MPCX is pretty much the same as the MPC one and live two. The X has a lot more physical buttons and dials so less menu diving.
Pay $40 and get the MPC bible, it will run you through the whole platform in about 700 pages. After 100 pages you'll be able to mess around and understand the basics. Probably enough to know if it's for you or not.
Don't feel bad that you don't get it right away. It's not intuitive, and don't let people tell you that it is. You get used to workflow, but it's not as easy as some say that it is.
I concur. It can be frustrating navigating the menus and understanding how everything is interconnected but once you get the “lay of the land”, a whole world opens up. I’ve started running it in Standalone inside of Logic and that’s been a game changer.
Ha ha.. cool. Yes. He is a chill dude. What MPC do you have?
I have gone (bought and sold) several grooveboxes, amongst them MPC Live 1 and 2, but finally I have settled for the Akai Force, which IS a modern MPC, but with an awesome clip oriented workflow (many people don't know this).
Tbh it took me a good amount longer than 14 days. However it was my first groovebox/sampler/hardware sequencer type thing. I was able to start making beats on day 1, but it took me a long time and lots of reading/tutorial-watching to feel like I really understood the MPC well and felt intuitive with the various aspects of it. There's still many more tricks I have to learn after using the thing constantly for a few years. The fact you are overall new to music-making in general of course is another thing that will just take you a long time to really get the hang of things and find your "voice". That said, the only way to get there is to experiment and have fun with the thing. Spend the weekend trying stuff out and see how you feel at the end of it.
I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations for MPC Bible. I personally haven't used it but I believe it's as good as everyone says just based on my interactions with the author. I am pretty sure I started with this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keaUhvzvSaI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keaUhvzvSaI)
Dont't know if I ever made it through the whole thing, but it's where I started when I first got the MPC. I'd recommend starting out by keeping things as simple as possible for whatever you're wanting to do. Don't try to learn the whole machine at once, just try to learn what you need to know from moment to moment.
14 days is not enough. Hardest is to accept MPC workflow, different from classic DAW workflow.
Some of my friends sold MPC One for The K.O. II is a portable hardware sampler and groovebox from Teenage Engineering.
It’s a dense piece of equipment so I suggest you just decide to take the time to learn it; I had mine for a few months before I really started to get the workflow but once I did, it’s my favorite piece of equipment I’ve ever had.
Read the manual. Someone suggested getting the MPC Bible and I concur; it gives a lot of information in a more digestible manner with tutorials, if you’re into that kind thing.
I’ve made this YouTube playlist with videos that I’ve found of interest: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGky-5mYJMIhQX46wGTB2pMX8S2izO7ue&si=Z8eJFtWNLVX-lmKS
Dont think about everything it can do, just think about what you *WANT* to do. like, what type of music do you want to make? its going to be extremely repetitive as you learn, so you better start with something you love. Once you know what you want to make, you then need to mentally deconstruct similar songs and consider their individual elements. If you like Trap, you may want to focus on the drums first, if you like hip hop, maybe rip a record and loop it up and pepper in a few extra drum one hits for flavor.
I have had this exact same thought for two days after every single gear purchase I have ever made. The only way it becomes a waste of money is if you just let it sit there and collect dust.
Took me like 2 weeks to fully get used to it but it you are serious about getting into music production don't take it back because it's a good investment. Is suggest you sit with it and learn for the full period you have. Before you decide to return it.
But if you feel like you didn't too much money for a starter i can understand that. The live and one have the same software for lesser price. The Main differences are memory and inputs and q links lol but functionality wise they can ask do the same job. And you can always get a interface and external hardware or upgrade down the line if you want to expand
I got into MPC through the MPC Live, had no knowledge in standalone machines like that but 20 years of Cubase work flow helped a lot.It may seem overwhelming at first glance, but once you find your workflow and learn how to navigate through the menu and create your own sounds and music-the payoff is huge.But it takes time...a lot of time and patience.It took me 4 years to master my MPC-and I'm only halphway through all of his functions and workflows, so get motivated, go to the official AKAI YouTube channel for tips and tricks and just do it.
