4f6e MPC5000 Performance Tools: Part two
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MPC5000 Performance Tools: Part two

MPC5000 Performance Tools: Part II of II


Last month we showed you how to use your MPC5000 with live compression tricks . This month we’re bringing you some more advanced live production techniques:
  • Robo-Voice Effect
  • Manipulating flters and effects with the Q-Links
  • Remixing and Stuttering Samples with Chop Shop and MPC Note Repeat
  • Using Random Zone Play to Trigger Random Samples

Robo-Voice Effect


Let’s start with a trick for using the MPC’s effects engine with a microphone. We’re going after the Robo-Voice effect similar to some effects boxes or vocoder emulators.

  1. Plug in a microphone to the MPC5000’s MIC IN. We suggest a vocal mic with an XLR connector for the best sound.
  2. Set the Input Select switch to MIC on the top panel of the MPC5000 and the combo-jack switch on the back panel of the MPC5000 to MIC.    
  3. Press MODE + PAD11 (Effects) to enter the Effects screen. For this example, use Buss 4.



  4. Select Frequency Shifter and try some of the following settings:



  5. Experiment with hard panning, extreme frequencies, and Async settings to create the effect that works for your track. You can get everything from warbling robotic sounds to intense sub-bass and harsh, whining frequency splits. 

Manipulating Filters with the Q-Links

Let’s try using the Q-Link controls to automate manipulation of a filter. The assignable Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons empower you with tactile control. You can just assign the desired filter parameters to the Q-Link you want to use for controlling it. (MODE+Pad 1)

  

  1. In this example, Q-Link Fader 1 (Q1) is assigned to control the frequency of the kick sample filter and the Q5 Knob is assigned to resonance.
  2. To automate filter adjustments, first ensure that the Q-Link Setup (F3 tab of Q-Link page) reflects the Default Q-Link Mode that you want to automate. With this setting, you are selecting whether the adjustments you make on the Q-Links will be recorded for automation or effect control.

  3. Assign a Q-Link control by returning to [Prg Q], moving a fader or knob, and pressing WINDOW.


  4. Enter record mode on the MPC5000 sequencer and manipulate the Q-Links while the sequence is in Record or Overdub mode. Your filter changes will be part of the sequence when you save.



Manipulating Effects with Q-Links


With MPC5000 OS 2.0, you can now automate all parameters of any effect using the Q-Links. This means that you can record your performance including the ways you manipulate effects for later recall.



View this by entering Grid Edit [Mode + Pad 14] mode, changing VIEW to Real Time, and changing the T/C time to a high number such as 1/64th to see higher sequence detail.


Let’s say you want to pipe in some audio from your DJ mixer and use the MPC5000 effects to make the transitions between tracks more interesting. Here’s one example of what you might do.

  1. Assign the Resampler effect and a Q-Link to the Decimator parameter.
  2. Fade the Decimator control UP as you crossfade songs with your other hand.



Stutter Loops


Using the Trim Mode and the Q-link sliders, a specific section of a sample can be highlighted on the fly and looped using the P > LOOP sub-function of Pad 14.
  1. Load up a sample in the Trim Mode screen
  2. Using the Q1 fader for the Left selection point and the Q2 fader for the right point, press Pad 14 to play the selection as a continuous loop. 
  3. Each time you choose a new loop selection, quickly release and retrigger Pad 14 to play the new loop selection. 


You can select part of a sample, choose Edit, and apply an effect such as Reverse or Bit Reduction. Now you have a sample that you can use to create some wild sounds by moving the loop selection over and around the affected sections.

Using Random Zone Play to Trigger Random Samples


Random Zone Play is an MPC5000 feature that enables one of the four velocity zones on a pad to trigger randomly each time the note is struck.


  1. Using MPC Note Repeat, you can retrigger the pad while changing the Timing Correct subdivision for an immediate and controllable stutter effect. This is great for vocals and snares. You can also tap the desired tempo out using the Tap Tempo button to fine-tune your exact repetition speed.


  2. You can then tap the desired tempo out using the Tap Tempo button to fine-tune your exact repetition speed.
  3. Create a new collection of affected samples all based on the same sound, such as a snare.
  4. Each sample could have a variation of an effect such as a Parametric EQ or a High Pass Filter. In the Program screen, assign each sample to a layer of a pad and turn Zone Play to Random.
  5. Set each layer to NOTE ON and experiment with pan positions.

You can now spice up a track with a snare drum that changes randomly without ever muddying the mix. Keep in mind that you can do all of this while a sequence or song is playing if you need to add some flavor to your live production.

Stay tuned for next month’s Tips And Tricks, thanks for reading and, as always, we welcome your feedback.

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