MPC3 - The End of a Legacy workflow

[@AndyMacMPCclub]

Independent Track Mutes per sequence wasn’t available in Marlow’s early access build but is coming to the public beta a few weeks after the first beta download is launched. Programs are also still drum programs but are now referred to as (Tracks) All your old programs still load. :-) If you like to try different drum programs and then pick the one that sounds best on ur track, you can still do this by loading each one individually in the browser using the +/- button instantly loading the kit directly to the track This way, you’re not loading endless kits into ram saving memory and not having to save large project files. Song mode is also the same and can be used if you like that way of arranging. You can then move to the arranger to finish your beats. You can also externally capture your synths directly to audio tracks in the arranger timeline more efficiently than ever. The legacy is far from over…..It’s simply evolving by incorporating more modern day features. Hope this helps.

[@mpchead]

That is a relief to hear Andy, thank you for clearing this.

[@OutspokenRap]

No need for this evolution

[@valemaxema73]

Hey Andy it's super cool you chimed in to reassure us MPC heads! What you said solves the issue about switching programs on the fly to try different sounds in a sequence, but one thing still worries me: will there be a way to change a track program per sequence or am I doomed to have loads of tracks with different programs to use in each sequence? That's the most important thing about the old workflow for me, I need to have each sequence use a specific kit and it would be the best update ever if there was a way to make this happen. It would be great on the Force too actually! Thanks for your time, you're the best

[@andydufresne6778]

thanks andy for your input. i'm still confused about the program selection. despite your explanation, it still seems more cumbersome to me because i have to go to the browser for each program and select it there. in 2.xx, i just had to select my track and could simply scroll through my programs with my jogwheel without having to open another menu. it seemed much simpler to me. who knows, maybe i'm missing something and that's why it seems more complicated to me. now i'm afraid that if i want to have every program at my fingertips, i'll have to create umpteen tracks that i won't need in the end.

[@edgarcortes]

That’s great Andy thanks for the input! One that I haven’t seen is about clip launching, is it going to be in mpc 3? For live sets I have dozens of projects made with the clip launch workflow which for me is really great.. are those sessions gonna open and is that workflow gonna carryover? Thanks!

[@lleevveell66]

You really *are* an MPC Head. Keeping it real, and that's why we're all here enjoying learning from you.

[@wmextra]

@@lleevveell66 yep

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@Almada78]

100

[@DYSFNK]

Yo I didn’t update because of this - I thought maybe later when everything is working.. but yeah I also like the also 4 being different than daw or other machines

[@mikep9862]

I feel the same way. I come from the Legacy machines (MPC 3k, 2kxl, etc).. I enjoyed these new machines because they kept legacy elements such as "Program", "Song Mode", "Sequences", "16 levels", Decay with the Start/End mode..... If they start to get rid of these things like they're doing with the concept of a Program... It's not an MPC anymore other than the 16 pads.

[@mpchead]

💯

[@westtt123]

Well said!

[@donartyone3258]

Yup! Well said. That’s what most, if not all, of us true MPC heads are all feeling.

[@ming-artoflight2761]

💯

[@AndyMacMPCclub]

Independent track mutes were not in Marlow’s early access build but are coming to the public beta a few weeks after the first public version comes out. Song mode is also still the same and programs have not gone….they’re now referred to as (Tracks). If you want to preview 50 kits, you can now go to 1 track, open the browser and load kit after kit until u find the right one without having to load endless kits into ram. The only kit that goes to ram is the final one you decide to use.

[@homeofnobles]

Akai, you better listen to this man! 💯

[@jason9040]

DUDE. Thank you. If I wanted a full DAW I would use a computer. I was not a fan of the 3.0 update and felt like I was alone in thinking so. There are some great updates in there but I moved away from the DAW world because of the workflow and the constant updates and changes to my workflow/experience.

[@biggwillbeats4384]

I kinda use a hybrid workflow,but definitely get why most don’t won’t the ‘distractions’ of a computer…the extra processing power of a laptop or desktop is worlds apart obviously, I can appreciate the creativity that comes from limitations too.. Since we allegedly can downgrade back 2.15 I’mma see for myself hands on how much it hinders or helps my productivity 🤷🏾‍♂️…after the buggy stuff is dealt with though.. Got stuff in MPC2.15 I gots to master before I hop off in 3.0..S/O @KirkState🤪😉

[@sampoetry]

Bro I really appreciate your honest opinion. I totally agree with you. I prefer the old workflow better. Leave the linear arrangement to DAW heads. The beauty of the MPC is its simplicity & limitations. It’s a sampling groove box not a DAW. I think Akai is trying to cater to this new generation of producers who don’t know or even care about the legacy of the MPC workflow. These new cats want the MPC to be more like Logic or FL studio and that’s not how the MP is intended to function. I definitely won’t be updating to 3.0. I love the MPC as is, it’s not broke so I’m not fixing it.

[@mpchead]

Damn right

[@danceswith7wolves]

Yeah I was thinking why not just use a daw. Mpc had a certain unique vibe

[@nickgilday8946]

haha this is exactly what I say to people that hate on maschine. End of the day these are groove boxes that are made to vibe out with a workflow that just speaks to you. Can't really explain it, but it just works or it doesn't. Thats the soul of the hardware and if you mess with that.. well.. If you want all the glitz and glam and every single feature and all this shit then work from a daw. Dealers choice.

[@InkyDaCaT]

Also for us using mpc as midi brain, we jam live, we don't want to stop and copy n paste on a screen

[@elusivemite]

It feels bittersweet. Decent features added on one hand but my core workflow decimated.

