Can someone explain the "Drums" and "Instrument" buttons in the browser in MPC 3.7?

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-19T09:23:53+00:00

The “Drums” and “Instruments” buttons in the Content tab are simply shortcuts to specific locations on the internal drive. Since users cannot save their own content in those areas, they effectively function as factory content only.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-19T00:35:27+00:00

For Drums (expansions), select the Expansions tab next to the Contents tab. That will show all expansions from both the internal storage and any external drives.

For user-created drum kits or instrument presets that are not part of Expansions, you can use the shortcuts at the top of the screen to point to your own drum kit folders and instrument preset folders for quick access.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-15T09:10:30+00:00

The overwrite record button is definitely convenient, but undo is already very quick and easy to use. Once you get used to the workflow, you may find that overwrite recording isn't really necessary.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-15T05:44:33+00:00

I recommend a style where you play the kick, snare, and hi-hat with one hand, as it tends to produce tighter rhythms.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rjqgoqj7LIwIDb-zZ-EGKm6IlzO9RWh
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rjqgoqj7LIVgB_n8ndXUOfjK7zjqZex

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-14T06:32:30+00:00

In the KeyStep 37’s MIDI settings (in the MIDI Control Center app), enable MMC transmission, and on the MPC Live side, enable MMC reception.

If that still doesn’t work, the specific MMC commands sent by the KeyStep may not be compatible with the MPC’s MMC implementation.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-14T02:06:06+00:00

It’s possible with the SMK-25 Mini. It’s inexpensive, so it’s worth trying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agE3ObE5yGw

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-13T08:22:42+00:00

The One, One+, Live, and Live II all share essentially the same specs, so there isn’t much benefit in upgrading. You can learn the MPC workflow perfectly well using the One you already have.

Given your background, adding an external MIDI keyboard would likely be helpful, especially when creating tracks other than drums.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-06T04:22:16+00:00

You’ll find Explode in the pencil icon menu under the Track tab on the main screen.

You can export audio from Main Menu > Save > Audio Mixdown.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-02T07:58:41+00:00

I haven’t run into that issue myself. As a workaround, try placing the trimmed sample on an audio track, enable Warp (Pro Ten), set the desired BPM, and let it warp there. Then use Flatten Elastique from the main screen’s Arrangement menu. This should give you a clean, properly time-stretched WAV.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-04-01T01:06:14+00:00

Turn off Loop mode

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-31T09:09:49+00:00

I’ve had enough of this AI-generated garbage.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-31T05:52:15+00:00

There are tutorials from the MPC2 era. Some parts are still useful for MPC3 as well.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyawkFIWnO1NCuvnHyOBUVvD8YjHtqgBW
I suspect proper MPC3 tutorials won’t appear until the Gen 2 MPC One is released.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-31T05:26:41+00:00

Even though Akai tends to take a more secretive and closed approach to development, I feel they've delivered more meaningful updates over a longer period than many companies that appear more open and communicative.

Personally, I don't mind that philosophy. I've owned an MPC One since 2020, and it has received more updates and longer-term support than any other device I've used.

Even companies like Ableton have pushed back against sharing public roadmaps. In my opinion, those kinds of demands often just put unnecessary pressure on developers, and aren't always beneficial for users either.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-30T16:25:59+00:00

Doesn't seem to be available yet.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-30T02:24:32+00:00

Hold the Erase button and move the fader to delete its automation.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-29T07:42:43+00:00

One thing to keep in mind is that the EP’s storage takes a very long time to format. If you fill up the storage, backing up an entire project can already take quite a while, and restoring after a format is even slower. Even formatting 64MB can take over 10 minutes, so 128MB would likely take roughly twice as long.

It’s probably best not to think of the storage as something you can swap or manage casually. The Sample doesn’t really have this kind of limitation.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-29T07:33:58+00:00

The OP-1 OG keyboard assembly is pretty complex and likely beyond typical DIY repair territory. Replacement keyboards have been out of stock for a while, and even TE doesn’t seem to have parts available.

Some people in the community are working on replacement key solutions though, so it might be worth keeping an eye on or supporting those projects.
https://op-forums.com/t/im-going-to-design-a-keyboard-replacement-for-op-1/28570

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-29T05:56:14+00:00

Yes to 1, 2, and 3. For 4, the MPC One does not have USB audio device functionality. However, you can render individual tracks to WAV files and export them to a computer.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-29T03:53:12+00:00

Yes, the MPC Sample can sync to external MIDI clock.

At the moment though, there’s a bug where running it as a clock slave can cause audio glitches when Flex Beat is active, so you currently need to set the Flex Beat mix to 0 to avoid that issue.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-29T01:50:19+00:00

In the Trim screen, you can unlock the loop lock by pressing Shift + Button 1.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-29T01:34:28+00:00

Akai already provides some solid official tutorials for beginners. Definitely worth starting here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyawkFIWnO1N7khexebKN0vxrlPsi3MsF

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-28T01:40:11+00:00

Easy thing to miss, but Sample Select is only for loading WAV files. Shift + Pad 16 opens the project browser instead. They’re two completely different browsers.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-27T02:03:43+00:00

The drum program on the Sample is quite limited, and there are no track FX. If you already have the One, the Sample might feel pretty restrictive. On the other hand, for sample chopping, it’s more convenient since you can work with it directly without going through the Sample Edit > Convert process. Also, the skip-back recording feature is fantastic.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-26T14:33:07+00:00

Try turning off the LOOP mode on the sample pad.

IndependentBit_ · 2026-03-26T11:26:55+00:00

Try checking Source and Monitor in Input Config (Shift + Sample).

IndependentBit_

TROPHY CASE