ve taken away some of the pain. Guys, make sure you install the 3 additional sound packs that come with MPC Beats or you'll find, as I did, that some of the sounds are missing when you try and follow along with Matthew's vid.

[@Brhudsonjr]

Yes, that was going to be my question.. I'm missing the sounds at the start-up page.

[@casseygarzione]

this one was easily the most helpful tutorial I've seen about this software so far!! thank you!!

[@MatthewStratton]

You're very welcome!

[@jawes1]

@@MatthewStratton HOW DO YOU ENABLE THE ICONS ON TOP LEFT BAR ONLY GOT ONE ICON 😒

[@ulisesxjl]

Its incredible how fast you could teach how to make a beat. Thank you for this.

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome. Glad you found it valuable.

[@dhaferkoheji3572]

Mathew, you're the best. Love your tutorials because they are so straight forward, easy and simple to follow.

[@MatthewStratton]

Thank you so much!

[@absentzz347]

Friend got me a MPK Mini 3 for christmas cuz he noticed I was doing music and your tutorials have helped me so much with getting started and it really has made me more confident in switching over to MPC beats from Soundtrap. Thank you for your guidance!

[@MrCoyleSir]

Hey man, really appreciate this video. Super brand new to all of this, and this is the only video I've found that actually helped me use this software. Bought an MPK Mini 3 to write some beats to play my bass to, and now trapped in the rabbit hole haha. This video just changed everything in the right direction. Thanks again and looking forward to checking out some of your other vids.

[@selvanesana679]

You are not alone, I was lost with MPK 3, Thought It wasn't for me, Now have great hope after this video

[@paddytube]

Yeah, it's weird. They make a whole bunch of tutorial videos on the AKAI site for it, but none of them really help. All require way too much pre-existing knowledge and are explained too fast. I think they are trying to sell too much with these videos how quick and easy the use of the software is supposed to be to potential buyers of their hardware. And then once you buy, you are lost. This was the first video I found that actually helped get into the software.

[@wretchedtunes1972]

Thank you. You are, once again, the only one to provide a quick concise answer to my question. Much appreciated!

[@Ineed100x]

Thank you Matt for the lesson I am a complete beginner and finally find my way to learn here with your video! I had an amazing day to built the same base with my personal touch!

[@invisiblesoulssf]

I just started using MPC and thanks for your video tutorials I'm able to make some tunes! Once again thank you!

[@pipparker]

Just wanted to say thank you for making this tutorial Matthew. It has been really helpful getting me started. One thing I'd like to mention is that I'm using v20.10 of MPC Beats and , by default, the Track isn't armed. I was pulling my hair out wondering why I couldn't record anything until a kind Redditor, who had had the same problem, helped me out. Once I'd clicked the little circle to the right of "Track" on the left hand side all was well. Sort of obvious in hindsight, but isn't it always.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Took Me 5 months to realise what the over dub button does lol.

[@pineapple8375]

i just got an akai mini, and i was lost because i just into music production. thanks for helping me get going!

[@BestKeptSecreization]

Also @Matthew I also bought your MPC ONE Tutorial where you do the step by step. That really is helping me. Thank you so much.

[@MatthewStratton]

So glad it is helping! Thanks for the comment. 🙂

[@Mr.KingsThings]

Thanks for the info. I'm lost without being able to look over someone's shoulder. This video has allowed me the jumpstart necessary to get started

[@KE010101]

Excellent tutorial video Matt. Thanks for making this one.

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks, and you're welcome!

[@arunavabasakcreates]

This was a lifesaver Matthew. Very well explained and easy to follow.

[@georgeray3492]

Well done! Really enjoy following along- your pace is just right for me to keep up with each step.

[@MatthewStratton]

Awesome!

[@rellik118]

I have decades of experoence with daws and akai workflow. But have generally alwsys used my mpc 500. Im hoping theres a vsti version of this to run within cubase. Great titorial on the workflow. Thanks

[@BestKeptSecreization]

This just came out & you on top of your game !!!

[@savedonthebeat]

Yessir I thank you! You answered some problems even the master class skipped! Thanks a grip

[@MatthewStratton]

Awesome, you’re welcome.