[@errliest]

What is your workflow? Do you have the update? From what I understand it's basically in pre beta stage. The new "arranger" is basically just an updated grid view. IMHO I don't really think it is meant to build out a whole song in one sequence. I am sure they will iron out all the kinks like track mutes before they drop the official 3.0 with their new hardware.

[@elusivemite]

@@errliest Aye. Arranger is just a view and shortcut to tracks for editing really. Been playing about a little with it. I treat a sequence as a collection of single track sequences that I can combine. 4 bass variations all using plugin 1 4 keys using plugin 2 4 leads and so on. Duplicate drum tracks using the same program So bass 1 keys1 drum 1 and lead1 is one part of my song. Mute those and unmute bass2 . You get the idea. I can play a live arrangement of a song from one 4/8/16/32 bar loop easily from one track mute screen. Let's me easily tweak and adjust everything in one place and then when I'm happy. Copy seq. Mute all but intro tracks. Copy again. Bring in next part. Link it all up in song mode and I can then edit small sequences to add builds and fills etc. Once happy convert to new sequence and record automations. My project folder is littered with single sequence song ideas. I can open them up. Jam an arrangement and get right back Into the song easily.

[@errliest]

@@elusivemite 100%

[@richiefamus8778]

Gave it a like Maschine - like -mixer and workflow. Looks good but nah. I’ll be staying on 2.15 if they don’t fix this.

[@elusivemite]

@@richiefamus8778 lots of shiny toys to distract from the broken legs it received. Il be staying on 2.15 for the foreseeable. Will have to see how the beta develops

[@hip360hop]

Agree wholeheartedly. Is the previous workflow a bit dated? Certainly. However imo its quarks/limitations are what makes it an MPC - particularly track mutes. People have been praising the update for being a true DAW in a box now - you know what's also a DAW in a box? My laptop w/ ableton. I quite liked the old workflow as an alternate to working out of my laptop so not sure if I'll upgrade

[@sandrolorini]

I don't feel the previous workflow was dated. Saying the old work flow is dated is like saying the english language is dated, it needs a new alphabet, accents, words, and new grammar rules... for what? just because the language is few hundred years old, we can't communicate anymore? can't write poetry, jot down a note, make a list or publish a study in english? I feel that if Akai really wants to put this new work flow out, they shouldve released a new product for that instead of breaking something that's not broken so they can "fix it". Who knows, maybe they're doing this to put more distance between what the MPC was, and what the current Akai want's it be so they can keep not paying Roger Linn any royalties. 🤷‍♂

[@trevormalcolm4328]

For months I’ve been looking for a “new” sampler. In my time I’ve had a few Yamaha, Roland, old school MPCs, I settled on a pimped out MPC 1000 and to be honest, I’m loving every minute of it! LESS IS MORE.

[@jazzroom]

the best all around MPC of all MPCs with classic and new features in one with JJ OS

[@trevormalcolm4328]

@@jazzroom believe it bruh!

[@dafunkycanuck]

I'm in no hurry to get on the 3.0 train at this point.

[@smitty_mittenz]

Yeah was trying to be optimistic, but here we are.

[@antbell_313_abmg]

I said the same thing. Until I HAVE to, I'm not gonna update.

[@MrBlueHaze]

I downloaded and testing it out I’m fine so far, Marlow has a point it is a paradigm shift. But since I work with logic, live and now Bitwig it hasn’t slowed my productivity besides the song and muting issues that I hope gets worked out for the final release. That said I haven’t felt the need to backtrack to 2.14 yet cuz I’m still discovering the functions on 3.0. I get get 2.14 when I’m in controller mode. And I have my go live with 2.14. I have an mpc X by the way! The arrangement view needs to give us the ability to make MIDI regions we can edit and cut up like the audio regions.

[@dj_tsura]

Man I can really feel the passion inside you when you talk about things you don’t like, that’s the difference between you and many others on yt. We need this type of passion in this culture, much love from Milan!

[@officialknightowlz]

@@MrBlueHaze aye put that in the beta comments. Because you are totally right. This is the point of betas, feedback.

[@traitortotheliving]

Appreciate your thoughts and honesty man

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@sdopeisses]

I'm glad you said it. I see no reason to switch to 3.0 at the moment. The MPC concept will no longer be the same.

[@liquidmetaljesus]

Dude, thanks for saying this. I'm VERY skeptical of this new work flow, the main screen, mainly. The addition of the arrangement mode is cool, but not at the expense of song mode. You described the way most people use the MPC, and I think the ability to drop sequences in and out, that easily, has led to some fantastic spontaneous beats over the years, and to loose that is pretty rough. Some of the other stuff is cool but that main work flow worked for perfectly for 30 years. I bought my first MPC in 2001, for almost 25 years now, and the one advantage it always had over the competition, in almost every opinion I've ever heard/read on it, was the workflow. The minute you wrap your head around it, its very purposeful and easy to get down exactly what you're thinking but can also lead to new ideas you'd have never thought of otherwise. There is so much stuff they could have added, like amps/lfos on the cv, midi sysex, better customability of midi and vst plugins, etc etc. There is some cool parts Im looking forward to, like macro controls and all that, but I'm kinda bummed about this update. I'm going to try it of course and I want to like it because I want access to future plugins, but we'll see. Thanks for the input, as always.

[@darv11]

No other MPC head on You Tube has talked about this. Good for you. It's the first thing I thought when I saw the update.

[@YFGP1]

speak your mind bro! appreciate the honesty! seen some vids, not sure I want to update to 3...will see...

[@esto]

I was looking forward to this update. But my workflow is also multiple programs and track mutes as well. Glad I was able to hear your thoughts on it. Hopefully they drop some updates that allow us to keep that workflow

[@mpchead]

That's what this video is about, if we say it they have to listen.

