Akai MPC Key 61 - Linear Multi-Track Song Recording Tutorial

Thank you!!!

Thanks for the great workflow tutorial DS, Does this unit have drum loops or do I have to "tap" using pads

Does it have autotune feature for vocals?

I create many genres on my MPC Live 2. I Use combination of drums, synths, instruments on the midi side. I use the audio for vocals, sometimes guitar and bass. The way I do the songs is create four bar loops for the drums with the same pattern for 3 bars and a variation on the fourth (for a verse for example). I then put down the bass line this can be four or eight bars usually. I build other instruments as needed on top. I will then expand the track to however many bars the need to be in order for the vocals to fit. Then start again on the chorus and so on and so forth. Depending on the song I may need to build drum fills to link the different parts of the song together. I often use track mute to create the intro and outro out of the bridge, verse or chorus (without the vocals obviously).

So would you be able to forward to the end of the verse and then record the chorus? For me when I am writing a song its not always flushed out and i create it a section at a time.

this is so ridiculous. Because he uses 1 sequence for the whole song, he has to record the drums in real time. He can't make a sequence into this sequence to make the drums loop. This is like 4 track recording in the seventies. Also the audio recording: He can't move a bit of audio when he missed the beat. There is only one big audiofile. Everyone should realize that the MPC has no arranger view. You must break your song down in short sequences.

thank you! subscribed!

' the girl of my dreams would take the words away from my mind" -------> you've still got the best......music!!

That's a really nice song! I dig your voice! Great job sharing a little of yourself while giving us a tutorial!

How do you records vocals on top of over 13 sequences that are part of a full length song? I get what you do but that only applies to one sequence and for whatever length the bars loop are for but if I attempt to record vocals due to my structure of 13 sequence im unable to layer vocals on across those 13 sequences. Is there away to get this done? Im I making sense?

Now that the MPC X SE dropped the Key 61 is the move at new price $1,500. There is nothing the SE has worth an extra grand. Guitar Center put me over the edge w $150 rewards credit and 48mos zero interest financing $32/mo (offer good 'til 5/3/2023). And I'll use rewards credit on a stand/bench/sustain pedal set up or other accessories. I have a feeling Akai is not done yet this year and will drop another unit this summer (maybe Force II).

You connected that mic into your MPC key 61 - what microphone you using with MPC key 61 thank you much appreciated

Good effort, appreciate your inputs!!

(Please don't sing, play the bass and drum anymore on YT, practice these parts first)

phenomenal video & a great change of pace from just another beat making video (and all of the spoiled to DAW complaints). I do come from a beat making background & the MPC is and always will be my favorite. I remember that Teddy Riley, Prince and Stevie Wonder could & sometimes would play (Linear as you call it) all the way top to bottom on some of their recordings. Awesome demonstration.

Great video! Thanks What the max. length to audio track(Mb)?

great video tutorial

Thank you for this different workflow, I am not a beat maker myself, I enjoy recording a improv session and I feel this workflow works better for me.

Would love to see your workflow with the Key 61 your DAW together…meaning how you produce with both together, where you crossover, etc. (with MPC2 plugin). PS. Really appreciate all your vids on the Key 61 (as a recent purchaser, also not from a beat making background).

Nice of you to show that the MPC is not only capable of EDM and R&B! And i like linear recording. This is exactly the kind of video I like to see with a Maschine as the recording device because that's what I'm using.

Thanks :)
What about punch in an out on a midi track and also audio tracks. Basically how does the a linear workflow work with overdubs, layers etc....