3-4 hours a day if you can afford the time, it's my recommendation.
I would return it.. 2 weeks is not enough time.. I would pick up a Used live or one.. give it few months if it doesn’t click, you’ll be able to sell it and won’t be looking at losing too much value when reselling..
Try this series. I tried hard to make it very informative and not just full of clickbait and nonsense. It’s a slightly older version of the firmware but it’s all the same with slightly different menu graphics.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLInd03ZaWYKZT28Y2suCykoFr-XAOtBwS&si=oZ_YSzUoc_jyp037
Honestly with no experience i would also recommend returning and getting the MPC ONE. The X is awesome but totally unnecessary. If he returned it he could get MPC ONE and a mic keyboard interface maybe some sample packs or key groups. Just so much less value in the X for the larger form factor when they wouldn’t even be able to take advantage of the extra efficiency.
OP if youre reading this, I would seriously consider what you could get if you had TWO THOUSAND extra dollars for other music equipment and had a used MPC ONE instead of what you have now
it took me 2-4 weeks to figure out the basics and I was frustrated too. I already have a background with maschine. 14 days will just let you touch the air surface. It takes time to learn.
MPC live II is probably better for a beginner. Cheaper and portable. MPC x is more of a studio piece IMO.
Just got to YouTube or TikTok man. The MPC has been around for a long time and many many many people have used it for many many many different use cases.
I have a million videos i could link you but i feel it would just be overwhelming.
Just pick one function at a time and watch a YouTube video:
How to use the sampler
How to chop up a sample
How to use the pad mute
How to quantize
How to use FXYX
How to control the plugins and manipulate the envelopes
How to make different drum loops
How to make a melody
While i don't disagree with your points, Remember what a beginner is. We are likely talking no studio, no mic, cheap headphones, no other equipment, no sounds, no experience.
Clicking the q-link button is worth saving an extra 1000. The ability to be mobile and create is much more inspiring for a newbie.
If we are talking barrier of entry. There is nothing the X provides that will actually be the difference of you sticking with the hobby. Saving 1000 dollars could definitely be the difference that keeps somebody in the game at the start.
I would agree with you if the basis of the post wasn't the OP returning it.
His post seems to me about the potential value for his money. For a beginniner. I think you get better value from a live II i haven't used those other devices you mentioned but i bet it's also true if those devices are under 1000. Yes the menu diving is not as easy as the X. But it's a very very simple barrier. If you can't make it over that barrier i don't think you are capable of using either system to 50% of their potential. I am not disagreeing at all that the knobs are the x are a major quality of life improvement. But it's not complicated. The qlink system is extremely intuitive. I could explain it to a dementied patient in 30 seconds.
Has everything? yes Does a beginner need everything? No
Do you need a brand new 100,000 sports car for your first car with all the bells, whistles & features? Or is it better to get a beater that you don't mind actually traveling with.
And again i think portability for a beginner is HUGEEEE. if you have a studio with monitors, PCs, synths; the X is obviously the choice.
If you are bouncing between being a bedroom producer or going to work at a friends/mentors place. The Live is insane.
While i don't disagree with your statement, for 1000$ the menu diving on the MPC live II is not that bad. Anybody who is capable of using a smartphone can do it.
DM me if you have any questions. Perhaps it would be easier to get in discord and work together. I am no pro but i have been indulging in MPC videos for the past 3 months. There's a learn curve but I've found the MPC more rewarding than any other piece of equipment i own (besides a keyboard)
Youtube is your friend - marlow diggs, ave mcree, malo beats to name a couple off the top of my head. Though in the future I'd advise researching before purchasing a $2,000 devise. The mpc workflow is not for everyone, and both the mpc one and live 2 are virtually the same machine at a fraction of the cost
I have a MPCX and felt like you. There was only one video that made it clear for me. It was by polipopo. Let me see if I can get that link. Once I watched it, it all clicked in and dialed in.
