Why I prefer Song mode over the Arrangement view | Akai Mpc

[@mpchead]

Listen to the full beat open.spotify.com/track/07Fvc64tb0ZbswmGJsaDqg?si=744e158a5921451b Join patreon for all samples I share www.patreon.com/mpchead

[@mpchead]

I don't know if it is or not. What I have realized so far is that many people don't understand or know about this basic concept of the song mode.

[@PacificDownstreams]

Your studio looks like heaven man. Heaven on Earth. 👌

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼 working on it every day

[@marcusbradford2014]

Thanks for explaining this; this is how I also like to arrange my beats.

[@ccmp23]

Hey Marlow, great video. You don't need to apologise or worry about expressing your views on Song Mode vs. Arrangement. Many people new to the MPC world don't understand how to use Track Mutes, Seqs and Song Mode as a composition tool. From what I can tell, Arrangement is NOT suitable for experimenting and trying out ideas; it'll take time to set up each time. You're 100% correct in your assessment here. 👍

[@mpchead]

To be honest I thought more people understood the concept of sequences and song mode, I am a little surprised that is not the case.

[@АлексейВеселов-г8т]

@@mpchead This concept is clear to anyone, don't overestimate yourself. The song mode was just made like a piece of crap, and it's not convenient; the automation works in a non-obvious way, and constantly switching between sequences is inconvenient. Most people simply don't like driving nails with a calculator as you do, which is why they make sketches and drag them into Ableton/Logic. And working in one sequence in the second version is even dumber! I can't believe it took Akai this long to come up with a somewhat decent workflow! I hope version 3.0 will be better, but Akai are a bunch of damn bastards who haven't released it for a month now. If I had known how dumb the MPC version 2 is, I wouldn't have bought it! And honestly, I'd break the nose of those idiots at Akai for lying about the release dates! They should have just kept quiet!

[@RAWDILLZ]

​@@АлексейВеселов-г8т whoa, take your medicine. I'm mad as you but there's no need for violence guy

[@KingHanma]

I see now. This workflow also makes sense and is very useful. Hopefully they will keep both. I’m more on the side with the arranger but don’t think it’s more or less important than the song mode. If we were able to have both it would be great.

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@KingTrini_1]

Completely agree. This is the way I do it as well.

[@gregserenade6653]

This is why a new song mode that resembles Blocks Mode in Reason could work right alongside a linear arranger and keep that same MPC creative space

[@mpchead]

That would be great

[@moniak59000]

Totally agree with you!!! I love working with the song mode! I will use the arrangement view but only to finish my beat.

[@jorisfrancken]

I strongly connect using the "Song Mode" to two concepts from the design world: divergent thinking and convergent thinking. These two approaches, when used alternately, create a methodology that simplifies the creative process. Divergent thinking involves exploring a wide range of possibilities, generating numerous ideas, and experimenting without constraints. It's about expanding your view to gather as much information and as many options as possible. Convergent thinking, on the other hand, is about narrowing down those options. It involves analyzing the gathered ideas, finding connections, and refining them into a coherent solution. "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" and "kill your darlings" are also important concepts in this phase. For instance, when designing a chair, you would begin with divergent thinking. You’d explore various materials, shapes, and styles, creating multiple prototypes without worrying about limitations. Once you have a broad collection of ideas, you would shift to convergent thinking. Here, you’d assess all the options, identifying the most practical and aesthetically pleasing elements, and refine them into a final design that meets your objectives. And to me, using sequences and "Song Mode" applies the same process to beatmaking. Creating multiple sequences without being confined to a single timeline represents divergent thinking. Then, arranging and organizing these sequences in "Song Mode" to determine the final order is an example of convergent thinking.

[@mpchead]

Such a nice way to see it. I'll study this concept later. Thanks for sharing

[@cleciorimas]

