Best MPC-style workflow

[joeyraia]

Hi,

I am newly switching to Live 8, and I'd like to use my MPC (I have a MPC 5000) as a controller. My dream is to be able to sit in from of the MPC and program a beat using it as an interface, with everything happening in Live. The *main* mapping I would love, would be the sound banks switching when I change MPC banks, Note Repeat, and Note Erase. I would also love controlling the time quantization and feel for individual sounds from the MPC. Transport control and tap tempo are also important. Does anyone know if this is possible? Also, do you thing I'm better off going with one of the Akai dedicated controllers like the new MPD 26 that has note repeat (unfortunately does not have a "note erase" button). My fear with the dedicated controllers is the pads will not feel as good.

Lastly, any advice on duplicating an MPC-like workflow (like which Live instrument to use, etc) would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, and looking forward to getting this cracking.

Best,

Joey

[pipedreams]

i think you should buy a maschine

[pipedreams]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYVQR-YdVJI

[JEB]

I've been trying to try out a more MPC-like workflow after seeing how an old-school hip-hop friend works. I use a Korg Padkontrol (for playing the beats) and an APC40 (navigation/interface/tweaking). I'm not very familiar with how the MPC maps into Live and what your options are, but I'd start with multiple Drum Racks/Impulses and Sampler or some armed audio tracks for the actual sampling into clips.

Honestly I'd think it would be easier to wrap your head around if you used an MPD or PadKontrol or something like that. You can definitely midi map transport control and tap tempo (also note that stop-starts done with the transport controls won't record in arrange view, if that makes sense, though it still sounds fine), I dont think there is an equivalent to Note Erase, unless someone has programmed one in MfL. Also be aware of the Midi Overdub setting. You could work up some sort of bank switching type behavior with the midi pitch plugin or a multiple drum racks in a rack, I dont know of any one ideal solution.

I did find this link that might help:
http://www.abeaddict.com/node/46

[yur2die4]

I didn't want to have to be the one to have to mention Maschine haha. But I have it, and it does indeed do exactly what you would want for an MPC style workflow.

The next upgrade is supposed to be able to read saved files of select models of MPC (it is mentioned on the official forum).

600$ well spent (plus the midi mode is equally handy!!)

[The Northern Contingent]

Agree with the posts above about Maschine. It is UNBELIEVABLE. End of.

[MajoDub]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXZWYyDNZ4k

[joeyraia]

Thanks for the responses....I checked out Maschine and it is pretty great; the fact that the controller can be used to control Live made it a no-brainer. I will use it within Live as a plug, so I can always go back and forth when making a beat....it would be great if Maschine could do all the great MIDI template stuff Live 8 can do, I'm sure it will at some point.

[yur2die4]

What do you mean by midi template?

The thing I woke up this morning thinking was "Damn, I was satisfied paying 600$ for this thing when it was released, and now, at no additional charge, they keep turning it closer and closer to something I hadn't dreamed of."

I know this would be possible using additional software but my one most perfect request to make this the end-all product would be for NI to integrate the possibility of key command assignability (maybe mouse control too?) to the Maschine. Not only would you never have to touch the computer using their own software, but for other DAW's that it could be used with also!

Best of greatness with the new addition to your family

[dentaku]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXZWYyDNZ4k

It's funny how he's got an OpenLabs Miko and an APC40 but only has a little 4:3 17" LCD
If I had lots of an money OpenLabs an NekoXXL would be one of the first things I would get.

[joeyraia]

What do you mean by midi template?

I was referring to the new Groove Quantize in Live 8...the MPC grooves, the ability to extract timing from audio and apply it to your beat...etc.

[pipedreams]

you can always just bounce your tracks to audio tracks in ableton and apply the grooves to that