10. Phashara - Nothin Nice - Pathways by Phashara

Phashara_LostLOVES by Phashara

Episode One… MPC 5000, Moog Animoog, Moog Slim Phatty, & Roland XV 3080.

Episode Two… MPC 5000 & DSI Mopho

AKAI MPC RENAISSANCE

In the years to come when the old heads talk about the sampling drum machine (s) that defined beatmaking we will inevitably mention the MPC, Akai & Roger Linn’s collabo blockbuster game changer. I’m certain we will speak about the masters like Premo, Pete Rock, J Dilla & others with gleaming joy as we find new and more colorfully slick ways to describe that ole boom bap that blasted from boom boxes far and wide creating the sound track to our beloved golden era.

We’ll surely boast and gush over the long lineage of the MPC history with newer more fresh features from model to model from the MPC60, on to thru all of the subsequent models… MPC3000, MPC2000, MPC2000XL (my first and second model), MPC4000, MPC2500, MPC1000, MPC500, MPC5000 (my 3rd and current model). Then we’ll surely discuss the change that computer aided music technology presented and how making music was forever augmented at which point the NI Maschine will likely get honorable mention but then we’ll come to 2012 when AKAI Pro refashioned (rebranded) the MPC acronym from MIDI Production Center to Music Production Center to now the Music Production Controller. How appropos in 2012?! Could this be the best of both worlds for producers looking to wield the power of software and hardware into #beatmaking bliss? We shall see…

… and here it is MPC Renaissance Music Production Controller

Also, on deck are MPC STUDIO Music Production Controller Slimline & MPC FLY Music Production Controller for iPad 2. I’m interested to see what these MPC’s have to offer. In the meantime I’m #beatmaking on my custome MPC 5000 (Transformers Bumble Bee Edition). See more about the features below…

Moog Animoog iPad App

Recently Moog released it’s latest IOS app, the Animoog. Moog bills this app as “the first professional polyphonic synthesizer designed for the iPad”. A bold claim from a company with the legacy to back it up. Afterall Moog Music was founded by Bob Moog, the father of the synthesizer. At any rate, please believe the hype. The Animoog is a monsta.

It just so happened that the Animoog was released a week or so after I purchased my new iPad 2. Being that I am all about technology and beat-making I downloaded it the moment it was released on iTunes App Store. No, really the very moment it was released I purchased it. At a 30 day debut / introduction price of $.99 it was a must buy considering the regular price is $30.

Moog

After plugging in my headphones and tooling around on the Animoog interface complete with xy pad, knobs, delay, filter and keys, I knew I had not heard any app like this before. The pads were warm, rich and expressive, the leads screamed, the bass was thick and the spacey sounds were trippy. I have Korg’s iMS20 & iElectribe and a host of lesser known synth apps on the iPad but none of them can hold a candle to the mighty Animoog. As a matter of fact, I’m willing to bet that the Animoog will be the standard by which other iOS App-ware synths are judged.

According to Moog Music the Animoog was created using a technology 6 years in the making. They call it ASE, “Anisotropic Synth Engine (ASE) - An exciting new Moog technology that allows the user to move dynamically through an X/Y space of unique timbres to create an expressive and constantly evolving sound-scape.” My question is, what was the original target for ASE? iPads are only in their 2nd year of existence as of the writing of this article. Anyway whatever the original target I’m glad Moog dropped it on us for a mere $.99 for the iPad.

Alesis IO Dock

Not only did I instantly purchase the app sight unseen but after hearing it I immediately jumped online and bought the Alesis IO Dock. Yes, its that serious. There is no way that I could go without incorporating this sound into my rig. The Alesis IO Dock was perfect because of it’s midi in/out, 1/4″ audio out, video out, audio inputs, usb midi. When the IO dock arrived I wasted no time dropping the AniPad (Animoog + iPad) into it and connecting it via its midi in connection to the infamous Bumble Bee mpc 5000… audio out of IO dock and I was in business.

Unfortunately I was too caught up with the ill combo that I’d rigged up here to actually video the moment (my bad) but I assure you this is one combo that wins. playing on the ipad touchscreen while recording a sequence is nuts. So expressive. I was bugging as I  reached for the keys of my MPK 49 (also connected to my MPC 5000 as a controller). dialed in the midi channel and boom (bap) I was playing chords straight from the AniPad into the 5000. I was up all night tweaking and sampling sounds from my new AniPad.

So eventually I ended up making a little quick video of some #beatmaking with the Animoog and 5000. I didn’t get too much into the nuts and bolts of how the Animoog works but if you are a boom bap loving beat-maker like me you may appreciate the use of tools like these in a context that resonates with those of us who bang out beats. Also I uploaded a few beats to my soundcloud page (www.soundcloud.com/phashara) where I used the above mentioned tools. Take a listen and a look. Enjoy.