I fully agree with you. In MPC 2, each track has its role within each sequence. In MPC 3, each track continues to have its role, but the tracks are repeated in all sequences. I like the workflow of MPC 2 because in it I can arrange my live shows, for example, as follows: In Sequence 1, let's say I have a 130bpm Trap, with 4 tracks: drum trap (1), synth (2), bass (3) and strings (4). In Sequence 2, for example, a 140bpm Drill, also with 4 tracks: drum drill (1), bass (2), pad (3) and perc (4). Observe the different organizations in each sequence. I usually like to play a finger drumming at the beginning of the songs. If I want to quickly access the drum kit of each style (which is in track 01 of each sequence) in MPC 2, I would only have to tap the sequence name once and turn the main button. With the MPC 2 stopped, I can touch both drum kits instantly and with the MPC 2 playing, at the end of the sequence bars I can play each drum kit. There are only 2 hand movements. This allows the user to choose a "quick access" battery kit per sequence. This same project, in the context of MPC 3, is impossible. To begin with, we have 8 tracks repeating in ALL SEQUENCES. We already have a distraction in how to organize the tracks that should be played with the specificities contained in the Trap sequence and the Drill sequence... Should I switch the 1:1 tracks? Should I assign the first 4 tracks to the trap and tracks 5, 6, 7 and 8 to the drill? We're already wasting time here. Assuming in MPC 3 that the trap drum would be in track 1 and the drilling drum in track 5, to go from sequence 1 to sequence 2, I would need to: touch the sequence, turn the main button, touch the track, turn the main button 4 times until I reach the drum drill. There are 7 movements. Even the risk of choosing the wrong lane increases with so many movements. Even putting the battery drill in range 2, for example, would result in 4 movements. I'm in favor of converting programs into tracks. However, this can be done independently, in each sequence. If I open a new sequence, the tracks should be free.

[@mpchead]

Yeah man I know exactly what you are talking about. That's how I prepare my live sets as well. This 3.0 really came to destroy a lot of existing workflows just because of a primitive daw view, honestly 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@cleciorimas]

@@mpchead I tried to convert my MPC 2 project to MPC 3. There are 8 songs that I usually perform shows with. Some songs I play finger drumming, others I divide parts of the song into sequences (intro, verses, chorus, etc.), with 6 background audio tracks. In total, these 8 songs took up 13 sequences. In MPC 2, I had the convenience of having Track 1 different in most of these sequences. I planned it this way so that I could instantly play some songs, without wasting time looking for the track of the moment. For the import to work in MPC 3, I had to create all the audio tracks, drum kits, key groups and plugins in MPC 2, with the same order and name in all 13 sequences of the project. As a result, in MPC 2, the maximum number of tracks I had per sequence was 4 tracks (in some sequences I only had a single track, for example). Now, in the MPC 3, I have 21 tracks that repeat in all 13 sequences (the number of sequences remained the same). So, I understood the purpose of the new MPC 3 workflow. On the one hand, we gain organization. It is easy to relocate the position of the tracks. Akai's intention is great in this regard. On the other hand, I lost the timing of some songs, pressing the main button to be able to choose the track that I should play in each song. Depending on the track you are on, it is not possible to access other tracks through the main shortcut. You need to touch the track name and scroll to the beginning or end of the track list. This is terrible for live performance. I believe that this should be a problem that will be solved in the next updates. I think it is unlikely that Akai will return to the old architecture and seeing that many people liked it, I support keeping it. However, it would be useful to add a kind of "bookmark" where the user can indicate, in each sequence, a track that automatically occupies the 4x4 pads, without the track necessarily changing position.

[@Will4thapeople]

Great video marlow! My thoughts exactly. Thanks for sharing your concepts,

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@juliengaye4773]

yes please save us you re actually one of the few that can . thank you

[@ericwhite5558]

I totally agree with you 100% song mode is the way to go. I've been using a Akai products all the way back to the MPC 2000. Song mode to me is exclusively Akai and that means something. For that reason I don't plan to get MPC 3.0 its that simple.

[@pelvinsjamz]

Agree we need this to stay in mpc 3 , I love using song mode for this exact reason 👍😎

[@JJHOMIE]

Hey, Marlow, thanks for the video! I agree, that he idea to keep both modes in new 3.0 update is the best. First you try sequences in song mode, than you export to the arranger and add spices and automation etc. Or you go straight into the arrangement if you prefer. What can be easier to satisfy both fans of a song mode and those who are waiting for the arranger!

