Akai MPC Live Demo & In-Depth Feature Overview

In this Akai MPC Live demo, Andy Mac takes us through some of the functions and features of the new MPC.
www.gear4music.com/Keyboards-a...
The Akai MPC Live is a compact, standalone music production unit featuring 16 ultra-responsive, velocity-sensitive RGB pads and four touch-capacitive Q-Link controls. The Akai MPC Live re-captures the essence of what made the original MPCs so renowned, and brings it to the forefront of the modern era. The standalone design means no PC is required, with the unit boasting 16GB of on-board storage (including 10GB of premium sound content), a 7-inch full-colour multi-touch display and two USB 3.0 connectors for connecting flash drives and MIDI controllers. The MPC Live is natively powered by the MPC Software 2.0, giving you everything you need to produce your own music, perfect for a range of genres from Hip-Hop and Pop to EDM and more. With its ultra-portable design and wide range of controls, the MPC Live is the ultimate solution for mobile production as well as live performances.
Standalone Production Unit - The MPC Live provides you with a wide range of versatile controls, configured in an ergonomic layout to improve your overall workflow. The 16 ultra-responsive velocity-sensitive pads are backlit with RGB lights, perfect for performing in low-light environments such as studio and clubs. As well as being an all-in-one production unit, the MPC Live is also perfect for live performances, perfect for DJs and live musicians. The bright and intuitive 7-inch full-colour multi-touch screen, provides you with all the information you need on your controls, parameters, levels and more. At the heart of the MPC Live is the MPC Software 2.0. The MPC Sampler features 16 RGB backlit pads and four touch-capacitive Q-Link controls provide you with all the control you need for complex live performances, allowing you to store and trigger sample banks at the touch of a button, seamlessly switching between songs, rhythms and more. The standalone production unit also features a 2-in/2-out MIDI interface, allowing you to connect MIDI compatible sound modules, drum machines and controllers directly to the MPC Live for unparalleled MIDI sequencing capabilities.
Classic Design Meets Modern Innovation - The Akai MPC Live brings the classic MPC design into the modern-era with its standalone design featuring 16GB of on-board storage and a 7-inch full-colour multi-touch screen. The standalone design means no computer is required to operate the MPC Live. Combine this with its lightweight construction (5.5lbs), and the MPC Live is one of the most portable MPCs to date. The MPC Live production unit boasts multicore processing technology as well as 2GB of on-board RAM, allowing you to create rhythms, melodies and more with ease. The MPC is revered in the music industry for being one of the most prominent production units on the planet, revolutionising the production techniques of early producers. One of the most noteworthy features of the MPC is its ability to sample records and other sources, allowing you to chop and re-arrange samples with ease. With this in mind, Akai have incorporated an RCA input with ground peg and stereo balanced ¼-inch jack for sampling straight from vinyl.
Versatile Control - The ergonomic layout of the MPC Live makes it ideal for both studio sessions and live performances, while the intuitive touch-screen display allows you to easily access and navigate through sound content, music banks, file information and more. The internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, provides you with more than enough power for portable use, allowing you to setup and create wherever you go. The seamless integration means you can adapt to any situation, from connecting MIDI controllers and sound modules to connecting to your favourite DAW, to control your favourite VSTs and more. MPC Live features a wide range of controls and parameters including a built-in step sequencer, editable waveforms, live time-stretching, sampling, sequencing and more. You can also apply XY FX in real-time and use the MPC Live as a control surface for the MPC 2.0 software. Also included is a range of versatile connectivity from analog to digital including 6 configurable ¼-inch balanced jack outputs, a 1/8’’ headphone output, 2 pairs of full-sized MIDI inputs and outputs as well as an SD Card slot for loading samples and projects. 2 USB-A 3.0 connections are including for flash drives and MIDI controllers and the 2.5-inch SATA drive connector allows you to expand your memory with an SSD or HDD for added flexibility.
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[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello everyone! Whilst there is no confirmed date yet, you can expect the MPC Live for around late April and the MPC X for around Mid- May. We hope this answers some of your questions! Kind regards, Gear4music

[@csrader]

This thing is absolutely amazing. I saw an LFO label, right before he went into the effects demo. Modulation is good news.

[@ashleyprincewashington2130]

its beautiful.. its a game changer..... akai keep it up !!!