[@biggrime]

Thank you for doing this video. After watching videos about the 3.0 software. I like a lot of the new things that they're doing but I never understood when people always ask for an arranger mode but I feel like the song mode was great already.

[@365OTG]

Im glad I have multple MPC's I think im going to keep one of My MPC 1's on the old Workflow. Live 2 I may update. I have a Force to. Thanks for the vid.

[@InkyDaCaT]

I was going to try on one of my mpcs but I'll wait for it on force.... I love old workflow too much.

[@andremiller1566]

Yep that's the best thing. Remember, there are new MPCs on the way that can power the new VSTs. Get 3.0 on the new MPCs.

[@InkyDaCaT]

@@andremiller1566 where have you heard they're will be a new mpc? Mmm interesting...still this workflow makes more sence on force, and I personally don't gel with it as much.

[@TazzMania-w1b]

I said the same thing… I have the X and Key61… Key61 gets the update, X stays old school… However I do understand the frustration for those who have only one.

[@365OTG]

@@andremiller1566 I have all the plugins that are available and they run good for me. Im worried that the new MPC's are going to either A be cheaper made or B have some kind of subscription feature I dont really want. So Ive been building them waiting for this moment when they move to the next units and i can stick with these how guys stick with their 5000, 2000xl etc..

[@BasedFrequency]

hopefully we get a oldschool mode

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

Yes, that'll be sticking on 2.X 😁

[@donartyone3258]

@@FernandoDCDuarte yea, for real

[@snaggletooth1881]

yeah man.... that would be sick.

[@samilieux]

What I love about the mpc is that its nothing like a DAW workflow. I'm not big on the linear arrangement view myself, it would be nice if you could see the arrangement of all sequences together. this seems to work better for those that make a whole song on one sequence.

[@Esoge]

Finally someone that gets it. This is unacceptable as they currently plan to implement this 3.0 update. Non-negotiable. If they're getting rid of Programs and Track Mutes to just be a bad DAW and NOT an MPC with the workflow... I'm not interested.

[@histakes12]

Feel me?!!

[@AndyMacMPCclub]

I think there’s some confusion here. Marlow is using an early access beta which doesn’t have independent (track mutes)for each sequence in the build yet. This is coming very soon when the beta is available in the 2nd beta download. Also…..programs have not gone. They are now referred to as Tracks. You can simply open up the browser and load and test different kits on a single track without the need of loading endless kits into ram then having to save them all to the project. The process is far more easier and faster.

[@Esoge]

@@AndyMacMPCclub showing off this 3.0 beta WITHOUT Track Mutes working with the promise of "it'll come later we totally promise" was not a very smart move. It immediately put a bad taste in the mouth of every legacy user that has enough common sense to recognize that as a MAJOR problem. Not a tiny one... a HUMONGOUS monkey wrench in the workflow that built the MPC brand. So THAT was a major misstep and wholly avoidable by not showing this OS off until you had at least the basic MPC workflow fully functional. In regards to Programs... sorry I fail to see how the removal of them was necessary to achieve ANYTHING that you guys are adding in this proposed 3.0 update. You keep removing features to add new features, but you guys seem to either not recognize or not care that you leave behind customers when you do that. You'll find countless people in these comments and threads on other sites full of people stuck on 2.8 or 2.12 or another firmware because you removed some essential feature to their workflow and/or made it much more convoluted to achieve what they were previously able to achieve with ease. You shouldn't be removing things to add things. You should making the existing things more stable and then adding, not removing. I've seen the workaround for Programs and it is just that... a workaround. Instead of having everything I, the end user, need (and previously had through multiple generations of your hardware spanning back 2 decades) in front of me on the home screen (i.e. access to quickly being able to change out and experiment with programs on new tracks and sequences within the same project) I have to work around this new workflow that doesn't add anything that I need to the home screen. I don't need to see my sequence... that's what the grid mode was for. I don't need to see my waveform... that's what the program edit screen is for. What I DO need is the ability to quickly change Programs on the fly within a track from the home screen. That isn't in what's been shown of 3.0. This isn't Marlow or any other YTers fault. This bad perception created among segments of your user bas across multiple forums is the fault of the decisions of your company that's it. And as someone who has sung the praises of the MPC for 2 decades starting with my first purchase my MPC 2000XL that I still own and love and use to this day... as someone who praised the modern MPCs for modernizing the features that I loved, but still somehow retaining that classic legacy MPC workflow... so much so that when I bought my Live II I was up and running making beats and finishing songs within hours because it ALL made so much sense to me... to see what looks like that being tossed aside to appease a different audience who seemingly no attempt whatsoever to actually engage with the strengths of the MPC workflow... it's really disheartening. I do appreciate you reaching out, Andy. I like your videos. I love your company and your brand... but I don't feel very appreciated as a customer by your brand as of late if I'm being honest. Hopefully, someone runs this up the flagpole and gets these concerns back to the beta team because I can assure you (based on the conversations I have had since the announcement of this 3.0 beta) I am not alone in these concerns and this 3.0 is going to fracture your userbase between legacy users and new users looking for a DAW in a box and not an MPC.

[@djprominent]

Programs and mutes are most important to me

[@mpchead]

Many of us bro 👊🏼

[@StacksOfLitty]

Same. If a lot of people don’t update, maybe they’ll figure out how to keep both workflows or abandon so many creators who enjoy track mutes and song mode. They should’ve refreshed things and added a linear arrangement workflow alongside the original way.

