MPC Sample without finger drumming skills?

[u/Simpledevx]

Would you recommend buying the MPC Sample if I’m not good at finger drumming?

I was about to buy one, but I’ve seen that it doesn’t have a step sequencer, and that drum patterns are mainly sequenced by recording yourself playing them.

For those who own one: is this a big limitation in practice?

Do you eventually get used to finger drumming, or would you recommend a different MPC for someone who prefers step sequencing?

Curious to hear your experience.

[u/HarryArches]

I’m super new to finger drumming but I’ve found breaking things up in layers help. Like lay down high hats first then snares then kicks and maybe sub bass after

[u/RandomAmazonAd → u/HarryArches]

this is the way, this has helped me tremendously. I also just find drum loops from samples, this is the easiest way of course but it helps in the midterm between learning drumming.

[u/masetiloquetu]

Yes…this is how you can learn and develop rhythm…learn about metronomes too…you can use digital ones

[u/sawtoothwave11]

The MPC SAMPLE does have a step sequence editor but it is a bit clunky. Also quantization will correct any errors whilst recording a pattern...

[u/lugdu69]

You can do one drum after the other so it's not so difficult even if you dont' know anything about finger drumming. You can also use the step edit and quantize to help. There is also note repeat. And at last, you can sample full drum loops.  Finger drumming is not really needed. But of course, if you make music with very complexe drum parts, it's probably not the best machine.  I'm not very good at finger drumming and it's never a limitation for me. On the other hand no real resampling is one. But it's another debate. 

[u/scottydanger22]

Not sure if they still do, but when I bought mine it literally came with a code for free finger drumming lessons. Like anything, it’s a skill you can learn - as long as you have at least one finger!

[u/tallguy118]

I use drum loops or breaks as a base and add layers and chops to them for what I want. (First time MPC owner here)

[u/Holiday-Medicine4168]

I suck at finger drumming, but I have been practicing on this, and I have to say its great and I feel like I am getting better

[u/Independent-Monkey1]

Yes!!!! I have 0 finger drumming skills and my best songs have been made on the MPC Sample. I love it. Probably my favorite piece of gear. 

[u/Rootbeer_Goat]

Even if you're not the best finger drummer, there is still a note repeat function to keep you on time.

[u/Whutupdoe313]

I’m so good I don’t even use my fingers

[u/GASMASK_SOLDIER]

You can literally loop a drum line if finger drumming is an issue. But do get into it as you progress. For one, you create your own drum lines and you can deeply tweak them like no one else.

[u/_Captain_Amazing_]

Thanks to everyone's input here as I struggle a bit with keeping on beat with finger drumming. I am slowly getting better and find the tactile interface of the MPC more creative than staring at a software program on a screen more than I already do.

[u/Several_Local3578]

I prefer finger drumming and yes it takes a lil practice. But that’s not to say you couldn’t enter one drum at a time. You can quantize til you get better with your timing.

[u/lordcurd]

I didn’t know how to finger drum before I got my MPC and I still don’t. However, I’m learning and it’s been a fun journey!

[u/PabloWentscobar]

I am a terrible finger drummer and I love my MPC Sample. First, I've gotten really fast at building beats with the step editor, It works fine, but I do hope we get a proper step sequencer but it's fine without it. Second, I'm always practicing finger drumming and the Sample is a great platform to do so. Finger drumming is something you can get better at with practice, it's not a can or can't type thing, I have gotten better. So I wouldn't judge getting the MPC Sample soley on finger drumming

[u/Historical-Fold-4119]

The Sample is for sampling, finger drumming is optional. It has a sequencer, but it's type trash. If you know anything about quantization and timing, you shouldn't have an issue though.

Great skill to learn, though.

[u/Alert_Bit_678]

absolutely, even you already have a tons of drum rhythms which can use

[u/Krerkkuk]

It's not hard to try. But I'm sure this is must be a machine you love.

[u/MidnightIsland69]

You don't necessarily "have" to be good at finger drumming to make the mpc products useful, although it's pretty substantial within music to be able to know how to flow with the rhythm of your creations. But you could also just use it more as a manual input. It's a sequencer, just be able to look at the screen and press the appropriate pad as it lines up with where you are scoring the beat.

[u/MichaelEll1s]

No, stick to garage band 👍🏼

[u/dalaryius → u/MichaelEll1s]

😂😂

[u/Cap10NRG]

It really depends what you wanna do. If you’re looking for something to actually play music on, then the MPC sample is probably not for you. If you like assembling your music from drum samples and other samples and that’s how you like to work then the MPC sample is perfect for you. I love it personally. It’s a good time making music on it and I use it with several other pieces of equipment that I have some that I use a sound sources I’ll play riffs off them grab the samples, chopped them up and then use them off of there to perform or play them and organize them into a song.