KP3 Recording Setup

[CurlyWS]

Well I've been a proud user of the kp3 for over a year now (beatboxing through a mic) untill getting another one. After much use I've realised I need to start recording what I'm doing. However when I'm recording it straight from the aux out, obviously I get a flat recording from start to finish of everything I do. Does anyone have the know how to record with the kp3 live whilst have the individual loops recorded seperate to each other?
Is there something I can do with the midi to manipulate the recording in this way? I really am desperate right now!
I'd appreciate anyone elses set-up and how they record for optimum results. Thanks

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

no, it can't be done live

the KP3 only has one set of outputs, so there is no way to get multitrack output

you could play the contents of only one sample bank (either by muting the others or only playing one) and record that bank, then repeat that process for each bank, but you can't record 4 separate tracks at once

You'd need some higher spec gear with multiple outputs to do that, and I don't know of anything quite like the KP3 that has multiple outs

you might be able to treat the L and R outputs as separate tracks, to be able to record two mono tracks at once. you'd need to ensure that the sample banks only contain samples panned hard left or hard right - which could be done by putting your mic through a mixer before it goes to the kp3, and adjusting panning before sampling on the kp3. I've never tried that - anyone else know if this would work?

[CurlyWS]

Oh damn I was afraid of 'no' being the answer
However you raise thoughts with your mixer idea. I wish I could test it but the only mixer I have is an old mixer for turntables with no panning on it
I really like the kp3 but feel really tempted scrap both of mine and start looping using ableton just to have the recording flexibility. But even if I was to hook up a midi controller with it I'm sure it wouldnt have the same sort of easibility.
Maybe I should quit whining and supress my gear lust and just record single tracked.
Do you use the kp3 at all for live performing? if so what sort of set-up do you run?
The reason im so driven is because Beardyman speaks in an interview about how he is currently making an album through the recent development in technology allowing him to do so. He mentions about being able to manipulate different sections of the recording like I talked about. However when you look at his set-up nowadays he has lots of different hardware sprayed about his desk.

[OhioBuckeye]

Maybe I'm missing something but you speak of one of the goals is making an album. Well if I took a DAW - say Acoustica Mixcraft for example you would be able to do most of what you want I think.

You already have sampled loops so you just manipulate the sample to create loops in the DAW and then you play those though your computer speakers for example while you do your thing live on the KP3 and then mix it altogether using your DAW.

It's a little roundabout but really in the end you'll problably want to make some modifications in the DAW anyhow so why not use it from the beginning?

OB

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

Do you use the kp3 at all for live performing? if so what sort of set-up do you run?

I have my KP3 on a 3-channel dj mixer, with my decks using 2 channels, and the 3rd channel is used for various things depending what I'm doing (either for my computer, or another mixer connected to synths, samplers and drum machines)

but the last time I played anywhere was before I bought all that stuff, this is just an expensive hobby for me!

The reason im so driven is because Beardyman speaks in an interview about how he is currently making an album through the recent development in technology allowing him to do so. He mentions about being able to manipulate different sections of the recording like I talked about. However when you look at his set-up nowadays he has lots of different hardware sprayed about his desk.

and he has two KP3s, so can record a separate track from each

Edit: somehow I missed that you said you have two as well ... so you could record two tracks at once, just not more (without trying the panning trick I suggested, which might not even work! )

[CurlyWS]

and he has two KP3s, so can record a separate track from each

I think you've just watched one of his earlier videos. Check his meaty set up here --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apqF40rf5FY

I was there for that by the way =D
Anyway yeah I can see a solution would be to expand my set-up with a couple more kp3s, recording bass on one, beats on another, melodies on another. That sort of thing. Maybe I'm being fussy but I still see this as limiting. I have a feeling there must be a more efficiant piece of multitrack hardware for live recording. This hardware thirst is going to drive me crazy.

And as a response to the DAW suggestion. Sorry to be stubborn but I want to use DAW's for literally recording and perhaps simple mastering but ultimately as little as possilbe.

If only there was a piece of looping hardware where each bank seperates with different track outputs. Then all would be gravy. Like the BOSS RC-50 with multitrack outputs, or an mpc that can loop live in my set-up (that isnt possible just to clarify is it?) . Then I can use the kp3's for effects with the dedicated looper doing my DAW work shift. What a lifestyle that would be

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

I have a feeling there must be a more efficiant piece of multitrack hardware for live recording.

http://www.elektron.se/products/octatrack

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

and he has two KP3s, so can record a separate track from each

I think you've just watched one of his earlier videos. Check his meaty set up here --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apqF40rf5FY

I was there for that by the way =D

nice

ha, there you go then, he uses 4 KP3s now!