[@AirAdam13]

That sounds ideal

[@АлексейВеселов-г8т]

What’s stopping you from making more tracks??? Why do you need to switch to another sequence??? My god, you’re so stupid, you're willing to convince yourself of anything

[@J-MOONEY]

That’s the exact way I arrange and layer too! That’s the early 90’s technique

[@oakkleys]

Love this. Keep the options open for people that work differently. Song mode definitely helps with the final idea without having pieces left everywhere in my grid editor and forgetting what sounds like what

[@BeatsNBed]

You gave me an entirely new way to look at sequencing for the song mode. I have been making beats on the MPC in a linear fashion for a while so the arranger seems more logical in my mind. I normally just create a full 8 bar loop with pretty much every element that I want and than copy that sequence about 4-5 times. After this, I use pad mute to structure the beat as I see fit while adding elements on the fly. It's always interesting to see how an artists mind works when painting. Great stuff Marlow!

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼 thanks for tuning in

[@jjbing3]

This was a good video and the workflow makes so much sense after seeing it. Now I’m going to miss what I never had.

[@BeatsByGemsmiff]

I still dont get the battle between song mode and arranger view if the song mode is still there…why cant we build the beat in song mode and then convert to sequence and arrange that one sequence in arranger view? Arranger view will be great for automating the tracks, submixes,sends/returns etc

[@mpchead]

That's my point in the video is to express the importance of both views. I highlighted more of the song mode because the arrangement view has been talked about so much like it was something that would smoke the song mode. I wanted to put in the perspective of many that use the song mode. But you're right, both important and useful.

[@dustyaudio]

I’ve assumed this is what I’d be doing once I try 3.0, seems like any easy solution for the “older styles” of workflow to the new OS

[@BeatsByGemsmiff]

@@mpchead ok.Definitely will be using both.

[@matthewgaines10]

It’s still there but broken. The song mode users just want to insure it’s properly fixed so they can continue to use it.

[@dustyaudio]

@@matthewgaines10 absolutely, I expect the mute track audio issue is stalling the public beta release.

[@VinylWave11]

All very well said. This is very similar to how I work.I like the current ability to create small drafts and be able to adjust, combine, and rearrange the patterns.

[@wurlinnawurl]

I feel the same way and am looking forward to arrangement for the exact reason you said.. after I'm done with song mode I turn it into a big sequence where I might still even take bars out or add small sequences but the arrangement is mostly done.. but now I can see it hopefully after it is a big sequence and make my small edits etc.. I have basically always worked like you do I think.

[@omegajackson]

Them 45s look dope AF. Thanks for your content

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼 thanks for tuning in

[@mohayes9215]

Exactly how I work...not changing...thanks for this.

[@camblackofficial]

It feels like Akai has given the software an MPC-style UI and appearance, but under the hood, it behaves more like the Force/Ableton workflow. They're missing a key feature though: the launch mode, similar to Ableton's Session View. This would allow for selecting and recording multiple scenes/sequences into the arrangement view, providing flexibility like Ableton. Akai should decide whether to fully embrace the Ableton-style workflow or stick to the traditional MPC approach because trying to blend both is creating a confusing product. Perhaps they could offer both song mode and launch mode to cater to different workflows.

[@els1f]

1:18 I LOVE the feel of those drums! 🔥🙌

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@gullydeluxe]

I agree. I personally bought the MPC to work this way. Maybe I just have commitment issues though 😂

[@s.gharavi1614]

Song mode is my favorite thing about the mpc

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I also work in discrete sections, with multiple ideas on the FORCE. Maybe the MPC arranger is different from the Force Arranger. I personally don’t even use the Arranger until get all the sections for the song created. Then I Arrange them when I’m done with the pieces. Just like Ableton. I try many different ideas along the way, section by section.

[@mnlrbeats]

Same overhere!

[@roymoxley2587]

Love the song mode after 7 months with this unit Mpc live 2 I’m really understanding it more everyday. I’m not going to relearn again yet

[@Yesid-Codiscos]

que bacano hermano muchas gracias

[@SretepK]

This is very similar to my process as well.

[@HifiChip]

I side with Marlow

[@gregserenade6653]

Yea I felt it when you indicated that losing creative space to experiment would be a deal breaker. Countless hits were made with this unique MPC workflow. Abondoning it would be a mistake IMO.

[@mpchead]

💯

[@georgesbahia]

Très bien expliqué. Bon point de vue.

[@alansanchezlopez4018]

Song mode! ❤

[@masterroachi5839]

Good thing we can still use both

[@АлексейВеселов-г8т]

My god, what the hell is convenient about this?? What's the problem with muting the necessary parts of the tracks in version 3.0 instead of jumping between sequences??? My god, you guys are just fools!

