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How to Make Beats With an MPC on a Computer

The Akai MPC music workstation is an all-in-one drum sequencer, mixer, sampler and storage unit. Creating beats and loops on the MPC can be done in less time than that of a regular drum sequencer; however, in order to get your beats and recordings on CD, you must first transfer them to a computer. Hooking the Akai MPC to your computer can be done with MIDI interfaces and MIDI connectors. Connecting the MPC to your computer requires the basic knowledge of MIDI, as well as experience with music production software such as Reason, Propeller and Cubase.

Things You'll Need

  • Akai MPC
  • MIDI interface
  • MIDI connectors or plugs
  • Instruments (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Connecting to Computer

    • 1
      Connect instruments to MPC.

      Decide if you're going to use external instruments such as keyboards, drum machines or guitars. If using, connect the plug to MIDI out of the instrument and plug into MIDI in of MPC on channel 1.

    • 2
      Hook to sound card if no MIDI interface.

      Connect the midi out of MPC to your MIDI interface or computer sound card.

    • 3
      Select channel 1.

      Open your music creation software and detect if your MIDI connection is working. Go to the "MIDI Options" and set the MIDI input channel to "1."

    Creating Beats

    • 4

      Go to the "File" menu and create a new MIDI track. Right-click the new track and click "New MIDI track" until you get 5 to 10 tracks.

    • 5
      Press buttons to check your connection.

      Highlight the "Record" option for track 1 and press buttons on your MPC to see if the sound signal registers.

    • 6
      Record beats in your software.

      Press the "Record" button on track 1 and either play your samples or import your already composed beat. Select a new track and record every instrument you wish to use.

    • 7
      Save your recordings.

      Save the song on your music creation software as well as on the MPC.

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Recording Music

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