[@Legaceybeats]

i cant wait to have this mpc. my order is in

[@aikighost]

It looks awesome. The only thing I would have changed in the design would be to have the Q-Links on the left instead of right so I can drum with right hand and tweak knobs with my left.

[@mikesuniverse1789]

flip it like jimi hendrix

[@DarraghRedmond]

aikighost that could be dun in software , flip mode , turn the unit Upsidedown . I like it

[@mikesuniverse1789]

or open the case and 180 the monitor... might need to rearrange wires ..but thats a good idea

[@mikesuniverse1789]

thats what is said

[@wodeyjay528]

Not sure if I missed the sampling section, but am interested if you can do these things: - record a sample and assign to clip - record a sample and assign to pad (no time stretch involved) - phrase sampler / looper / recording audio tracks - resampling?

[@DarraghRedmond]

Nice one Andy :)

[@harryhippy]

You think you can show us a video of the mpc live or x controlling external hardware synths and modules? I would really appreciate it. I'm very interested in this machine.

[@nazgul12000]

mine shipped today

[@jessetaldotcom]

When will it be available for purchase?

[@bboymac84]

Is there a legato for clip launch? Also clip launch sounds a lot like traktors remix deck, is that correct.

[@pmk3574]

How do you delete or erase a project you created?

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

Nice

[@AsifHafeez]

Very good video. I have a question. I am a keyboardist and I play one man shows. I use the rhythms of my keyboard korg PA 50. I want to use sample loops with my keyboard's rhythm. I want to upload different samples on the 16 pads of Mpc live, and want to control start/stop from my keyboard via midi. The sample loops should be played in cycle mode and shouldn't stop unless I stop it from my keyboard''s start/stop button. While playing I want to change the variation of rhythms from the 16 pads of Mpc live in one project. Is it possible to do in Mpc live? I've tried a lot but couldn't do it now I am thinking to return the device. Can you please help me? Thanks.

[@504drumz6]

Akai should give us the option to be able to use the screen from the drum machine onto the laptop screen as well, so we can select from software screen to mpc screen and don't for get make sure we can explode track in song mode..

[@magnusdevo]

How many midi tracks can be used in stand alone mode?

[@pptang123]

so what time does mpc live released？

[@franmoller7322]

Can u make a video showing how it can control external gear by midi and cv?

[@lpn369]

Smdh I'm waiting on a cv demo myself fam.. ugh=/

[@Basecamp88]

There is now a SonicState video with the X that goes over midi and cv controls.

[@GloPhase]

Looks like a fantastic piece. Wondering if it will have a song mode? Or how arrangements will be handled? And if so how the arranger/song mode would be able to altered in a live setting, looping, jumping around, transitions, etc. Many thanks.

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello there, MPC X/Live offers a number of different methods constructing songs/live performances. In Song mode, you simply set the song duration adding all the required sequences to play automatically. Each sequence can have it’s own unique length/tempo/key along with programs/clips/audio tracks. You can also utilise next sequence mode for live which you would manually trigger offering the same results. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@504drumz6]

Can you explode tracks in song mode? Why have it in pattern mode but not in song mode?

[@Depuratumba]

great video! nice to see the Q-link configuration a bit... one question: how do you change the q-link function from project to program, pad scene, etc.? I mean, can you do this without menu diving?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello, You can change between each Q-link mode by Touching the desired mode (ie) Project/Program/Scene/Parameter. This is all a 1 touch feature with no multiple menus. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@Depuratumba]

but can have to go to the q-link screen anyway, right? or can you change modes while in sequencer mode, step editing, sample edit screen, etc.? also, any idea if these q link settings might be accessible via USB controllers on standalone mode? so you could have more than 4 knobs to control parameters

[@killyamomz]

Can this be mapped to serato ?

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

Yeah so far i am confused...the Toraiz is soo fun and easy... the MPC make it all complicated lol...i'll keep it for now will see...i like to have both

[@DatVolt]

Clipping at 20:15?

[@foggydrifty]

What's the sampling or sequence limit per pad? Can you spin a 45 second loop or is that considered an audio track? After the 64 bar loop is that then considered an audio track? Also, when recording in stereo to the pads can you pan the stereo track L and R on one pad or do you need two pads for a stereo pan? Really needing to see a sampling video Akai. Thanks.

