"RHYTHM MACHINES - The Rise And Fall Of the Presets - by Alex Graham
Rhythm machines – the precursor to what we in the modern age refer to as a drum machine. This book documents the emergence of the preset pattern electronic rhythm instruments that (for a time) were used as a viable alternative to the drummer. Contained within are the Rhythmates, Rhythm Aces, Rhythm Boxes, Rhythmers, Rhythm Kings, Rhythm Masters, Donca Matics, Mini Pops and many more. Nearly three hundred rhythm instruments are documented here, with over two hundred pictures and information provided on their country of origin, instrument sounds, patterns and features. The book is a ‘must have’ for collectors, vintage instrument enthusiasts and recording artists.
For information on purchasing this unique book, follow the links here:
This is one massive playlist of 68 videos. You can use the player controls to skip around.
The Godwin DM32 gets my vote for best looking rhythm machine.
Cumberland, RI USA (April 3rd, 2023) – Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, and Beatclub, the premier global marketplace for music creators, and home to the most talented and sought-after producers, songwriters, and artists in the music business, announced today the exclusive, limited edition MPC Live 2: Beatclub “Timbaland Edition”.
Loaded with the iconic drum kit sounds of legendary producer Timbaland, the MPC Live 2 boasts a collection of over 12GB of Beatclub samples and sound packs, an exclusive customized Beatclub/Timbaland Signature boot experience, along with loops and melodies that will fire your creativity like never before. The content includes Timbaland’s official “Bounce Coming Up” Drum Kit, along with sounds inspired by Mike Dean, CashMoneyAP, Tainy, Mike Will Made-It, Rance from 1500 or Nothing, and many more.
Just 500 units have been produced, each individually numbered. This limited MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” will be available Monday, April 3rd. Given the quality of them, and the limited number they are going to go very quickly.
Creative A&R Director for Akai Professional, Andy Mac shared “This exclusive Timbaland Edition MPC Live 2 delivers the ultimate library of hard-hitting drums into the hands of the next generation of beat makers. This gives them the same sonic bounce Timbaland is known for, heard on countless hit records spanning over 3 decades.”
Timbaland said “I am pumped for this new collaboration. We have Akai, one of the most legendary music production brands in the game, and the MPC has been an iconic instrument in hip hop history. Beatclub mixing it up with Akai is taking your potential up several notches and shows what you can do with a powerful partnership. We’re talking power, precision, and creativity all mixed together. This is going to be epic. This is the peak of when technology, culture and excellence come together.”
MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” Features
• Standalone MPC – No Computer Required
• Built-in Stereo Monitors
• 16 Full-size Velocity Sensitive RGB Pads
• Brilliant 7-inch Multi-Touch Display
• Timbaland’s Bounce Coming up MPC Edition Expansion
• 3 Beatclub Essential MPC Edition Expansions
• 32GB Exclusive Beatclub/Timbaland SD Card loaded with Drumkits, Loops, and Melodics
• 16GB Internal Storage / Factory Content.
• Includes MPC 2 Desktop Software for Mac or PC
• Signature Beatclub/Timbaland Splash Screen
• Custom Serialized Plate With Production Number
• Exclusive Beatclub Merch Bundle
• Full 12 Month Subscription to Beatclub.
MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” will only be available exclusively at the inMusic Store on akaipro.com Monday April 3, 2023 for $1399. To learn more, please
Roland P-330
Korg Mono/Poly
Behringer 2600 (ARP 2600 clone)
Behringer Pro 1 (Sequential Circuits Pro One clone)
Moog Source
Akai MPC X
Simmons SDS-V
Xoxbox (Roland TB-303 clone going through Line 6 Pod)
Arturia Synthi V (EMS Synthi softsynth)
"The standard step sequencer on MPC One is optimized for entering drum patterns quickly, but not-so-useful for melodies. For entering melodies, there's a better option that isn't quite so obvious, so if you don't know it yet, this video is for you.