[@VinylWave11]

@@StacksOfLittyvery good thought. Adding a new screen with linear work flow would have been great. Although that isn’t how I use the MPC

[@PapatunesRecords]

Me too

[@Esoge]

​@@StacksOfLittythat's the most annoying part to me. They didn't have to get rid of Programs OR Track Mutes in order to have a linear arranger. This is a problem wholly invented by InMusic/Akai and I genuinely don't know how they thought this was acceptable to show off to their existing userbase. It is egregiously out of pocket. The best part is... these users that want this (IME mostly younger and/or new to production) think they're going to have a more efficient and more streamlined way of building a track, but this is overly complicated. It lacks one of the most essential functions OF a linear DAW-like arranger... the MIDI notes are not stored in clips. They are individual notes in the arranger menu and then to edit them you have to jump to the Grid mode for that track, find the section you want to delete or edit or add notes to and then work on it in Grid mode (exactly like the 2.0 OS currently works except now I'm doing it on a 64 bar sequence instead of a 4 or 8 bar sequence making it much more difficult to navigate and harder to grab individual notes or phrases without constantly zooming in and out). It is considerably LESS streamlined and MORE convoluted because to do that on ANY MPC before this all I had to do to make this edit was copy the sequence to a blank sequence, make the edits I want much easier because it's a much smaller scale to work on, and then be able to paste that new sequence wherever I wanted in Song mode. Not one of the QOL updates they implemented in this 3.0 Beta are worth giving up that workflow. I will not update and I suspect many of the people that do will be MORE confused and STILL not be able to make a track worth a damn lmao.

[@AllOutOnline]

I agree @Marlow Digs Programs and Mutes… Song Mode… should all work together as different flows. Theres no reason they shouldnt logistically unless it has something to do with upcoming unannounced features but I hope Akai listens to you and brings those things back.

[@CHR1ST1AN1215]

From my understanding, sequences are still there along with song mode, so that should still be the same. And Akai has told other youtubers who asked that track mutes per sequence will be there, just not currently. I think everyone just needs some patience as this is just the beta and a lot of those things will be addressed.

[@mpchead]

Hey if that is the case then is all good. I didn't get that information.

[@EnochLight]

@@mpchead - Yeah, "event" track mutes is on the way. Also, Song Mode/Sequence workflow is still there just like it always was. It's the 1:1 tracks (hence, Programs) now must be assigned on a per-track basis. That's really the only massive change.

[@mloeffler26]

My first MPC was the 2000xl back in 2001. That thing only supported 4 programs, but most of my beats I would just use a single program. I'd keep drum sounds on the lower pads and my main samples on the upper pads. Typically I'd record the kick on track 1, snare on track 2, hats on track 3, my main sample on track 4, then bass on track 5. Higher tracks I'd use for additional elements, but having everything on different tracks allowed me to use track mutes to add and remove elements. Having all tracks on the same program allowed me to easily modify the program from any track. This is what the MPC was designed to do. I was able to continue that method when I got the MPC2500, then later the MPC1000, MPC Live II, then the X. I still have all of them. I signed up for the beta program since I was excited to try out the new features and the new UI, but when I saw they got rid of programs I changed my mind, that is an absolute deal breaker for me. I saw the workaround with midi tracks to trigger a separate drum track, but that doesn't seem intuitive to me. I'm glad someone with a platform is finally talking about this. Bring the programs back!

[@KHNIsTunes]

i can hardly wait for the update. i can already see how fast it makes me and works excellently for me. i usually produce in Ableton despite my hardware, but i can already see that my MPC is finally coming into focus. i will also buy the MPC x SE because of the new update to my MPC one.

[@mpchead]

Do you really think you're gonna have a fast workflow with this arrangement view? I would look a bit further into it.

[@SteveCrozier-d8w]

Surely the screen is just too damn small for linear arrangement to organise a song. I would love to be able to have the speed of song mode with the ability to automatic across / between sequences to prevent that kind of 'blocky' mpc sound

[@WASKMUSIC]

I honestly share the same thoughts. If i want a DAW, i use a DAW. If i want to sketch ideas and focus on sampling, i use the MPC.

[@MyNameJeff..]

You can literally still do the latter with 3.0

[@majortodd3050]

I like the amount of options from Home Screen … but when I realized Akai got rid of track mutes I was extremely disgusted !! I’m in total agreement with all they you have advised! I use track mutes automation through out entire sequences … crazy to toss that workflow as its simplicity and ease of use along with what you already mentioned about song mode swaps is what made the mpc work flow legendary! If anything re fresh the UI for the same workflow but I don’t agree to just toss it out! Or give us both because I’m not impressed with the left side of the arrangement view and the fluidity of editing the midi notes in touch screen appears as a little cumbersome or not as intuitive… again your analysis is spot on Diggs!

[@apoclypse]

Track mutes still work. The issue is it mutes the track not the event pointing the track like the classic workflow does.

[@remyvegamedia]

I'll have to actually try it to know how it's gonna work in practice, so I can only speculate on whether the changes are genuine improvements or not. I can see why a change this big would be frustrating for someone who has an entire workflow based on the specifics of the original software. On the other hand, I can see where they're trying to go with it and think it has potential be a positive thing, especially if they really work it out. It might be, at this point, a more appealing offering for new buyers. Not necessarily just beginner musicians, but new buyers for the MPC platform (which you did mention).

[@teejaysuplx4380]

Thank You for your honesty. I felt this way since I saw it.

[@enzymeXfactor]

This is the video I was waiting for. To truly understand, the creative workflow differences between the two versions. thanks!

[@mpchead]

Glad it was helpful! ✌🏼

[@lordg3803]

Exactly. Good you spoke up. People are on the Payroll to speak highly of it without any Gripes or Constructive Criticism. This aint it. They shohld have a Classic View and 3.0 View.

