Unpacking MPC Magic with GabeMillerMusic

GabeMillerMusic kicks things off by introducing the latest upgrades to the MPC lineup with a bang. Despite the allure of the new MPC Live 3 hardware, Gabe reminds us that even us old-school MPC heads aren’t left out in the cold. Akai’s firmware update 3.6 brings the MPC Pro Pack to all, a gift wrapped in a hundred-dollar bow. This update isn’t just about the hype; it throws in goodies like clip launching, a visual EQ, and Ableton project importing. While the price tag might make some grumble, the addition of clip launching is a game-changer that Gabe has long awaited. So, with his own cash on the line, he’s ready to dive directly into this new feature.

Right out of the gate, Gabe shows us how to access the clip launcher, a feature reminiscent of the Akai Force. By moving it to the first page of his MPC One setup, Gabe opens up a world where music flows as naturally as Chicago’s lakeside breeze. For those used to Akai Force, the transition feels like picking up a second fork at a barbecue – quick, maybe a bit unnecessary, but satisfying once you get it right. Users need to enable the clip workflow via project defaults, simplifying new project setups. Under Gabe’s guidance, the process of creating and editing clips becomes child’s play. From launching clips to experimenting with MIDI data, the iterative process of beatmaking shines. Each clip’s loop can be tweaked to perfection, showcasing Gabe’s affinity for detail. He talks us through the nuances of scenes, effortless launching all rows with a mere pad tap. The pads, however, show their limitation, as it’s a tad clunky for clip launching thus appealing more to touchscreen aficionados. Gabe’s exploration of the clip launcher’s functionality leaves one feeling like they’ve just discovered a culinary hack at a food truck.

Gabe delves into the new plugins bundled with the MPC Pro Pack, giving us a tease of what’s under the hood. The much-demanded visual EQ is like a long-lost mixtape finally found – pure gold, even if it’s slightly tethered to the latest gear. Additionally, the Air Reverb Pro peaks Gabe’s interest, promising depth he’s eager to explore. However, it’s the Ableton project importing that’s the star of the show. This feature promised a bridge from Ableton’s sandbox to MPC’s robust playground. Yet, for all its potential, the path is strewn with hurdles; drum samplers are tricky to convert, and some settings just don’t translate. Gabe’s detailed take on this is a reminder of the quirks involved, but his enthusiasm is infectious. While not everything transfers perfectly, Gabe encourages viewers to keep tinkering—it’s all part of the creative journey.