Otis Singleton
If you're looking to get creative with recording your electric drum set, you may want to route it through an MPC. MPCs are renowned for their all-in-one capabilities, combining sampling, MIDI gear driving, and song arrangement in one box. Connecting an electric drum set to an MPC can be as simple as connecting the MIDI out of the drum module to the MPC. However, some users have noted that additional configuration may be required, such as assigning drum sounds and adjusting settings. The MPC's versatility allows for both recording and live performances, providing endless possibilities for drummers to explore their creativity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Connection type | Connect the MIDI out of the drum module to the MIDI in of the MPC |
| MIDI note customization | Yes, you can change which MIDI note each pad responds to |
| Lag | No noticeable lag when using MIDI |
| Workflow | Efficient workflows for re-organizing MPC drum kit layouts |
| Pad layout | Pad layouts can be rearranged using the COPY TYPE, FROM PROGRAM, PAD, TO PROGRAM, and PAD parameters |
| Effects | Insert and send effects can be applied |
| Channel routing | Can be changed |
| Mixer options | Pan (dial), level (slider), solo, and mute |
| Metering | Accurately shows the output level to avoid clipping |
| Preview | Preview pad at the bottom that can be pressed with a mouse or finger |
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What You'll Learn
Connect the MIDI out of the drum module to the MPC
Connecting the MIDI out of your drum module to your MPC is a simple process, but it's important to ensure you have the right equipment and follow the steps carefully to ensure your setup is successful. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, you'll need to identify the MIDI output port on your drum module. This is usually clearly labelled, but if you're unsure, refer to your drum module's user manual for clarification. Once you've located the MIDI output port, you'll need to connect it to the MIDI input port on your MPC device using a standard MIDI cable. If your drum module uses a USB port for MIDI output, you may need a USB-to-MIDI adapter or converter to connect it to your MPC.
Now, turn your attention to your MPC device. Locate the Track View icon and tap on it to access the I/O settings. Within these settings, you'll find the MIDI Output Port field. Double-tap this field and select the MIDI input port to which your drum module is connected. For example, if you connected your drum module to MIDI input port A on your MPC, select MPC A in the settings.
Next, you'll need to set the MIDI output channel. In the MIDI Output Channel field, select the MIDI channel that matches your drum module's settings. MIDI channels typically range from 1 to 16, so choose the appropriate channel accordingly. This ensures that your MPC is set to receive data from the correct channel.
Finally, test the setup by triggering sounds on your drum module. You should now be able to control and manipulate the sounds from your electric drum set using your MPC. Depending on your specific setup and preferences, you may need to fine-tune some settings to ensure optimal performance and synchronization between your drum module and MPC.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect the MIDI out of your drum module to your MPC, allowing you to enhance the capabilities of your electric drum set and unlock new creative possibilities.
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Change the MIDI note each pad responds to
To change the MIDI note each pad responds to, you will need to access the settings of your drum set's controller. The pads will typically be set to a default MIDI note, but you can modify this setting within the controller's configuration options. This process may vary depending on the specific model of your drum set and controller.
If you are using a plugin to play samples, you will need to configure it to play samples based on the notes that your drum pads use. This can be achieved by using a drum rack and an "External Instrument" track. Alternatively, you can use a sample selector to change the MIDI notes.
In some cases, you may need to convert MIDI notes to MIDI channels. This can be done using software or a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). For example, in Ableton, you can use the i-o section of drum racks to select a "MIDI out note" for each chain, but this will only output the chosen MIDI note for the specific device in that chain.
When using an MPC (Music Production Controller), you can load and edit programs that dictate how the device operates. MIDI Programs within the MPC can be used to send MIDI notes to the MPC's MIDI Out ports, which can then be routed to the MIDI input of an external device, such as a synth module or drum machine. This allows you to control and trigger external devices with your drum pads.
Additionally, when using an MPC, you can adjust the pad assignments in the Pad Perform mode. This allows you to customise the behaviour of the pads and their playable range.