[@clevadeva]

Song mode for me since the MPC60 days!❤

[@mpchead]

It works

[@ceciliafbrown373]

Well explained Marco!

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@mr.ivi.league]

I feel you 💯

[@themadlooper3272]

I’m gonna give the arranger a shot, but I’m a song mode user too.

[@DabAkufahtum]

I Agree I Arranged in Song mode the Same Akai should just make a Legacy mode where we can have both why not

[@Beathead615]

My point also

[@dubwizezt]

I really hope they make it so that you can do do the both ways!

[@mpchead]

I think that is probably the goal

[@blackmenbeats]

This is an excelent description not only of your workflow in mpc but also about one way to aproach beatmaking against the arregment/8bars, i did the felipe vassao s courses on domestika and its seems hes only aproachs is the last one and make no sense to me (i m used to use Mpc workflow), but he really got things going on. I prefer non destructive and the song mode applies to me, mostly for transitions (and here is where the arregement mode could stand apart) i use efects on the last playing sample, on specific pads to create dinamic between sequence changes…

[@krammulla2620]

Hi Marlow. Glad to see your idea from our Patreon session went somewhere! Crazy the direction it went in and didn’t include the original sample, very inspirational! Hope you’re doing well 👊🏻

[@mpchead]

Yeah bro some of these sessions end up working really well.

[@lucienalleyne7411]

I never understood why anyone wouldn’t want to update to 3.0 but I get it now. You don’t need the arranger if you can do this but I came from Beatmaker 3 over a year ago and I’m only now getting the hang of sequences and tracks. So simple but so confusing at the same time.

[@mpchead]

I completely understand why the mpc is difficult at first. But once you get the hang of it, is over.

[@matthewgaines10]

Every experience isn’t equal for everyone. That’s why they make different DAWs, instruments, and sequencers. Once you put something in that a group of users adapt to, it’s bad to break that feature because people come to depend on it.

[@Ancaja123]

I grew up on the MPC, and countless times I’d convince someone who was interested, to buy one. Almost everyone of those friends would end up selling them, they just couldn’t grasp it. I guess I understand, because when I tried the Maschine, it really hurt my brain. But I think that what Roger Linn and Bruce Forat created is undoubtedly extremely powerful

[@tommy-z6i]

nice thanks

[@yotrakz]

Yeah, Im more linear. Sing mode definitely works for me. Looking forward to seeing what this new approach will bring.

[@PsychedelicBeats]

Always learning from the best, even tho I have a regular mpc one, it still has its similarities and still learning how to use it❤😆🤘🏽🔥

[@mpchead]

Great to hear!🔥🔥🔥

[@rcmiller12782]

I’m an idiot. Musician for 30 years. Always played with Mpcs as a side thing. I never understood/utilized song mode until this video. It’s completely blown me away over the past 24 hours. I hope they figure out a way to bring it into the updated mpc 3

[@cresshead]

i prefer song mode cos it's same idea and workflow as hollis research trackman 32 which was on atari STFM in the 80's/90's. you can arrange and re arrange so fast and song mode keeps 32 versions available for different arrangments/ mixes - flippin perfect.

[@mpchead]

Easy

[@KyddRookie]

My idea of when it comes out is to arrange in song mode then export to a sequence. Then arrange the sequence in the arranger to add detail. Like drops, automations, fx risers/falls, tag etc.

[@mpchead]

Yup that's definitely the way to go

[@s.gharavi1614]

That's what I do now. Arranger view isn't all that helpful to me, but removing track mutes for song mode is disastrous. That's literally the worst thing about 3.0.

[@ChurBoBaggins]

nice vid, as a non-MPC user it was confusing hearing u talk about a whole bunch of different sequences but your screen always shows ‘sequence 1’ Figured it out eventually tho at 8:21 can clearly see them all, just that they are all labeled sequence 1. So if anyone else is watching and was a bit slow like I was ur welcome hehe

[@Harlem-Instrumental]

This is the way I do on the MPC, but the Force clip matrix makes sketching out idea way easier than the MPC2 & MPC3. Soon you'll have MPC users demanding clip & the clip matrix. The "MPF" is next.