Here’s whats so great about Moog Music. They always treat their customers and loyal Moogsters to little extras along the way. As I stalked Moog’s website and FB page on Halloween I found that Moog dropped some fresh new presets thematically designed and programmed with Halloween in mind. Yes sir. On the double. Again I downloaded the pack right away. It was easy to load the sounds via itunes into my iPad. Again, I was up all night addicted to the expresiveness of the Animoog. Play, Sample, Chop.

Most recently on 11/11/11 Moog dropped the 1.0.1 (clever use of zeros and ones Moog) update. The biggest treat about this update for me was the “random” feature that creates random presets for you. Endless creative inspiration here. The 1.0.1 update (http://moogmusic.com/news/animoog-version-101) for Animoog contains the following updates, additions and/or fixes…

New functionality:
• Background audio support
• Record module now has a 4 beat count-in with optional beep (configured on Setup page)
• Also on Setup page, a new Random Preset button (warning: dangerously addictive)
• Timbres page: ‘Preview’ button, select timbres silently or select & preview them audibly
• Multi-mode knobs are now easier to adjust
• Network MIDI session now enabled by default.

Bugs fixed:
• Memory leak on switching page views was causing crashes
• MIDI Clock Sync much smoother
• MIDI note to KB display mapping is now correct
• Handles MIDI NoteOn w/ velocity 0 as a NoteOff.

Wow… additional sound presets, new functionality & bug fixes all within the first 30 days at the introductory price of $.99. Moog you a fool for that. I love it.

In closing I can honestly say that the Animoog is the reason I bought the IO Dock and together they will be an integral part of my beat-making rig going forward.

Animoog & MPC 5000 by Phashara

EMU SP1200 - The Beatmaker's Classic

A lot of cats don’t know about the Emu SP 1200. It’s not hard to believe that many dont know of the SP1200 given this is the days of soft synths, midi controllers, ipad / iphone music makers and the self proclaimed MPC killer, the NI Maschine. But back in the so called Golden Era of hip-hop the SP1200 was the weapon of choice for so many hip-hop luminaries, legendary beatmakers and producers. Debuting in the late 80’s and reissued thru the late 90’s, give or take a year here and there for hiatus, the SP1200 was an immediate legend in it’s own right.

I personally have only ever had MPCs but I’ve known cats who owned and worked with SP1200. One of my most memorable SP moments was when i went with a crew of the homies to see KRS-ONE live at a spot in Chicago. Kenny Parker, KRS’ brother, was his DJ. At the time we were signed to a production / management company and one of our groups were the opening act for KRS which subsequently gained us backstage passes. How lucky were we? When KRS took the stage we were back stage, stage right overlooking the stage from a vip area. Kenny had his turntables set up and next to the tables was an SP 1200. Halfway thru the set KRS and Kenny (forever teaching class) jumped into this beatmaking / freestyling impromptu routine where KRS instructed Kenny to make a beat on the spot with the SP. When Kenny was done creating magic with that ole boom bap style, KRS broke the beat down into 4 bar and 8 bar sections while freestyling rhymes.

The crowd was nuts over that routine. It was electrifying to me for sure. My man Noble Dru was there that night. Both of us have sited that nite as one of the most inspiring moments for wanting to make beats and it was largely because of the lo-fi boom bap sound of the SP that exemplified the sound of the golden era of hip hop that we all loved.

Well, the other day i ran across a couple videos on youtube where Pete Rock’s brother Grap Luva  was playing some beats on the SP1200 that he’d made years ago. It’s almost like a VH1 Storytellers episode for beatmakers featuring the Emu Sp1200. I thought the vids were dope so I’d like to share…

Peep the SP1200 here.

Staxowax.com - Keep Diggin'

By way of a particular forum that I frequent I found out about this dope new Tee Shirt brand called Staxowax. If you understand the terms “Diggin”, “Wax” and “MPC”, chances are you would rock one or a few of these Tees. The founders, Marco & Gonzo,  have a philosophy that says  “Staxowax is not only catering to the crate digging community, but also to those who desire self-expression. With fun and exciting designs, we have created a brand suitable for unique individuals. Whether you love music, vinyl records, making beats, or are just someone who shares the same passion as we do towards the keep diggin’ mentality, Staxowax is for you. ”

I must say i dig the line and I know you will too. If the phrase “keep diggin” resonates with you I’m sure you will dig it. Good job fellas.

Red MPC Tee - Staxowax.com

Keep Diggin - Staxowax.com

The Bumble Bee - MPC 5000

Last weekend I plunged into customizing my beloved Akai MPC 5000. I did all the research I could stand and proceeded to gather the materials needed to fashion my very own MPC incarnation of the Transformers’ “Bumble Bee”. Fun times!!

So, there I was with my sand paper, primer, paint and small brushes. Not sure of the exact process I ended up speaking with the hobby shop dude. He’s been customizing model cars for years and his work had even been featured in hobby mags, as per his co-worker that helped me gather the materials. Anyway, the ‘hobby-shop-model-car-customizer-extraordinaire-dude’ was super helpful.

