AKAI MPC XL: Sounds, Pads and Workflow with Illa J

Watch Rapper and producer Illa J - younger brother of late producer and rap star J Dilla - dig into AKAI MPC XL and share his favorite features and creative tips. Illa J on family, flexibility & MPC - "I have lot of history with MPC that goes back to my brother. MPC was one of his favorite machines to produce music on and it always has special feel when I touch one. All of my mentors use MPC, but we all work on it completely different. That's what's so cool about it, because you can make it sound like you. You can do almost anything with it. It's really amazing piece of equipment". Key features: • Extensive library of premium plugin instruments, effects and samples • 8 core processor • 16 Gb RAM and 256 Gb Internal SSD storage • 16 MPCe Expressive Pads (four quadrants each and XY effects control) • 16-step RGB function button sequencer • 10.1" multi-touch screen • Assignable performance touch-strip • 8 separate line outputs for external routing • 8 stereo CV/Gate outputs allow deep integration with modular and analog synthesizers • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MIDI, USB-C, XLR (combo jack), RCA connectivity and more • Stem separation Timecodes: 00:00 - Illa J Introduces Akai Professional MPC XL 00:37 - MPC legacy: family history & J Dilla's influence 01:16 - Learning MPC in 2007: 10-minute beat contests in California 01:43 - First personal MPC: why MPC Live changed everything 02:29 - Favorite workflow upgrade: Channel Command for track effects & routing 02:58 - Capturing "natural feel": pads, timing, and staying in moment 03:15 - Touchscreen editing: step sequencer & dragging notes off grid 03:55 - DAW standalone: naming tracks, editing, and full control on-board 04:26 - Everybody's MPC workflow is different—how Illa J starts beat 04:39 - Starting with drums: building pocket before sample 06:36 - Session discipline: naming tracks & saving two backups every time 07:23 - Magic of sampling: happy accidents that become hook 07:51 - Chopping approach: working with sample from APM library 08:29 - Multiple sample copies: trying different chops without losing ideas 08:51 - Modern storage power: why newer MPCs remove old limitations 10:04 - Choosing chops by feel: pocket, swing, and little "drag" 11:18 - Step sequencer strip as mixer: track mutes, colors, and cue links 12:34 - Favorite plugin: Analog Dreams & faster control with Q-Links 14:03 - Finding sounds fast: browsing categories (bass, leads, synths) 15:19 - Pads vs keys: how limitations spark new musical ideas 16:03 - Hands-on synth control: ADSR, filters, and real-time performance tweaks 17:00 - Standalone studio mindset: building full tracks without computer 18:07 - Performing & FX: touch strip, multiple outs, and live arrangement ideas 18:48 - Note Strum & Touch FX: reverse, beat repeat, filters, and fades 20:25 - Why touch strip matters on new generation MPCs 20:41 - Q-Link pads & multi-page performance setup: breaks, filters, transitions 21:16 - Mixing-board feel: horizontal layout and track organization 22:05 - Conclusion www.akaipro.com/mpc-xl/ Playlists: https://rutube.ru/plst/944449 https://vkvideo.ru/playlist/-235081080_44 #AKAI | #MPC | #XL Original video: https://youtu.be/XZuDS8nZLFU