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello. You can use Clips/Pads or Audio Tracks. The stereo sample is automatically panned L/R unless you’re combining 2 mono samples which you’d then pan L/R. We hope this helps. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@robertlee1176]

Does it have something similar to ProTools elastic audio, Ableton Warping and Logic Flextime?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello, Thank you for the question. Yes: Real-Time Time Stretch/Pitch Shift. 4 Algorithms are available within 2.0 software and 1 inside standalone Mode. Elastic Pro Elastic MPC Mobile Kind regards, Gear4music

[@thablackkat9905]

And STILL no confirmed release date?

[@meseratibeats]

can it read previous mpc programs and features ? I have a mpc 5000 plus some tracks made in a mpc 2000 xl can it open those files ?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello there, Thank you for the message. It can read all previuos program/Sample/Seq data. We hope this helps! Kind regards, Gear4music

[@kdee868]

i suppose i can copy a midi track to an audio one to keep my vst audio mixing settings in standalone mode?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello there, Yes, you can use a feature called "Bounce to Audio Track". This allows you to transfer any 3rd party inst/fx. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@remydupon9965]

can you use 3rd party vst's effects in standalone mode?? that would be nice :)

[@jessejamesmartin6415]

Not in standalone mode, you would have to print your audio through a bus track and save the audio with the plug in effects rendered, then import the audio track standalone. Best way currently.

[@drewson2a512]

This seems like an incredible device and the cost, when compared to buying a laptop just for making music, is attractive. However, it appears to be aimed just at the EDM market when surely it can be used for pop and rock. Any comments on this Akai or Gear4music?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello Andrew, Thanks for the question. We here at Gear4music don't believe in putting any constraint on your musical creativity! The MPC Live's unique composition capabilities will complement an entire range of different genres, allowing for a nuanced take upon how you make your music regardless of style. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@oretiasherron7394]

Gear4music when will it be released

[@murahachibu]

Can the input handle instrument level signals like guitar or bass or only line level?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello, Thanks for the question. In this case the inputs are Line-Level only. You would need a portable pre-amp. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@djedninechicago]

Hello, Can you assign a parameter of choice, and pad of choice to q link knobs? for example.... pad 3 and delay on knob 1, and pad 7 reverb on knob 2? also can you use pad mute while tweeking those q link parameters?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello there, Q-Links can be fully customized/re-configured to your requirements. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@504drumz6]

The screen from drum machine should be able to use also on laptop screen!

[@louiswarynski9039]

We can see a "CV" label on the screen. Does this mean you can use an audio output to output CV ?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hi Louis, Thanks for the message. Yes, the MPC Live can output CV to an audio output. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@louiswarynski9039]

This is insanely cool !

[@lpn369]

+Louis Warynski wow I didn't know that.. good question fam

[@andysundstrom226]

What is the mechanics and reasoning about different songs in a live performance? Most electronic music needs smooth transitions between songs, does it preload/have some sort of song arranger or do you have to make a really long "song" with the songs in it or? Thanks!

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello there Andy, Thanks for getting in touch. You are able transition between sequences which make up the song structure. We hope this helps! Kind regards, Gear4music

[@andysundstrom226]

I don't quite understand, i'll try rephrasing, can i make 10 songs on the live and then play them back in a playlist without any loading or is there a pause when i go to next song?

[@michaeledwin8650]

will it have the "next seq" mode as the older models?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hi there Michael. Yes, it does feature Next Seq modes. We hope this helps! Kind regards, Gear4music

[@bradydansmith]

What's the loading time when switching projects? Thinking about getting this for live to take some CPU strain off of Ableton, run backing tracks and sequence synths etc plus play around on.. Just curious about how long it takes to change projects. With Ableton, all my songs are there in one project so there's no change over time etc.. would be a bit embarrassing to have to leave the crowd waiting for ages in between songs.. really appreciate this video again thanks :)

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hi there, Thanks for the question! Loading time is fast but still depends on your particular project's size. Even if you’re utilising most of the features, loading time will be fast. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@bradydansmith]

Brilliant. thank you :)

[@bradydansmith]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I don't think that sounds like it will be a big problem. I have one more question if you wouldn't mind.. Basically my live set up this summer is this: Ableton Suite 9.7 ( live soft synths ) Ableton Push ( Controlling/playing Ableton Live ) MPC Live ( Essentially using 6 outputs for playback of various tracks i.e Kick output 1, Snare output 2 etc ) Prophet 6 ( Receiving patch changes and sequences from either Live or MPC Live My question is: When I change tracks in Ableton, the prophet will change patches, the instruments In Ableton will change etc... Can I load new sessions in the MPC Live via program change messages or something similar? Basically I'd like to be able to press one button then I'm away laughing. Many thanks if you have time to reply. B :)

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hi there, Not to worry, you can set up MPC so it receives Prg Change. We hope this helps! Kind regards, Gear4music

[@severeflows]

Since this supports audio tracks will you be able to use a USB mic to record directly in ?