[@sweeterthananything]

haven't tried MPC 3 yet but feel similarly, though for somewhat different reasons. i use software DAWs for tracking/mixing and sometimes sound design, so there are times when i like to work destructively. but they're at different stages of song process, because different tools have different strengths and weaknesses. i use the MPC to let my songwriting/production be more deliberate without numbing my ears to the song ingredients and being tempted to do edits because of the waveform visualization. i see the MPC as a hardware sequencer first, what a solid hardware sequencer does is sequence exactly what you tell it, and song mode in is just another tier of sequencing. that is old fashioned in more than one way, but that's how my mind works. if my feelings are wrong and i embrace arrange mode completely then that will be great, especailly if migrating back and forth between song arrange works well.

[@lobit12]

Agree, I feel like the arrangement thing should work how ableton does when you 'perform out' your clips / sequences, playing parts, muting etc, then you have you rough arrangement laid out

[@davidcrisafio563]

They need to have the 2 modes mixed ¡ once you commit to a song structure its exported to a arrangment view , and then you can add scratch or more to it. Win win for all.

[@auralplex]

Song mode is important.

[@Ru5hMusic]

what you said @9:39 though... 💪🏿💪🏿

[@Will4thapeople]

Marlow one of the things I would like to see addressed with song mode is: when switching between sequences there is some bleeding out with the samples and I know about using the muting and adjusting the amp and the editing of the “midi endings” can help with that just saying it would be nice to not have to worry about it all and having to correct it. Maybe some type of muting on a “global level if that makes sense.

[@djsoo]

i kind of do the opposite where all my brainstorming happens in a single sequence and I essentially play live with the mutes to figure out the structure. By the time i'm ready to copy out my sequences, everything i want is in the "master" sequence and i just start muting aspects and deleting notes in grid edit per sequence rather than adding anything to specific sequences. For me arrangement mode will work better for that granular editing i like to do between sequences.

[@sampoetry]

Song mode is the only way for me. It’s easy & to the point. I’m not interested in arrangement view whatsoever. All that extra stuff can be done inside a DAW. Most people don’t even finish their final mix inside the MPC in standalone so i’m not sure why Akai is pushing this arrangement view so much. I’m not bout to be looking at those little ass midi notes tryna erase, copy, paste, & remember where I’m at in the song on this linear timeline.

[@mpchead]

🎯

[@slangdee12]

@@mpchead 🎯

[@rmriwatch]

I’m pretty sure a clip launcher is coming soon and it will take this idea to the next level. Just like Ableton does it, where a scene does everything an MPC sequence does and more.

[@mpchead]

But isn't that essentially an akai force? I don't understand this idea of transforming the mpc into an akai force. If people love the Force so much just buy one ykwim? ✌🏼

[@EnochLight]

@@mpchead - but… why not both? If we’re getting the Force Arranger as an option in MPC 3, getting the Clip Matrix - again - as an option - would be the best of both worlds. An MPC Live II or One+ would be a great alternative - and portable - compared to a full-size Force.

[@Harlem-Instrumental]

@@EnochLight Yup. That's were the MPC looks like it's heading. The Force is clip matrix does what MPC song mode does way better. But the Force dedicated button for functions makes it faster moving stuff around when sketching out ideas before you get into the arranger. The Force is the future!

[@tbonebeats6429]

I use both, i put all the sequences in songs mode and create a basic song. then i track out to the Daw and edit the song more.

[@TazzMania-w1b]

I agree 💯%

[@UGHeat]

MPC 2 already had arrager mode just extend the sequence up to 999 bars. They ruined the CLASSIC track mute workflow in MPC 3 just to appeal to fruity users 🍑. Song mode is faster.

[@miscmisc1023]

honestly out of all the newer mpc's that are out 3.0 arrange window only looks good on the mpc x

[@IDONTPLAYENT]

I work like this in Ableton Session View

[@datzbeewild]

I can’t stand song mode now. Before I was able to venture with 3.0 I basically used MPC software in grid mode to arrange beats I did in standalone but now with arranger I get same workflow but better with the loop selection and hardware buttons. It made me more than twice as fast when arranging standalone.

[@Dispatcher813]

Coping sequences and bringing in new ideas is cool . How do you work around samples from other sequences bleeding over when you begin to arrange

[@mpchead]

There'are a few tricks. You can make the note that is bleeding into NOTE ON and extend the midi note on the grid. You can use another pad to trigger the sample to stop in the next sequence.

[@Dispatcher813]

@mpchead exactly 💯 thanks, brother. Love your work . I got you on Spotify right now.

