How to Track Out an MPC Sample Beat into a DAW

One of the biggest advantages of working with an MPC is being able to build a complete idea without opening a computer. But when it is time to mix, automate and finish a production, I often want the flexibility of a full DAW.

In this workflow, I take a complete beat built on the Akai MPC Sample, move the project into MPC Software 3.8, explode the tracks, export the individual stems and bring everything into Cubase for final mixing.

This is the workflow I use when I want to keep the creative freedom of the MPC while gaining the editing, routing and mixing control of a DAW.

1. Prepare and Organize the Beat on the MPC Sample

Before exporting anything, I make sure the beat is finished enough to be treated as a complete production. In this example, the project contains a 66-bar sequence with the song already programmed.

The goal is to make sure the arrangement, sounds and sequences are in place before moving into the computer. That makes the stem-export process much cleaner.

2. Set Your Gain Staging Before Export

One of the most important steps is checking the overall level before exporting. I do not want to send an overcooked signal into the DAW.

On the MPC Sample, I use Shift + Fader to access the kit volume and lower the overall level. For this workflow, I aim for around -6 dB True Peak. This gives me useful headroom for mixing later.

I use the TC Electronic CLARITY M Stereo Meter to keep an eye on the level while the beat is playing.

3. Save the Project to the SD Card

Once the level is where I want it, I save the MPC project to the external SD card. From the MPC Sample, I access the SD card so the computer can recognize the project.

This makes it possible to open the MPC Sample project directly inside MPC Software.

4. Open the Project in MPC Software

With the SD card accessible to the computer, I open MPC Software. In this video, I am using MPC Software 3.8.

I first create a new project, check the software version and then use the Browser to locate the MPC Sample project. Once it loads, I save a copy of the project to the computer.

Saving a copy locally is useful because I no longer need to keep the project on the SD card, and I can disconnect the MPC Sample from the computer.

5. Explode the MPC Sample Tracks

This is where the project becomes ready for a DAW workflow.

The MPC Sample can have multiple sounds living together on a track, so I use Edit > Track > Explode to separate the sounds into individual tracks.

Once exploded, the individual sounds become much easier to manage. However, there is an important detail to watch for: samples using effects can be routed into a submix.

6. Watch Your Submix Routing

In my project, some of the sounds with effects were routed to Submix 1. That meant I could not simply export everything once and expect every processed sound to appear exactly where I wanted it.

I therefore export the regular individual tracks separately and then export the submix separately. This is an important part of the workflow if you want your stems to retain the processing and routing you created inside the MPC.

7. Export the Individual Stems

From MPC Software, I use File > Export as Audio Mixdown and select the separate tracks.

For this project, I export WAV files at 24-bit / 44.1 kHz, starting at bar 1 and ending at bar 66.

The software then creates individual audio files for the tracks in the selected folder.

8. Export the Submix

Because some of my processed sounds were routed through Submix 1, I export that submix separately as well.

This gives me another stem containing the sounds and processing that were routed through the MPC submix.

9. Bring the Stems into Your DAW

For this example, I use Cubase. I have been using Cubase for many years and like it because it gives me a lot of control once the beat is inside the DAW.

I simply drag the exported stems into separate tracks. From there, I can organize the session and prepare it for mixing.

10. Rename and Organize Everything

I strongly recommend renaming your exported tracks as soon as they are imported.

In this session, I organize tracks such as kick, snare, claps, hats and bass. I also use track colors to make the session easier to navigate.

For example, I typically use purple for bass. Small organizational choices like this make a large session much easier to work with, especially when using a mixer or hardware controller.

11. Mix, Automate and Finish

Once everything is organized, the real advantage of the DAW workflow becomes obvious.

I can adjust individual levels, control groups of sounds, automate parameters and make detailed mixing decisions that are easier to manage in a full DAW environment.

The MPC remains the place where I created the beat, while the DAW becomes the environment where I can finish the production.

The MPC Sample → DAW Workflow

The basic workflow is simple:

• Build and arrange the beat on the MPC Sample.
• Set your overall level and leave enough headroom.
• Save the project to the SD card.
• Open the project in MPC Software.
• Save a local copy of the project.
• Explode the tracks.
• Check submix routing.
• Export individual stems.
• Export any required submix stems.
• Import the stems into your DAW.
• Rename and organize the tracks.
• Mix, automate and finish the song.

Why This Workflow Matters

The MPC Sample is excellent for getting ideas out of your head and into a playable production. But you do not have to stay locked inside the standalone workflow.

By tracking out your MPC beat into stems, you get the best of both worlds: the speed and hands-on workflow of the MPC, combined with the detailed mixing, automation and arrangement control of a DAW.

If you produce on the MPC Sample, learning how to export clean stems is one of the most useful workflows you can add to your production process.

Watch the Full Workflow

Watch the original video: Globe Made It on YouTube

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Studio Gear I Use

🎹 MPC / Production Setup

Akai MPC Sample — zZounds affiliate

USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft) — zZounds affiliate

🎤 Recording & Monitoring

Antelope Synergy Core Interface — zZounds affiliate 

Wireless Lavalier Microphone: https://amzn.to/42JfaiZ

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm): https://amzn.to/4uiP1U9

TC Electronic CLARITY M Stereo Meter: https://amzn.to/3SFzwYB

🎛️ Hardware / MPC Workflow

Aluminium Potentiometer Knobs: https://amzn.to/4dsm7de

Encoder Knob Upgrade: https://amzn.to/4urHGSE

💾 Storage & Sampling

SD Card: https://amzn.to/4fttZh1

USB Data Transfer Hub: https://amzn.to/43eKeav

📱 Content Creation Setup

Samsung Note 20 Ultra: https://amzn.to/4dRLqqp

Phone Tripod: https://amzn.to/4nMws8z

Lenovo ThinkPad T480: https://amzn.to/4wDH7qe

Canon Camera: https://amzn.to/43raaQf

🎧 Mastering

eMastered — save 20% on your subscription: https://refer.emastered.com/7hbsvw

What Should I Break Down Next?

What would you like to see next?

• MPC mixing workflow
• FX breakdown
• Full beat breakdown

Leave your choice in the comments and let me know what part of the MPC workflow you want me to break down next.

Video Chapters

0:00 — Intro – MPC Sample Stem Export Workflow

0:26 — Preparing the Beat – Arrangement + Sequence Setup

1:07 — Gain Staging & -6 dB Headroom Rule

2:08 — Monitoring Levels Before Export

2:58 — Saving Project to SD Card

3:40 — Opening MPC Software – 3.8 Setup

4:11 — Loading Project Into MPC Software

5:15 — Exploding Tracks Into Stems

6:02 — Submix Routing Explained – Important Fix

7:01 — Exporting Individual Stems

7:42 — Exporting Submix Stems

8:07 — Importing Stems Into DAW – Cubase

8:57 — Organizing & Renaming Tracks

9:22 — Mixing Control & Basic Automation

10:03 — Final Export Workflow Summary

Affiliate Disclosure

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About Globe Made It

Globe Made It is the music-production side of Globe King Records, focused on MPC production, sampling, beatmaking, hardware workflows and real-world studio experiments.