[@Void-tp4yv]

I've been using MPC since the MPC Live 1, but I never liked the program and song mode concepts. They always made me feel stuck in short loops. When I tried the Force, I finished more songs thanks to its linear arrangement view. So, for me, it's an absolute dream come true that they ported the linear arrangement from the Force to MPC.

[@TheCircusp]

I feel the same, don't give a damn about the legacy mpc workflow 😂

[@LifeGQ]

@@TheCircusp The "legacy workflow" is so daunting. I welcome the new update for sure lol

[@coldskoolbeatz]

Same.

[@coldskoolbeatz]

And I've been using the MPC since the 60II. But I don't want to be too quick to be for or against. I need to get my hands on it first. They're taking kinda long to drop the beta.

[@LifeGQ]

@@coldskoolbeatz I know the non beta 3.0 will be fire.

[@roystroebel]

It really remains to be seen whether the advantages teased by the update to mpc 3 actually outweigh the disadvantages of abandoning the legacy mpc features. Many good things in there. But I also think that the current mpc touchscreens are too small for editing events in arrangement view, had the same issue when I had the force before I sold it. Edit: I totally agree after some thought, taking the mutes and programs away is killing a main feature that made the mpc workflow stand apart, don't do this Akai

[@_EightySix]

The 7" screens are definitely too small. The more they try to turn the MPC into a DAW like Ableton, the greater the chances increase of people just using Ableton instead, and with a much bigger screen on a computer. They're turning off huge swaths of their users with these Ableton emulating updates. I like to use the MPC in conjunction with Ableton. I don't want either of them to replace the other.

[@iamKASETA]

Yup 💯 without an option to easily swap programs on a track I'm staying on MPC 2 🤷‍♂️

[@composedbydyc]

We must adapt to change or perish. But remember- song mode still exists in 3.0, plus it’s still in beta. The mute issue has become a big headline about 3.0 so I feel that they will probably put a fix on that. Other than that, I think I will be fine with it after I wrap my head around the “programs are now tracks” thing.

[@gkilm]

I don’t understand what this is either. Sounds like he’s saying you can’t change a drum kit once you have it on a track? But that would go against every DAW as well as MPC, and seems like that can’t be the case 🤷‍♂️

[@robertleighton1896]

@@gkilm you can change a drum kit still but MPCs were all about having programs loaded into your memory pool. the amount of tricks you can do having one loaded program shared across tracks was very unique. There isn't one specific benefit to list, theres lots. It's less of a showstopper for me this one - but don't really get why this had to go. I get its an improvement for every sequence to be aligned to the same track types setup, e.g Program 1 set to track 1 on sequence 1, is now how track 2 / seq 2 will be setup, whereas previously its was 100% flexible. that flexibility led to confusion for beginners as you can easily lose parity with multiple sequences. however, track mutes being independent per sequence is a showstopper for me. this again is unique to boxes like the MPCs, my S2400 can also achieve a similar workflow in its song mode. but for MPCs the workflow is essential for rapidly creating a draft arrangement in a way that a DAW simply doesn't do. removing independent track mutes would be a huge blow to the workflow. it's weird i saw all the new features in the first round of videos and was blown away regards all the updates, but when i found out from Marlow's videos that this change sneaked it in was very disappointing. however, worth stating there have also been other videos implying this feature might come back in a future beta. but its important for people to feedback to Akai, its not wasteless complaining - the company seem to be doing reasonably well at listening at present. props to Marlow for being very clear explaining the very critical issues with the new OS.

[@villenium]

Coming from a Tracker & then Triton workflow the MPC song mode always made perfect sense to me. Transitions & automations took time but building the song from sequences and muting them etc made it really easy to take basic ideas and flesh them in to full songs. I can see why people who like DAWs would struggle though. As you said, keep both.

[@lpsynth3570]

Triton has no real pattern mode, MPC has no real song mode. Perfect pair IMO. In my case it was Triton Extreme and MPC2500.

[@masterroachi5839]

3.0 still has song mode

[@lpsynth3570]

@@masterroachi5839 Its chaining patterns. Nothing like a song mode. It was just called song mode from the old drum machine days. You can't seriously make a song without recording midi or audio across several sequences.

[@villenium]

@@masterroachi5839 yes, but the change to track mutes (in the beta, in the first week of release) completely changes the workflow of song mode. If you have 2 identical sequences and mute drums in sequence 1, it now mutes them in sequence 2. I can see why this might be needed for the arranger to work but for some people it ‘breaks’ song mode.

[@andydufresne6778]

LISTEN AKAI, LISTEN!!! great video marlow, i totally agree with you and i don't understand why they leave out such essential features or limit their functionality and piss off all those who have been using mpcs for decades. i think 3.0 brings a lot of very practical features that i really love to see, but good updates/fetures should always build on the existing ones and not replace them. i really hope that they row back and make it possible to use both workflows old and new depending on the user preference.

[@bonafidebeatz20]

I agree. 2.0 is better as a workflow. It was a way from escaping a DAW workflow.

[@mcgwwide]

I agree 100%. Feels pretty amazing to fundamentally change workflow. I won't be updating

[@smokey5100]

I 100% agree with bringing back and keeping the track mutes. I like to record into ProTools like performance style.

[@artisans8521]

Lucky me. I own a mint 2500......no problemo.

[@donartyone3258]

Marlow! I agree 💯. AKAI tried to “fix” a system that wasn’t broken. They had the audacity to eradicate the classic MPC workflow(s) to push a DAW like experience on users that frankly doesn’t belong in the MPC. I’d rather stick to my workarounds in 2.15 and not forfeit the tried and true MPC experience. The trade off doesn’t seem worth it at this time.

