produce beats



    -Tips on using the akai S950 / MPC-60 

  

The 'old skool' hip hop 12-bit sound is a combination of sampling from vinyl and the sound of S-950 et al. Alot of producers sample quite 'hot' to get a little distortion in there, so try hitting the level meter a little harder than you normally would to get a little crunch on your sample.


Here's an interesting tip for you: Due to the fact that those old machines were limited in terms of sampling time, loops would be sampled at 45 plus 8% off technics (even if it was a 33) and then slow the sample down in the 950, this was to be economical with the sampling time, this was more than just a time saver though because by doing this the sample has a certain sound to it, it's like sprinkling the sample with magic dust, what's called the 'slowed down' sound.


Another key feature of the S-950 / S-900 / MPC-60 range of samplers, is the low pass filter, it's an analogue filter with a truly great sound. If you own one of these samplers and you haven't already you really need to check it out.


To play with the filter on the Akai - S950 you need to hit the edit program button, goto page 3 and select the keygroup you want to use. Goto page 6 where you will find the filter parameter which has a maximum value of 99. Page 09 is used to adjust the filters ADSR settings.


The filter in Pages 06 and 08 can be controlled by this envelope generator which gives you control over attack, decay and release time and sustain levels. The amount of effect this ADSR generator has on the filter is dependent on the AMOUNT (Amnt) parameter which can have a positive or negative effect on the filter.


The envelope generator has a few uses. The most important being that it's possible to use the S950 like an analogue synthesizer adding filter sweep effects to your samples.


1: For, a wide positive sweep, set the FILTER parameters low and the AMOUNT parameters high i.e +50).


2: For a mild positive filter sweep, set the FILTER parameters between medium and three quarters and set a medium level of AMOUNT.


3: For a wide negative filter sweep, set the FILTER parameters high and the AMOUNT parameter to a high negative value (i.e. -50).


4: For a mild negative sweep, set the FILTER parameters three quarters to high and a medium level on negative going AMOUNT i.e. -25)


This next tip is something I have not tried myself but think it is an interesting idea. I read it in an interview with DJ Shadow who claimed that when he sampled from vinyl he would use a hi end hi-fi needle as opposed to a DJ one, i.e stanton or ortofon. This is because the DJ type needle adds unwanted compression which can result in a loss of frequency. Food for thought, I'd say.


By modern standards the amount of ram and also the sheer size of these machines often makes them impractical and of course as a workhorse sampler they simply can't compete. What they can do is give you a 'sound' almost like a bit of outboard gear, and they are particularly good for drum sounds. With a little time and effort these samplers can still be a valuable tool in the modern studio, users include fat boy slim, dj premier, de la soul and pete rock.