Too Many Ways to Do the Same Thing?
I’ve been going through the MPC Bible 3 right from the beginning to try to fill in all my current knowledge gaps. I’m already reaping benefits, and I have been since the first chapter.
I kind of learned the MPC on the fly, so I’ve got a lot to learn. It’s been great. I don’t know a lot as it turns out so that it’s actually keeping the simple stuff interesting, even on something basic like making a drum program.
I already know how to do this, but one thing to know if you’re thinking about getting into the MPC, or you’re doing it and getting frustrated, is that there are so many ways to do the same thing. I think there’s so much legacy in the software that it gets a bit ridiculous. All the different paths to the same result can end up confusing people.
I’ve been using it as a jank DAW, and I could really tighten up how I work with samples. I’m a huge caveman when it comes to sampling, so that’s what I’m really hoping to learn. It also kind of forces you to keep things simple. You can’t put on a million effecs/ plug-ins, and this always ends up being refreshing.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: MPC sounds punchy and great.
Even when I mix down and bring it into Ableton for mastering, to my ears it just sounds better than anything I’m getting out of Ableton stock plug-ins. I’m assuming that’s because I know how to program the mic native AIR plug-ins better, but maybe it’s something about the converters. I saw the F9 guys talking about it one time, so could be there’s some truth to it.
I think MPC 3 is, in some ways, easier. It’s got some weird visual choices, though. I wish it was gray and red like the old one instead of black. The color options leave a lot to be desired. They’re a little cheesy, but whatever.
There’s so much helpful content out there. Most of it is aimed at hip-hop producers, and that’s one reason the MPC Bible has been so great.
So I guess, in the end, I’m benefiting from the complicated system. I’m doing beginner exercises that I already know how to do, but I’m finding different ways to do them and discovering better, faster workflows.
That alone is going to be a huge benefit.