Akai MPC Live - hands-on

[@Madison-ut6bz]

I am so happy something like this exists now its about time honestly. I don't know If I'll ever get around too it or when but JESUS CHRIST ALMIGHTY THANK GOD FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS

[@Yo_whatupwithyou]

It looks like it may be time for NI to make s stand alone Maschine. The new Mpc is a boss. Akai making a strong statement

[@VitalyPashkov]

It is time for NI to make at least a controller, but not so god damn fragile as all Maschine series. And with ONE screen, not a couple of smaller ones. IMHO of course.

[@embodie_breaks7089]

NI won't make a standalone Maschine. There mixers don't even have standalone Effects beside maybe a filter. They are focused on there software only, which to be real, there killing it on. This is dope and unique because it is standalone like the Topaz(standalone and with software on pc) but better.

[@dcptracks564]

bugs and all, and with side of horrible customer service, I wouldn't say that are killing it...

[@embodie_breaks7089]

From what i understand the MPC Live has No warp, no side chain compression yet (common really?) Cant reorganize tracks, can't delete sections of a track, something with a lack of effects all on hardware so yeah since your gonna need a computer to finish your projects, id say NI is killing it. Im an MPC fan, Ive own many mpcs, but these features missing is not worth the money. Let them iron out bugs and get there shit together. Cause if i were head of Akai i wouldn't drop a "standalone daw" as there calling it and be missing something like side chain compression. What year is it? BTW NI's customer service is great.

[@Yo_whatupwithyou]

Mark Spies maybe I spoke too soon. I just saw a Mpc live returned today at GC. Glitches and controller malfunctions. I'd be more excited to buy if akai's reputation for reliability was better. Seems like they come out with a new controller every 6-12 months without given producers time to digest their current one. I hear their software can be a bit buggy at times. Ever since they were bought out some time ago, their reputation for being a reliable has taken a few hits.

[@stevejeffries5403]

Talking about this as a 'live' hub, one thing I've found it doesn't do is allow you to play from an external keyboard, specifying a particular programme/track. The external keys will always play the track highlighted, you can't specify a midi channel so I can't for instance play a sampled piano from the Akai using an external keyboard while at the same time playing a kit with the pads.

[@TheAmpCast]

Thanks for making this! I've been addicted to my MPC Live once I learned how get around the controls.

[@Shawn-ub9ud]

but why did they do the display on the right and not the left.. Am i the only one who thinks that is weird?!

[@symphonicclown]

I thought so too but it's not a big deal once you start using it... You don't even realize it

[@CatLover-g7j]

The MPC LIVE is simply amazing!! GET 1~ !

[@MrLongduckdoong]

Yup!

[@devonhansen7705]

need more detailed demonstration of the effects in this thing, anyone know any reviews that have covered this properly?

[@djreddy666]

In the review you guys say this unit will be priced at £799, however, all the shops that I have checked have it down at £969??

[@braedendalby2101]

Thank you so much for this walkthrough. Very helpful/informative!

[@iamrocketray]

Thank you for a good review that a non musician can understand, also for not being hip hop specific as most mpc reviews are.

[@PHeMoX]

How the hell can they question the relevance of turntables?? More music than ever before use samples and honestly this is a sampler we're talking about. I'm actually surprised not more samplers feature these inputs by default really. Same goes for a mic xlr combo input. I'm sure some will argue you can use audio interfaces / mixers etc. to extent the I/Os, but something like this definitely needs the phonos, the line ins and the mic ins.

[@dankirkhus]

Why is the text on some of the buttons off-center? (See: ERASE and TAP.)

[@thomaskurumassery5433]

1]How much instrument layers are there in pad? 2] How much voice polyphony? 3] Is it Have foot switch Option? 6] Its is very beautiful…..

[@MrKaydee365]

how is the live and mpc x as far as compatibility with other plug ins like Spectrasonics with the 2.0 and how versatile is it with regard to sending made tracks to logic or pro tools to do vocals etc...

[@evildead2002]

If you sample a synth on the input, would it quantize the notes if the timing is a bit off?

[@Zemael]

Hi, Can you arm different midi tracks and record simultaneusly on different track on different midi channels? Thank you.

[@natanmandala]

What are audio tracks specifically?

[@fahadha]

does it have the option to connect a mouse? maybe that's something that can be added, since there are usb ports (if it's not there already)

[@marctronixx]

you can add a mouse and keyboard (source: myself. ive had one for a week)

[@fahadha]

nice!

[@AveMcree]

Fahad Ashraf why not work on pc?

