Revisiting The MPC Key 61 and My Role On YouTube

[@BennJordan]

Totally forgot about this! A random selection of some meh beats I made a decade ago on an MPC5000 🤦🏻‍♂️😅 soundcloud.app.goo.gl/pbx1h

[@pyrox2518]

ohh, youtube wouldn't let me post this to expose your false '' i don't make hip hop '' statement.. :)

[@sammadden5540]

MPC 5000 REVIEW INCOMING!

[@AuralVirus]

Block Rockin' Meh Beats

[@ga1actic_muffin]

Benn! What on earth is this incredible synth wave you just pulled out of your ass playing here: 17:36 I NEED MORE OF WHATEVER THAT WAS!!! o_o please... :3

[@victorcarrillo7618]

Another thing to keep in mind is that you got your replacement quick and without too many questions asked because you have a big youtube presence. Anybody who's ever had to deal with InMusic customer support will tell you if you get a buggy unit the first, second, and third thing they'll do is ghost you.

[@prodbydramatic]

@Nathaniel Walker not true they have helped me multiple times

[@donjezza]

As an MPC fan I thought your original video was great, I really didn't understand why so many got upset with you just giving your honest opinion about how it works for you.

[@brickz001]

Because he use it for a few hrs b4 making the video instead of giving himself time to learn how to use it imo

[@PianoMan-hx3ev]

People wanna hear what they wanna hear. Watch the news lately?

[@eddfromearth]

@@brickz001 he says the opposite, people be hating and not watching the video 😆

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

TrapBuddah: “muh MPC is perfect!”

[@Ancaja123]

Same here. Tbh I get he’s going to list edit bc grid edit sucks really bad on the new MPCs. Step Edit on my MPC60 (essentially list edit), was amazing and intuitive, the MPC touch screen requirements are reallllllly unintuitive, I’m sorry but that’s to me why I feel many times that my Live II feels “unusable”. Also, I encounter strange bugs ALL the time!!! So I get his original experience frustration completely, doesn’t mean I LOVE using my Live II, it’s just not my favorite way to make music and probably won’t become my sequencer centerpiece until I figure out a way to make it feel better/faster/more intuitive than my MPC60…

[@CelticStone]

some want drama to get clicks, some want a fair and honest opinion from someone they trust, not sure where the problem is. keep doing your thing please

[@davemakesnoises]

And some want their biases confirmed

[@MurrayWilliams]

Drama for clicks = Dark Side of the Force

[@tungtobak]

I completely missed the drama, but I also have very low tolerance for it. When a content creator I follow start to engage in youtube drama I usually unsubscribe without much pondering

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Ayyy, fun to see my dumb face pop up in the intro. Glad you're both enjoying the good aspects of the MPC ecosystem and holding Akai to account for the jank. I appreciate how you use your platform to encourage systems to be better for musicians.

[@Rbdearmon]

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and I swear it’s like you’re everywhere now lol

[@dustyaudio]

Please talk about the lack of patch notes and the dead link on Akai’s site for version 2.11 release notes and bug fixes. Love your videos!

[@vincebu6441]

Gabe is the young version of the guy on robocop that says 'ill buy that for a dollar' Gabe when you're old you better make a video and say I'll buy that for a dollar now!!!

[@Pro-gressive]

Anything for exposure? No apology for your bad take either? Stay classy.

[@Polyend]

Your 160 years song is exactly what we needed to hear today, thank you Benn!

[@HowieStephens]

Wait did you already listen to the whole thing? I'm only like a year in so far...

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

The intro will live on forever as one of the most epic moments in synthtube🤣 amazingly done dude👍🏼

[@midsoulmusic]

🔥

[@davidpaul4234]

Just incredible, the laptop out the window ☠️💀

[@kirkegodfrey414]

Massive THANK YOU for just giving your take, uncensored, with no agenda.

[@bryanburns9702]

Other than trying to get clicks through exaggeration and hyperbole.

[@bestkoreanjesus]

🥛🍼

[@AziDoesQuestionableThings]

@@bryanburns9702 there is no exaggeration in the title or thumbnail, how else does he garner clicks then?

