Up until this weekend, I had never learned how to use a groovebox. My computer
recently died, so I decided that instead of spending money on a new computer,
I’d spend it on an MPC One. I’m glad I did. I have
not put it away since it arrived.
I’ve already made multiple sound sketches with it. I’m exploring how to create
Ambient music with the MPC. I haven’t used a sampler since the 1980’s when I
had a Casio SK-1 Digital Sampling
Piano. I also never really got
the hang of working with samples (outside of Kontakt), so this is a creative
evolution for me.
In my 40+ years of making music with electronic devices, I find the MPC to be
the best workflow, so far. It makes me regret not discovering the MPC earlier.
I was always under the impression that you could accomplish more with a
computer, so I’ve always used them for music production. The MPC introduced me
to a quick way to lay down my ideas and get the sound I’m looking for without
being distracted by email, instant messages, and notifications on my computer.
Prior to the MPC One, I was using a combination of the Native Instruments
Maschine and various DAWs on my PC and Mac computers. The workflow on the two
devices is similar, but I found the MPC to be slightly more intuitive. Things
just made more sense to me than they do on the Maschine.
I also briefly gave the Circuit
Rhythm a try, but I soon
realized I’d want a screen and more functionality. However, it was the device
that helped me discover that I was looking for a standalone device.
However, the Maschine has access to a lot of high-quality drum kits and
expansions from Native Instruments that can’t be overlooked. I have Komplete
Ulitmate, so I have a lot of kits. I used a program called Kit
Maker to convert my favorite kits to MPC format
(as well as folders full of numbered .wav files).
One of the great things about the MPC is how little physical space it
occupies. My desk is now very tidy. I just have the MPC, my Korg Wavestate,
and my studio monitors. It makes it very easy to focus on the music.
I’m looking forward to creating more music with it and discovering how to
improve my musical workflow.