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An introduction to Metric Halo / Make Believe MB TMPC, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
To build TMPC, we captured and lovingly modeled the unique signal path character of Terrace Martin’s MPC3000.
— Metric Halo / Make Believe official site
What is MB TMPC?
MB TMPC is a plugin from Metric Halo and Make Believe that models the signal-path character of an MPC3000. The model is Terrace Martin's own MPC3000, and the maker's page carries the tagline "Hip Hop Knock."
The MPC is known for its 16-bit converter sound, which the maker says gives drums and samples a distinctive character and an impact often described as "knock." TMPC recreates the front end of that unit.
Operation is simple: tune the drive to find the amount of knock you want. It is meant for drums but can also be applied to bass, vocals and more, as if the material had been sampled that way at the source.
The maker positions it for songwriters, producers, beat makers and multi-instrumentalists, including anyone who wants to turn a jazz song toward hip hop. A free 30-day trial is available.
Recreated MPC3000 front end
The signal path of Terrace Martin's MPC3000 was captured and modeled. It may suit adding the converter character of that 16-bit era to DAW tracks.
Simple drive-based control
The maker describes tuning the drive to find the right knock. The design lets you set the amount with few controls.
Layered distortion and character
It adds finely controllable layered distortion and character, and can be placed on bass and vocals as well as drums.
30-day free trial
A fully functional 30-day trial is offered on the maker's site, so you can check it in your own setup before buying.
Adjustable UI size
The interface can be resized, which may help on smaller laptop screens.
MH Preset Manager
The cross-platform preset manager lets you share presets between Windows and Mac.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Signal path of Terrace Martin's MPC3000 |
| macOS | macOS 10.10 or newer (Intel or Apple Silicon; AU, VST 2/3 or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Windows | Windows 7 or newer (Intel processor; VST or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Licensing | An iLok.com account is required for licensing (an iLok dongle is optional; iLok Cloud also works). One license covers both platforms and includes two activations |
| Other | A +DSP version runs with zero latency on Metric Halo 3d audio interfaces |
What is included and system requirements
- MB TMPC plugin (AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native)
- MH Preset Manager
- Fully functional 30-day trial (from the maker)
- A +DSP version included with Metric Halo 3d audio interfaces
How to use it
- Get the trial or the full version from the maker's page.
- Register the license to your iLok.com account.
- Install and rescan plugins in your DAW.
- Insert MB TMPC on a drum or sample track.
- While playing back, raise the drive gradually and listen to how the knock develops.
- Toggle processing with the Enable button to compare before and after.
- Try small amounts on other tracks such as bass or vocals.
- Save settings you like as presets.
Beat making
It may suit adding an MPC-style texture to programmed drums and samples, and works as a plugin in any compatible DAW.
Drum bus
You could layer distortion and character onto a kick and snare group.
Texture on bass and vocals
The maker intends it for bass and vocals as well as drums, so applying a small amount to change the mood is a possibility.
Turning jazz material toward hip hop
The maker's description includes people who want to turn a jazz song into hip hop, so it may suit shaping sampled-style textures.
Who it may suit
- Beat makers and hip hop producers
- People who want to add MPC-style texture to DAW audio
- People who want to add character to more than drums
Good to know before you buy
- An iLok.com account is required; the license includes two activations and the dongle is optional.
- Supported on 64-bit macOS 10.10 or newer (Apple Silicon supported) and Windows 7 or newer.
- The page shows an intro sale price; the regular price is the $99 MSRP.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
David’s 2Bus
MB TMPC models an MPC3000 signal path with a drive-centered design and has a regular price of $99. David's 2Bus combines tape saturation, transformers and stereo processing, with a regular price of $179.
Price
$99 (Metric Halo / Make Believe official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See MB TMPC on the product page
Sources: mhsecure.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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