[@ocean457]

Great tutorial Matthew, Thanks dude! I'm really starting to love this software. I'm so grateful that it has somehow the same Ableton idiosyncracies but at same time it's a completely different beast. Not having to learn from zero another totally different workflow from Ableton is a blessing and freaking time saver!

[@Battlefield_Ent]

Much love brother, I just downloaded the software N opened it to try and was like eehhh. I watched dis all da way thru wit my notepad N now I got it all down! Great job & Thanks

[@dannywilki]

Hi im completely new to music. One thing i am wondering, when i hit each pad, it doesnt highlight which sample is being played like yours does. How do i get it to do that? thanks!

[@PRiceakaJane]

One of if not THE BEST beginners tutorial out!!! Thanks a million Matthew!

[@MatthewStratton]

You’re welcome!!!! Thanks for the comment.

[@Xeno389]

Given that there's only 2 audio tracks, can I chop audio samples and use them in one of the midi tracks?

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes. You can chop samples and covert them to a drum program

[@TheSubtleBeast]

So I just bought the ApK Mini 3 and within 5 minutes was making basic beats. MPC is very easy to noodle around with Much to learn, this helped for sure.

[@JesusChristisGodintheFlesh]

I have my akai mini connected to my laptop but I can’t hear sound when using it in mpc, know why??

[@rileybeats969]

So how do you make a complete track instead of a loop beat?

[@prodigalson1278]

You found out already? Just make your bars longer... You can do that with Edit > Sequence > Double Length

[@mmypainting]

Just ordered a Akai mini mk3 from Amazon, great help to understand what's happening thanks.

[@AirPictureGM]

I have watched this vidoe over and over....I cannot get a sound out of my Akai no matter what. It just doesnt do anything. It needs to go back.

[@RicoN.glacius]

Be patient.. download the software, put it in controller mode and follow this video.

[@laniadeoshun5829]

Same

[@AngelaPetersMusic]

It’s possibly your PC or laptop command settings. Try the suggested Control Center update(s).

[@NineSixteenGenetix916]

Took me 6 years to get a single sound out this bad boy😂😂😂...sit back dude

[@Baddhamster]

Same here. Can't get it to do a thing and I have experience with DAWs... this lesson seems to be skipping a lot of basic steps.

[@nickbaudean5493]

Hey Matthew, Thank you for taking the time to make this vid Bro, I really appreciate this! I'm an OLD TIME user of MPC the Original Dominant piece or Hardware for Hip Hop back in the day, so I have stayed close to those roots by using iMPC on iOS. I recently started messing w/MIDI and interfacing with MPC Beats and I have to tell you that your Tutorial Video was the first that I watched - I'm very particular with the content style that I watch to learn things, so please take that as BIG compliment. You said to "post questions and/or comments..." so, the next natural progression for me is how to make more sequences or create variations of the 4 Bar Sequence that I've just created. If you have something like that already, it would be great and please point me in that direction. If not, then I suggest as a follow up to this video, a tutorial on "HOW TO MAKE VARIATIONS OF THE SEQUENCE or TRACKS THAT YOU CREATED HERE." Many thanks and keep up the good work my friend.

[@angelprado2845]

8:30 for my self later

[@20INF16]

I like the way you break things down in this video,very simplified 👍

[@palimo3653]

Just to be clear if you already have an MPC and the software you really don't need this? This is only for people that basically aren't in the MPC ecosystem?

[@MatthewStratton]

Correct. There may be some free sounds that come with it that you may not have, but if you have the MPC 2.0 software then you don't need this version.

[@maxwelljangulo8712]

Thanks bro 🙏 I learned mpc beats from watching you, I was so close to giving up till I started watching you.

[@SOO100BRAND]

We should see more MPC beatmaking videos with MPC instead of Fruity Loops

[@grios5530]

I use both. Flstudio is better.

[@dankhead7106]

How do I use it with FL? Sorry I’m new

[@lemon-bf4lq]

Thank bro without your videos i can never make beats i am beginner thats why i really need help of your videos. THANKS A LOT.

[@benpritchard2716]

Thanks a lot for making this.

