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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

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.

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:

Basic Beat: more swing

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

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.