MPC Upright Bass features a fully multisampled 1920 Andreas Moretti Double Bass for all modern MPCs, recorded with 8 velocity layers and up to 3 round robins per layer. String release noises and controllable performance macros combine to create the most expressive & realistic sounding acoustic instrument expansion we’ve ever built!
This deep, organic sounding acoustic bass oozes character with a superbly defined low end and vintage tone. We’ve captured all the natural nuances and charm of the original instrument to create a go-to double bass for all MPC owners, perfect for soulful, jazzy basslines and thumping hip hop grooves.
The expansion comes in two distinct formats; MPC2 (for MPC 2.x, MPC Software and Akai Force) and an enhanced set of instruments for the new MPC 3.4 firmware. All instruments feature 8 unique velocity layers to capture the full dynamic range of the bass, while the MPC3 versions also contain 3 round robins on each layer, giving a natural realistic organic sound to every single note played.
Find the perfect bass sound with the 18 additional sound presets that use various MPC FX and sound parameters to create a range of different instrument sounds, all fully set up and ready-to-play. Use your pads via ‘pad perform’ or a keyboard/MPC Key for even more expression with support for dynamic string bends and mod-wheel controlled vibrato.
It’s also possible to dial-in string release noises to add even more realism to your performances; these can be configured as ‘note off’ sounds during playback and can also be triggered manually on demand.
Pre-mapped Q-LINKS give you hands-on control of many different parameters so you can further shape your sound, including EQ, chorus, drive, amp tone and lof-fi fx.
A dedicated MPC3 ‘track’ file includes additional MPC3 macros to provide advanced Q-LINK control over many different parameters, including the ability to instantly palm-mute strings on-demand as well as adjustment of various string dynamics, transients and deeper control of string noise probability.
And if you’re stuck for bassline ideas we’ve included a comprehensive library of original bass riffs in MPC pattern format, each featuring 4 bars of MIDI bass performances which can form the backbone of any track. As these are pure MIDI they will adapt automatically to the tempo of your sequence and can be easily transposed to match any desired key.
Requirements:
MPC Upright Bass is built for any modern MPC running MPC 2.11 (or greater) and also features enhanced versions for the MPC 3.4 firmware this means it is 100% compatible with any of the following:
- MPC XL, MPC X, MPC X SE, MPC Live (1, 2 & 3), MPC One/One+, MPC Key 61/37
- Akai Force (firmware 3.2+)
- MPC Software
- MPC Beats
- Any MPC Software controller (e.g. MPC Renaissance, MPC Studio 1+2, MPC Touch)
- Any non-MPC controller mapped to MPC Beats or the MPC Software
The download contains a dedicated installer for standalone MPCs & the Force, plus a separate ‘drag and drop’ XPN installer for the MPC Software and MPC Beats. Full step-by-step installation instructions are provided in the included User Guide .
Total disk space required for installation is 1.0 GB. Average instrument size is approximately 127MB.
Built For Modern MPCs & Force
MPC Upright Bass is compatible with all modern standalone MPCs running MPC2 & MPC3, the MPC Software, MPC Beats and the Akai Force.
FAQs
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Does this work with MPC 3 firmware?
Yes, all instruments are provided in both MPC2 and MPC3 formats. The MPC2 formats are for MPCs running MPC 2.x (including MPC Software & Akai Force 3.3), while the MPC3 versions are tailored specifically for the new features found in MPC3 and include the ability to combine velocity layers with multiple round robins per layer.
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How many velocity layers are available on these instruments?
We provide 8 velocity layers for both MPC2 and MPC3 formats. Additionally, the MPC3 versions also include 3 'round robins' per velocity layer which ensures a slightly different note timbre on each note played, no matter what the velocity.
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What is 'on demand' string muting?
This feature is available in the advanced MPC3 track file and allows you to tap and hold on a Q-LINK to temporarily mute the strings. This gives all notes a short, staccato sound which on a real bass would be achieved by partially covering the strings with the palm of the plucking hand.
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How do I control string release noises?
String release noises are implemented in two ways. Firstly there are automatic 'note off' string release noises which are triggered when you release a pad or key. In MPC3 you can control the volume and probability of these noises using a dedicated Q-LINK. For example, set probability to 30% and the string noises are only triggered 30% of the time. You can also manually trigger string release noises and other percussive sounds such as body taps and knocks; these sounds are assigned to specific notes/pads and simply be played when required.
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How's the memory usage? Does it support disk streaming?
We've spent a lot of time optimising the upright bass to keep it under 150MB, and this includes all the round robins and 8 velocity layers. This is a serious achievement for such a realistic and expressive instrument! MPC3 users can also utilise disk streaming to reduce memory footprint even further (instructions for setting this up are included in the User Guide).
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Whar's the best way to play the instruments?
All instruments are standard MPC keygroups so fully support pad perform and the arpreggiator, and you can also play via an attached MIDI keyboard (or with the built in keyboard on MPC Key models) which also allows for string bends and vibrato control. You can also use the Q-LINKS for additional control over aspects such as string damping, string release noises, sound design aspects and FX tweaking, as well as Q-LINK control of string bends and vibrato via MPC3's built in MIDI macros. More details are available in the User Guide.
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How do I use the MPC patterns?
The included patterns each contain a four bar bass riff in MIDI pattern format - just load to a track containing an instance of the upright bass instrument and you'll instantly have a usable bass line that automatically adapts to the tempo of your sequence. Use the transpose feature in GRID EDIT to easily change the pitch to suit whatever key you want to work in; all patterns are labeled with their native pitch and the tempo they were originally recorded at.
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Do I need any additional FX plugins for this expansion?
No, only native stock plugins are required - just make sure your MPC is running the recommended minimum MPC version.
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Is this easy to install in standalone MPCs and the Force?
Yes, we provide two separate installers, one for 'standalone' use and one for installation directly into the MPC Software/MPC Beats. The standalone version is simply copied directly to the 'Expansions' folder on your MPC/Force disk, the MPC Software XPN file is just dragged directly into the software. Full instructions for both standalone and MPC Software installation are provided in the included User Guide.
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Does this work in MPC 2?
Yes absolutely, the MPC2/Force versions still feature all velocity layers, string release noises, sound presets & MIDI grooves.
Technical Specs
| Contents: | Fully multisampled upright bass instrument, sound patches, MPC3 track file, 60 MIDI patterns |
| Format: | 24 Bit WAV, XPM, XTD (MPC3 track file), MIDI patterns |
| Compatibility: | Modern MPCs running MPC2 or MPC3 in standalone or controller mode. Also suitable for the Akai Force, MPC Software & MPC Beats |
| Supported Hardware: | MPC XL, MPC Live (1, 2 & 3) , MPC One / G2 / One+, MPC Key 37 / G2, MPC X / SE, MPC Key 61, Force. |
| Minimum Software/Firmware: | MPC 2.11+, MPC 3.4+, Force 3.2+ |
| Disk Space Required For Installation: | 1GB |
| Developer: | Pad Pimps |
| Delivery: | Download instantly after purchase |
| More Info: | MPC Upright Bass User Guide |
