MPC creator, Roger Linn, stays focused with a single browser tab | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyNotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.NotificationsNotificationsHamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.The man behind the legendary MPC, Roger Linn, stays focused with a single browser tabNotificationsNotificationsComments DrawerNotificationsCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...EntertainmentCloseEntertainmentPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All EntertainmentColumnCloseColumnPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ColumnReportCloseReportPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ReportThe man behind the legendary MPC, Roger Linn, stays focused with a single browser tabHis advice: Deep breaths, keep it simple, and maybe play a little VR mini golf.by Terrence O'BrienCloseTerrence O'BrienWeekend EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Terrence O'BrienMay 23, 2026, 3:00 PM UTCLinkShareGiftRoger Linn lets his accomplishments do the talking. | Image: Roger LinnEntertainmentCloseEntertainmentPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All EntertainmentColumnCloseColumnPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ColumnReportCloseReportPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ReportThe man behind the legendary MPC, Roger Linn, stays focused with a single browser tabHis advice: Deep breaths, keep it simple, and maybe play a little VR mini golf.by Terrence O'BrienCloseTerrence O'BrienWeekend EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Terrence O'BrienMay 23, 2026, 3:00 PM UTCLinkShareGiftTerrence O'BrienCloseTerrence O'BrienPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Terrence O'Brien is the Verge’s weekend editor. He has over 18 years of experience, including 10 years as managing editor at Engadget.Roger Linn is a legend in the world of musical instruments. He’s been at the cutting edge of music technology for decades. He created the LM-1, the first drum machine to use samples, and its successor, the LinnDrum, is one of the most iconic drum machines of all time. They were used on countless records in the 1980s, including hits by Tom Petty, Queen, and Tears for Fears. But the most notable fan was probably Prince, who used them extensively on Purple Rain and 1999.Somehow, those are not his greatest contributions to the music world. That would, undoubtedly, be the MPC. Linn partnered with Akai to create one of the most popular and important samplers ever. The MPC60 and its successors became the tool of choice for countless hip-hop and house producers. J Dilla’s MPC 3000 even sits in the Smithsonian.Roger Linn was also an early adopter of MPE, or MIDI polyphonic expression. It’s a key feature of his LinnStrument, an expressive 3D controller released in 2014 — three years before the Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI) officially released the MPE standard. Turns out the man stays so innovative by keeping things simple and focused.What is your most indispensable tool?My MacBook Pro.Which is the most underappreciated?My Vision Pro. I called it the most amazing product I rarely use.What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?On a computer, Rhino3D.What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?Apple Mail’s bugs.What sites do you have pinned to your tab bar?New York Times.How many tabs do you have open right now?One. This document.Which social media platform do you use the most (if any)?I don’t use social media except to announce my monthly “All Things LinnStrument” email newsletter.What is your happy place online?A VR app for the Meta Quest called Walkabout Mini Golf. It was a large number of artistically created open VR worlds that offer a surprising level of beauty from the Quest 3’s limited power. I go there to play a game of mini golf, fly around, or meet friends in a private instance of a particular world.What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?I don’t know about “ever”, but these days it’s VR headsets, currently the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro.Which was the most disappointing?In general, I’m disappointed by products that are designed by engineers who assume their customers are engineers.What game do you have the fondest memories of?Myst.Which tech trend do you wish would go away?Spam.What creation are you most proud of?LinnStrument.What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?Keep it simple.What is your current obsession?VR.What do you do when you need to focus?Breathe. Calm down.What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?I try to shift my perspective.When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?I never go anywhere without my phone. Maybe swimming.What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?That would be a long time ago. I’ve only bought books, music, films, etc. in digital form for a long time.What do you think is worth splurging on?If someone made a VR headset with retina resolution, very high power, lots of beautiful open worlds, but it was expensive, I’d probably buy it.What would the tagline for your biopic be?“He created tools that allowed musicians to make better music.”What’s the last GIF or meme you used?This isn’t a GIF, but maybe it’s a meme:( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Terrence O'BrienCloseTerrence O'BrienWeekend EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Terrence O'BrienColumnCloseColumnPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ColumnEntertainmentCloseEntertainmentPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All EntertainmentInterviewCloseInterviewPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All InterviewMusicCloseMusicPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All MusicReportCloseReportPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ReportMost PopularMost PopularIf I could only have one laptop for work and gaming, I’d get this oneMicrosoft starts canceling Claude Code licensesGitHub faces a fight for its survival at MicrosoftThe Trump phone is not hereGoogle’s AI search is so broken it can ‘disregard’ what you’re looking forThe Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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The individual behind the legendary MPC, Roger Linn, emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus by keeping only a single browser tab open. His guiding advice centers on simplicity, suggesting that one should employ deep breaths and perhaps engage in simple activities like playing VR mini golf. Linn's contributions to music technology span several decades, positioning him at the forefront of innovation. He developed the LM-1, the first drum machine utilizing samples, and subsequently created the highly iconic LinnDrum. These instruments were influential in 1980s music, appearing on records by artists such as Tom Petty, Queen, and Tears for Fears, and were extensively used by Prince. However, Linn considers his work on the MPC to be his most significant contribution, noting that he partnered with Akai to create a highly popular and important sampler. The MPC60 and its subsequent models became essential tools for numerous hip-hop and house producers, exemplified by J Dilla's MPC 3000, which is now housed in the Smithsonian. Furthermore, Linn was an early proponent of MPE, or MIDI polyphonic expression, which is a core feature of his LinnStrument, an expressive three-dimensional controller released in 2014 just before the official MPE standard was released by the Association of Musical Electronics Industry.

Linn's reflections reveal a perspective on technology and personal pursuit. He identifies his MacBook Pro as his most indispensable tool, while the Vision Pro is regarded as the most underappreciated product, which he rarely uses. When reflecting on product development, Linn expresses disappointment with devices created by engineers who operate under the assumption that their clientele are also engineers. In terms of personal habits, he favors simplicity and focuses on calming techniques when feeling stuck, advocating for shifting one's perspective. His current obsession is virtual reality, and he finds his happy place online in VR applications for Meta Quest, specifically for playing environments like Walkabout Mini Golf. He asserts that the creation he is most proud of is the LinnStrument. Ultimately, Linn’s core philosophy, summarized by his advice, is to keep things simple, which encapsulates his entire approach to innovation across his work in music and technology.