[@Ancaja123]

The MPC was an incredibly fast way of making midi (applies to drum programs), maybe only surpassed by the MMT-8. Can’t believe they killed off something that was NOT broken and was the basis of many countless hits were made

[@galastar257]

Everything your saying is exactly how I feel about the Arrangement view in MPC and the Force

[@davidscott2095]

Thank you for your honesty. I can feel the sincerity in your voice, Hermano. Blessings!

[@WesWookBeats]

This is why we like air gapped MPCs ... JJOS program page still the goat!

[@dduhrebin]

air gapped?

[@gregbigwood4532]

@@dduhrebin means no internet connection to receive manufacturer forced updates

[@dduhrebin]

@@gregbigwood4532 thanks!

[@johnnysamba5443]

I loved the ren 1.96 software

[@unmiliardodibeats]

Felt the same when I first saw the update. It’s good update but more “Native Instruments” style than MPC style, for now I will stay with 2.15

[@ILLUDIUM_Q_36]

Thank you for using your platform to speak our truth. There are so many things about the new update that are much needed and welcomed. The price of admission has me thinking maybe it's time to tip my hat. Honestly I'm just glad we go stem separation before 3.0. But yeah to get rid of a core function that I've been using for well over 20 years now is kind of a slap. Hopefully they'll reconsider

[@mpchead]

I think they will bring back track mutes if we say it's important for us.

[@AlfredTaylor-z7u]

Thank you for your honest input. I’m an experienced producer Tru’s been doing this for years and I find myself on the edge. I like adopting new trends but I’m not sold on what I’m seeing with the 3.0 update. I appreciate your thoughts, you really answered some of the questions I had about it. I’m staying put with the 2.15 update. I have stems in standalone, I don’t need anything else. Taking away track mute is a downright dealbreaker for me.

[@The37s]

I was nervous at first, till I heard what you said. I just got my first mpc (key 61). I come from logic mostly for 20 years. You got me excited and ready to learn this beast.

[@NICK_E_STEEZ]

I couldn't agree more, Marlow! I think Akai should make it to where you have at least two distinct workflow options to choose from within the main settings. They could offer the new MPC3 workflow as an option, as well as something called "MPC Classic" or just MPC2. I really like your idea regarding the arranger too. I think it would be dope to have the same exact MPC2, albeit an arranger could be added within the song mode like you described. To be completely honest though, I wouldn't mind at all if Akai just randomly decided to leave things as they are indefinitely and never made another major change to the workflow as I'm quite content with MPC2 as it stands currently.

[@InaiahLujanMusic]

Yo this is real talk, I felt skeptical about the new update and this confirms a lot of my fears and suspicions. Like we have many daws with that linear work flow, the MPC invites creativity because it’s not a DAW! This feels a bit like a slap in the face to those who have championed the MPC. But I guess I’m an old head too lol. Thanks for keeping it real, I’m a long time subscriber and I learned so much from this channel. I’m good on the update.

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@user-hl9rw4ww9o]

Thank you for being bold and honest to make this video ✌ Totally feel you on this one. It’s sad to see Akai disregard us long term users who enjoy and rely on the legacy workflow and features to make our beats. I find the legacy workflow creative and flexible, and I don’t need another linear DAW - as it looks like MPC is now becoming with this 3.0 update. I want an MPC to be an MPC, the same workflow I invested in. The arrangement mode looks heavily reliant on the touchscreen and therefore fiddly to use, and will likely leave me feeling uninspired to use the MPC. Exactly, why not keep both workflows?! Appeal to both existing users and newcomers to the platform. Why not just have improved upon the existing song mode? Taking away core functionality like mutes, programs and song mode that makes the MPC so creative and flexible is just bonkers IMO. Now it seems like it’s just going to be another linear DAW but in custom hardware instead of a regular computer🥱 I really hope they bring legacy workflow and features back.

[@azikiwezig]

Well said great videos we are on the page all they need to do is put song mode sequences going across the top like in the software and view the arrangement below the sequence clips and if someone wants to change/edit a sequence, have the arrangement follow your sequence changes I may be wrong but the Roland mv has a song mode similar to what I’m trying to describe basically it will be like adding audio tracks to song mode and instead of the song mode going from top to bottom have it go across from left to right so the audio tracks can be below he chain of sequences Song mode is like scratch pad in studio one you can quickly experiment with different sequences they should never mess with it. The interface of Mpc 3 looks kool and I love the ability to see the samples etc but what is the sense if you no longer have programs to quickly jump around too and instead you have to open a new track to hear a different program nah…. In my opinion Mpc is more of a creative piece of gear that allows you to experiment and get ideas out quickly not a recording workstation It can be both if they keep everything that is Mpc and add the new arrangement mode and features around it with Mpc style workflow if it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[@mpchead]

That's exactly how I picture the song mode. This would be it

[@FredC79]

I agree with every single word of yours in this video.. totally 100% with you! Never gonna go with the 3.0 ❤🎉

[@realmadmath7636]

Totally agree with You , Im still running on 2.6 and I love it. I think what best in MPC in general is limitation which forcing you to be more creative. I left my DAW to more hear sound then see sound. Imagination process running inside your mind and thats the best thing about it period

[@gushrecords106]

thank you for saying it like it is man good for you

[@livinproof718]

3 years ago I sold my force for an mpc 1 and it was a workflow I was used to … now they turned my mpc to a force

[@mpchead]

😂

[@VinylWave11]

I agree. I am going to have to really decide if I want to update my MPC to 3.0. Personally I am against this change. I’m not happy about the change

[@wmextra]

I just bought my first MPC last month. I’ve been studying on how to use it everyday. I bought tutorials, the Bible, and subscribed to many content creators because of their knowledge and tutorials, I feel like I may have wasted a lot of time and money. I don’t want to update.