[@jean-pierrejoubert6140]

@@bryanburns9702 Okay, but isn't the point of doing this going to relate to clicks at some point? If he got no clicks, would there still be a point to making videos? Differs for each person, I'm sure, but I struggle to see how using that as even a partial focus s seen as a negative. Also, not seeing hyperbole or exaggeration. The negativity I've seen on here with regard to his experience with a piece of gear is weird. The videos I've watched trying to "discuss" his take don't address the concerns raised, yet there's pushback over one guy's "take". Not liking this because of perceived drama would, imo, be a valid criticism, but slathering it with terms like clickbait and hyperbole when it's part of an ongoing discussion affecting not only Akai doesn't make sense to me. 🤷‍♂️

[@brmbkl]

@@bryanburns9702 where did he exaggerate? Or are you just throwing baseless opinions out there to see if they stick, you know, kind of like how the internet is full of users confusing their feelings for facts, throwing shade on anyone that has a bit of exposure be they politicians, musicians or b+b’s, and repeating pseudoscience that they definitely heard somewhere from this guy who knows more about stuff than those other guys… support you ‘analysis’ with some examples or your statement has no value whatsoever

[@MikeA0110]

Was a huge fan of your unfiltered, honest take on the mpc keys. To be honest, it was something I thought i (LoL) "needed" this, but watching your vid it instead became something I realized was just my GAS lust..... thanks again for a great review

[@bolttracks]

People are so used to paid advertisement disguised as “hands on review” videos that they get all up in arms when a review doesn’t reflect their preconceived enthusiasm for a product. I honestly think that most ppl watch reviews simply to have their opinions validated.

[@somedude3443]

That's not entirely untrue... I wanted a good octave pedal for my bass setup, and kinda leaned towards the EHX Pog series. I ended up getting a Nano Pog. Are there better octave pedals out there? Probably. I saw JHS review an awesome one not long after I bought my Nano for probably way too much money, but I didn't want to admit it at the time

[@Weaverbeats]

I'm proud to have coined the term "mpcgate" this video was a great follow up to your original video and the following drama that occurred. I think you have helped unhurt many people's pp's. 😎

[@VIRALBEATS360]

Why did I immediately think of your reaction when I heard him say that? By the third "pee pee" it was like having you snickering over my shoulder. 🤭

[@AziDoesQuestionableThings]

Les goooo weaver

[@blkrbbt]

So... You address the criticism of not knowing how to use the keys by absolutely running this machine through its paces... in ways that others are not able to do... Class act. Bravo.

[@SessionsWithMike]

It's because of the over abundance of brand fanboys and anti-brand hateboys, affiliate links to the same gear that's being reviewed, and shadow endorsements aka ("they just sent me this for free but I'm free to say what I want about the same company that showered me in free or discounted gear 🙄)" as if that's not a conflict of interest even subconsciously. Naturally this makes some "reviewers" tell lies, defend clear issues, defensive, or gloss over product, company, and brand deficiencies or highlight others. I thought it was great you held firm in what you thought about a product that clearly has real issues. I wish more did that good or bad regardless of brand or product. Props for standing firm on that.

[@SeverityOne]

For what it's worth, someone I know had the same experience with the MPC Keys 61 and returned it. So it's not an isolated issue. But if other people need to reference your videos in order to get views, you know that you're doing something right - and they aren't. Keep up the great work.

[@exhumus]

If a certain other KZbinr had watched and understood your entire video and focused on any potential cases of actual user error, showing the mistake and then the "correct" approach, then it would've served as a welcome addendum to your video. Useful to you and your viewers and maybe creating a few new fans both ways in the process. As it stands they just had a fanboy meltdown, they even turned on their own viewers who didn't agree with their approach in their comments section. You keep being you. We value your contribution to KZbin.

[@bengalinsky4300]

Anyone with a functioning brain saw that dude’s reaction for what it was - biased, small minded, ignorant fan service.

