Browsing Drums and Kits | MPC Studio Masterclass

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of browsing drums and kits in the MPC Studio, as demonstrated in the MPC Studio Masterclass by AkaiProVideo. You'll learn how to build a track, add instruments, apply effects, and prepare your beat for sharing. This guide is designed for both beginners and intermediate users looking to enhance their music production skills using the MPC Studio.

Step 1: Setting Up Your MPC Studio

• Download Master Class Files: Start by accessing the Master Class files to follow along. You can find them here.
• Install MPC Software: Ensure you have the MPC software installed on your computer. Launch the application and connect your MPC hardware if applicable.

Step 2: Browsing Drums and Kits

• Navigate to the Browser: In the MPC software, locate the 'Browser' section, usually found on the left side of the interface.
• Select Drum Kits: Click on the 'Drum Kits' tab to view available kits. You can browse through various categories such as acoustic, electronic, and custom kits.
• Preview Sounds: Click on any kit to hear a preview of its sounds. This allows you to find the right drum sounds for your track.

Step 3: Loading a Drum Kit

• Choose Your Kit: Once you've found a drum kit you like, click on it to select it.
• Load the Kit: Press the 'Load' button to import the selected drum kit into your project. This action will add the sounds to your pads for easy access.

Step 4: Exploring Drum Sounds

• Assign Sounds to Pads: After loading the kit, assign individual drum sounds to the pads on your MPC. You can do this by dragging sounds onto the desired pads or using the assign option in the software.
• Adjust Sound Parameters: Experiment with the sound parameters, such as pitch, decay, and volume, to customize how each sound responds.

Step 5: Creating a Basic Beat

• Record Your Beat: Use the pads to record a basic drum pattern. Hit the record button and play your rhythm.
• Quantize Your Performance: After recording, you can quantize the beat to align it perfectly on the grid. This ensures a tight and professional sound.

Step 6: Adding Instruments

• Access the Instrument Browser: Navigate to the 'Instruments' tab in the Browser.
• Select and Load Instruments: Browse through various instruments (e.g., synths, basses) and load them into your project similarly to how you loaded drum kits.
• Play and Record: Use the MIDI pads or your keyboard to play additional melodies or harmonies, recording them into your track.

Step 7: Applying Effects

• Open the Effects Tab: Locate the 'Effects' section in the software.
• Choose Effects: Browse through available effects like reverb, delay, and compression. Select an effect you want to apply to your drums or instruments.
• Adjust Effect Parameters: Tailor the effect settings to fit your track. Experiment with different values to achieve the desired sound.

Step 8: Mixing and Mastering

• Balance Your Mix: Adjust the levels of each track to create a balanced mix. Use faders to control volume and panning for spatial placement.
• Final Touches: Apply mastering effects to enhance the overall sound and prepare your beat for sharing. This may include EQ adjustments and limiting.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to browse drums and kits in the MPC Studio, load sounds, create beats, add instruments, apply effects, and mix your track for sharing. As you continue to experiment and explore the MPC Studio, consider diving deeper into sound design and advanced production techniques. Happy music making!