He advised me to use the sand paper to gently sand the plastic parts so as to remove any dirt, hand oil and even manufacturer clear coat that may be on the surface. Wipe excess dust from the sanding process, and then lay the parts out in preparation for primer coat. Spray a couple of thin coats of primer and let it dry for an hour or two. Hmmm… The spray can says to dry for 3 - 48 hours. Oh well, I was anxious so I got right back at it after just about 2 hours (or less).

let's see how it looks so far...

Next, I cracked the seal on the yellow paint. The ‘hobby-shop-model-car-customizer-extraordinaire-dude’ said to layer the  parts with thin coats of the color paint (yellow in my case) then wait 15 - 20 minutes and repeat as desired. Perfect I did just what he said. I even decided at the last minute to paint the screen frame to match. So I taped and covered the window then laid it out for primer and coats of yellow too. I even waited the full 20 minutes between coats of yellow. After a couple cycles of this I couldn’t see the gray primer anymore and my spray can was empty. Good thing I bought two cans of yellow.  Then I thought to myself “uh-oh that’s really really yellow.” Oh well, no turning back now.

Paint the lines

While the plastic parts of the frame were drying I opened the paint brushes and the jar of yellow acrylic paint. I prepped an area and grabbed the 4 Q-link sliders from the well organized pile of MPC rubble and began to carefully paint those stupid thin white lines that run through the center. Boy what a task it was to hand paint those thin lines. I kept a piece of damp paper towel near to wipe away the occasional oops from the black plastic outside of the thin white lines.

Back to the other plastic pieces the next day… All dry but probably in need of a few days to cure, I cracked open the can of clear coat paint and repeated the same steps as I’d done the day before with the yellow paint. Now we wait…

Never one to sit idle, I decided that I just don’t like those red and beige transport buttons (you know… the stop, play, record button). So I got online and checked my options. I found some buttons that would work. They were flat black with two little see through strips on them that would allow the LEDs (little lights) to shine thru. Nice!

Flat black buttons with LED windows

Later, I was curious to see how the screen was holding up so I gently removed the tape and covering from the window and “Damn-it!” …I inadvertently painted the underside of the window. Now why didn’t the  ’hobby-shop-model-car-customizer-extraordinaire-dude’ tell me to cover the underside too?! I thought I’d have to buy the entire frame and window again but then I discover the stupid window comes out and I could’ve removed it rather than cover it before painting the frame. Dohhh!

After all is said and done!

Okay, I just went ahead and added the window part to my buttons order. Now I just have to wait a few days for my order to arrive which is fine because I need to let the paint job cure for a few days. Perfect!

The order finally arrived and the paint finally dried so I reassembled my newly redesigned Bumble Bee MPC 5000 and gawked at the results for like ever. Join me?

The Reveal...

Click Here To View The PhotoStream

The Bumble Bee - MPC 5000

Ever thought about customizing your MPC? I’ve thought about it and even contemplated it for a long while but I never thought to go for it until recently. I know some people may wonder what’s the use… Hell some people may even say “What’s an MPC?” An MPC is… forget about it. If you dont know what it is you probably dont care about customizing one. So start here or here first. Now, let us begin.

Initially, I began by purchasing 10 new gold tipped knobs from, where else but MPCstuff.com, to replace the volume, record level and all 8 qlink knobs. I also purchased bright sunshine yellow color replacement pads. Some might think its an eye-sore but I like how it jazzed it up a bit. It actually inspires me to make music. Especially sitting next to the DSI Mopho for the ill contrast.

Dig the contrast with the Mopho!!!

Given a little time with the new knobs and pads on the 5k I thought it would be cool to take it further. I cant lie, I may have been influenced by cats over at MPC-forums.com or maybe it was my little obsession with that tv show American Choppers where they make and fabricate super customized choppers.

Anyway, a lot of cats over on the forums have customized MPC 1000’s and MPC 2500’s but when i got my MPC there were very few custom 5k’s. So at one point I actually found a dope wood-craftsman to make some ill wood panels like this one but cat wanted hundreds of dollars and I’d have to leave the MPC with him for some untold amount of time. Not happening. I later found a fabrication and machinery silk screening place in So Cal that would custom paint the entire box and re silkscreen it to manufacturer specs including my own logo. This place had done customized tour gear for folks like Madonna’s band members. It had a reasonable price tag, unlike Forat, but its no fun to let someone else do all the work, even if I cant get as intricately detailed as they can.

So, after a little research on forums (mpc forums, hobby forums, gamer forums) i found that a lot of gamers and MPC owners were painting their boxes themselves, especially the plastic parts. All one would need is some model car spray paint (Testors or Tamiya), primer, acrylic paint, slim detail paint brushes and sand paper from the hobby shop. So there I went and spent a whopping $30 dollars on the aforementioned supplies.

Paints from the Hobby Shop (brushes and sand paper not pictured). 1 can of gray primer, 1 can of clear coat, 2 cans of gloss yellow, 1 container of acrylic yellow.

To be continued (str8 up come back I have pics of the entire process… I’m waiting for the panels to dry for 48 hours) see you soon for part 2.