[@jacobmckinney5799]

I'm used to FL and music production, but I picked up an MPC for the first time the other day and I needed some help with the software. This helped a ton, thanks man

[@MatthewStratton]

Awesome! Glad the video was helpful!

[@MrThematrix1]

Matthew you are a genius ! Watching your video , I found out what I was doing wrong. I did not select the basic video template. That made a world of a difference !

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad you got it sorted out!

[@JoshNunnyt]

Made it through the first 20 minutes. Managed to make a drum track and some chords to accompany it. Pretty happy with progress although my chords are a bit off but practise makes perfect!

[@edub9930]

Great tutorial. Im an absolute beginner followed along & was able to get a test project started. Many thanks

[@MatthewStratton]

NICE!

[@meltykenny]

I appreciate this so much man. I've been looking for this type tutorial for 3days. I couldn't find any like this going to each detail. much love💚

[@seorwulf1049]

Thanks for the vid, just getting back into music after being a pub musician 20 years ago, very helpful - but wow you remind me of TBBT Will Weaton!!

[@UniqueTouch]

M.S. great tut my brother! I downloaded the DAW MPC Beats and until now while seeing you work my brother... I couldn't figure this thing out! So I thank you for helping a rookie out on learning the basics of how to use this DAW my friend.!!! keeping bringing the MPC beats dAW tuts cause alot of us need you my brother.

[@cannae216]

I got an Akai MK3 mini at a yard sale last week because it looked cool and I've seen what people can do with them. Holy crow, this is so much stuff.

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice find. Fun times await....

[@indigo4953]

Hi Matt, I recently downloaded MPC Beats after I bought an MPK Mini Play. Thanks for this tutorial, it has helped more than I can say. I've subscribed and will watch all your other videos. Maybe you have one with the MPK Mini Play using MPC Beats and or FL Studio! Thanks again!! Great work!!

[@Nauctapearls]

ive never in my life been so bored watching something im interested in

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks for the information.

[@mylesofsmiles588]

@@MatthewStratton Ignore him lol its a great tutorial

[@MatthewStratton]

@@mylesofsmiles588 Thank you.

[@kiomi8659]

I just got my new Akai Mpk, thank you so much for this! Makes it way easier to grasp this :)

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad I could help!

[@aDavv]

Great video. Been struggling to get into Essentials with my MPK, but now with Beats and this video has explained more than ive learnt so far. Cheers

[@aswaysuller7500]

Dude I learned more from you than any of the official videos! Thanks man

[@MatthewStratton]

Right on. Glad they video is helpful. Thanks for the comment.

[@brothernubian1515]

Really new to the MPC flow, so I really appreciated your straight on basics tutorial! Keep doing your thing!

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks for the comment!

[@ReynaldoIvanPena]

14:44 Did you by any chance turn on a quantize BEFORE overdubbing? I ask because the recording went into the blocks perfectly

[@MatthewStratton]

By default T.C. is turned on. I didn't turn it off. You can see that T.C. is turned on in the top of the screen indicated by the white box that says T.C. in it. T.C. stand for Time Correct which is the same thing as quantize.

[@temitopeakojenu7861]

Lovely video.....as a beginner, now i understand how to use the MPC beat making machine

[@NoName-uk6lx]

Hi, I come from germany and for me that Video was so helpful, because I searched a lot for Toturials and even if I didnt understand everything, I'm really grateful

[@MatthewStratton]

Cool. Glad the video was helpful!

[@djleggo9855]

Yo, I’m so use to using the old Mpc2000, and I bought the mpc studio and you blew my mind. You taught me something new. Man I appreciate you. I got you in my save file lol. Love ya man... f*@kin awesome!!!!!

[@p3wp3wCthulhu]

Thanks for the great tutorial, well paced and nicely conservative to avoid info overload, perfect for jumping into it with confidence! The more I play with MPC Beats, the more I realise how much feature clutter is holding up my creativity in other DAWS.

[@kengruz669]

Agreed. The theme of this video: Simplicity.

[@Frankyap111]

Hi Matthew, Absolutley fantastic watching your work flow and the simplicity of using the DAW. How do you export the composed beats and used it on Garage Band DAW. Would comaptibility be an issue? Am new in the area of ‘ Beats’ and someone recommended Akai MPK mini MK3 Midi Controller as an option. What would you recommend please? I don't play Keyboards/piano.

