Mastering Beats and Songs on Akai MPC ONE: Tips and Tricks
Have you ever found yourself in the situation where your beat or song sounds amazing on your headphones but doesn't translate well to other audio systems? AKAI's MPC ONE is a powerful tool for music production, but mastering and mixing tracks can be challenging, especially for beginners. In this article, we'll explore how to effectively mix and master your beats and songs using the MPC ONE and some essential tips and tricks.
Understanding the Basics: EQ, Compression, and Limiting
MPC hardware and software are incredibly versatile, but they can be quite daunting for new users. Tasks like mastering or even setting up a good mix require a basic understanding of EQ, compression, and limiting. EQ helps you shape the frequency spectrum, while compression and limiting ensure that your audio levels remain consistent throughout the track. However, with the MPC in standalone mode, you learn to rely heavily on your ears and some practice can really pay off. Your mix will sound clean, and you might even master tracks without additional software.
Why Equals and Your Mix Need Constant Care
Your music composition mix must still gel together, even if it's subjective art, like written music. While you personally might love a beat, ensuring that it adheres to perceived loudness measurements is crucial. Terms like LUFS, RMS, and TPDB describe the perceived loudness from a music composition. When your final piece can be posted to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora, these platforms have specific loudness requirements.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
Most people still use their MPC as an "idea notebook," often requiring the final product to be completed on a more advanced DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). However, the final mix has to be cohesive, with all elements working together, and not going above or below a specific, perceived loudness measurement. Playing your track on different systems can reveal significant differences; there's no substitute for proper testing.
Finalizing Your Mix: EQ, Compression, and Limiting
If you're still struggling with these fundamentals, try using tools like Exporting. It's easier to hear a beat with too much or too little compression and limiting, so it's important to find the right balance. Start by selecting high-quality samples and using your eyes to analyze the waveform of each sample. Mix using only volume, then adjust further as needed.
For professional results, it's beneficial to use third-party software like Youlean or Spann to monitor the perceived loudness levels. Different genres can have varying acceptable ranges. While Pop, Hip Hop, Trap, and Beats often have less variability, a range of 2-3 LUFS is acceptable. In long instrumental tracks, this range can be higher, especially for genres that require significant dynamic changes.
Conclusion
Mixing and mastering on the Akai MPC ONE is definitely achievable, though it can be challenging at times. With a solid understanding of key concepts and some perseverance, you can create professional-sounding tracks. Always be ready to help others, as sharing knowledge and experiences can lead to improvement and success in your music production journey.