The Complete Guide to Starting Beatmaking on MPC — 25 Carefully Selected Sources from Japanese Articles, Overseas YouTube, and Forums
[Updated June 2026]The lineup has been refreshed with the arrival of the MPC XL and MPC Live III. For information on "which model to buy now," please refer to the comparison guide article "Which MPC Should You Choose? — 9 Sources to Understand the 2026 Lineup" for detailed guidance.
[Updated July 2026]Furthermore, with the MPC 3.9 update in June 2026, the MPC now features oscillators for drum/keygroups, allowing you to create sounds as a synthesizer without plugins. This new feature is explained in detail in "The MPC Has Become a Synth — 10 Sources to Understand the 3.9 Update Oscillator Features".
You bought an MPC. Or, you are thinking about buying one.
But, you don't know where to start.
The official manual is thick. Searching on YouTube only brings up English videos. Even if you look for information in Japanese, it's just scattered, fragmented articles, and there is no one to tell you, "Do it in this order."
I created this article to make that problem a little easier.
I have collected 25 pieces of information that might be useful for starting beatmaking on an MPC from Japanese articles, blogs, overseas YouTube channels, tutorial sites, and forums and organized a route that I think makes it easier to progress if you follow it in this order.
You can get quite far with just Japanese information. If you know English, using the abundant overseas resources as well will further expand your options.
How to use this guide
・Sources are a mix of Japanese and English ・Each source has the following language labels attached ・For those who are not good at English, I have structured it so that
you can learn the basics of MPC quite well by following only the 🟢 ones ・You don't need to watch everything. Please proceed with the route that suits your level
🟢 Japanese — Japanese content. Can be read/watched as is
🟢 Understandable via video — Foreign language, but you can understand the content by watching the video/operation screen
🟡 Subtitles available / Simple English — English, but easy to follow as it is video-centered
🔴 English proficiency required — English reading or listening skills required
Choose your route
・Complete beginner (Never touched an MPC) → Follow only the 🟢 sources in Sections 1 → 2 → 3 → 4
・DAW experienced user (Can use Ableton / FL Studio, etc. First time with MPC) → Lightly go through Section 1 → 3 → 4 → 5
・English OK (Want to read overseas information too) → Read through all sections including 🟡🔴
・Want to try for free first (MPC Beats / Don't have hardware yet) → Go to "Route to start with MPC Beats" at the end of this article
1. Choosing an MPC — Which model should you buy
There are multiple models of MPC even in the current lineup. MPC One+, MPC Live II, MPC Key 61, and the MPC Live III that appeared in 2025—. The first hurdle is "which one should I buy?"
1-1. DTM Hacker "10 Recommended Akai / MPC Series Samplers"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
This is a Japanese article where you can get an overview of the entire MPC series, from current models to discontinued old models. The features, price ranges, and who each model is suitable for are organized.
Popular among beginners seem to be the two choices of the low-priced MPC One+ and the MPC Live II with a built-in battery that can be carried around. Reading this article will give you the material to judge which one is right for you.
Appeals to people like this: People who want to buy an MPC but have too many models to choose from
→ https://dtmhacker.com/akai-mpc-best/
1-2. Music House Friends "MPC Thorough Comparison! From Keyboard Models to Portable Ones"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
A practical comparison article unique to a musical instrument store's media. It compares four models side-by-side: MPC One+, MPC Live II, MPC X SE, and MPC Key 61. The good thing about it is that it goes beyond just specs and delves into "what kind of usage each is suitable for."
The same site also has an "MPC vs Maschine Comparison" article. If you are torn between MPC and Maschine, please read that as well.
Perfect for: People who can't decide based on spec sheets alone, and those who want advice from the perspective of a musical instrument store
→ https://www.mh-friends.com/blog/2024/04/24/mpchikaku/
1-3. MPC-Tutor "MPC Buyer's Guide"
🔴 English Required | Blog (English)
This is a gear selection guide from a long-standing MPC tutorial site that has been operating since 2002. The comparison of MPC Live II vs MPC One+ vs MPC X SE vs MPC Key is written from the perspective of someone who has actually used all the models extensively.
Although it is in English, its strength lies in delving into workflow differences that are not found in Japanese comparison articles. The usage-based judgment criteria, such as "Live II if you want to complete everything standalone" and "One+ if you want to keep it in the studio," are very helpful.
Perfect for: People who can read English and want to hear the opinions of someone who has used the gear extensively
→ https://www.mpc-tutor.com/mpc-buyers-guide-mpc-one-vs-mpc-live-ii-vs-mpc-x/2. Trying it out first — From basic operations to your first beat
The MPC has arrived. You turned it on. The screen is glowing. — Now, what should you do?