"'The Dreadnaught Factor' was recorded live early Saturday morning on January 21st 2023 using a MIDI sequencer, a room full of synthesizers and drum machines. Four analog mixers were used with a rack of outboard effects and mixed stereo. Mixing and automation was controlled by the sequencer directly to the synthesizers. The final reorded required manual muting of the of mixer channels to suppress the noise coming from some of the devices including the Korg Minilogue. The video was taken afterwards.
"The Dreadnaught Factor" was inspired by the box art of an early 80s video game for Intellivision. It featured a number of spaceships on a blue background much like the 2600 Blue Marvin featured in this music. The melody and chord arrangement originated from a short piece I created several years ago and later merged it with a small piece of unfinished music titled "Driod Mischief". I was pleased how the two sounded when arranged in this way. I look forward to finishing "Droid Mischief".
The Hydrasynth plays a few different roles in Dreadnaught, even doubling up with the BassStation adding filter modulations to the bass parts [3:23].
The Korg MS2000 never disappoints when you use its modulation sequencer and its charasmatic digital distortion. Several parts were played, twisting and swirling in the stereo field. Modulated tremolos off-rhythm and hypnotic.
Korg Minilogue XD has so much range - such a wide sweet spot of sound. Especially when you use the digital user oscillators. Resonating plucks and unnatural reverbs works well for my tastes.
The Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin and Model D is featured in the "Droid Mischief" part at [2:58]. The notes were played over MIDI. Volume modulation was controlled with CV from the *Akai Pro MPC X*. The Model D ran through the inputs of the Roland TR8s for its Phaser effect. The TR8S did nothing else.
There are a few dark pad patches I re-use often on the Oberheim Matrix 1000 playing disonant chords throughout.
The Elektron Analog Rytm MkII provides most of the rhythms. Each of its 12 voices run on its own MIDI channel with a full complement of continuous controllers. Lots of CC modulation was used on some of the voices. The internal sequencer was not used. All notes and automation comes from the *MPC X*.
Arturia's MINIFREAK layered in a few bits throughout and is featured at the very end [6:11]. Macros were modulated from the *MPC X*.
Korg's Radias is 4 part multitimbral. On part #4 I keep a carefully curated drum kit synthesized with noise, sines and filters - mixed with some of the built in drum samples. Part #1 featured a vocal "ah-ha" patch [3:01] using one of the vowel waves, a formant insert effect and careful modulation of its dual filters.
My favorite guitar pluck patch on the Korg EX-8000 makes an appearance.
At the center of it all, the MPC X seemlesssly connects to everything and manages to keep all devices in perfect sync. As mentioned before - meticulous editing of MIDI events is a breeze and very comfortable over long editing sessions. Approximately 21 tracks were used including Control Voltage for the modulars.
Timeline: 00:00 project notes 00:08 introduction 00:33 The Dreadnaught 00:40 JX-08 - melodic pipes 00:58 Minilogue XD - haunted melody 01:22 Hydrasynth 01:43 MS2000 + Prophet REV2 picking up the pace 02:09 EX-8000 transition 02:16 Minilogue - vocal haunts 02:37 2600 Blue Marvin - the derelict 02:58 Model D + Radias - "Droid Mischief" 03:23 Hydrasynth doubling with the Bass Station 03:58 MS2000 + 2600 Blue Marvin - mono lead and accompaniment 04:22 GB4 + compressors + MINIFREAK handling the build up 04:51 Part 2 - "Derelict Adrift" 06:38 end titles"
"'Analog Bass' is a collection of 64 multi-sampled Keygroups specifically designed for Akai MPC/FORCE users. The samples were recorded from one of the most popular modern analog synths, Moog Subsequent 37, known for its ladder filter, punchy envelopes, and overdrive, which makes it perfect for creating powerful and dynamic bass sounds. 💽 Get the Expansion: https://antonanru.sellfy.store/
This pack offers a wide range of bass tones, including mild and aggressive, deep and bright, soft and punchy, providing a signature warm Moog sound to MPC/FORCE users.
The Expansion is versatile and suitable for all genres of electronic music, including Techno, House, Trance, Lounge, Downtempo, Funk, Disco, Pop, Acid, Hardcore, IDM, Drum'n'Bass, Breaks, Breakbeat, Trap, Electro, Ambient, Dubstep, EDM, Synth-Pop, and others.