[@ethai1]

I can think of a few youtubers who can (and perhaps should) learn from Benn on how to review a product (hardware, plugin, anything) in a respectable manner, and not in a way that insults the viewer's intelligence

[@shocktnc]

100%

[@shannonpalmer]

I unfollowed a certain other KZbinr because I have zero interest in watching a grown man act like a child. If I wanted childish grownups, I'd just watch more of our politicians.

[@seangeisbush]

Okay who are we talking about lol. I missed all the drama until now

[@EZBOT_]

That shot of you dropping the MacBook is *chef's kiss*

[@R32Rocco]

I had never heard of you until I was starting to do research on the MPC Key 61, and prior to watching/ listening your video( I am blind, btw) I was all in for the new hardware, thinking to change my workflow into something a little more tactile and easier than using Cubase and my cc121. Other videos said very little about real world usage, CPU and RAM resources while using the built in sounds, crashes, etc. I appreciate your efforts to speak YOUR opinion, just ignore those who will try to silence your thoughts and opinions. They are entitled to their own opinions, but not at your expense. Thank you for helping me decide to wait on purchasing one of these units for now.

[@MS7.7]

You got that right! Enjoy your music 🎶

[@ceddmack2816]

That was a great response to all the drama. I often argue that the Mpc is not just a boom bap, hiphop, R&B production tools. My first thought was that he had a defective unit. I’ve only experienced the internal error on boot up since having it from day one. I love the fact that he took it outside of the “usual” way of using a Mpc. What he says about the quality of the sounds is true. I’ve filled all the plug-in instrument slots, up to 8 in standalone and did not experience any crashing. Could be about resource management. Easy to bounce track to audio. Regardless, I think this whole thing has been a plus for the music production community. Akai only has the choice to step it up even more. And they will.

[@scarletdawnmusic]

I don't know why people still give Ave McCree their time. Dude is the Akademiks of KZbin gear and *loves* to beef to drive traffic to his half-baked videos. Just ask In the Mix.

[@magnopere]

Akademiks of KZbin gear lmaooo

[@TheBrainvision]

Classy, precise and mature. You couldn't have done this any better. Big fan, all the way from Malaysia. Keep up the good work, Ben. Love your content.

[@josslyn303]

Yeah telling people their pp hurts screams maturity.

[@TheBrainvision]

And trying to make any comment sound subversive is mature as well. Enjoy your day, and don't forget your school lunch.

[@josslyn303]

​@@TheBrainvision It's called sarcasm, and I don't think children are the only ones using it.

[@TheBrainvision]

@@josslyn303 that what your folks told you?

[@josslyn303]

@@TheBrainvision Ben's videos are also filled with sarcasm. Maybe ask him.

[@VHS_PAL]

We seem to live in a world where people feel that they have to take sides on everything. Anything different from what they want to believe is an 'attack' on them. I would ignore them if I bothered to do KZbin.

[@shipsahoy1793]

It’s not so much the polarization, per se; it’s the “my way or die” attitude about things that don’t even matter much in the scheme of things that gets me…

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@vjfxtheory How many of you out there actually realize how ridiculous that sounds?!

[@peen2804]

It all boils down to insecurity imo

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

I really enjoy you as a music scientist. You use precise language, logical thinking and reproducible experiments in the service of musical art.

[@clacclackerson3678]

Music scientist? Perfect!

[@danielabada2868]

I think the importance of coming across negative reviews is really underrated. The reality of having to to listen to so many raving reviews about a piece of gear until you find someone who vaguely insinuates something is somewhat less-than-perfect, doesn't make any sense - to a point where if you as the consumer finds something you don't like about a product, you sometimes feel like the problem is with you and not the gear - how else would you explain all these pro musicians praising the thing in unison? Please keep doing what you do Benn - it keeps us all a bit more real.

[@_mickmccarthy]

It's a damn shame that people seem hell bent on aligning themselves with brands and take any criticism of said brand's products as a personal attack. Though it's not surprising on KZbin, controversial takes are always going to be "great" for views/engagement. Keep up the great work!

[@philipmarsh3522]

I wonder the same thing with brand loyalty in politics. Makes for some … interesting … results.

[@alexanderlane]

how could you say such a thing, I think everything on KZbin is great!