[@iamrocketray]

+Ave Mcree you can work on the pc with it, but you can also take it to the beach without carrying a carload of other gear. Also with just a mike you can just wander around taking samples with it. But if you only work at the PC then the MPC live is a bit over the top and a mpc ren would be more suited for your workflow.

[@fahadha]

i asked based on the part in the vid where the guy said it was fiddly to move audio files around by touch... a dedicated machine like this with the addition of a mouse is not really the same as switching over to a laptop and DAW; probably either could work well depending on the person though

[@funkstationstudio9813]

Thanks for the great video. How long do you think it would take someone to learn their way around the unit who has no MPC experience? I have been strictly a DAW user.

[@seven7sseven7s83]

I'm very experienced Cubase (guitarist composer including moviescores ) and pretty proficient muso but honestly still learning to use after few months part time play (I'm elsewhere employed and have a family) I watched tutorials for a while to evaluate but I need to be hands on to appreciate so I bought one - Be aware it takes a while to learn and in my view doesn't really replace DAW for rockers . Though powerfull editing Not really for "live play" either (for me as contemporary guitarist which I wanted to investigate) . But there is potential if you're very savvy and take time to develop midi looping programming (in which case easier to play with others or create backing track). Despite overall storage NOTE there ARE memory restrictions to what is usable (if you search you'll find that info) But it's AWESOME for hip hoppers and sample stealers (not judging but I'd never use someone elses samples or risk litigation in commercial work). And awesome for what I'd call experimental (for me - I'm not a hip hop guy but v intrigued and excited by possibility but it takes time ) while it's not my main tool I can't bear to part with it -i can see the potential to remix my own stems and samples in the near future. Suggested tutorials - tubedigga Curtis & dawlessjammin plus others to learn.

[@seven7sseven7s83]

Was that you on your drums on your audio channel (audio 7)? Sweet !!!

[@Towly263]

Wondering why akai f&@ked around with the controller stuff for so long.

[@RallyDon82]

yea its been a weird period for Akai but it was definitely worth the wait, i was a bit apprehensive for the MPC LIVE and the MPC X but they are starting to look very tasty indeed.

[@AveMcree]

Towly263 because of the demand for controllers

[@AveMcree]

when controllers first came out. I bought a behringer controller.. Worst purchase ever it was literally push a button. I realized the industry wasn't for me. Performance is too under valued that anyone thinks they can make it. Serato saved the industry a bit. I get that it's easier to do stuff on laptops. So, much love to those who love that. Maybe, I'm too old fashioned lol

[@AveMcree]

Most people still made beats on the 2000XL which imo is the best version (though Roger Linn was not a part of that). I guess people want to be more hands on with the music. Now, the community starting to make videos to help people get involved with hardware which helps show the "fun" aspect of limiting yourself to progress creativity.

[@muxima2004]

we r in century xxi no more laptops, stand alone are the revolution, I love to travel light not bulky, hurray mpc live

[@JXVI]

I haven't seen an answer anywhere... Can you "nudge" the tempo forwards and backwards to beatmatch live?

[@siccavicca]

Is there a digital in & out ?

[@ConnorMac]

I’m just looking for a live beat machine that can loop (my own samples), so I can then play guitar and sing over. I don’t particularly need all the other features this has... any cheaper alternatives? Standalone is something I need however as I can’t risk taking my maxed out laptop into the messy bars I play in. Would appreciate any advice, thanks!

[@jonathanvandenberg3571]

Connor Mac I think this is what you're looking for. www.google.com.vn/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.akaipro.com/products/pad-controllers/mpx-8&ved=2ahUKEwiVq4LwloLZAhXEq48KHTIJAE8QFjAAegQICRAB&usg=AOvVaw0cBCdRlRYTE_gKV-txtMDm

[@platinumedgemusic9293]

I've owned a custom mlc 2000xl. I think the mpc live is dope..........I just don't like touch screens controls on my music equipment. I like switches, buttons and knobs, which is why I like elektron gear so much. I more than likely buy a mpc live.

[@quiksandd9949]

How exactly do you set it to quantize??

[@antman0216]

I'm kinda over the newest gear thing. It looks good and has some nice features. I like the duality of the new MPC's. Also the host was talking over the presenter a lot! 😀

[@foggydrifty]

Y'all could try using the machine next time?

[@joeoconnor8309]

Will this work with ableton live or just mpc software?

[@American_Indian_man]

anybody tell me where I can purchase one...I went to a guitar center and was told it was not out yet!!!..Has it been released fir purchase.

[@mpclive5693]

I just got one. AMAZING!

