MPC Sample — Condensed Manual

Tutorial

A walkthrough of MPC Sample basics, in order. A demo project loads automatically on power-up.

Playing Sounds

Press POWER to turn on.
Raise the MAIN VOLUME knob (feeds the built-in speaker, PHONES, or AUDIO OUT).
Press PLAY to hear the startup sequence; pads light as sounds trigger.
Press STOP to stop. Double-press STOP to silence all sounds.

Tap the pads to trigger samples; the waveform appears in Sample Mode, opened anytime with the SAMPLE button.

Exploring Samples

Tap a pad (e.g. PAD 2), then press SAMPLE SELECT.
Turn the ENCODER to browse folders; highlight Snares.
Press the ENCODER to open; turn to preview each sample.
Press the ENCODER again to load the highlighted sample to the pad.
Press SAMPLE SELECT to return to Sample Mode.

Playing Sequences

Press SEQ to enter Sequence Mode (pads now select/trigger sequences).
With PAD 1 selected, press PLAY.
Tap PAD 2 to queue Sequence 2 (it blinks until Sequence 1 ends, then lights).
Trigger other sequences in any order to build a song. Press STOP when done.

Recording a Sequence

In Sequence Mode, tap a dim pad (e.g. PAD 9) for an empty slot.
Hold B1 to set Sequence BPM with the ENCODER or tap TAP TEMPO.
Press B3 to toggle Record Quantization; set Q with K2.
Turn K1 to set sequence length (bars).
Press SEQ RECORD, then PLAY, and tap pads to record. Overdubs at loop end.
Press SEQ RECORD to stop recording but keep playback, or STOP to stop both.

New Project

Hold SHIFT + PAD 16 - PROJECT.
Turn ENCODER to New Project and press to select.
If prompted, press B3 to confirm or B1 to back out and save first.

Recording a Sample

Press SAMPLE RECORD to enter Sample Record Mode.
Turn K1 to set Source (e.g. Mic).
Tap a pad to start recording. Tap the pad again to stop.

Editing a Sample

Press SAMPLE, tap the target pad.
Adjust Start (K1) and End (K2). Tap pad to audition.
Commit edit: hold SHIFT + PAD 13 - TRIM SAMPLE.
Cycle param pages with B1/B2/B3, tweak with K1-K3.
Assign a parameter to the fader: SHIFT + PAD 9 - FADER.

Using FX

Pad FX — pads trigger effects, pressure sets level: PAD FX → PLAY → tap and hold pads → tweak with K1-K3.

Knob FX — one effect, knob-controlled: KNOB FX → SEQ → PLAY → tweak with K1-K3. Hold SHIFT + KNOB FX / FX SELECT to pick effect and toggle which pads it affects.

Flex Beat — time-based warps (chops, scratches, gates): hold SHIFT + PAD FX / FLEX BEAT → PLAY → tap pads. PAD 1 returns to Empty.

Sample Mode

The main mode for triggering and editing samples. Press SAMPLE to enter; press a PAD to trigger and view its sample, or hold SAMPLE + PAD to select without triggering. Turn K1-K3 to adjust the parameters shown at the screen bottom; press the ENCODER to cycle parameters and turn the ENCODER / -/+ to adjust. Cycle pages with B1, B2, B3:

Trim (B1): K1 Start, K2 End, K3 Loop (0-100%). SHIFT+B1 Loop Lock.
Mix (B1): K1 Volume, SHIFT+K2 Kit Volume, K3 Pan.
Amp Env (B1): K1 Attack, K2 Decay/Release, K3 Vel Sens. SHIFT+K2 Decay From (Start/End).
Tune (B2): K1 Semi, K2 Fine, K3 Warp (Off, 50%, 200%, Seq, Pitch).
Play (B2): K1 Polyphony (Mono/Poly), K2 Mute Group, K3 Offset. SHIFT+K2 Pad Link.
Filter (B3): K1 Cutoff, K2 Reso, K3 Type (Classic, LPF/HPF/BPF 2 or 4).
Filt Env (B3): K1 Attack, K2 Decay/Release, K3 Depth.

Pad Play

The PAD PLAY buttons (CHOP, MUTE, LOOP, 16 LEVELS) add performance functions. MUTE is accessible from any mode.

Chop: Splits sample between Start/End by chop type. Pads play each slice. K3 Chop Type: Threshold, Regions 4/8/16, Manual. SHIFT+B1 Extract, SHIFT+B2 Split, SHIFT+B3 Merge. ERASE + PAD removes a slice. Slice edits cannot be undone.
Note On (SHIFT + CHOP): sample plays only while pad is held; Decay becomes Release.
Loop: Plays Sample Start → End → Loop Start repeatedly. Loop Lock is default (SHIFT + B1 to disengage). Combine with Reverse.
Reverse (SHIFT + LOOP): plays End to Start.
Mute: Tap to toggle mute mode (hold for momentary). SHIFT + MUTE unmutes all.
16 Levels: Spreads current sample across all 16 pads varying one parameter. SHIFT + 16 LEVELS cycles type: Velocity, Filter, Tune.

