MPC Live Song Mode - Turn One Sequence into Full Song

In this video I show you hove to using the mpc live song mode to take one sequence and make several parts out of it to make a full song.
Click Here for Free MPC Expansion: freempcsounds.com
Click Here for Free MPC Jump Start Guide: mpcjumpstart.com
Copy sequences: 1:21
Renaming sequences 2:15
Edit individual tracks: 3:06
Double Sequence Length: 4:00
Using grid edit: 4:25
Delete audio in audio track: 7:20
Change audio level of cymbal: 8:10
Edit audio track: 8:50
Using Automation: 14:02
Using song mode: 16:05
Exporting song: 19:00
Import song file into project: 22:15
Chop song/sample: 23:00
Assign to Program: 24:30
Links for Audio Gear I use:
➡️ MPK mini MK3: www.zzounds.co...
➤MPC LIVE: www.zzounds.co...
➤MPC One: www.zzounds.co...
➤MPC X 👉 www.zzounds.co...
➤Akai Force: www.zzounds.co...
➤SP 404: www.zzounds.co...
➤Moog Minitaur: www.zzounds.co...
➤Tascam Model 12: www.zzounds.co...
➤RC 505 Loop Station: www.zzounds.co...
➤Elektron Digitone: www.zzounds.co...
➤Fender Squier Telecaster Affinity Series: amzn.to/2w6yRVm
➤Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: amzn.to/2S4BpvQ
➤Audio-Technica AT-LP60: amzn.to/2A28nXa
➤Zoom LiveTrak L-12: www.zzounds.co...
Yamaha HS8: amzn.to/2QjccKU
Video gear for this video:
Lumix G7: amzn.to/2DqBxAN
Boya BY-M1: amzn.to/2QUD9FN
Sony a5000: amzn.to/2xAcMwC
LimoStudio 160 LED Video Lamp: amzn.to/2OOVMts
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[@supremeciroc]

Is there a way to export your drum track with each instrument exported separately rather one file consisting of all of the drums? When I explode the song the file that's exported includes my kick, snare, hi hats, etc.

[@MatthewStratton]

If you already have your drums exploded into different tracks just convert your song to a sequence. Once you do that go to main and click the folder at the top of the screen. At this point you will see an option for export (lower right corner). Tap that. You will get the option to explode tracks, check the box next to that and each track will have a separate audio files from the mpc live.

[@supremeciroc]

Matthew Stratton you the man thank you 😎

[@YA-sound]

Is it possible to recall/ play back/loop e.g. just your “intro” sequence by assigning it to one of the pads, or an external controller? (And then use other buttons to launch the verse and chorus part) so you can loop different parts of your song to play live with a solo instrument?

[@mpcbeatzpro1099]

@@MatthewStratton can i song mute with loops in mpc one

[@cadethatdude85]

a life saving video... I actually recorded my "entire song" into one sequence... this video allowed me to not lose it.. my temper that is

[@nicklievre7180]

I just made my first ever song thanks to your detailed, knowledge, and clear steps from the very begging of the series through out and the fact is free on KZbin is mind blow. The power of this machine is mind blowing. I have only begun the journey and will forever remember this. I am grateful for your time and effort

[@sidneydejesusii5797]

You are like the Bob Ross of MPC Live! Thank you for creating these how to’s. Very informative! Looking forward to more MPC Live videos.

[@MatthewStratton]

Haha. Nice comment. Thanks. 😁 p.s. more MPC Live videos to come. 👍

[@bluecliffsynthesis6685]

So clear! Much thanks. Here are my notes for reference if anyone wants to see this process written out: NOTES: Make a full loop with all the parts you want in one sequence (MAIN SEQUENCE) Make 5 copies of this sequence: 1. An unaltered copy that will be used as backup if needed 2. An Intro 3. A Verse 4. A Chorus 5. An Outro Peel away layers between the different sections Focus on transitions (variations in the last bar between sections, helping lead into the next section; + automate volume for transitions) After editing individual sections, copy those sections (Verse2, Chorus2, etc) for variation when they repeat the second time Arrange as intended in Song Mode (from main menu) and then export

[@Pastefluo]

Couple years later, this series of tutorials is still the best tool i found to quickly master my MPC Live. Thanks a lot,

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad it's still useful.

[@iamsteveshoe]

"This bad boy", "you know what I'm saying?"

[@MatthewStratton]

Straight up.

