How to Layer Beats With the Akai MPC 2000xl Drum Machine

Akai has made professional drum machines since 1983. The electronic drum machine makes it easier for musicians to produce quality and complex tracks. To play multiple sounds together with an Akai MPC 2000xl, the user needs to layer the beats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick the beats you want to layer and find their beat numbers. To get the number click on the button that creates the beat. Write down or remember both beat numbers.

2. Press "Shift" and "Program." This opens the program menu on the screen. The program menu allows access to the set of the buttons for the drum machine.

3. Choose to program on "Drum 1." Drum 1 is where all of the sample beats are stored. Find the first beat for your track.

4. Take the first beat in the layer out of the program list. Go back and tap the beat's button on the pad. This lets you edit the button.

5. Select "Mode" and then choose "Simultaneously Mode." Here you add all the beats you want to play along with the first drum beat.

6. Enter the number of the second beat in the "Also Play Note" section.

7. Test the drum beats. Press the button for the first beat. You now hear both notes play simultaneously.

8. Go back to the Main Menu and use your layered beats as needed.