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Assign drum sounds
Assigning drum sounds to your electric drum set can be done by connecting it to an MPC device. This allows you to trigger drum samples and create custom kits with unique sounds for each pad. Here's a step-by-step guide to assigning drum sounds:
Step 1: Connect your Electric Drum Set to the MPC
Firstly, you need to establish a connection between your electric drum set and the MPC. This can be done using MIDI cables or, if your drum set has a USB port, you may need a USB audio interface or a USB mixer to connect to the MPC.
Step 2: Assign MIDI Notes to Each Pad
Once connected, you need to assign specific MIDI notes to each pad on your electric drum set. This is done to ensure that when a particular pad is triggered, the corresponding drum sound is played through the MPC.
Step 3: Create Custom Kits and Assign Drum Sounds
The MPC allows you to create custom kits with unique sounds for each pad. You can do this by accessing the Drum Program settings. Press the Browse button and tap on the Sample Pool tab. From here, you can select a pad and then double-tap a sample from the Sample Pool list to assign it to that pad.
Step 4: Adjust Pad Layers and Settings
Each pad in an MPC Drum Program consists of four unique layers, and you can assign a unique sample to each layer. By default, the layers play in unison, but you can also set them to play in a ''round robin', where each strike of the pad triggers a different layer. You can also adjust pad assignments, loop points, pitch, and effects to customise the sound further.
Step 5: Set Up the Hi-Hat Pedal
Don't forget to set up the hi-hat pedal separately. The hi-hat pedal changes the trigger to a different note when pressed, so make sure to configure this accordingly.
By following these steps, you can successfully assign drum sounds to your electric drum set using an MPC. This allows you to enhance the sound of your electric drum kit and create unique and dynamic kits for your music production.
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Adjust the pan for the hats
To adjust the pan for the hats on your electric drum set, you'll need to access the settings in your MPC software.
First, make sure you're in MAIN mode. Then, locate the 'Pan' settings by hitting F2. You can use the Q7 and Q8 pads to control the panning of pads A07 and A08, respectively. Set both pads to a right pan of R10 to mimic the positioning of hi-hats in a real drum kit, which are typically placed more to one side compared to the snare and kick drums.
You can also experiment with panning the hi-hat to the left or right to match either the drummer's perspective or the audience's perspective. There is no industry standard, and the choice is based on personal preference.
Additionally, you can create a more natural-sounding drum kit by utilising multiple timbres for each instrument. This adds more realistic expression to your kit. For example, in the tutorial mentioned, there were three different closed hat samples, each with slight variations in timbre, creating a more dynamic and expressive sound.
By adjusting the pan settings and utilising multiple timbres, you can create a more immersive and realistic-sounding electric drum set when routing it through your MPC.
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Change channel routing
To change the channel routing of an electric drum set through an MPC, you will need to connect your drum set to the MPC. You can do this by connecting the MIDI out of the drum module to the MPC.
Once connected, you can change the MIDI note that each pad responds to. This can be done by navigating to the 'KEYBOARD CONTROL' settings and ensuring that 'Keyboard Route' is set to 'Tracks'.
Additionally, you can adjust the output routing for each track within the MPC's Mixer View. To do this, navigate to the track's channel strip and select 'Output > Stereo Output', then choose an auxiliary stereo pair from the list.
For example, if you have routed your drum track in MPC to stereo outputs 3 and 4, set your DAW track's input channels to 3 and 4 accordingly.
By following these steps, you can change the channel routing of your electric drum set and configure the output routing to suit your preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
If your drum set is USB MIDI class compliant, you can plug it straight into your MPC, which should recognize it as a MIDI device. If not, you may need to use software on a laptop.
You can use the headphone jack to connect to your computer, which will allow you to adjust the volume separately from the main volume. You can also use a USB audio interface that supports line-level input and has gain control.
You can connect the MIDI out of the drum module to the MPC. You can then change the MIDI note that each pad responds to.
Connecting your electric drum set to your MPC allows you to trigger drum samples and create new sounds. It can also be used to trigger bass lines, synth parts, samples, and more.