Loading & Saving Samples

Press SAMPLE SELECT to open the Sample Browser. Turn ENCODER or press -/+ to browse; press ENCODER to open and load. B1 Back, B2 Internal/External drive (microSD MPC-Sample/Samples), B3 Preview toggles auto-preview.

To save: hold SHIFT + SAMPLE SELECT / SAVE SAMPLE. Turn ENCODER for characters, press to advance; SHIFT for capitals, -/+ to move cursor, B2 to erase one (SHIFT + B2 erase all). B3 Do It! saves, B1 Cancel exits.

Sample Record Mode

Sample Record lets you record your own sounds. Press SAMPLE RECORD to enter.

Monitoring (B1): Off, Auto (only when in Sample Record), or On. A speaker icon shows the built-in speaker state; it's crossed out when the speaker is muted (e.g. Mic source with monitor on, or PHONES/AUDIO OUT connected with any input source). Mirrors MONITOR in Input Configuration.
Source (K1): Mic (built-in), Rear (stereo 1/L + 2/R), Rear L, Rear R, Resample (re-record MPC Sample's own output), USB, USB L, USB R.
Rec Length (K2): Free (no limit) or Seq (length of current sequence; starts at end of current loop if playing).
Threshold (K3): Sets recording threshold. The waveform icon at top-right lights when input exceeds it. Mirrors THRESHOLD in Input Configuration.

Arming & Recording

Tap the pad where the new sample will live to start recording.
While recording, tap additional PADS to chop the sample on the fly.
Stop by tapping the same pad, pressing STOP, or pressing SAMPLE RECORD.

Stopping via pad or STOP keeps you in Sample Record so you can continue. Stopping via SAMPLE RECORD returns you to Sample Mode with the new sample selected.

Tip — Recall: Missed a great moment? Hold SHIFT + SAMPLE RECORD / RECALL to retrieve the last 25 seconds of audio from the selected source onto the next available pad.

Sequence Mode

Sequences are the building blocks of songs. Each holds a pattern over a set length; multiple can be combined or used as variations. Press SEQ to enter.

Setup

ENCODER: scrub playhead by beats. SHIFT + ENCODER: scrub by current Q.
Hold B1 + turn ENCODER for BPM; press ENCODER to toggle whole/decimal. Or tap TAP TEMPO.
B2: BPM scope SEQ (per-sequence) vs GBL (global). B3: toggle Record Quantization.
K1: length (1-128 bars; SHIFT+K1 for any value). K2: Q; SHIFT+K2: project time signature. K3: RT Swing (performative, non-destructive).
SHIFT + TAP TEMPO / METRONOME: Off / On / Record. SHIFT + PAD 4 - COUNT-IN: toggle 1-bar count-in.

Press a PAD to select a sequence (green = has events, dim = empty). The queued sequence flashes; press another PAD mid-playback to queue it for the next cycle.

Recording Sequences

Choose an empty sequence pad and set BPM/Length/Q.
Press SEQ RECORD to arm; pads return to Sample/Seq triggering.
Press PLAY and tap pads to record events. At loop end, switches to overdub automatically.
Press SEQ RECORD to stop recording (playback continues) or STOP for both.

SHIFT + -/UNDO: undo events since recording began.
While armed: ERASE + PAD wipes all events on that pad.
SHIFT + SEQ RECORD / RECALL: retrieve last-loop events.

Automation: Arm, press PLAY, move K1-K3 or FADER to record (Volume, Tune, Pan, Amp/Filter env params except Decay From, Vel Sens, Offset). To erase, hold ERASE + move the automated control, confirm with B3.

Editing Sequences

Hold SHIFT + PAD for actions: PAD 2 Half Seq, PAD 3 Double Seq, PAD 6 Half Speed, PAD 7 Double Speed, PAD 10 Rec Quantize, PAD 11 Resample, PAD 12 Song, PAD 14 Time Correct.

Step Edit

Hold SHIFT + SEQ / STEP EDIT to open. ENCODER steps through at Q; -/+ cycles events on the step (or tap a pad). FADER nudges event timing. K1 length, K2 Q, K3 selected event velocity. B3 erases the selected event. ERASE + PAD wipes all events from a pad (confirm B3 Do It!).

Song Mode

Chains sequences into a song; export as audio or as a new sequence. Hold SHIFT + PAD 12 - SONG. Press a PAD to select a sequence, B3 to insert it after the highlighted slot. ENCODER or -/+ browse; B2 removes the highlighted entry. PLAY plays from top, SHIFT + PLAY / CONTINUE from highlight. B1 opens Export: B2 audio mixdown, B3 export as new sequence.

Effects

MPC Sample includes four effect engines: Pad FX, Flex Beat, Knob FX, and a dedicated Compressor.

Pad FX

Trigger effects with pads as your sequence plays — pressure-sensitive. Press PAD FX. PADS 1-16 each trigger one of 16 effects; up to four at once (older ones bypass when a fifth joins, then re-engage). K1-K3 adjust the active effect. B1 Latch holds an effect at its current amount.