[@luisgregoriojr762]

Hell yes!! Lol!!

[@JAt0m]

"scrub that thing outta there. _Erase it!_ See what I'm saying? It's _gone_ ."

[@TenThumbsProductions]

Really helpful, starting to get the feel for it and I’m ready to make full songs instead of just loops. Thanks

[@ericsolis6868]

Maaaaan, I just wanna say I was watching a lot of your videos about the mpc live ii two *before* I got one, during the “research phase”. And now that I finally have one, I appreciate your videos even more. Thank you for making these, they’re to the point and helpful and I can tell you’re having fun making them too- thank you!

[@MatthewStratton]

Awesome! Glad the videos are valuable. Have fun!

[@deepvibez]

Matthew Stratton, you're one of the best bro!! -Gideon Jackson

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks man!

[@CharlieZelenoff]

The MPC Sounds AMAZING!

[@MatthewStratton]

For sure.

[@Kimani88able]

I've been watching lots of vids tutorials and have to say your are the most straight forward and informative. Just got my Live 2 and comming from a DAW perspective I was a thrownnoff by the work flow but you have given some great insight. Thanks!

[@OddPilot_]

This might be the most important part!

[@MatthewStratton]

Yeah man. Maybe the most misunderstood part as well.

[@philippebackprotips]

Small world.

[@Official360]

By far. Absolutely!

[@gurtz1144]

Love it that you make it look so easy, and not intimidating. You are covering every step, which is not something other videos here do. Keep up the good work and send me links to new videos. You explaining what everyone else wants to charge for. Great stuff.

[@Bricks_shakur]

I’m glad you extended the tutorial past what you actually intended to be because that was the section that actually blew my mind. I mean the thought of chopping up my whole song to create a new one is Tremendous thank you

[@nabeeldeane7321]

Absolute best tutorial for sequencing a song prior to song mode. Really appreciate the help!

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks for the comment! Glad you found it the information valuable about what to do before song mode. I will have to do more like this in the future.

[@dainegoolsby1910]

Thank you so much for you videos. Nobody on KZbin goes into the most minute details like you do... Actually it's not even close for the most part. The amount of time and consideration you offer to all of us is truly impressive. Way to be real real rad. Keep it up!

[@bennyvolance]

Thank you for posting this. I just bought the MPC One and your work on these videos is immensely helpful. You have a good soul.

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad the videos are helpful.

[@gregorylove-jones7695]

Thank you, Matthew - really glad I got my MPC after watching your video and following along. Super informative!

[@Mikeskills]

I just got my 1st MPC Live 2 this video hella help me wrap my brain around the workflow cus ive been using FL Studio my whole life, thank you!

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad I could help. There is a bit of a learning curve for sure.

[@johndawad]

Mr Stratton, thanks for making this video. This def helps me understand sequence's on the Live.

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome. Glad I could help. I will be doing more videos about sequences and song mode in the future.

[@trumjohannsmancave]

Just got an MPC LIVE 2 today!! And your videos have helped me immensely😁🤘🎶 Thanks and cheers from Stockholm Sweden🇸🇪

[@MatthewStratton]

Great to hear! Have fun!

[@DaCashRap]

This has an asmr feel to it. You got a soothing voice.

[@ryantrudell4686]

Thank you so much! I bought this in 2018 and I’ve been terrible at learning how to use it. This video was life changing!

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@josephharris4437]

Thanks so much for this video man! I’ve been going through all of your MPC tutorials, they are super helpful! Thanks again!

[@msklvr]

You are a very good teacher, Matthew. Thank you.

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome.

[@seven7sseven7s83]

Great video. Appreciate your context. I'm a trad muso (guitar) and my DAW work flow is different from typical MPC. I was thinking this in my head and on paper. Helped a lot thanks. Subscribed

[@MrLongduckdoong]

More MPC!! Do a video on using loops in the Live please. 😌

[@vincentbaillargeon9139]

Dude, thanks for the video. It really open loots of door for me to understand all this. awesome channel by the way.

[@lindasson]

This was a great series Matt, and it helped me tremendously! I'm a rookie and only had my MPC Live for about 2 months and I sat down and watched the series followed along and you're a great teacher bro, I appreciate it!!!

[@MatthewStratton]

Good to hear. Glad you are getting value out of the series.

[@peterbode3005]

Thanks again, Matthew. Good work!