Compatible with: - Akai FORCE - Akai MPC Live and MPC Live 2 - Akai MPC One - Akai MPC X - Akai MPC Key 61 - Akai MPC Software (Windows/Mac app)
Make sure that you are using the latest version of MPC software or hardware firmware. The pack requires 850 MB of free space.
The Expansion comes in two formats: an ".xpn file" and a "Direct" folder. The Expansion can be sent to hardware via MPC Software and/or via direct copying. Installation instructions are included within the pack.
The Expansion contains bass timbres only. Drums are not included in the pack. The demo tracks have drums added to show how the basses can be used in music.
Mini D Plugin Instrument - Akai Professional video upload by AkaiProVideo
"The Mini D plugin instrument delivers the legendary synth sound to your MPC. A 4-voice poly synth based on the classic American synthesizer legend with a painstakingly modeled oscillator section. Mini D includes 8 authentic oscillator waveforms, and multiple LFO shapes with 19 selections including ramps, sine, square, and steps. Dive into Over 400 Presets ranging from Basses, Leads, Percussion, and Synth FX. Grab it now at https://bit.ly/3MZM7yU"
A legit Moog in your MPC??? // Akai Mini D Review & Comparison
video upload by Tefty & Meems
"Checking out the new MPC AIR Mini D plugin for the MPC One/Live/X/Force and MPC 2 Software. I go through the general features, a quick sampling of presets, make a patch, and compare it against the Behringer Model D, DIVA, and The Legend. Not a true scientific comparison! Just a general musician focused comparison.
Thank you Akai for the early access to AIR Mini D!"
Experience the Legendary American Synth Sound for MPC & FORCE
A 4 Voice Poly Synth based on the classic American synthesizer legend Painstakingly modeled oscillator section includes 8 authentic oscillator waveforms Multiple LFO shapes with 19 selections including ramps, sine, square, triangle, random, and steps Over 400 Presets ranging from Basses, Leads, Percussion, and Synth FX Two filters included- “Ladder” and “Modern” with Cutoff, Reso, Contour, and a dedicated feedback path Built-in creative effects chain including EQ, Chorus, and Delay Requires FORCE 3.2 or MPC 2.11.6 firmware update
"In this video Matthew Piecora, Steven Ly, and Nick Bigelow take turns making patches on the Schlappi Engineering Three Body Triple Oscillator. Drums provided by the Akai MPC One.
The Three Body is a phase and frequency modulation toolkit, designed to bring digital techniques to an analog interface. It consists of three oscillators which can be used independently but which have normalized connections to facilitate exploration and improvisation.
"Introducing MPC 2.11 from Akai Professional. The powerful standalone workflow is even better with new plugins like AIR Flavor and AIR Amp Sim, Ratchet and Probability sequencer functions, the brand-new Sounds Mode for immediate access to all your plugins and sounds, and so much more."
MPC 2.11 Overview | First Look at The New Features of MPC 2.11
"Join Andy as he unpacks MPC 2.11 and all its features that will supercharge your MPC workflow. The MPC 2.11 feature update includes AIR Flavor, Amp Sim plugins, Ratchet, Probability, and the new Sounds Mode. Watch it now."
"I demo the upcoming firmware update for the standalone MPCs (MPC One, MPC Live, etc) that adds some new effects and workflow improvements.
00:00 Intro
00:59 AIR Flavor
02:33 AIR Amp Sim
04:30 Granulator
05:46 One-click keygroups
06:29 16 Levels for keygroups and plugins
07:29 Probability in the note editor
08:02 Plugin window updates
08:49 Miscellaneous updates
09:56 Outro"
And the press release:
AKAI PROFESSIONAL® SUPERCHARGES THE STANDALONE WORKFLOW WITH THE MPC 2.11 FEATURE UPDATE
New plugins and a new Sounds Mode offering a powerful way to access, explore, and load MPC instrument presets, projects, and custom layered track combinations.