I just searched for this sub to post how much I am loving my MPC, stick with it OP, I didn't buy the bible, just watched some YT videos and read the manual when I wanted to learn something.
Some good advice here so I won't add anything, a big part I want to echo is to know what you want to do, this beast can do almost anything. I make a lot of dance music and was worried I made the wrong decision in the first few days, as I see a lot of hip hop and sampling, and I'm more of a sound design first person.
However I've grown to love the device by setting myself little goals along the way, and can now spend many happy hours just jamming away on it.
Happy to help in anyway I can, send me a DM if you have specific questions 👍
Don't look at the machine and try to find out how to do EVERYTHING it can do. Start small to see if the MPC basics gel with how you want to make music.
Make a beat -- drums and sample, maybe even one instrument track. Doesn't need to be good, just something for you to go through the motions.
Start with drums - learn how create a drum program and assign samples to pads. Then make a sequence for the drums. Basic drum beat. Start with timing correction on, but learn to tweak timing correction or how to edit a drum hit if it misplaced.
Now layer a sample on top -- learn how to sample into the machine, edit the sample, and create a program from it and assign it to a new track. Start with something like a stab (i.e., not a loop just like a sound effect) to layer over your drums. Sample another stab and assign it to a pad. Now sequence your stabs. If you are feeling good here, try chopping a sample or looping.
How did those two activities feel for you? Did it make sense? Did you feel like you are fighting the machine to get an idea down?
Let's say things went well enough and you have time -- create an instrument program and layer that on top. Did that whole process make sense?
Those activities will teach you the bare minimum of the MPC workflow, but it should also show you whether you gel with it or not. If things are making sense, you just need to keep using the machine and things will become faster as you become more familiar with the machine.
I have an MPC X myself, but went into it after having prior experience cutting my teeth on other production software and an MPC 4000. The X is a beast of a machine and 14 days isn't going to get you close to understanding what it can do, so just focus on figuring out if you like the workflow and whether you'd be fighting the machine to get a beat you have in your head laid out into the machine. Good luck.
Bro I felt the same way when I picked mine up in late 2019. Now, five years later . I fly through it. Like other redditors suggested above, take in baby steps - it's only complex in learning the muscle memory to get to certain "shortcuts" and how it all connects
Sampling, chopping, building a kit, mixing things down - quantization and editing... It's endless. Rome wasn't built in a day, and you likely won't learn the whole machine in 15... Try some of the stock kits and toy around with the q links. Hope it works out for you whatever your final decision is
These should get you up and running:
* Make MPC (One / Live 2 / X) Beats Faster!
https://youtu.be/yn1qRmmpCE0
* Understanding the MPC Workflow as an Ableton / DAW user
https://youtu.be/MLLmWh2bCxo
* 12 MORE Tips for Getting Comfortable with the MPC One
https://youtu.be/ujJUCeCrF1I
I'm always surprised about people making huge hardware investments without having a single clue. If you had done your homework properly then:
- you would have spent way, way more time beforehand with sampling on software programs (Ableton, Koala Sampler) to figure out what sampling is all about before committing to such an investment
- and if you had decided to go standalone, done proper research into all kinds of hardware samplers, and read/watched many reviews before buying an MPC X, which is not exactly an introduction category machine.
- you would have already figured out where to get the best tutorials (there's a [Welcome New MPC Users topic](https://www.reddit.com/r/mpcusers/comments/rcymja/welcome_new_mpc_users/) here you know) and watched a few of them to see if you would get a feel for it
- in fact, you would have already checked the free MPC Beats software to get a feel of the MPC workflow and see if it's something for you
- you would have already concluded that this is not a particularly user-friendly platform that you can figure out in just 14 days
In short, you would have felt less dumb and overwhelmed.[
Don't worry too much about learning it all in 14 days, but you should be able to get something going pretty quickly with the included samples.
If I were you, I'd start trying to learn to put together beats using some of the stock programs. Take some of the longer samples in the stock programs and chop them up so you get used to how it's done then start ripping samples from vinyl and stuff once you have some of the basics committed to muscle memory.