[@MatthewStratton]

Cool thanks. I am going to do a full explanation of song mode. I wanted to finish these 4 tutorials before going over all the other functions of the MPC LIVE. This way you can get a brief work flow overview.

[@n97223]

Great tutorial! Thank you. I have been considering and MPC LIve for some time, but always thought it was too complicated. After this video, I realize it is actually less complicated from a workflow perspective than my DAW. And the work flow does not get in the way of creativity. Going to order the MPC Live II. Thank you again!

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad it was helpful. The MPC Live does take some time to get used to. But, it is learnable like anything else.

[@osibrathwaite2146]

Thanks for everything bro. I had to come back to this video. Much love & respect. Happy New Year!!

[@RasTuft]

This is a great video mate! Thanks very much. It’s REALLY easy to understand.

[@yeahrosheechabanina6357]

Dude, that's how the tutorials should be done. Very useful. Thx.

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad it was useful. Thanks for the comment!

[@sinewaymusic]

I appreciate the tutorial, it seems fairly straightforward to go from an idea to a song.

[@radizdagreat215]

Great video Matthew

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks.

[@Pastramowitz]

Man you are so feeaking helpful. I was stuck and just missing one button. I can now make and export songs. Can't wait to dig into more of your videos!!!!

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice! Glad to help. Sometimes it is the simplest of things that can move the needle forward.

[@Pastramowitz]

Matthew Stratton 100%

[@Schemez-16vhiphopbeatz]

Just got the mpc one + yesterday loving it got a couple of little things still to figure out but got alot of the mainstuff out the way

[@kutuzovik9322]

Learnt so much from your videos ,and now finally manage to make my first track and music video using only mpcx,thaks man @

[@MatthewStratton]

That's amazing!!!!

[@rickybelzing2980]

You can do an online class....I definatly would pay!!! Great content and very helpful every time!

[@MatthewStratton]

Wow, thanks for the comment. 🙂

[@Neucougar]

Thanks for the videos man. This sounds like a Goldeneye 64 beat. Keep up the good work!

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@jrock223]

All of your videos are a blessing!

[@Mosiah23d]

Simple and to the point. Great Vid bro

[@matttucny4400]

Another great video Matthew. These have really helped me to get familiar with my MPC.

[@MatthewStratton]

Cool. Thanks for the comment. I am going to get more detailed in the next videos.

[@JaredDee]

That's dope you can fade out the final track like that.

[@MatthewStratton]

There are a lot of Sample Edit functions in the MPC that are good.

[@Magnetic1908]

How does mixing levels and other mixing needs work if you decide to use song mode? Does each sequence correspond with each other when making adjustments or do you have to go to each individual sequence? For example, if I adjust the snare on sequence 1 will it make that adjustment to that same snare on other sequences? Also, can you make event edits after already in song mode? Thank you. Great videos as always!

[@cleansedmylaugh4675]

Hi Matt, I just created my 1st song on MPC ONE with 15 Midi Tracks for Drums and Synths and did Audio Guitars and Bass Tracks All in one Sequence, This Video was very helpful. So there are definite parts that are intro, verse 1, verse 2, bridge and end. I now need to break these apart into separate sequences at the correct bar locations and add a lead guitar part between the bridge and end. Seems more complicated than what this 1st basic video covers. Can you make a part 2 that covers adjusting bars to make existing parts match up sequence to sequence?

[@poxipaul]

Great tutorial, congratulations!!! Happy New Year!!

[@beautifulguitarhands]

Thank you for posting this video! Very helpful and informative

[@playmu5ic]

gr8 video thanks you explain the song mode very well.....

[@cstreetsms]

One of the best videos for teaching I’ve found 💯💯

[@MatthewStratton]

Wow. Thanks for the comment 🌟 more to come.

[@lycidos8752]

Awesome video Matt, thanks again for all the help.

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful

[@Zuisgenox]

the pen on mpc is our #1 tool

[@paul_shuler]

Informative video. Thanks for sharing your process. Very Helpful!

[@CatLover-g7j]

Good shit. ☝

[@MatthewStratton]

👍

[@thecreaturesdancedlikeus3922]

Thank you! New user and helped explain somethings fosho, love the videos.

[@MattF12765]

Great tutorial. Can each sequence be assigned to pads so that you can trigger the into, chorus, verse etc.