In this section, we will guide you through learning the basic operations of the MPC until you complete your first beat section.
2-1. Kuripperu Toronikusu "MPC ONE Operation Method" Series
🟢 Japanese | Blog + YouTube
As far as I have researched, I think this is the most systematic series for MPC tutorials in Japanese.
Starting from "Part 1: Basic Operations," it covers drum programming (Pad edition / GRID edition), sample editing, effects, KEYGROUP, audio tracks, AIR Hype... and carefully explains the functions of the MPC ONE one by one over more than 25 episodes. Since it can be viewed in both blog articles and YouTube videos, it caters to both text-oriented and video-oriented learners.
If you first go through the three parts: "Part 1 (Basic Operations)," "Part 2 (Drum Programming Pad Edition)," and "Part 3 (Drum Programming GRID Edition)," you should be able to progress to the point of creating the skeleton of a beat on the MPC.
Perfect for: People who have just bought an MPC and want to understand the functions one by one in Japanese
→ https://marronfieldsproduction.hatenablog.com/entry/2022/10/12/141500
2-2. Electric Tengu "How to Sample on an MPC"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
This article carefully explains the basic operations of sampling, which is the heart of the MPC, from setting input levels to the recording process.
The same site also has an article titled "Explanation of MPC Project Structure," which is quietly important. Because the MPC project structure differs from standard DAWs, if you don't understand this, you are likely to encounter issues like "the sounds I saved have disappeared." It is recommended to read this alongside the sampling article for peace of mind.
Recommended for: Those who want to know the specific steps for sampling in Japanese
→ https://e-tengu.net/samplingbasics/
2-3. Nigo Reuse "The Ultimate Instrument of Hip Hop: A Super Simple Explanation of the AKAI MPC"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
This article explains the true basics—what an MPC is, what you can do with the 16 pads, and what happens when you press the REC button and hit a pad—while avoiding technical jargon.
I think it is an easy-to-read first step for complete beginners who have bought an MPC but are wondering, "What exactly is a sampler in the first place?"
Recommended for: Those who want to start from a state of knowing absolutely nothing about the MPC
→ https://25reuse.com/blog/3078/
2-4. Ave Mcree — MPC ONE Beginner's Guide
🟢 Understandable via Video | YouTube (English) | Approx. 160,000 subscribers
This is a creator with many subscribers and a wealth of videos among overseas MPC tutorial channels on YouTube. He covers a wide range of topics from basic MPC ONE operations to MPC 3 OS update information and 808 sound design.
Although it is in English, the MPC screen operations are the main focus, so you can follow what is happening just by watching the video. The beginner's guide video, in particular, shows pad assignment, sample loading, and sequence building through screen operations, so watching it in parallel with Japanese text tutorials will deepen your understanding.
Recommended for: Those who want to confirm things visually while reading Japanese articles
→ Search for "Ave Mcree MPC ONE beginner" on YouTube
2-5. Akai Pro Official "MPC Academy"
🟡 With Subtitles | Tutorial (English)
This is the official tutorial series from Akai Professional. Although created for the MPC Live III, the basic operations are almost identical for other models. It offers the accuracy and comprehensiveness unique to official sources.
It is in English, but you can follow along with the video and subtitles. Since it is official information, it can also be used for verification when you are unsure if your operation method is correct.
Perfect for: Those who want to learn from accurate official information
→ https://support.akaipro.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000873510-mpc-academy-mpc-live-iii3. Learning Sampling and Chopping
Once you understand the basic operations of the MPC, the next step is sampling and chopping. Sampling sounds from records or YouTube, chopping them up, and reconstructing them into a completely new beat—this is the core of MPC beatmaking.
3-1. Kuripperu Toronikusu "MPC ONE Operation Method Part 10 ~SAMPLE EDIT/CHOP Edition~"
🟢 Japanese | Blog + YouTube
A continuation of the series introduced in Section 2. You can learn all the necessary operations for chopping, such as how to slice samples, the procedure for assigning chopped parts to pads, and the differences between auto-slice and manual slice.
Perfect for: Those who want to chop up sampled sounds to make beats
→ https://marronfieldsproduction.hatenablog.com/entry/2022/10/31/063000
3-2. Electric Tengu "About Sample Editing -Trim Mode-" (Part 1 & Part 2)
🟢 Japanese | Blog
An explanation specialized in sample trimming (cutting out). The task of deciding which parts of the sampled material to use is extremely important as a pre-stage to chopping. You can solidify the basics of MPC sample editing, including how to set loops.
