Making My First Beat on the MPC Sample
Making my first beat on the Akai MPC Sample was really about discovering how the workflow feels in my hands — chopping samples, pitching sounds, layering drums, experimenting with effects, and eventually turning everything into a complete performance.
In this video, I build the beat from the first sample chops all the way to a finished 65-bar arrangement and live performance.
🎥 Watch the full video to see the complete MPC Sample workflow.
Starting With the MPC Sample
I started by loading samples into Bank A and chopping the main melody into six sections. Rather than trying to make the original sample perfectly clean, I kept some of its distorted character because I liked the texture.
I then pitched different chops down by 5 and 10 semitones, creating variations that gave me more options when building the beat.
If you're interested in the hardware I'm using, you can check out the Akai MPC Sample here:
Building the Drums
The project started around 80 BPM, with a drum loop originally at 81 BPM.
I used the MPC Sample's Soft Clip effect on selected chops to make them louder and beefier, then added percussion loops to give the groove more movement.
I also used Mute Groups to control the relationship between the melody chops and drum sounds. It's a simple technique, but it makes the pads much more playable when you're trying to perform different elements without everything overlapping.
Adding Effects and Texture
This is where the beat started developing its own character.
I added vocal tags, delay and reverb, then experimented with the MPC Sample's internal sounds. The factory horns were especially useful for building the hook because they had a crisp sound that worked well with the sample.
I also copied sounds to different pads and changed their start and end points to create variations.
One of my favorite experiments was reversing a sample and adjusting its start and end points to create another texture.
Recording With the Internal Microphone
The MPC Sample also gave me the opportunity to experiment with its internal microphone.
I recorded some simple beatboxing directly into the unit, then filtered the recording to shape the sound and fit it into the beat.
For more serious recording and monitoring, my setup also includes the Shure SM7B, paired with a Cloud Microphones CL-1 Cloudlifter, and Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm headphones.
Building the Hook
For the hook, I brought in horns from the MPC Sample's internal sounds and layered them with the existing melody and bass elements.
The goal was to make the verses feel more open while giving the hook a bigger, more recognizable sound.
I also added live drum hits — kick, snare, hi-hat and finger clap — to give certain sections some extra energy.
Arranging the Full Beat
Once the individual parts were working, I started building the song structure.
I created different sequences for the:
- Intro
- Hook
- Verses
- Pre-hook
- Variations
- Outro
The MPC's sequencing workflow allowed me to build the song section by section instead of treating the entire beat as one long loop.
I also used Shift + Continue to move between sequences and work on the arrangement more efficiently.
The finished song ended up being 65 bars long.
From Beatmaking to Performance
Instead of simply exporting a finished stereo file, I moved the arrangement into a new sequence so I could perform the beat and experiment with effects.
That's one of the things I enjoy about making music with hardware.
The beat isn't just something you program and forget. You can actually play it, manipulate it and perform it.
🎥 The full performance starts around 11:12 in the video.
My MPC Sample Setup
A few additional pieces of gear have become part of my workflow around the MPC Sample.
I modified the MPC with aluminium control knobs:
For sampling and transferring files, I use:
These aren't necessarily the things that make the beat — they're simply part of making the hardware workflow easier and more practical.
Recording the Process
I also film my beatmaking sessions and gear videos as part of the Globe Made It content.
My current content-creation setup includes a Samsung Note 20 Ultra, phone tripod, wireless lavalier microphone and Lenovo ThinkPad T480.
Final Thoughts
This first beat on the MPC Sample gave me a good feel for how I want to use the machine.
The workflow is built around sampling, chopping, manipulating sounds, sequencing and performing rather than simply clicking through software.
And that's exactly what I enjoy about hardware.
If you're into MPCs, sampling and hands-on beatmaking, watch the full video and let me know:
Should I make more beats on the MPC Sample?
About Globe King Records
I create beats using real hardware including MPCs, the S2400 and Yamaha Motif, documenting the process through Globe Made It.
Follow the channel for more hardware beatmaking, sampling, production experiments and live performances.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