Filters/Mod: Half Speed, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Comb Filter, LP/HP/BP Filter (each filter LFO has Speed + Range).
Character: Ring Mod, LoFi, Color (Cassette, Flutter, Tube Amp, Vinyl, Saturation, Radio), Granulator.
Time: Beat Repeat, Rev Stepper, Delay (Normal, X-Feedback, Ping-Pong), Reverb.

Flex Beat

Time-based warps applied to the whole sequence — beat chops, scratches, trance gates. Hold SHIFT + PAD FX / FLEX BEAT, press PLAY. PAD 1 is EMPTY (default); PADS 2-16 apply effects. B3 Quantize snaps effects to the grid. K1: One Shot vs Loop. K3: dry/wet Mix.

Knob FX

One effect controlled by K1-K3, freeing the pads for triggering or other FX modes. Press KNOB FX to engage; the knobs are dedicated to the effect while active. A Shift indicator means more parameters under SHIFT.

Configure: hold SHIFT + KNOB FX / FX SELECT. Tap pads to enable per-pad (bright = on); B2 All Pads, B3 Bypass. Browse the effect list with ENCODER / -/+ and press ENCODER to load.

Delays: Delay, Diff Delay, Tape Delay, Sample Delay (sync or free time).
Reverbs: Small / Medium / Large, Spring.
Filters: HP, LP, BP (Freq + Reso).
Dynamics: Bus Compressor, Limiter, Pumper, Transient, Noise Gate.
Drive: Amp Sim (1x8" through 4x12", Bass cabs, Radio, D.I., Brit), Tube Drive, Soft Clipper.
Modulation: Ensemble, Multi-Chorus, Phaser (Vibe/Stone/Ninety/Tron), Flanger, Auto-Wah, Auto-Pan.
Vintage: Vintage Emulator (MPC3000, MPC60, SP1200, SP1200Ring), Vinyl, Tape.

Compressor

Dedicated pumping-style compressor — sharp ducks or subtler peak limiting. Hold SHIFT + PAD 5 - COMPRESSOR.

B1 Color: parallel bass boost + pitch instability + harmonic saturation (tape feel).
B3 Bypass.
K1 Attack (0.1-150 ms), K2 Release (3-300 ms), K3 Amount (0-100%, combined threshold/ratio).
SHIFT + K3 In Boost: pushes input harder. Makeup gain is automatic.

Menus

Input Configuration

Open with SHIFT + SAMPLE / INPUT CONFIG. Selects/adjusts the audio input source.

Source: Mic, Rear (stereo), Rear L, Rear R, Resample, USB, USB L, USB R.
Monitor: Off / Auto (Sample Record only) / On.
Threshold: -96 to 0 dB (auto-trigger level).
Rec Length: FREE or SEQ (locks to current sequence).
Rec Input Effects: Bake Knob FX into the sample (On) or exclude (Off).

All settings except Rec Input Effects also appear in the Sample Record menu. B3 exits.

Fader

Open with SHIFT + PAD 9 - FADER. B3 toggles the fader on/off; turn ENCODER to assign: Pad Volume, Pad Pan, Pad Tune, Pad Amp Attack, Pad Amp Decay/Release, Pad Filter Cutoff, or Kit Volume. Absolute position with soft takeover; the Fader LED brightens near the current value (brightest at center for Pan/Tune). B1 goes back.

Time Correct

Open with SHIFT + PAD 14 - TIME CORRECT. Quantizes events to a grid. Tap pads to choose which to quantize (B2 selects all). K1 Q, K2 Shift (nudge for humanization), K3 Swing. B3 Do It! applies; B1 Cancel exits. Undo via SHIFT + -/UNDO. Q and Swing are global — they also affect Sequence Mode and Note Repeat.

MIDI Configuration

Open with SHIFT + PAD 8 - MIDI CONFIG. Use the ENCODER to scroll, press to edit.

MIDI Port: External (1/8" MIDI IN/OUT) or USB.
MIDI In/Out Channel: All or 1-16.
Pad MIDI In/Out: Whether MIDI triggers pads (Off/On); whether pads send MIDI (Never/Always/Empty).
MIDI Sync In/Out: Off / MIDI Clock / MTC.
MIDI Thru: Forward MIDI IN to MIDI OUT.
Receive Program Change: Off or Sequence (PC triggers sequences).
CV/Sync Out: enables the SYNC OUT port; Base (1-8 ppqn) and Division (1-24).
RESET FACTORY SETTINGS: restores defaults and restarts.
RESET FACTORY DATA: wipes all user content — irreversible.

Project

Open with SHIFT + PAD 16 - PROJECT. Browse with the ENCODER.

Load Project: Demos (incl. default startup), Kits (ENCODER loads kit + four default sequences; B3 Load Kit for samples only), or User (internal saves).
Save Project: Name with ENCODER (push to confirm character), SHIFT for caps, -/+ moves cursor, B2/SHIFT+B2 erases one/all. B3 Do It! saves, B1 Cancel exits. Auto-save runs in background; manual save copies to new internal/external location.
New Project: Clears the current project — B3 confirm, B1 cancel.
SD Card Access: Mounts microSD as external drive over USB. Other modes disabled while active; safely eject before pressing B1.

MPC Sample — Condensed User Manual