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Understanding Scale Mode on MPC Key 61

Sep 18, 2024

Lecture Notes: Scale Mode on the MPC Key 61

Introduction

  • Presenter: Douglas
  • Topic: Scale mode on the MPC Key 61
  • Comparison: Unlike some MIDI controllers (such as the Oxygen Pro series or Hammer 88 Pro by M-Audio), MPC Key 61 does not directly call it 'scale mode'.

What is Scale Mode?

  • Functionality: Allows setting a musical scale, snapping notes to that scale.
  • User Preferences:
    • Note Duplication: Wrong notes are duplicated to the nearest scale note.
    • Note Muting: Wrong notes are muted and not played.

Scale Mode on Different Controllers

  • M-Audio Controllers: Tend to duplicate the nearest note.
  • Virtual Instruments: Often provide options for both duplicating and muting.
  • MPC Key 61: Offers choice between note duplication and note muting.

How to Access Scale Mode on MPC Key 61

  1. Navigate to Keyboard Control:
    • Use the keyboard control button to access settings.
  2. Locate Scale Filter:
    • Equivalent to scale mode.

Scale Filter Options

  • As Played:
    • Plays notes as input without modification.
  • Snap to Scale:
    • Snaps notes to the closest scale note.
    • Can help with playing chords by ensuring correct notes.
  • Filter to Scale:
    • Mutes notes not within the set scale.

Demonstrating Scale Mode

  • Snap to Scale:
    • Example with C major scale.
    • Duplicates notes to fit the C major scale.
  • Root Note and Scale Selection:
    • Choose any root note or scale (major, minor, bebop, etc.)
    • Example: Switching between major and minor scales.

Encouragement to Learn Music Theory

  • Benefits of Learning:
    • Understanding scales and chords enhances music production.
    • Even self-taught musicians can benefit from formal knowledge.
  • Use of Scale Mode:
    • Useful for non-keyboard musicians (e.g., guitarists) trying to record.
    • Provides a quick way to sound good without deep knowledge.

Filter to Scale Demonstration

  • Example with C Major:
    • Mutes all notes outside the C major scale.
    • Demonstrates how all notes played sound harmonious.

Conclusion

  • Power and Simplicity:
    • Scale mode on MPC Key 61 is both powerful and simple to use.
    • Offers users the flexibility to choose between different scale modes.
  • Final Recommendations:
    • Learn to play instruments for better proficiency.
    • Use scale mode for quick adjustments and enhancements.

Interaction and Support

  • Encouragement to Ask Questions:
    • Viewers are invited to ask questions and engage.
  • Closing:
    • Stay inspired and keep making music.

These notes provide a detailed overview of the lecture content and can serve as a reference for understanding scale mode on the MPC Key 61.

Full transcript