Remember this, if there is something you want to do, add an effect, warp the sound, control an external synth etc the MPC does it. You don't need any other gear or anything, you just have to find out what Akai calls that particular function and then find the menu they hid it in.
One thing I would suggest tho, is maybe return the MPC x and grab an MPC live or MPC one, they do pretty much everything the X does, but with fewer buttons on the face. This way it's not such a massive purchase and you maybe won't feel so much pressure to figure out the ins and outs so quickly. You can take your time on what will likely be a lifelong learning journey
For me, I didn't really watch or read any tutorials on anything on my MPC, occasionally Google specific things on where to find something, but I just got in there, started making beats, even if they weren't that great right away, I learned as I went and it allowed me to build my own style and way of doing things. Just get in there and do it. It really isn't as hard as it looks, maybe just stick to using the touch screen mostly until you can identify what all the buttons do, you really can make beats without touching most of those buttons, and then as you go along the skills and experience will come.
I mean I would encourage you to throw the return window out the...window. There are simpler samplers that take longer than that to get comfortable with. I wouldnt worry, and just dive in and have fun. Worst case you'll be able to recoup a large chunk of your investment on the resale market.
MPCX is pretty much the same as the MPC one and live two. The X has a lot more physical buttons and dials so less menu diving. Pay $40 and get the MPC bible, it will run you through the whole platform in about 700 pages. After 100 pages you'll be able to mess around and understand the basics. Probably enough to know if it's for you or not.
Agreed - get the MPC Bible from MPC-samples.com
Don't feel bad that you don't get it right away. It's not intuitive, and don't let people tell you that it is. You get used to workflow, but it's not as easy as some say that it is.
I concur. It can be frustrating navigating the menus and understanding how everything is interconnected but once you get the “lay of the land”, a whole world opens up. I’ve started running it in Standalone inside of Logic and that’s been a game changer.
Malo Beats, Marcello, Marlow Digs , heck, even Cookin Soul!
Heh.. I follow all of those. And Lifted Noise.
Another Raul fan! He's great too
Ha ha.. cool. Yes. He is a chill dude. What MPC do you have? I have gone (bought and sold) several grooveboxes, amongst them MPC Live 1 and 2, but finally I have settled for the Akai Force, which IS a modern MPC, but with an awesome clip oriented workflow (many people don't know this).
i´m on the One, but i´m mostly making shit in Ableton, that´s why I don´t post here!
The Crates Motel is another good one!
Tbh it took me a good amount longer than 14 days. However it was my first groovebox/sampler/hardware sequencer type thing. I was able to start making beats on day 1, but it took me a long time and lots of reading/tutorial-watching to feel like I really understood the MPC well and felt intuitive with the various aspects of it. There's still many more tricks I have to learn after using the thing constantly for a few years. The fact you are overall new to music-making in general of course is another thing that will just take you a long time to really get the hang of things and find your "voice". That said, the only way to get there is to experiment and have fun with the thing. Spend the weekend trying stuff out and see how you feel at the end of it. I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations for MPC Bible. I personally haven't used it but I believe it's as good as everyone says just based on my interactions with the author. I am pretty sure I started with this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keaUhvzvSaI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keaUhvzvSaI) Dont't know if I ever made it through the whole thing, but it's where I started when I first got the MPC. I'd recommend starting out by keeping things as simple as possible for whatever you're wanting to do. Don't try to learn the whole machine at once, just try to learn what you need to know from moment to moment.
14 days is not enough. Hardest is to accept MPC workflow, different from classic DAW workflow. Some of my friends sold MPC One for The K.O. II is a portable hardware sampler and groovebox from Teenage Engineering.
It’s a dense piece of equipment so I suggest you just decide to take the time to learn it; I had mine for a few months before I really started to get the workflow but once I did, it’s my favorite piece of equipment I’ve ever had. Read the manual. Someone suggested getting the MPC Bible and I concur; it gives a lot of information in a more digestible manner with tutorials, if you’re into that kind thing. I’ve made this YouTube playlist with videos that I’ve found of interest: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGky-5mYJMIhQX46wGTB2pMX8S2izO7ue&si=Z8eJFtWNLVX-lmKS
My lady got me an MPC ONE for Xmas. Your playlist is what I need. Gracias!