[@dragonheatbeats9944]

I prefer Song Mode, 99% of the time I make ONE sequence that is full at the peak of the song.. then I go to song mode add as many as I need to get around 90+ bars long.. save to sequence, then automate track mutes.. once I’m done with that, if I need to do any fine tuning of changing up drums etc in certain parts, I do it.. The second mode used way I do it is make one full sequence like before.. copy multiple times to seq 2,3,4 etc.. then go to seq 2 and mold it into an intro, seq 3 mold into a variation of a verse part make one for hook one for outro, and a few variations for verses then go to song mode and put them in the order I want What I do like about arranger mode is I can create the song as I go…I create a melody.. or sample put it in intro.. then bring in drums and whatnot as I go, copy over parts or replay them for variation, I like it cuz it causes me to not be lazy and make more variations than I would if I did it the other way.. in way 1 sometimes after I track mute I consider it done.. so the 8 bar loop of drums is just repeating the whole song, even though there is variation in that 8, there isn’t any variation beyond that, unless I fine tune afterwards… so I like both ways..

[@MPCHustle]

I don't mind the song mode because I can create an actually song....arrangement looks like I'm experimenting, and I actually think that I am doing so . Good video and thank you for your explanation..I see your making music constantly, cool. :)

[@krazywabbit]

The first minute of this video. If that wisdom could be installed in a firmware update in all of us, we’d be a happier group of cats.

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@crazzylee]

You’re able to do the same thing with the arrangement view too. You make things more difficult than what it is. All my music I use to make we’re all in a four bar arrangement view with every variation the song could have even brakes.

[@mpchead]

Yes, the arrangement is a representation of the sequence.

[@crazzylee]

@@mpcheadi imagine Akai will simply include song mode.

[@ElpakoMUSIC]

but song mod still inside MPC 3. what's the problem?

[@mpchead]

No problem, I was explaining to some people why this workflow is important, that's all. I did because recently there seems to be a wave of people claiming song mode is dead because of this new arrangement view, and I m saying that song is still very relevant.

[@21stCENTURYSCHIZOIDMAN]

Yo, I see that "In Tune" record by The Singers Unlimited & The Oscar Peterson Trio. Amazing album.

[@mpchead]

Singers Unlimited always got that 🔥🔥🔥

[@PeteOnTheBeat]

I do the same,but end up testing the puzzle in sequence mode,before moving,finally to song mode.

[@dragonheatbeats9944]

Ps an issue I had in 3 software is I opened up old project and the drums would not play… so I ended up having to take the sd card out and open the song in my mpc one instead of my x to be able to work with the best, anyone else have this issue? And how can it be fixed?

[@mpchead]

I mentioned this many times. The projects from mpc 2 might not open in mpc 3. You can load individual sequences and that might be the best solution.

[@jehanoir]

Mainly, if they don't solve the backwards compatibility for projects from mpc 2.0, I have only two options either to stay on mpc 2.0 and be poor for many new improvements in 3.0 or to throw my mpc with mpc 3.0 out the window because I have hundreds and hundreds of beats that I need access to for performers or to finish and I don't have time to replace something in every project. As for song mode versus arrange mode? I would solve it as many of you write here...by leaving song mode with sequences and then converting to arranger mode. Or moving blocks in arranger mode to make the final tuning simple and effective + good old track mutes. We'll see what I think the full version has and will still have Akai feedback from users such that it might still be a problem for them if I see what's happening now and it's not even out yet even the public beta version

[@phatbeatz808]

do you have a video about how to put tons of drums in the Akai Mpc?

[@mpchead]

Depends what you wanna do, you want to load samples to pads?

[@chrisdavis9135]

🏆🏆🏆

[@cleats1]

If I’m not mistaken, I think that if you convert your song to a sequence that sequence will show up in the arrangement view in 3.0

[@mpchead]

Yes that is right

[@juliengaye4773]

with my previous mpcs i remember being able to find a cool loop in a song in sample edit ,saving it, and then moving through the sample to find an other cool loop with the length staying the same (locked) just moving the wheel . am i missing something or is it gone forever ?

[@mpchead]

I don't think you can do that on these new mpcs.

[@ravannaharrell7018]

Salute

[@JayWerx]

Once I switched to Ableton and Push I can never go back to working on a MPC.