Perfect for: Those who want to learn how to process samples carefully
→ https://e-tengu.net/mpc_sample_edit_trim_pt1/
3-3. Tubedigga (YouTube)
🟡 With Subtitles | YouTube (English)
A well-known figure overseas for tutorials on MPC sound design and sample mangling (processing). They show how to achieve advanced techniques—warping, time-stretching, and effect chains—in an MPC standalone environment.
It is more for intermediate users than beginners, but it is worth knowing about early on as a channel that shows the possibilities of what you can do with an MPC. It is in English, but it has subtitles, and since it focuses on screen operations, you can follow along visually.
Perfect for: Those who want to master sample processing on the MPC, or take the next step after learning the basic operations
→ Search for "Tubedigga" on YouTube
3-4. Accurate Beats
🟢 Understandable through video | YouTube (English)
A channel that covers a wide range of hardware beatmaking, including MPC, Maschine, and various grooveboxes. It features demonstration videos on sampling with the MPC, chopping from records, and beat flipping.
Since there are many videos that compare multiple pieces of hardware rather than focusing on a specific device, its strength is that you can visually grasp the differences between the MPC and other gear. It is in English, but since the operation and sound are the main focus, you can enjoy it just by watching the video.
Perfect for: Those who want to see sampling on the MPC in video, or are curious about comparisons with other hardware
→ Search for "Accurate Beats" on YouTube
3-5. MPC-Tutor Chopping Tutorial
🔴 English proficiency required | Blog (English)
This site systematically explains the basic concepts of chopping on the MPC using text and images. It offers the meticulous detail characteristic of MPC-Tutor, such as how to use Auto Slice (Threshold mode) versus manual slicing, and how to convert chopped samples into drum programs.
As a site with archives dating back to 2002, I believe the amount of information regarding MPC sampling and chopping is top-class even in the English-speaking world. Tutorials for legacy MPCs (like the MPC2000) also remain, allowing you to learn while feeling the history of the MPC.
Perfect for: Those who can read English and want to understand things thoroughly through text-based content
→ https://www.mpc-tutor.com/mpc-tutorials/4. Training Your Drum and Rhythm Skills
Along with sampling, the true essence of the MPC is drum programming using pads. "Finger drumming," where you input rhythms by tapping the pads with your fingers, creates a different kind of groove compared to clicking away with a mouse.
4-1. Ikebe Digital Tower "How to Use MPC" Video Manual Series
🟢 Japanese | Blog + YouTube
A video manual series for the MPC (8 parts in total) produced by the musical instrument store Ikebe's Digital Tower. It shows you everything from the basics of track making, creating sequences using samples, inserting effects, to exporting files, all through video.
As you would expect from a musical instrument store, it accurately hits the points that people who have just bought an MPC for the first time struggle with.
Perfect for: Those who want to learn while watching Japanese explanations in videos
→ https://www.ikebe-digital.com/?p=7988
4-2. STLNDRMS
🟢 Understandable through video | YouTube (English)
An Atlanta-based producer known for live beatmaking combining the SP-404 and MPC2000XL. His style is characterized by showing the entire process—sampling from records, hitting pads, and applying effects—seamlessly.
He uses legacy equipment, the MPC2000XL, but the essence of the feeling of hitting rhythms on pads is the same for current MPCs. I think there is something to be gained just by watching the sense of groove with which a pro hits the pads.
Recommended for: Those who want to learn the groove of finger drumming on an MPC through video
→ Search for "STLNDRMS" on YouTube
4-3. DannyBoyStyles
🟢 Understandable through video | YouTube (English)
A two-time Grammy-winning producer. He was responsible for producing all tracks on The Weeknd's "Kiss Land" and has also worked on Beyonce's "Lemonade".
This pro reveals the process of creating a soulful R&B beat from scratch on a Maschine+. Since the workflows of Maschine and MPC are similar, the way he programs drums and builds chords is directly applicable to MPC users. Knowing the anecdote that "all the drums on Kiss Land were programmed on MASCHINE" adds weight to every single operation.
Recommended for: Those who want to see professional rhythm programming on video, and those interested in R&B/soul beats
→ Search for "DannyBoyStyles" on YouTube
4-4. Point Blank Music School "Make a Trap Beat in 10 Minutes on MPC One"
🟡 Simple English | YouTube + Blog (English)
DJ Ravine and Rob from Akai Pro provide a tutorial on making a trap beat from scratch on an MPC One in 10 minutes. The good thing about this short video is that you can see the big picture of "how to make a song this way."