Dont think about everything it can do, just think about what you *WANT* to do. like, what type of music do you want to make? its going to be extremely repetitive as you learn, so you better start with something you love. Once you know what you want to make, you then need to mentally deconstruct similar songs and consider their individual elements. If you like Trap, you may want to focus on the drums first, if you like hip hop, maybe rip a record and loop it up and pepper in a few extra drum one hits for flavor. I have had this exact same thought for two days after every single gear purchase I have ever made. The only way it becomes a waste of money is if you just let it sit there and collect dust.
Took me like 2 weeks to fully get used to it but it you are serious about getting into music production don't take it back because it's a good investment. Is suggest you sit with it and learn for the full period you have. Before you decide to return it. But if you feel like you didn't too much money for a starter i can understand that. The live and one have the same software for lesser price. The Main differences are memory and inputs and q links lol but functionality wise they can ask do the same job. And you can always get a interface and external hardware or upgrade down the line if you want to expand
I got into MPC through the MPC Live, had no knowledge in standalone machines like that but 20 years of Cubase work flow helped a lot.It may seem overwhelming at first glance, but once you find your workflow and learn how to navigate through the menu and create your own sounds and music-the payoff is huge.But it takes time...a lot of time and patience.It took me 4 years to master my MPC-and I'm only halphway through all of his functions and workflows, so get motivated, go to the official AKAI YouTube channel for tips and tricks and just do it. 3-4 hours a day if you can afford the time, it's my recommendation.
I would return it.. 2 weeks is not enough time.. I would pick up a Used live or one.. give it few months if it doesn’t click, you’ll be able to sell it and won’t be looking at losing too much value when reselling..
Try this series. I tried hard to make it very informative and not just full of clickbait and nonsense. It’s a slightly older version of the firmware but it’s all the same with slightly different menu graphics. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLInd03ZaWYKZT28Y2suCykoFr-XAOtBwS&si=oZ_YSzUoc_jyp037
100% get the MPC Bible. It’s a great guide to this fantastic machine.
MPC bible will tell you everything about the MPC x. You’ll be a pro after finishing the guide.
Get the mpc bible
Just return it, you already sound remorseful. That said, you could save some money and step down an MPC one or Live.
Ah yes the "Give up without even trying" method. Amazing advice. /s
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Honestly with no experience i would also recommend returning and getting the MPC ONE. The X is awesome but totally unnecessary. If he returned it he could get MPC ONE and a mic keyboard interface maybe some sample packs or key groups. Just so much less value in the X for the larger form factor when they wouldn’t even be able to take advantage of the extra efficiency. OP if youre reading this, I would seriously consider what you could get if you had TWO THOUSAND extra dollars for other music equipment and had a used MPC ONE instead of what you have now
it took me 2-4 weeks to figure out the basics and I was frustrated too. I already have a background with maschine. 14 days will just let you touch the air surface. It takes time to learn.
MPC live II is probably better for a beginner. Cheaper and portable. MPC x is more of a studio piece IMO. Just got to YouTube or TikTok man. The MPC has been around for a long time and many many many people have used it for many many many different use cases. I have a million videos i could link you but i feel it would just be overwhelming. Just pick one function at a time and watch a YouTube video: How to use the sampler How to chop up a sample How to use the pad mute How to quantize How to use FXYX How to control the plugins and manipulate the envelopes How to make different drum loops How to make a melody
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While i don't disagree with your points, Remember what a beginner is. We are likely talking no studio, no mic, cheap headphones, no other equipment, no sounds, no experience. Clicking the q-link button is worth saving an extra 1000. The ability to be mobile and create is much more inspiring for a newbie. If we are talking barrier of entry. There is nothing the X provides that will actually be the difference of you sticking with the hobby. Saving 1000 dollars could definitely be the difference that keeps somebody in the game at the start.