Cumberland, RI USA (June 9, 2022) Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers announces the upcoming MPC 2.11 features update, free for registered MPC users and available on June 23, 2022. This feature update provides MPC music creators with new tools and enhancements for better productions with a more creative and organized workflow.
The new Sounds Mode is a vibrant multi-faceted browser that puts all the MPC instruments front and center. Dive into any plugin and search the presets by category or, cycle through and preview sounds individually. Save up to 256 presets for quick recall on the Favorites Tab and lay out your projects for one-touch loading on the Setlists Tab, enabling faster load times in between song performances.
MPC 2.11 also adds 2 new plugin effects. The new AIR Flavor plugin adds instant vinyl simulation to any sound source. Add flutter, tube saturation, distortion, and more for rich, textured manipulation from 30 different Timbers. Additionally, the new AIR Amp Sim insert effect delivers sweet and crunchy distortion, EQ and tone color to samples, vocals, drums, synths, bass, and yes—guitars—or any other sound source. AIR Amp Sim adds texture and character that brings your sound to life.
MPC 2.11 also adds Probability & Ratcheting for humanizing your tracks and adding more feel. This feature will add interesting variation and dimension to repetitive beats, rhythms and melody lines. The Note Probability feature lets you control note variations at 25%, 50%, or 75% increments, while the Ratchet feature adds a creative subdivision to notes into any increment from 1-8. More creative control means more fresh, exciting new ideas.
The MPC Tuner is a one-touch instrument tuner assuring your instruments are always in tune, without the need to unplug and connect to a hardware device—perfect for stringed instruments or analog synthesizers and modules.
The new drum Pad to Keygroup function allows you to assign and pitch any sample from a pad instantly to a new keygroup program, which can then be played across the key-range. Any sampled sound from a drum program can now be played as scales, chords or melodies for musical dimension. Additionally, new MIDI Key Splits can layer multiple tracks with the Key Ranges section, each with unique split points. Blend 8 instrument tracks or any combination of Drum, Keygroup, and MIDI tracks to create massive multi-timbral sound stacks.
EMBARGO UNTIL Thursday June 9th, 2022, AT 10AM EDT / 3PM BST
WiFi enabled MPC devices will now support Ableton Link 3.0 for responsive start and stop controls, keeping all your devices in perfect sync. MPC 2.11 will now also allow the configuration of a track to filter notes outside a given key range or velocity range.
MPC 2.11 will be available Thursday June 23, 2022, as a free download for all registered standalone MPC hardware users.
To learn more about the MPC 2.11 feature update, visit akaipro.com.
"This video shows what the MPC can do for guitarists who are searching for a hardware based recording and production tool, focusing on the effects plugins the MPC One has on offer. I'm propably the worst choice for creating this video, but I did it anyway. Table of contents:
00:00 hello / disclaimer
00:40 hardware overview
01:12 guitar info / requirements
01:35 recording setup
01:48 create a new project
02:02 arm an audio track
02:29 adding effects (distorted guitar sound)
04:29 recording a sequence
04:56 important considerations
05:17 adding effects (clean chorus delay strat sound)
06:00 recording
06:44 adding drums
07:19 adding (synth) bass
07:47 lead guitar sound
08:17 finished sequence
09:02 bye-bye"
Playlist:
AIR Solina - Strings Evolved
AIR & WayOutWare Odyssey - Take a Journey Into Sound
AIR BASSLINE - VACCUM EVOLVED
AIR Mellotron - Our Homage to the Original Sampler
AIR HYPE - NEXT GEN SYNTH
AIR ELECTRIC - YOUR NEW REFERENCE ELECTRIC PIANO
TubeSynth - THE NEXT GENERATION OF POLY-SYNTHESIS
The press release follows:
"AIR TECH Music and Plugivery Distribution proudly announce their partnership to introduce SEVEN new and inspiring AIR Music Technology virtual instruments to the audio community.
These new products will be available through pro audio resellers worldwide from Tuesday April 5th, 2022 with a -50% introductory promotion.