[@Diddddu]

Totally AMAZING there isn't anything messing with this now in 2019

[@DJBENVERA]

Can we easily swap out the battery when it won't hold a charge anymore in 5 years?

[@RallyDon82]

it doesn't look like there is a easy access panel for the battery which is a a shame but not a major compromise, so some disassembly is likely needed to access it, at which point it should be easy to swap out :)

[@OscarBerglund]

Frodo is a great drummachine reviewer!

[@tomk6613]

The obvious comparison from my standpoint is to the Elektron Octatrack; how does this compare to that?

[@monkey76kerr]

Tom K this looks better

[@tomk6613]

Maybe more intuitive workflow, but features/ capabilities-wise? Can MPC Live auto-detect sample source tempo? Sequence CC changes? And I have a hard time believing the touch screen is going to be as fast or accurate in controlling parameter changes as the crossfade controller.

[@midilyfestyle]

Tom K Nothing as immediate as the Octa's crossfader. Also this cannot accept any midi data outside of note/velocity/aftertouch (which is a gigantic wtf). The warp algos sound better in the MPC to my ears. Sample organization and workflow is easier and quicker on the MPC, plus being able to add a SATA drive is great. USB 3.0 smokes the sample load times on the octatrack. The octa has loads more options in terms of modulation: one shot envelopes, customizable LFOs, etc. The MPC is a MILLION times easier to use if you want to make classic sample chopped music, IMO. I used to want to throw the octa across the room because its quantization only snapped samples back in time. Plus only 8 voices max got annoying when trying to play classic drum rack type stuff, especially because workarounds like creating complicated sample chains etc are really time consuming. This has something I wish the octa had: METERING. Being able to see levels (and know what track is making what sound at a glance) is invaluable. I also prefer the effects on the MPC, as there are more options and they are more immediately usable in my opinion. Octa: idm-in-a-box, tons of fun to mess with sample speed and reverse using crossfader, steep learning curve and want-to-throw-it-against-the-wall levels of frustration when things aren't working out MPC: super immediate sample chopper's paradise, good for making full songs or building large sample libraries, especially from long samples, really easy transition from Maschine/Live, harder to come up with happy accidents, frustrating lack of modulation and midi in control My two cents, horribly organized. Sorry haha

[@tomk6613]

jozeph gee thanks for all that info! Really helpful. Can you answer the 3 questions I had above? Especially the sequencing of parameter changes?

[@platinumedgemusic9293]

I think your assessment is correct on the mpc live. I own a octatrack and a A4. I just don't care for the touch screens on music instruments.

[@MrGateofHorn]

How would an XLR Mic with an XLR->3.5mm adapter work with this thing? The MPC Live seems great but lack of XLR is a bummer.

[@rossbeaton]

Vinyl outsold digital sales in 2016 in the UK. 2017 phono input = relevant 👍

[@satansonion2104]

They're not classic MPC pads, they're even better.

[@JoeBlow-tr6xt]

Great video- Is it possible to make good beats or tracks without ever having picked up an instrument? Do I need to learn keys? It drums? I’m looking at an MPC Live and just want to have fun but am I wasting my money not playing any instruments? That piece interests me because I think you can assign chords to the pads etc and play with presets but idk

[@seven7sseven7s83]

You don't 'need' to know how to play an instrument but obviously helps to understand intervals /scales to make meaningful melodies on pads & screen. There is a significant learning curve so watch plenty videos before you buy.

[@HansInNorway]

Good presentation - makes me want it even more.

[@djjas764]

So they are now forced to say that pioneer sp16 toraiz is over price coz Akai mpc live came into the scene..... Pioneer needs to add more features now and needs to cut down with the price also... but for that they need time.. Akai took 3 years to make the standalones and they were already having the coding for my mpc touch, software I mean. Don't know how much time pioneer will take now.... Pitty for toraiz customers. So like pioneer kicked denon over the years continuously. Now pioneer will get tight from Akai coz of their new standalones and their price factor. Yes this time denon done a great job as well. They came with new flagship CD players and mixer and saw denon turntables as well.. don't know how good their are. But heard they packed with new more features and better hardware experience. Good competition... keep doing it.

[@vileguile4]

Toriaz isn't really a music production tool though, is it? Basic loop playing and sequencing and an analog master filter basically. You could probably make great stuff with the Akai and then load the loops and one shots into the Toriaz and play it live. They did say they had more coming and that Toriaz was the flash ship of the line. Or did i dream that? There was a sale on Maschine Studio recently which usually indicates new product coming out. I think there was one at least. Im so tired from work ^_^ NI could probably come up with some seriously badass competition. Keep the sequencing and sampling part, add loading of Reaktor preset instruments and effects .... done!