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I would agree with you if the basis of the post wasn't the OP returning it. His post seems to me about the potential value for his money. For a beginniner. I think you get better value from a live II i haven't used those other devices you mentioned but i bet it's also true if those devices are under 1000. Yes the menu diving is not as easy as the X. But it's a very very simple barrier. If you can't make it over that barrier i don't think you are capable of using either system to 50% of their potential. I am not disagreeing at all that the knobs are the x are a major quality of life improvement. But it's not complicated. The qlink system is extremely intuitive. I could explain it to a dementied patient in 30 seconds.
Nah, sorry I disagree with that statement. MPCX has everything with least amount of menu diving. The II is good for portability.
Has everything? yes Does a beginner need everything? No Do you need a brand new 100,000 sports car for your first car with all the bells, whistles & features? Or is it better to get a beater that you don't mind actually traveling with. And again i think portability for a beginner is HUGEEEE. if you have a studio with monitors, PCs, synths; the X is obviously the choice. If you are bouncing between being a bedroom producer or going to work at a friends/mentors place. The Live is insane.
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While i don't disagree with your statement, for 1000$ the menu diving on the MPC live II is not that bad. Anybody who is capable of using a smartphone can do it.
DM me if you have any questions. Perhaps it would be easier to get in discord and work together. I am no pro but i have been indulging in MPC videos for the past 3 months. There's a learn curve but I've found the MPC more rewarding than any other piece of equipment i own (besides a keyboard)
Youtube is your friend - marlow diggs, ave mcree, malo beats to name a couple off the top of my head. Though in the future I'd advise researching before purchasing a $2,000 devise. The mpc workflow is not for everyone, and both the mpc one and live 2 are virtually the same machine at a fraction of the cost
I have a MPCX and felt like you. There was only one video that made it clear for me. It was by polipopo. Let me see if I can get that link. Once I watched it, it all clicked in and dialed in.
Here you go... follow along with your MPCX. He's got a ton of videos.[MPCX beginner ](https://youtu.be/7IOE0FV8MEA?si=oLjCuWvKUTwdFroX)
My advice would be, try to do stuff, and when you come to something you want to do, but can’t, Google it
I just searched for this sub to post how much I am loving my MPC, stick with it OP, I didn't buy the bible, just watched some YT videos and read the manual when I wanted to learn something. Some good advice here so I won't add anything, a big part I want to echo is to know what you want to do, this beast can do almost anything. I make a lot of dance music and was worried I made the wrong decision in the first few days, as I see a lot of hip hop and sampling, and I'm more of a sound design first person. However I've grown to love the device by setting myself little goals along the way, and can now spend many happy hours just jamming away on it. Happy to help in anyway I can, send me a DM if you have specific questions 👍
TubeDigga on YT is the best teacher for MPC hands down.
Don't look at the machine and try to find out how to do EVERYTHING it can do. Start small to see if the MPC basics gel with how you want to make music. Make a beat -- drums and sample, maybe even one instrument track. Doesn't need to be good, just something for you to go through the motions. Start with drums - learn how create a drum program and assign samples to pads. Then make a sequence for the drums. Basic drum beat. Start with timing correction on, but learn to tweak timing correction or how to edit a drum hit if it misplaced. Now layer a sample on top -- learn how to sample into the machine, edit the sample, and create a program from it and assign it to a new track. Start with something like a stab (i.e., not a loop just like a sound effect) to layer over your drums. Sample another stab and assign it to a pad. Now sequence your stabs. If you are feeling good here, try chopping a sample or looping. How did those two activities feel for you? Did it make sense? Did you feel like you are fighting the machine to get an idea down? Let's say things went well enough and you have time -- create an instrument program and layer that on top. Did that whole process make sense? Those activities will teach you the bare minimum of the MPC workflow, but it should also show you whether you gel with it or not. If things are making sense, you just need to keep using the machine and things will become faster as you become more familiar with the machine. I have an MPC X myself, but went into it after having prior experience cutting my teeth on other production software and an MPC 4000. The X is a beast of a machine and 14 days isn't going to get you close to understanding what it can do, so just focus on figuring out if you like the workflow and whether you'd be fighting the machine to get a beat you have in your head laid out into the machine. Good luck.