[@bosbolo]

I use the Ableton Session View like Marlow uses the Song Mode on the MPC. As soon as I have enough scenes, I arrange the best ideas in the Arrangement View to form a song.

[@cresshead]

your YT channel has no content - interesting!

[@JayWerx]

@@bosbolo Same, session view is like a sketch pad on steroids

[@matthewgaines10]

Keep working the way that works for you and keep it moving. This isn’t for you. Not everything is.

[@lukeward4619]

1st viewer OMGGGGGGG🎉

[@mpchead]

I watched it first

[@LoneGRoEnt]

Sweet

[@andydufresne6778]

I've been testing version 3.0 for over a week now, and I'm still not sold on it. The missing ability to change programs within tracks slows me down a lot and makes this update less fun to use. As you mentioned in another video, this update feels like a different Maschine. It's a shame that nobody talks about it. Aside from that issue, it would be the perfect update.

[@mpchead]

More people will feel that way once they try it.

[@andydufresne6778]

@@mpcheadtrue and let's hope that akai will listen.

[@auralplex]

I’ll never understand starting with drums first. I cannot make drums without a melody. I sometimes record 5 different melody parts before drums even get thought of.

[@matthewgaines10]

Not everyone is the same. Accept it. I started with harmony, melody, and then did the rhythm for most songs but have done the rhythm first too. It helps when I have a creative block to work differently. Variation helps open up new possibilities.

[@sockeye]

After watching how you work it seems like the Song mode gang uses sequences as scenes and has nothing to do with programs going away, but chaining sequences together. Song mode while nice for experimenting is still very rigid since sequences can't overlap each other. It seems the best way forward is to call Song mode Scenes, and allow multiple variations of a scene within a sequence to basically drop in and out of the arranger.

[@mpchead]

Hi sockeye - programs haven't gone away, they're still there, you just can switch them inside of a track anymore. I don't know what you mean by overlapping since arrangement view can overlap either. Sequences are a collection of tracks put together. Arrangement view is nothing more than one sequence, but now you have a different view over it.

[@Might-Be-Ai]

Hey, you said song mode could do with an update, what type of update are you thinking about? like just visual or some other functions? what do you think could improve song mode?

[@mpchead]

There's a similar workflow that is in Reason called Blocks. It would be an improved window going from left to right instead of a cascade motion and the sequences would be on top.

[@Might-Be-Ai]

@@mpchead I'm not familiar with blocks, but does it allow you to make your sequences any size, like you can manipulate your existing sequences you have in song mode? and arrange them too? If it's for extra freedom to make more changes at the song structure level that would be pretty good.

[@mpchead]

@@Might-Be-Ai yes sequence any size you want and do whatever you want to each sequence.

[@mahanhaamin1170]

Is it possible multi track audio recording ?

[@mpchead]

Yeah

[@rafaelg2241]

This is kind of experimenting by launching scenes on the AKAI Force. Should be an indispensable tool for the MPC v3 too

[@biggcebo]

I have a question, Is it possible to convert song mode to arrangement view? Would converting song mode to a sequence actually be an arrangement view ?

[@mpchead]

Yes that's exactly it

[@The_Sound_Technician]

So if I copy to a new sequence and alter the effects…. Will they affect the other sequences? @marlowdigs

[@mpchead]

You apply effects to a program not the sequence. If you don't want the effects on another sequence you have to duplicate the program.

[@The_Sound_Technician]

@@mpchead so all the effects on the tracks/pads in one program, if I duplicate the sequence it’s still the same program?

[@envisagefilmshouston]

Makes a lot of sense too me, Is more creative.

[@mpchead]

No doubt

[@envisagefilmshouston]

@@mpchead I never worked in that method but it looks really creative and fun. I think I’m going to downgrade 🤔 you gave out a BIG ol jewel 💎 on this one ☝🏼

[@bairahrecordings]

💯💯💯💯💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@Beathead615]

It should be a button or shortcut where you can go from this new style (3.0) or classic style like it is if you go between controller or stand along. That would satisfy everyone. Me personally, I prefer the classic view and song mode

[@EnochLight]

I mean… technically there already is. It’s on the Menu in MPC 3 just like it always has been. There’s Sequence, Song Mode, and now - Arranger. 👍

[@rockdfunk]

so if I understand correctly, in version 3 you can create different sequences but can't arrange them in a song mode?

[@mpchead]

You can still, the workflow will be there albeit a little different.