[@GeoffreyB203]

You'll be ok

[@beatarcheologzt]

Just don't update. Most of us aren't

[@mpchead]

Let's wait and see what akai thinks about us that want to keep track mutes.

[@biggwillbeats4384]

Also let them know in the comment (suggestion) button of the software feedback..

[@ziahtheone4772]

Only used mpc for 3 months before I had to sell it but I spent so much time learning it and can still understand what you mean. I learned to appreciate the dive into the learning curve. The mpc was unique in the way its workflow was in 2.0. Def a special workflow and will be a lost art

[@ziahtheone4772]

They took too much away instead of integrating the modern into the old way

[@mpchead]

That's it, is a great loss to beatmaking. This is a golden workflow.

[@ziahtheone4772]

@@mpchead 1000%. I couldn’t wait to get a mpc again to hop back into just what it was meant to be. Like you said, it’s still great but I think they catered wayyy too much to beginners. Obviously a cash grab, hurts to see.

[@ziahtheone4772]

I remember showing my friends how it worked and being so proud. It takes pride for music to be able to learn the mpc. Glad more people will be able to access the sounds you can get but, daaaamn. All I could think about is how great people like RZA were for figuring out the mpc workflow before it was even digital. I think it shouldn’t be easy. Could go on and on, can only imagine how y’all feel with multiple years invested.

[@christophschumacher640]

I think that would be a great idea to have both options . I also like the old workflow . Mostly I build 1sequence with all my elements then I copy it in several sequences and work with track mutes it‘s such a fast workflow . 🙏❤️

[@mpchead]

That is for the best way to put a song together.

[@christophschumacher640]

@@mpchead Yes its true . I really appreciate your opinion. And I hope your message has a influence on akai ✌️

[@kwameeyiah]

A hybrid workflow implementation taking the old sequences, song modes and adding the newer timeline modes should make the MPC work like Ableton having the performance view and session view. It's actually doable. Will Akai do it?

[@stefanhenrico]

I have just managed to get my head around the MPC workflow, coming from Maschine, only for it to change again :D

[@notsogood9449]

So... how much do you like the MPC compared to Maschine?

[@stefanhenrico]

@@notsogood9449 it’s different, that’s for sure. I’m very used to the Maschine workflow but the MPC is becoming more fluid, or at least it will be until 3.0. I just wanted something standalone and I found an MPC Live MK1 for a good deal so I went for it. I can’t say if I prefer one over the other. They both do the same thing, just differently. I will say that Maschine’s chord sets and performance feels better, at least to me.

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

I have an MPC One for a few years now, and haven't really gotten into it as at first, I found the workflow confusing and hard to grasp (speaking for myu) but I do understand that it's what makes it an MPC and if I were to dedicate time, I'd get used to it and eventually love it. And while I admit I got excited when I first saw the MPC 3 software announcement, as it seems more user friendly, I do completely understand what you mean and makes me think that I should stick to version 2.15 and give it aa shot, learn it and enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your point of view!

[@Johnnyfivekicks]

I only use the the MPC DAW, but I rely heavily on song mode for making full tracks. Hope they reconsider this change and how it will affect people’s work flow.

[@andremiller1566]

Song mode is still there completely unchanged

[@Johnnyfivekicks]

@@andremiller1566 I realize that. I just hope it’s a part of MPC 3, when and if it hits the software

[@TannerByTheSea]

I’m lost for words here. I would consider myself an “MPC HEAD” let’s keep it a Buck.. 💯 YOU- taught me this workflow on Touch.. i still reference those videos to this day.. (I let my boy use my MPC T.) So.. impatiently I been waiting for Ableton in a MPC is what it looks like to me.. I eat sleep and breathe Ableton.. I ❤ it.. & my MPC. Like I love my children- differently. I still use my 2000 xl & my 2500.. of all people- to hear this from you? Man.. bummer 🙏🏼 appreciate you Marlow

[@YattirSmith]

Isn’t Song mode is still there

[@peterjessop1878]

Sorry but song mode is still there. Tubedigga, Bola and Loopop have all confirmed that. What we don’t have is track/program mute that works how it used to. You can still copy sequences and edit tracks within that copy then join those sequences together via song mode. I believe the code for having mutes as they were is already in the software, but probably very buggy so not ready for beta testing yet. It’s good that people keep pushing Akai to bring the mutes back however as then they will work on it and preserve some people’s workflow. Personally even without the mutes the new version will make my workflow significantly easier/ quicker as frankly old song mode where you had to make sure your programs were all on the right tracks to stitch together sequences was time consuming and a buzz kill to the creative process.

[@mpchead]

Where in the video did I say that song mode is not there?

[@wokrzysiek]

I don't care for programs, however it allows to have completely different beats in each sequence. But I could adapt. Potentially having everything in audio tracks could be a solution for live performance. Track mutes could be added by just having an automation being triggered under the hood each time when muting the track in each sequence. That could potentially solve the issue. I guess the song mode is still there, however now it requires additional steps (deleting the notes in the sequence instead of just muting the track). But you still can make different sequences being arranged in song mode and then converting it into one sequence, if I understand correctly.

[@avace917]

The way you described how you'd like for song mode to work in the arrangement view is pretty much how Reason works with Blocks. Having said that, as someone who's used every Pre Renaissance MPC except for the 500 and 5000, I'm curious but not excited about the new changes. I have a MPC One Plus but I always use it in controller mode running as a VST in Reason

[@mikesick4793]

This part. You listening @akai?