[@waynemayle5349]

BRO I have my midi coming tomorrow I been look how i should start Im so pleased to find your channel Your my starting point Thanks

[@andyl.3567]

man... a few days ago I bought this device... just to have some variety and a little bit of fun within a small audio production for a product of mine. Now I realise that I opend Pandora's box. 5 minutes before I had no fucking idea how to handle the software. I had absolutely no clue what to do and how to manage all these options in the right order. Hey, YOU DEFINITELY PULLED ME INTO THIS AWESOME SHIT - thank you!

[@illuminatikillah]

me too lol... after 3 days i still dont know anything

[@oldnoname12]

Really awesome video, also thank you for telling me asio for all exists, it’s little tips like that that help new people like me!

[@josesstuffcosasdejose2748]

Outasight tut Mat , VERY well explained, thanks to you I got started on this MPC Beats thingy, still have a few issues on programming my MPK225 to sinc up`with the keys, control knobs n such, heck but I´m on my way! Thanks man.

[@Brhudsonjr]

Real good tutorial all day.. I had the software a few years ago when I bought an Akai Mpd226 but couldn't use it because I was on an older iMac os lion running Protools 8 le.. I have upgraded since then and been able to install it.. Looking good 👍

[@markmoore8642]

Got the mk3 last week and have been struggling with it. Your video really helped. Thanks abunch! Keep it up. Video suggestion: Using MPC beats to START/STOP a remote MIDI Device (eg. Drum Machine) or controlling a synth module.

[@michaelvanhouten3822]

I'm a guitarist that plays jam band stuff like Grateful Dead and also do jazz. I found this video incredibly helpful. Thank you for doing this. Do you have any suggestions for making beats for jazz?

[@daleplay1978]

Thanks for making this video. Is really helpful when is your first time using MPC Beats! Great work man!

[@swifty5098]

as a total noob: thank you! :) i really needed a tutorial like this.

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad I could help!

[@mallorcasara1]

Excellent tutorial! Best video i have seen so far! I watched this video and minutes later i was creating music! Thank you.❤

[@eidechsearts]

Just got my akai mini mk3 today, this was super helpful, was able to replicate your beat!

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice! You can do a lot with MPC Beats! Enjoy!

[@ACOG6X]

Same I got mine yesterday

[@marianolatorre5718]

Thanks a lot Matthew! this was just what i needed. Looking forward for more mpc videos. Maybe one about how to record samples?

[@igormarzic]

the preset thing made this deserve a thumb up

[@bobmathew-golive773]

using MPD218. Excited to learn. May be you covered it and I missed it. But how do you put "insert" on the drum channel where you can put effects like Reverb etc..?

[@adriennem3168]

did you find them?

[@PhilWilkinsonMusic]

Thanks for the tutorial really great. I know MPC beats is free but I just had the worst time trying to use it. I bought an MPD226 that double triggers pads constantly and Beats has so many bugs that between the two it's completely unusable for me. I have the latest software update and all but it just sucks. I'm going back to my Korg nano pad with logic for now haha. I'm really disappointed with Akai honestly.

[@robbalbrecht]

Amazing! This video got me going on the MPC workflow and I'm totally diggin' it. Super fun stuff. Thanks for the tutorial. Peace!

[@keith3229]

This is a fantastic lesson, great teacher & makes me want to buy this product. Thanks

[@joneswebs]

Great video matt. I'm an ex abelton, cubase, sonar, reason, Sony acid user. This work flow is different but you explain it well. Thank you. More vids please 😊

[@Kizii69]

So far the most helpful videos I have found come from your channel. Keep them coming. Thanks !!!!!!

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks, will do!

[@joelsquire4086]

I just recently got new midi controllers and mpc and was use to the old software so needless to say I was lost until I found this video very helpful

[@MatthewStratton]

Right on, glad it was helpful

[@spiritualpowerart8492]

would love to hear the opening beat complete....this sounds so good - like from another dimension :) PS thanks for your tutorials, helped me a lot in getting started :)