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

yeah Pioneer should have combined the SP16 and the AS-1 into one machine. That would have made it more appealing to me at least.

[@djjas764]

Sleepydog well I don't think NI will come out with Maschine Standalone reason they are software company. Even their hardware works with software only and about making music in mpc live and thn put that work as sample and later do live stuff with Toraiz, you can do the same thing in Akai mpc live as well. Thn there is no need to buy toraiz. Yes if you want to it with cdj 2000 nxs or nxs 2, to sync thn toraiz is good. Else mpc standalone is complete solution for music production and live performance and later merging mpc 2.0 software so that one can use power of vsti and effects

[@MinimalWave1982]

Cant wait to mess around with this. I saved already 50% of it 😄

[@MinimalWave1982]

hey u have to work and save the money foryaself 😉

[@CharlesBronsun]

is it easier workflow to drag in midi?

[@supermcfly100]

is there or is there not side chain compression in the software. I'm an mpc touch user

[@creamfiend84]

no there is no sidecchain compression with 2.0 software

[@jollojakar8995]

Shirt guy keeps touching his nose like mad.

[@_EightySix]

"I think i'll wear my dirty old pajama t-shirt for the video, and i won't shave for a week and then i'll do a fat rail of coke and we'll shoot the video"

[@tifu678]

EightySix my thoughts exactly!!!

[@jackschiele7646]

Cocaine. Lol

[@Towly263]

😀👍

[@symphonicclown]

Booger sugar!!!

[@Danial3w]

Si Truss ummm I heard that name before FL Sytrus >_

[@mjcantstop]

Does anyone else find touch screens a turn off? like i don't wanna feel like i'm using an iPad or iPhone, just an observation but i'd have to try it out I guess.

[@edorc1]

are they afraid off speaking out clearly the cons of a product..?? they act very anxious possibly hurting akai, telling something negative.. you always have to listen between the lines.

[@sock_park]

am i doing a good job music papa?

[@DaemonsRetribution]

I feel retarded for thinking this was a gaming ultimate miny pc (umpc)

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Mpc Live and touch are far more superior than maschine

[@MrLongduckdoong]

GET A MPC!!!

[@conslik4517]

MPC presentation 5 minutes and rest trolloconversation jesus

[@eloahim]

Constantine Slik jajajajaj right😂😂😂

[@gavloft]

DJ shadow

[@chrisgalactic]

Okay im buying this lol

[@Chevytravelleruk]

This looked like a fantastic product and then Akai decided to jack the price up in the UK before it's landed.. VERY BAD FORM AKAI!...

[@damiensimper]

returned my MPC live, bought new ipad-pro and BM3! no brainer.

[@entyce66]

Eʞko Punkt I thought about that myself I have the iPad pro12 inch iMPC pro app make a beat and finish it on the 2.0 ....

[@pauloyoshizaki2103]

AKAI : MPC - X Touch ; Painel : ( Tela ) de Touch ; Ótimo !!! Equalizador - Gráficos ; Tons ; Ritmos ; Effectos : mudanças : Prático ; Tela ; Maior : Ajuda Muito !!! Acionar Botão ; Som Suaves !!! Digital ; Parabéns !!!! Muito : Bom !!! Mesmo !!!! AKAI :MPC - X Touch 😃😄😲😃😄💡💡💡👍👍👍👍

[@foolhardby]

以前

[@buntatf32]

Mac import

[@morten1]

I'm moving away from computers, screens and all the visual, menus etc. in general, so I'm gonna pass on this one. It looks good and powerful but also too advanced. I want to work very fast, direct and play and feel the music rather than editing, browsing etc.

[@bigkingsha]

Why is it that all these review guys look haggard, and bummy? Like they haven't showered or shaved in days and eat nothing but Pop-Tarts and frozen pizza and sleep until 11 am?

[@fahadha]

the gig economy

[@Gyrbae]

I know that's going to happen to me once my MPC Live arrives.

[@jimmythegent9190]

same here lol

[@tenmilesky7331]

the lack of pretentious bullshit makes it a more than worthwhile tradeoff. - & also, why even give a damn? this was a good overview of a kickass instrument. A+

[@tifu678]

x. m.s looking like you showered, wearing a clean shirt and not looking like you just snorted a line of coke is far from being pretentious. There is something to be said about being presentable.

[@allroads8978]

Flip flopping - live of touch - today it's live - and bugs /seriously ? Firmware updates / just breath, it's okay