About The MPC2500

The MPC2500 is one of the best sampling/MIDI sequencers for under $1000 — it does everything. We start out showing what all the buttons do, including the pad assignments, Q-link sliders, and modes, and explain how they work with the software. You'll learn the all-new Chop Shop feature and ways to use it to give a sample its own pitch using time compression. We explain how to set up samples in programs, like putting a patch phrase sample in a program, and explain ways to change the sound of a sample using features in the program section like LFO, velocity changes, filtering through velocity, poly or mono playback and many more — including effects such as reverb, bit grunger, chorus, phaser, flanger, 4-band EQ, compressor, delay and a phase shifter. This lesson, Part 1, covers everything you need to know to get started using the MPC2500.

In Part 2 we take the sample, turn it into a patch phrase, and use it in a sequence inside a program. Next we set up the right BPM (beats per minute), then select a track to record on — here we cover all aspects of the sequence window and change the tempo to show how the sample stays in sync. We teach you how to copy measures to extend the sequence and how to change the events within it. Next we cover step editing, going to the exact place in a sequence to place a sample where you want it — whether it's the duration of a note, the attack (how hard you hit the pad), the volume, the MIDI note, or deleting the part you don't need. We also cover the program section in depth — placing up to 4 samples per part, changing their volume, tuning, range, poly setting, and mute group — and how to use all the effects in the system, from the master effects on the output to the effects in the mixer section, switching between 1, 2, 3 or 4 sends. We add more sequences to build a song form and cover the newest feature, recording live within a song, so you can record vocals, a bass player, a DJ or a guitar right over your track.