(and a KoPro and microkorg!)

so yeah, I don't think you'll be able to reproduce it with one or two KP3s

I have a feeling there must be a more efficiant piece of multitrack hardware for live recording.

http://www.elektron.se/products/octatrack

[CurlyWS]

This is the link that fueled my search mostly -->

http://www.theregoesthefear.com/2010/11 ... rdyman.php

'You’ve been on the live circuit for a while now, why has it taken so long for an album?
I’ve been touring pretty much constantly for the last five years so it’s been hard to find the time to record. But more importantly, I’ve been looking for a way to capture the vibe and the flow of what I do live. It’s only recently that I’ve finally found ways to record, letting my creativity flow uninhibited into the computer multi-tracked and fully editable.'

You know what I'm saying Beardy now share the love!
And

'Also, my new computer based live-looping system which rivals Ableton will be coming out. At first just for me to use, so watch out for that,'

The tease loves the spotlight!

You feel my pain now right?? its there, it's so close I can read about it. Just can't get my hands on it! for all I know it could be all lies. This is like hunting the loch ness monster

Ill have a look at this Elektron thingy thanks for the link.

[OhioBuckeye]

What's the price of the Octatrack? $1500?? Seems pretty damn high to me. The Kaoss pads provide more in terms of fun play. The Octatrack simply does nearly as much fun to play as the KP3 or K Pro. But I guess it's in the eye of the beholder. Also functionality is important so if it meets your requirements then sure.

OB

[didjeko]

The octatrack is a very interesting machine, I think ; I would rather buy one rather than series of KP3 ; it's an other level of machine.
The KP3 is made to be used clearly by hands, so it can be a problem to have at least one hand not free and used for the microphone.
You have also the possibility to use a RC 50 + a guitar pedal board for the effects, and you can control everything with your feet using direct connections (looper -> effect or the contrary).

or you can use a software sampler and a midi controller (even if it's a computer-based solution).
Have you hard about Nosfell ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp2Xe_Om1jY
He uses a software multichannel looper devoted to the live, repetito (it's in french http://repetito.com/index.php?page=contenu_freeversion) - but Nosfell sings in his own language most of the time.

[didjeko]

I've just found this thing, by the way
http://www.looperlative.com/index.php

[Pastor-of-Muppets]

What's the price of the Octatrack? $1500?? Seems pretty damn high to me. The Kaoss pads provide more in terms of fun play. The Octatrack simply does nearly as much fun to play as the KP3 or K Pro. But I guess it's in the eye of the beholder. Also functionality is important so if it meets your requirements then sure.

well yeah, it's expensive, all Elektron's stuff is, and it's still not available yet, but it is a serious piece of gear with far more features and far more sample memory (and multiple outputs) - maybe not as much fun and bang for your buck as a KP3, but if the OP is thinking of buying four KP3s then an octatrack might be an alternative! and not that much more expensive than 4 KP3s. there's only so much a KP3 can do ... unless you're a genius like beardyman

[OhioBuckeye]

By the way that Beardyman video rocked. I never watched his videos before that was really cool seeing all those KP3 laid out there.

Are the Kaoss pads definitely in his standard setup consistently?

[CurlyWS]

Yeah this octatrack is looking good, but I'm still in A levels at the moment so I'm not an earner. However It's certainly the best thing I've came across fitting my description thanks!
If we are looking at a grand for a 4 multitrack looping function on a piece of hardware at the moment then perhaps I should just wait it out a few years.

And the argument between the kps vs the octatrack is weak as in my case if I was to buy the Octatrack all of my performance will still be goverened by the kp3's. The only function I would need from the Octatrack would be the multitrack looping, specifically for having layers of recording going through a daw instead of a single flat recording of the performance.

I certainly don't want to sack of the KP3's as I've learnt to use just as I did when I was learning to play guitar. I've grown used to the device through experiences the effects first hand and as I'm no music effects expert so when the kp3 brings up 'MOD3' I don't really know what its doing fundamentally in terms of music theory, I just know when to use it and what sounds work well with it (which is what it boils down to)
So in that respect I don't want to learn a whole new bit kit as I'll have to ride the learning curve again. I literally just want to be able to multitrack record. I would pay alot for an upgraded version of the kp3 with 4 outputs on it. I don't understand why there isn't gear like this about for my money considering the advances in other lines of technology!

OhioBuckeye --> and yeah Beardyman is next level in terms of his use of his gear. He started off with one kp3 and now his setup is massive. I think he has 2 mixers, one analogue and one digital. To me that implies his setup is fairly complex.