[@mpchead]

I don't know that reason workflow, will definitely have a look.

[@avace917]

@@mpchead just search for Reason Blocks Tutorial on KZbin and you'll see what I mean

[@garytskvaught7743]

Yeah, I really hope they decide to keep song mode. Like you say, give us both please.

[@Russplight]

Go ahead son, tell'em why you mad😂. EXCELLENT

[@ricardomilice2470]

😂😂😂

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I get your point. I had to change the way I made music with the Force in order to take advantage of the Arrangement View. I only use the Force with no computer daw, so I had to make the change. No issue with Muting on the Force.

[@Noise-Maker]

I have absolute confidence they will not leave us divided. Akai tends to listen and will add whats lost to so many folks so we can all enjoy 3. Remeber we are still in Beta. Personally i am excited to get started on 3.

[@beatarcheologzt]

Ill be leaving my 2.0 right where it is. My workflow is in Cubase. The mpc 2.0 workflow is very important to how I explode tracks and create programs

[@shoeengine1161]

I've gone from the most complex daw workflow... to a simple workflow on the 3000. its perfect to me. no frills.

[@beatsbyjiro8291]

I dont use my live ii that often anymore but i dont think ill be updating it, i started on the 2000xl and still have a 3000.

[@MGoolas]

BTW there is a way to have independent track mutes per sequence. You have to enable mute automation create copies of the main sequence and then track mute automate the parts that you don't want to hear. Then it's off to song mode and the track mutes will play exactly as the older OS. It's a bit slower to do it than older mpcs but the functionality is still there

[@gregserenade6653]

I hear you about the legacy workflow in the MPC it needs to be preserved. I'm In the beta group, if you're there let's bring it up

[@ENDORSHORES]

They need to leave song mode and track mutes the way it is on 2.0. Do a track in song mode with mutes. Convert song to new sequence. Then have that song as a sequence in arranger mode with mutes for each track would be 🔥🔥🔥

[@ONEHENDRIX]

I love it, bro. Reminds me of early Roland samplers. SP-808 and MV-8000/8800.

[@Dreckabeatz]

Thank you for always being 💯!

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@engin3ar]

I thought people would be more critical of the changes but this is the first video I've seen talking about these things. Seems like everyone else is happy and excited with the update.

[@jb8875]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and honesty 👏🏽👏🏽 Your comment is solid and direct for AKAI to pay attention to. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@mpchead]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@SauceSoundz]

Great vid. I use my older machines more so wasnt excited to update since i rarely fire up my live 2 anymore. That would just mean more learning snd less making but its cool for everyone else. Im happy for them

[@Mayimbe_]

Good points that I wasn't considering. In order to move forward you sometimes have to trade one good for another. When the touch screen MPCs were first being released, we were having similar conversations but it worked out for the better in the long run for many of us. Hopefully the trade off of what we will lose with MPC 3 for what we will gain with MPC 3 will be worth it in the long run. I'm looking forward to the possibility of much bigger and greater things to come.

[@FaT_TrAk]

Definitely not going to upgrade at all. The track mute and song mode is my entire process. Good message bro!! 🤙🏽 💯 % agree with everything you said

[@prospectnyc]

It'd be great if non KZbinrs could try MPC 3

[@dugnice]

A similar thing happened with FL Studio years ago when Image Line got rid of the software's pattern "blocks", similar to the MPC's song mode where a user can string together several pattern "blocks" to create a song. There was a huge outcry over it and Image Line restored the feature. So maybe all is not lost. Perhaps if enough people grumble about it Akai will restore the features/functions necessary for the legacy MPC workflow.

[@DJ279V]

Loving the new MPCs, but my 2000xl and the vintage workflow remains my foundation that won't die even when a newer MPC comes aboard.

[@sgkountz3280]

Thank you for the honesty. As a Force owner, I could not use that arranger, It was just so small. I’m so use to using song mode and different sequences . The great thing Akai is offering a public beta for this huge change. I did sign up for the beta, but I’m also looking at a preowned MPC One+ to test it on keep 2.15 on The X. I’m almost sure that this new update is meant to work better with the new hardware update.

[@elusivemite]

I treat tracks within a seqeunce as individual seqeunces that can be muted or unmuted to build up whole songs in a single loop. This can be played live for on the fly arrangements. Duplicate programs make this easy. I can be running 4 tracks of plugin 1. 6 tracks of plugin 2 and so on. Same for drum programs and keygroups. Eaxh for different song parts When i have the core of a track il copy the sequence once. Mute elements to build an intro. Copy it again. Bring in the next element and so on. This lets me build up a long track in easy to manage and edit chunks. Adding fills and builds as needed to individual seqeunces When im happy i can convert to a new sequence to add automation as needed. Now my workaround is midi sends and a blank track pretending to be a program.

[@explodingtiger]

I dont mean to be pedantic, but I will anyway. This update will change the future, but it absolutely cannot change the past workflows. History cannot be changed by future actions. That’s now how the flow of time works.

[@alexhill4045]

You can do it! It’s just a bit different.

[@ShizzBeatsmusic]

Well said.. I think they trying to compete with other Daw. Why not just create a Daw and leave the MPC as is with Bug fixes and new features. I remember when you could do tempo changes in the mpc4000 on a sequence. Now if it feels like they removed the main feature of the mpc. I could just work in Logic Pro if a wanted a Daw. And Logic is ways ahead of Akai in Daw performance and Features. Mpc community took a step back in my honest opinion!

[@mpchead]

Let's see how they develop this beta. Now is the time to say what we want so they know.

[@BMakk205]

Mpc2 is so easy to learn. It is great