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello there, Unfortunately not although it may be supported in a future update. Kind regards, Gear4music

[@mikesuniverse1789]

if you run a mic thru a digital multitrack or something like that and ran that output into the MPC Live it would record the vocals right? About how much audio can it record?

[@foggydrifty]

Still not showing sampling... Isn't this a sampler?

[@DocTheopolis]

Can you use AC power, instead of DC power? Wasn't sure about that from the other videos I've watched.

[@gear4musicguitars]

Hello, Unfortunately the PSU source cannot be changed. We hope this helps! Kind regards, Gear4music

[@DocTheopolis]

Ok, just making sure that I understand your reply: It can not operate using AC power? So if a person completely runs the battery down, how long would they have to wait to use the Akai MPC Live again?

[@padpusher5779]

One Year ago, I purchased to MPC touch because AKAI said the new 2.0 software was being released momentarily.......................what gives?

[@EliahHoliday]

Maybe I missed it, record automation of parameters?

[@fanusamurai]

Too bad they still haven't implemented Plugin Delay Compensation - confirmedly not for 2.0 either - so using 3rd party plugins is largely a no-go as sounds will be off time, and metronome will be off time, too.

[@babar141]

this remindes of Ableton

[@VTOLKits]

No Win 7 very bad!

[@JokerMansBeats]

1st off. It has been WELL past over due since the announcement of 2.0s existence & projected release...where the hell is it??? All these new Live & X videos are all aimed for dance & edm. Not one video shows making a beat from scratch. For all of us true hiphop heads that have been using & keeping Akai in business for so many decades, slap the X in the hands of Pete Rock or Premo! I want to see sampling & making a beat at it's finest from a living legend, someone that has dedicated their life/career by putting their hands on a MPC. All of these videos are all loops & remixing vocals. I want to see some one hook up a record player. Sample several records, take drum loops & instruments & chop it all to hell & explain the whole process in depth. Thats what i want to see Akai. Bang out a crazy beat from scratch. Don't just hit pads & play loops.

[@supermcfly100]

JokerMansBeats you the realist for this. couldn't have said it better.

[@JokerMansBeats]

DJilorian Baker you know it. SO SO MANY LEGENDARY old skool hiphop beat makers/producers that Akai could have hooked up with that would have nailed & killed these promo vids!

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

I thought it was me. I'm like where are the videos that actually show you how to craft something from scratch. So far, not impressed with this thing. I'll keep my Toraiz thank you.

[@mindvsmind9525]

The pads kind of look like liquorice dolly mixtures.

[@ccfunk1]

Can you just rock a beat in real time is all I want to know. along with does it have 64 internal tracks like MPC 2000xl. the bad thing on these demos is the god awful trap music sounds and beats UGH!!!!!

[@bboymac84]

Face at 1:40

[@reggiegimmix9128]

only 2GB shared (SHARED) ram. This 2Gb is used for all project, pattern, sequence data, and samples.... So not 2Gb for samples alone. Skimping on the non-upgradeable RAM is poor design choice. Hell the "Minimum" for the 2.0 software alone on windows is 4Gb RAM and (Recommended) is 8Gb. Why didn't they just use 4Gb on the hardware. Christ it's nearly £1000. Even my £70 Android tablet has 4Gb RAM...lol Already see there are people having space issues on their projects. This would have been my first MPC but will wait for a Live V2 maybe.

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

Future bass. Pfftt......

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

Yeah unfortunately this demos are always terrible...

[@michaelhartmann9971]

MPC TOUCH is still better.. buy a good lappy it's worth it

[@tychopoupeye7730]

you know what akai leave all the dumb features behind i dont need bluetooth and wifi nether clip launch and all that crap give me my goddamn mpc DAMN