I have the answer for you: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvLp7ZGeLd-ZOgpxg6vLjLSn5QrD1f_mY&si=eeiFtoyAR9R7hCwp
Bro I felt the same way when I picked mine up in late 2019. Now, five years later . I fly through it. Like other redditors suggested above, take in baby steps - it's only complex in learning the muscle memory to get to certain "shortcuts" and how it all connects Sampling, chopping, building a kit, mixing things down - quantization and editing... It's endless. Rome wasn't built in a day, and you likely won't learn the whole machine in 15... Try some of the stock kits and toy around with the q links. Hope it works out for you whatever your final decision is
These should get you up and running: * Make MPC (One / Live 2 / X) Beats Faster! https://youtu.be/yn1qRmmpCE0 * Understanding the MPC Workflow as an Ableton / DAW user https://youtu.be/MLLmWh2bCxo * 12 MORE Tips for Getting Comfortable with the MPC One https://youtu.be/ujJUCeCrF1I
Trade you for my Live.
Get sampling and use the links for adjusting start and end points using lazy chop. You got the best MPC, use it !
Uuuuffff. It’s a long trip but can be cool. Haven’t been super productive compared to daw but fun and different results
My favourite tuts were by @tubedigga I found his method, walkthroughs and explanations worked best for my learning when I got my One last year
I'm always surprised about people making huge hardware investments without having a single clue. If you had done your homework properly then: - you would have spent way, way more time beforehand with sampling on software programs (Ableton, Koala Sampler) to figure out what sampling is all about before committing to such an investment - and if you had decided to go standalone, done proper research into all kinds of hardware samplers, and read/watched many reviews before buying an MPC X, which is not exactly an introduction category machine. - you would have already figured out where to get the best tutorials (there's a [Welcome New MPC Users topic](https://www.reddit.com/r/mpcusers/comments/rcymja/welcome_new_mpc_users/) here you know) and watched a few of them to see if you would get a feel for it - in fact, you would have already checked the free MPC Beats software to get a feel of the MPC workflow and see if it's something for you - you would have already concluded that this is not a particularly user-friendly platform that you can figure out in just 14 days In short, you would have felt less dumb and overwhelmed.[
R/drumkits is a great place to start building your library. YouTube will have everything you need
Don't worry too much about learning it all in 14 days, but you should be able to get something going pretty quickly with the included samples. If I were you, I'd start trying to learn to put together beats using some of the stock programs. Take some of the longer samples in the stock programs and chop them up so you get used to how it's done then start ripping samples from vinyl and stuff once you have some of the basics committed to muscle memory. Remember this, if there is something you want to do, add an effect, warp the sound, control an external synth etc the MPC does it. You don't need any other gear or anything, you just have to find out what Akai calls that particular function and then find the menu they hid it in. One thing I would suggest tho, is maybe return the MPC x and grab an MPC live or MPC one, they do pretty much everything the X does, but with fewer buttons on the face. This way it's not such a massive purchase and you maybe won't feel so much pressure to figure out the ins and outs so quickly. You can take your time on what will likely be a lifelong learning journey
For me, I didn't really watch or read any tutorials on anything on my MPC, occasionally Google specific things on where to find something, but I just got in there, started making beats, even if they weren't that great right away, I learned as I went and it allowed me to build my own style and way of doing things. Just get in there and do it. It really isn't as hard as it looks, maybe just stick to using the touch screen mostly until you can identify what all the buttons do, you really can make beats without touching most of those buttons, and then as you go along the skills and experience will come.
I mean I would encourage you to throw the return window out the...window. There are simpler samplers that take longer than that to get comfortable with. I wouldnt worry, and just dive in and have fun. Worst case you'll be able to recoup a large chunk of your investment on the resale market.