Since it is a video made by a music production school, the explanation is thorough and easy for beginners to understand. The English is simple, and since it focuses on screen operations, you can follow along even just by watching the video.
Recommended for: Those who want to grasp the flow of finishing a song in a short time on an MPC
→ https://www.pointblankmusicschool.com/blog/akai-pro-mpc-one-how-to-make-a-trap-beat-in-10-minutes/
5. Mastering the MPC — Effects, Mixing, and External Integration. Once you have mastered basic operations, sampling, and drum programming, the next phase is to improve the quality of your sound.
5-1. Clipper Tronix "MPC ONE Operation Method Part 11: EFFECT & XYFX Edition"
🟢 Japanese | Blog + YouTube
An explanation of how to use the built-in effects on the MPC and how to perform real-time effect manipulation (XYFX) using the XY pad. You can learn in Japanese how to apply delays, reverbs, filters, and more to your beats.
Also check out "Part 20: AUDIO TRACK Edition" from the same series. By using the MPC's Audio Track feature, you can record external sound sources and capture vocals, which will significantly expand your production possibilities.
Perfect for: Those who want to master MPC effects
→ https://marronfieldsproduction.hatenablog.com/entry/2022/11/04/123000
5-2. EverPlay "AKAI MPC One Thorough Explanation: From Beatmaking to Live Performance"
🟢 Japanese | Blog
An article that comprehensively explains the functions of the MPC One from both beatmaking and live performance perspectives. It was updated in December 2025, so its strength lies in its up-to-date information.
After learning individual operations in sections 2 through 4, reading this article will give you a complete overview of "what you can do with an MPC." It is an article that can be used like a dictionary.
Perfect for: Those who want to grasp all the functions of the MPC One
→ https://everplay.jp/column/40038
5-3. Tubedigga MPC Masterclass (Paid)
🟡 Subtitles available | Online Course (English)
The paid course by Tubedigga introduced in section 3. With 26 lessons compatible with the MPC Live/Live MK2/One/X, it systematically covers everything from basic operations to sound design and mangling techniques.
Content that can only be learned in fragments through free YouTube tutorials is systematically organized here. Although it is in English, you can follow along with subtitles and screen operations; it is a course worth investing in for those who "truly want to master the MPC."
Perfect for: Those who want to learn MPC sound design systematically
→ https://courses.tubedigga.com/mpcmasterclassbasics
5-4. Booker Edwards "MPC Live 101" (macProVideo)
🔴 English proficiency required | Online Course (English)
A systematic MPC Live course by MPC expert Booker Edwards. It caters to everyone from beginners to power users, allowing you to learn the MPC workflow in depth in English.
macProVideo (now macProVideo.com) is a major platform for music production courses, offering consistently high-quality content.
Recommended for: Those who are comfortable with English and want to learn systematically from professional instructors.
→ https://www.macprovideo.com/tutorials/mpc
6. Join a Community
While the MPC is a fun piece of gear to use quietly on your own, having a community is reassuring. Just knowing where you can ask questions provides more options when you get stuck.
6-1. MPC Square Japan
🟢 Japanese | Website + Lessons
As far as I have researched, this is the most comprehensive community for learning MPC in Japanese. It features tutorials (from basic operations to intermediate), online lessons for finger drumming and beatmaking, and a Japanese user manual.
While the lessons are paid, the tutorials on the site can be viewed for free. It is also a valuable place for Japanese MPC users to connect with one another.
Recommended for: Those looking for a community to learn MPC in Japanese.
→ https://www.mpcsquarejapan.com/
6-2. Goro Juku — Starting MPC Beatmaking from Scratch
🟢 Japanese | Lesson Site
One-on-one MPC beatmaking lessons by Goro Kumai. Both in-person (Tokyo) and online options are available.
Based on the concept of "enabling beginners with zero musical experience to start track making from scratch," you can begin with a finger drumming trial lesson. It is worth knowing about as an option if you hit a wall while self-studying the MPC.
Recommended for: Those who want to be taught MPC one-on-one.
6-3. MPC-Forums.com
🔴 English proficiency required | Forum (English)
An English forum for MPC users. There is a thread titled "Links for Beginner // Newbies → follow along tutorial" that compiles tutorials for beginners.
If you post technical questions, you can get answers from users who have been using MPC for many years. While English communication is required, you can make good use of it by using Google Translate alongside it.
