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Fl Studio 8: Adding Mpc Type Swing

Posted by Ms.Tris On August - 6 - 2008


The Akai Mpc series is well known for the” swing” effect on the drum tracks. This technique was made popular by DJ Premier in the early 90′s. Since it’s arrival , adding swing is a must for classic Boom Bap type beats, a staple to East Coast hip hop. Many producers such as Pete Rock, J Dilla, and 9th Wonder continued to keep the swing factor heavy.

The basic theory is based upon a shift in certain elements of the rhythm. Professional drummers may call this a shuffle or stutter pattern. The Mpc has made this easy to do under the timing correct function, allowing the producer to adjust the percentage and amount of swing with a turn of the Data wheel. Fl Studio also has a few preset values to get you started.
For todays tutorial we’ll take a listen to a snippet of 9th Wonder’s production because he uses Fl Studio to achieve the classic swing feel.
Murs and 9th Wonder’s 3:16

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There are many options and ways to do this in software. The concept is to “shift” elements of the drums left or right ( earlier or later) of the current time signature value. How much you shift the drums affects the amount of the swing.

I will start with a 4/4 pattern at 96 tempo. I add a kick, hat, and snare then make a basic hip hop pattern.


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Next I will send each track to the piano roll.



I change my ” Fl Snap Value ” to 1/6 step

I have a choice to use a preset or manually shift my patterns. To keep it simple I will use a Fl Studio 8 preset. Once you get an idea, here is where you can add your own touch to your pattern.

I adjust the length of the notes and select quantize:



For each track the kick, hat, and snare I add the preset ” 16 Mpc1″

This preset adds a few variations to velocity and position of my notes. At this point it is very subtle. I can play with the settings on the quantize panel, or I can manually adjust my notes. I usually adjust manually to reach the swing effect I want.

I go to the kick and snare. Instead of using quantize, I “shift right” 3 times. The hats I ” shift right” 2 times.


I am starting to hear the difference, but I still want more ” Swing”. There isn’t a huge difference yet, but you can compare the two:

Basic Pattern No Swing:

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Basic Beat: more swing

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Now it’s time to get into the grid and move each note to where I want it. I move the hats more to the right. I adjust my kicks and snares more to the right. I adjust the velocity of some notes, I nudge some notes closer together until I hear what I like. Now I switch back to ” Step Sequencer” view and adjust the ‘Fl 8 Swing” value, until I get better results.


Now I have moved closer to the ” mpc style swing”. I can still adjust more by shifting elements, but this should get you thinking in the “right” direction.

Almost There, The Basic Beat With A lot More Swing

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Alright now you are off to do some classic head nod, boom bap hip hop. Notice from the preset pictures,there are several to choose from. Once you get the hang of it, try them all and see what you can make. Remember to go with the feel of it, and use your ears, and have fun!~

Happy Beat Making To All
Pz Til Later.

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11 Responses to “Fl Studio 8: Adding Mpc Type Swing”

  1. Thats pretty cool, especially for those who are just starting out.
    I hear alot of beginners and intermidate beatmakers/producer say that they dont like FL cause its hard…ummm no. You just show how easy it is. I rarely quantize though because I love the loose, live drum sound to my music, or my beats being offbeat slightly but actually on beat…cool site lady, keep on! *fist in the air*

  2. Go***ymn…Love your blog! It’s awesome, thank you for sharing all the info! Good luck with your career girl! :)

  3. Avatar of Ms.Tris Ms.Tris says:

    @Ms.BeatJunkie Hey lady!~ Thanks for stopping by the site, and taking time to comment.
    To add, the technique in the tutorial is used to achieve exactly what Ms.BeatJunkie described as “offbeat slightly but actually on beat”

    @DJ Slimchopstick Thanks to you for the encouragement and good wishes. Comments like these motivate me to keep on keeping on…

    To both…come back often and subscribe, I update daily, some weekends too :-)

  4. Mkay says:

    Thanks VERY MUCH for your tutorial. Want see more, keep writing dude, don’t stop! ;)

    I very like your audio examples in this tutorial they are helpful to understand changes on beat.

    Big up!

  5. Avatar of Ms.Tris Ms.Tris says:

    Hey Mkay glad you liked the tutorial… and yes I enjoy doin this so I will keep at it as you suggest..take care pz til later

    and Ty for commenting..It means much to me..

  6. Urphonesux says:

    hey thanks for the tuts Mztris i’ll be definitely be coming back.
    O and i found these, i didnt see them in your preset menu so maybe they’ll be as useful to you as they are to me

    http://www.peff.com/journal/2008/02/15/mpc-3000-regroove-template/

  7. Avatar of Ms.Tris Ms.Tris says:

    Hey Urphonesux..thanks for the comment and that link is great! Appreciate that one..come back often much more to come!

  8. obieq says:

    http://techno-tutorials.pl learn how to make techno trance music using FL Studio many Tutorials gathered togehter

  9. THE TRUTH says:

    http://www.mediafire.com/?ymyozr4wwbm
    mpc60 -templates for fl studio 9

    http://www.mediafire.com/?t1m1mwmkyyz
    mpc 3k groove templates-875′ files ‘one of a kind groove templates

    more coming soon ”

  10. 614BoomBap says:

    Thanks for the tutorial man! I found this really helpful for workin wit FL Studio.

  11. Avatar of Ms.Tris Ms.Tris says:

    614BoomBap you are quite welcome man.. let me know if you have any questions..keep makin the tracks!

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Introducing Ms.Tris Beats a Hip Hop Producer, Artist,and Blogger from Baltimore, MD. Currently producing for a host of Maryland\'s hottest Mc\'s, and artist from all over the country. Her music is in demand to the who\'s who in Baltimore Hip hop. Please enjoy your visit as Ms.Tris takes through her musical journey of production, hiphop and life....

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