Award wining Virtual Instrument development company, AIR Music Technology and Audio Software Distribution Service Plugivery are proud to announce that they have joined forces to announce the release of not ONE but SEVEN new inspiring Virtual Instruments.
Based in Germany, AIR Music Technology started as Wizoo Sound Design, one of the earliest pioneers in virtual instrument technology. The AIR team is responsible for the core of much of the effects and instrument offerings in Avid’s Pro Tools® and Akai Professionals MPC software/OS.
Leveraging this history of excellence, AIR is back in a big way for 2022. The new range of virtual instrument plug-ins results from nearly five years of development drawn from twenty years of experience and creating exciting new soft-synths.
The 7 new plug-ins support VST, VST 3, AU and AXX formats and also operate as standalone desktop software for "Plug and Play" performance with any midi controller.
Note: All these NEW products do not support/require the use of iLok. Instead, AIR has developed a convenient login based system to authorize the following brand new plug-ins :
SOLINA - Strings Evolved
The AIR Solina Plugin is based on the Iconic classic 6-timbre polyphonic keyboard instrument featuring Contrabass, Cello, Viola, Violin, Trumpet and Horn selections with independent volume, pan and pitch control. Combine them for a massive sonic experience to liven up even the most thrilling music production.
"This is a 'funky' beat for the real Hip Hop heads, remembering times when i used to dance with other b-boys!All the sounds (except for the drums) are made with the Prophet-5 rev.4 , then sampled and arranged on the Akai MPC One.
Plus: i made another patch on the P5 in order to jam via midi with the MPC pads (with reverb and delay from the AvalancheRun V2)."
"'Starfield Bound' - was recorded live early Sunday morning on January 16, 2022 using a MIDI sequencer, 4 mixers, outboard compressors and a room full of synthesizers. This music originated from a shorter music sequence that later evolved to what is here now. For several weeks I considered breaking it up into 2 separate pieces sharing the same theme and later left decided to keep it as is. I'm still not sure it was a good idea to keep it as one.
The MPC X was used to compose and arrange all the MIDI data and control all the synths during recording. Most of the modulations were made with note velocities. Many parts were controlled with continuous controller messages. This is my second piece of music composed on the Akai MPC X and despite the complexity of all the automation and modulations, working with it at this level was very easy and comfortable. Much more so than the Yamaha RS-7000.
The Oberheim Matrix 1000 and Korg Minilogue XD provided the primary sonic textures for Startfield Bound - aided by the wonderful percussion textures of the Boss DR-660. A custom kit was mapped meticulously so accomodate layering of sounds using the pitch, decay and nuance parameters. All 4 outputs were used and careful consideration on routing the sounds to each of the 4 channels on the Soundcraft GB4.
The Roland JX-08 and ASM Hydrasynth were added late in the development of the music. I am really impressed with the sound of both, especially the JX-08.
During the summer of '21 a pair of new mixers were added to the room. The Soundcraft GB4 and a Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ3 replaced my aging Mackie 1604 VLZ3 which had nothing technically wrong with it, but it drove me crazy there were no eq disable switches on the channels.
Why two mixers? I would have preferred a single larger frame (24 or 32 channel) console but I don't have the physical space for it. Two smaller mixers works out great better for the room.
"In this video Seattle performer and producer ea5e95 shares with us what he loves about the Akai MPC One.
MPC ONE delivers a truly empowering hands-on experience, ready for any music production task. Edit and trim samples with hand gestures on the brilliant 7” touch screen display. Express your ideas perfectly with the assigned knobs and touch keys that eliminate diving through pages of menus. MPC One integrates into your creative space with all the ports and jacks you need. USB, MIDI DIN, CV/Gate, and 1/4” line-level audio input. With USB and SD card slots, you can save, transfer and share your music. Your favorite music production techniques come standard on MPC One. Tape Stop effect, Note Repeat for pulsing hi hats, and 16 Levels to play those melodic 808s plus many more.
"Note: All rankings are determined by total order count—that is, the actual number of items sold, not the total price of sold items. And because Reverb is home to individual sellers, independent brick-and-mortars, and licensed retailers alike, our rankings include all sales, whether brand-new or used."
