Over the course of the past few years, I’ve released many beat making videos and tutorials using the Akai MPD32 and MPK49 MIDI controllers.  In this video, I answer a few of the questions I have received as they relate to sampling and why I may prefer to use one piece of hardware over the next for a particular beat.

 

 Quick Hardware History

As you can see from my older videos, I did not always have the MPK49 as part of my setup.  In my earlier music production years, I simply used the MPD32 with my Kurzweil Mark 10 electric piano.  At that time, most of my sample sequencing, drums and percussion were done on the MPD and the remaining instrumentation and bass line were finished on the Kurzweil.

When I ordered the MPD32, I didn’t realize that the stock drum pads would be so stiff and difficult to press.  So I opted to modify the pads to increase the sensitivity. I achieved this by using rubber inserts to fill in the gaps between the pads and sensors.  At the time, I was not aware of MPC Stuff and the “Fat Pads” they sell for Akai devices.

I was progressing with my production, I decided to add an Akai MPK49 keyboard to my studio.  I liked the fact that it had a mod wheel (which my piano did not) and that it was somewhat portable, in case I needed to take it on the road.  Furthermore, I chose this particular keyboard because the controls (faders, knobs, etc) were exactly the same as my MPD32 – so there was less of a learning curve for me.

 

Sampling w/ the MPD32 and MPK49

One of the cool things about sampling with the MPK49 is that you aren’t limited to the 16 (4×4) pads – like with any standard drum machine or controller.  I can have access to 49 sample slices at any given time! This is very convenient for tracks where I am chopping a large number of sample pieces, and am looking to create an audio collage from snippets all across the spectrum.

On the other hand, if I am working with a smaller number of sample chops (usually less than 30 or so) I will more often than not arrange the samples on the MPD32.

So for any given beat I am working on, I may use either controller to sample.  I always keep both pieces of hardware connected to my interface so that I have the freedom and flexibility to choose as I am creating.

 

If this was at all helpful or you have any other questions about the Akai MPD32 or Akai MPK49 as they relate to this video, please drop your COMMENT below.

 

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