Recommended for: Those who want a place to ask technical questions
6-4. r/mpcusers (Reddit)
🔴 English proficiency required | Reddit community (English)
The MPC user community on Reddit. Information on new firmware, tips & tricks, and sharing self-made beats are posted daily.
If MPC-Forums.com is a forum-style "Q&A," Reddit is a "timeline-style information flow." It is suitable for catching the latest information.
Recommended for: Those who want to follow the latest MPC information and how other users use it
→ https://www.reddit.com/r/mpcusers/7. For those who want to dig deeper — Paid courses and professional resources
The sources covered so far should be enough to cover the basics to intermediate levels of MPC. For those who want to learn more deeply, I will also introduce paid overseas resources.
7-1. MPC Bible 3
🔴 English proficiency required | Paid course (English)
This is one of the most famous paid MPC tutorials in the English-speaking world. The latest version (Revision 3), compatible with MPC Live 3 & MPC 3.6, was released in October 2025.
It is produced and sold by MPC-Samples.com, and sample kits from producers such as !llmind and 9th Wonder are also available on the same platform.
Although English proficiency is required, I think it is a course that should be considered for those who want to master the MPC in earnest.
Recommended for: Those who want to master the MPC at a professional level
→ https://www.mpc-samples.com/product.php/268/mpc-bible/
7-2. MPC-Samples.com
🔴 English proficiency required | Sound library + Tutorial (English)
This is the creator of the MPC Bible and also a site that sells sound libraries and producer kits for the MPC. You can get sample kits created by professional producers such as !llmind, 9th Wonder, and Beat Butcha.
It is packed with beatmaking tutorial videos and articles, making it a 'comprehensive resource site' for MPC users.
Recommended for: Those who want professional-quality sample kits and those who want to further expand their MPC learning resources.
→ https://www.mpc-samples.com/
The Route to Starting with MPC Beats
If you don't own MPC hardware yet but want to get a glimpse into the world of MPC, there is free DAW software called MPC Beats.
Provided by Akai Professional, this free software allows you to experience the MPC workflow on your PC. It comes with 2GB of sample/loop sounds, VST plugins, and genre-specific templates (Trap, Dance, Pop, etc.), so you can start beatmaking as soon as you install it.
You can learn how to get started with MPC Beats from the following sources:
・Secondary 'Aspiring to be a trackmaker? It's quite easy. — Starting with MPC Beats for free' (note)🟢
→ https://note.com/vbsecondary/n/n58d0885b11cd
・Music House Friends 'MPC Beats Beginner's Guide' 🟢
→ https://www.mh-friends.com/blog/2020/09/07/
・DTM Station 'Anyone can make beats with AKAI's free DAW, MPC Beats' 🟢
→ https://www.dtmstation.com/
If you like the MPC workflow with MPC Beats, consider transitioning to hardware. In that case, return to Section 1, 'Choosing an MPC,' to find the model that suits you.
Summary: The Shortest Route
Out of the 25 sources introduced, I have narrowed down the shortest route to 5.
The 5 shortest steps to start using only Japanese resources:
1. DTM Hacker '10 Recommended MPC Series' — First, choose your gear
2. Kuripatteronix 'MPC ONE Operation Method' — Learn basic operations one by one
3. Electric Tengu 'How to sample on an MPC' — Solidify the basics of sampling
4. Ikebe Digital Tower 'How to use MPC' video manual — Grasp the overall flow through video
5. MPC Square Japan — Join the Japanese community
By going through these 5 items in order, I believe you will be able to reach the point where you can make beats on an MPC and know where to ask questions when you don't understand something.
If you are okay with English, add these 3:
6. Ave Mcree (YouTube) — Confirm MPC operations visually
7. Tubedigga (YouTube) — Discover the possibilities of sampling and sound design
8. MPC-Tutor.com — Understand deeply through text-based resources
For those who want to dig deeper
This account also introduces beatmaking information beyond just MPC.
・10 International Beatmaking YouTube Channels You Can Enjoy Even Without Knowing English → Also introduces channels for hardware and DAWs other than MPC
・The Complete Guide to Finding Samples — From E-Digging to Tracklib → Introduction to international sites and tools for finding sampling material
・Want to Sell Beats? 7 Sources to Understand BeatStars and Type Beat Culture → An introductory guide to the world of selling the beats you create
[AD] Search for AKAI MPC on Amazon [AD] Search for AKAI MPC on Rakuten
This account introduces useful beatmaking information sources in Japanese. Whether it's international YouTube channels, tools, websites, or Japanese note articles—I collect the best content regardless of language and deliver it to you with a guide.
Following me would be a great encouragement.