[@thomasmatthews5732]

Keep on doing this great thing you are doing here. I appreciate you to the fullest. I have The One so I apply the same order of operations.

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice!!!! Glad it is helping! Yeah, the new MPCs run the same firmware so MPC Live or MPCX videos should apply.

[@Joebabylon]

Thanks again Matt! Regarding face in/out (from around 14:00 to around 15:30 in your video), can you start with 0 volume and slowly fade a track in? The goal is like for house music when a disco sample slowly fades in over the drums. I ask because you started the fade where the track was then faded the drums out. Thanks!

[@GareginBingyol]

Thank you For Video.Is it possibel to use XYfx on song mode?

[@GearHedd]

Great vid. Only 1:45 in and finally figured out how to copy a sequence from say sequence 1 and also make it sequence 2 and 3 and etc. Thanks. Guess ill hit the red button now and watch all ur MPC vids heh... Been wonderin how ya do that lately. Thanks...

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice! Glad it helped out. Copying sequences is very important.

[@GearHedd]

@@MatthewStrattonYea, that is gonna help a ton. I spent a few minutes trying to figure it out but had no luck so went back to figuring out other stuff... Since then I would just do say a 4 bar sequence, then use the x2 function a few times to make it into say a 32 bar sequence. Then do changes from there. So u can get a repetive thing goin but still have changes here and there thruout as it runs thru. Copying sequences tho is the only way to go for sure. Cant wait to try it out here and make things easier on myself...

[@decmade]

bruh. just in case no one is saying this, YOU ARE THE F$#*ING MAN!

[@spindlenine]

been thinking about buying one of these, and watching you work on it has been really helpful to see how the MPC workflow operates. now i just have to decide between the X and the Live. I like the extra controls on the X, but watching you work it doesn't seem like the smaller Live's hardware interfaces are really holding you back much.

[@MatthewStratton]

Hello. The extra knobs and buttons and a larger screen and more inputs and outputs of the X seem appealing. But there firmware on the mpc x and not live are the same. Once you get used to where everything is at on the Live you don't know what you are missing if you have never used the X. The price difference is rather large too. So that being said the Live may be a good option if you want to get an idea of the work flow. After 2 years of use with the Live I kinda do want to get my hands on the MPC X though 😁

[@spindlenine]

if there’s one thing I really wish they’d carried over from the X to the Live it’s the little OLED screens above the knobs down the right hand side. I think that would make knowing what the QLINK options are a bit more obvious when you’re getting started. however, watching you work on the Live it’s obviously not a requirement since you seem to have built muscle memory around it. :) After seeing how fluidly you and some other KZbinrs cruise through it to make edits and tweaks, I decided to go with the Live. I think if the X was closer to $1,500 it might be worth it but I really can’t justify the price hike of 120% more when the OS and core features are the same on both. If the X had enough inputs to replace my sub mixer as well it might be worth it to save the desk space and get all those knobs, but as it is, I think Akai really packed a ton of good stuff into the Live for a fair price. And the portability is dope. If I end up regretting it I can always eBay it and upgrade to the X. Thanks for the advice, and keep making those sweet videos. I’ll be working my way through them all soon. :)

[@MatthewStratton]

@@spindlenine you can always see what your qlinks are controlling by pressing and holding the qlink button. 👍 thanks for checking out the videos on my channel.

[@HAYDENMUSICTV]

Seems decent for simple arrangements but not so ideal for complex arrangements...To me it seems like a great loop machine for building loops or sketching out rough beats before bringing them into a DAW for more detailed arrangement and mixing.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

HAYDENMUSICTV I agree. I have a Live and love it for a sketch pad. I get a lot of great ideas when I work with it. But I find that constructing songs is very tedious and prefer to work faster in my DAW. So I export all my tracks out of the Live and into Ableton. I can record 12 tracks at once out of the Live.

[@CharlieZelenoff]

@@aristotlekumpis7095 The Live has a DAW

[@CRV1958]

Great Job Matt.

[@Ron197704]

I am going to get this in a few days, thanks! Your videos are great for the help

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome 👍

[@Banoonoo]

This channel is dope! This video was mad helpful

[@MatthewStratton]

Thanks! Glad to help.

[@RhythmicOfLaVaCamp]

Thanks for this Matthew, super simple to follow! Quick question, when u do this, do the sequences update within the song mode or do u have to take them out and put them back in?

