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Custom Large Format MPC

Built in May by myself and my padre – Don Bwack – for the group Family Force 5 – a seven foot square MPC style midi controller. Weighs in at 750 lbs including intel mac, 22″ screen, 10 knobs, 8 momentary switches, 2 mod/pitch wheels, and 16 led backlit silicon pads.

This is in my garage the night we finished it. Sorry, the frame rate only catches about half of the led hits. This gives a good idea how the pitch wheels work with Ableton…

Here it is with the band Family Force 5 on the Warped Tour this summer…

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Old Setups, Part One…

I found this photo today on my laptop.  Wow.  I used to like Carter Beauford.  A bunch.  Can you tell?  I still have a heavy dose of respect for him, don’t get me wrong.  I’ve just moved on.  No hard feelings, just moved on…

 

 

Photo taken – Summer of 2001

 

Other ways I’ve moved on:

  1. Monstrosity of an electronics setup.
    • SP202 sampler.  Ancient.
    • Both an Alesis DMPro (for the sub kick sound) and a D4 (for the click sound (the Tama triggered the D4)).
    • MIDI loom both to and from the 50lb Drum Kat.  Professionally loomed with cheap blue, green, and white electrical tape.
    • Two Mixers, harder to see is the blue Rolls mixer in the rack
  2. Percussion
    • Woodblock – I do not miss it. You shouldn’t either.
    • Cowbell – I should bring this back.
    • Tambourine – The Hi Hat mic is really competing for space now.
    • Wind Chimes!!!
  3. Other
    • I used to organize my stick bag.
    • My ride was mounted vertically (and it’s a Z-Custom!)
    • Extra pedals – Subkick and bank change switch.
    • Splash Cymbal – Shane Wilson won’t give this one back.

If there’s something I’ve missed.  Let me know.

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