[@MatthewStratton]

Hey thanks for the comment. If you change a sequence in the main mode the sequence with be updated in song mode.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

Another good video. I wish AKAI would allow us to arrange audio tracks separately from the sequences.

[@EdsonNardiNardao]

Hi , great tutorial ! I wonder if its possible to create 16 channels MIDI channels on a DAW and them export a complete song as a MIDI file type I and load it to the MPC via SD Card , this is something I’ve been looking for before buying MPC one , or can I create a whole new MIDI song with all 16 MIDI Chanels on MP software and I mean on a linear way as you do on pro tools , logic etc.? By doing this way you make a complete MIDI song and even insert audio backing vocals together to play it live . Is it possible to do , if so please do a video on this option which is much more easier than doing patterns as you did on a old school drum macchine program. Thanks a lot .

[@kensey1973]

Wow. So helpful. Thank you very much

[@drfoley1]

Hey bro, i love your Retrospeak. Noumsayin? Im just hoping to hear you say "Word to a Motha" on your next vid. Please?

[@1johnth1]

drink every time he says "know what I'm saying"

[@jvsoundz7881]

Professional video. Well done, thank you!

[@mixmant]

How do you convert a song into one large Sequence. Having a problem making Stems. Thanks in advance. Love your content!

[@lonewolf8053]

matthew, you got it. thanks for this.

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome :)

[@TheSpotRocker]

Anyone else hear the Game of Thrones theme, lol. Nice tutorial and beat mang!

[@MrZonkoner]

Good JOB ! I only you understand to learn to MPC one ;D

[@don_lemons]

Thanks for this! Just wondering, is song mode limited to 16 sections?

[@ogartekz0085]

God bless you my man thank you

[@paul_shuler]

Do you know if there is a way to automate realtime "next sequence transitions" to give it a more live feel for dropping in and out of sequences? Thanks for all your vids!

[@veerchasm1]

Dair I learned how to name sequences watching this

[@goonluminatidavis]

this is the best tutorial video

[@MatthewStratton]

Appreciate it.

[@kingcee520]

Thanks dude this really helped me out a lot.

[@MatthewStratton]

You’re welcome!

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Excellent lesson. Works for me!

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice. Glad it was helpful

[@jdmsuperman]

Thank you so much! I finally understand! ❤️❤️❤️😘

[@MatthewStratton]

You're welcome 😊

[@seanisaackhr]

Very helpful... 👑 Thanks!

[@ukulelechriswilson]

Thank You so much.

[@goodahrecords507]

Thanks for this video.. how can I get my audio to cut off and on in song mode.. basically it don’t cut off at all after the song is put in song mode . I understand you can mute on what ever track you choose but when doing that I completely mute it in every audio track

[@mrluckytv6854]

Yo Matt, in song mode I’ve arranged it how I want it to go then converted it to a sequence but when I replay the sequence back out of song mode there are sounds that are constantly playing like there’s some kind of feedback going. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks 🙏

[@bdavid4855]

Very helpful . Thanks!

[@sizzahandz1]

Thank you good sir...very helpful 👍

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad it helped

[@chuckarmsden4744]

I know what you're saying! Great video!

[@MatthewStratton]

Awesome! Thank you!!!!!

[@waxyhits5087]

dooope!!! THANK YOU!!

[@MatthewStratton]

You’re welcome!

[@HouseJunk1e]

"Yes, I do know what you are saying." -Butters

[@MatthewStratton]

Sweet. Good to know.

[@Jakevx1k]

How would you go about setting up multiple songs to be able to play a live set?

[@avisionaryvoice]

@matthewstratton appreciate the videos its very helpful.wanted to know is there a way I can go around putting drums behind certain vocal samples without it skipping?does having too much vocal samples on one sequence messes up the process of creating a song.wonder has anyone experienced this on the live 2?

[@mr-mizu]

Thanks so much for these videos. I have a used Mpc live with no manual. lol Anyway im wondering what the best way to sample street musicians would be. Should I get some sort of USB mic? Maybe record on my phone and email it to myself then put it on a USB and put it in. Any help would be appreciated.

[@MatthewStratton]

Have you thought about using a zoom handheld recorder and recording a soundfile to sd/micro sd card and trying to transfer the files to the mpc. I haven't tried it just an idea.

[@deanparsons9675]

thanks for sharing - super helpful - peace brother.

[@MatthewStratton]

Glad it helped.