[@brotherbeagle]

You're a class act, Benn, and your channel drips integrity. Please keep doing what you do.

[@Neuri]

I believe you are now such a size that this should be treated as a “Benndemic” and you shouldn’t be allowed in music retailers in case you point out valid flaws and make people cry. Been here since “And Gear” and your M’favourite keep up the world class vids man nobody touches your work ❤

[@christianokami2220]

As somebody who uses my Akai Force in a un-traditional manner, I felt that your coverage of the Keys in the last video was more than ok. I got my Force pre-owned three months after it first released at a ridiculous price, as the original owner more than likely had those exact type of issues you faced with bugs (the firmware updates have been a blessing). Your video immediately went to the beta forums, so I’m glad to see that Akai handled the issue correctly.

[@EE7A]

the main takeaway from this video, for me personally, is that i suck at utilizing my mpc live because i have no idea how you made that ambient track, but it was awesome. great content as always.

[@VIRALBEATS360]

Holy comment section! Thumbnail change was the move, for sure. Glad you put this video out. Quite the party, during the premiere. Nice work!

[@housebandthexenos2569]

This "controversy" is fantastic exposure to show your, maturity, diligence, ability, and humour! Congratulations. This is the highest relationship of likes to views I've ever seen on KZbin. Any MMA fighter can probably handle the pressure easily from a situation like this. The internet can't even hurt your eyebrows. Keep it up.

[@bronzesoul]

I've watched a good deal of your videos before but this one made me subscribe. I love the honesty. Keep it real.

[@mutantdog.]

I did some beta testing for inMusic (akai’s parent company) a few years back, was some AIR plugins. From what I recall.. [redacted - NDA]. The whole company seems to have a rush-to-release business model with little priority given to updates and bug fixes. Shame cos they have many products that potentially could be great were it not for their problems.

[@alanphil]

I was wearing a Fitbit for four years. They did a software update that broke basic functionality on Android phones (Google). Fitbit is owned by Google. Google made the business decision to NOT do basic testing on Android phones before releasing their update. The largest software companies do not do basic regression testing of their software products. [I threw my Fitbit in a drawer, and bought a Garmin watch.]

[@mutantdog.]

@@alanphil I often wonder how much planned/forced obsolescence factors into these companies' approach to software updates. Perhaps they were anticipating customers would just think its broke and buy a new latest model instead.

[@unclemick-synths]

@@mutantdog. oh it's definitely a thing. Funny how many people think corporations don't put time and money into these things. Spend a few million to make a billion? Couldn't possibly be! 😀

[@BCThunderthud]

InMusic definitely seemed cursed for a long time, they killed Numark and M-Audio, and Alesis and Akai were in the wilderness for a while, but the recent MPC stuff and I guess the Rane One have been somewhat promising signs. Any sane person should have low expectations for a company that mostly purchases bankrupt brands and aggressively pushes them down-market, but they've been on a not-particularly-terrible streak for a few years now.

[@keepitshortnsweet]

Thank you for "keeping it real".

[@Rbdearmon]

As someone who comes from a more “traditional” music world and has stepped into electronic music making enough to know DAWs are too hands off for me. I really appreciate someone with your experience giving honest opinions on gear without being a gatekeeper about it. It really helps to see your(and others) workflows to see what will or won’t work for me. Thank you!

[@thequietfoundation]

I am both equally shocked at how reasonable you are, Benn - and amazed at the cogency of your arguments/defense/plain opinions and experiences.

[@jacksp8de]

The intro to this video made my lmao so epic man! I had recently found your channel and subbed like a week before the fireworks but I’m glad I did. I was so surprised at the reaction to the first video. I only seen Ave’s video and I didn’t about the know others. It’s so crazy people cared that much about an opinion about a keyboard.

[@Aridonis]

I’ve been distancing myself from watching a lot of the KZbinrs in the intro to this video, and I’ve found I’ve made a lot more music as a result.

[@mikebush3834]

Ok so I'm an MPC user and I started out with the MPC live mk1. It used to crash on me alot when I'd use the onboard synths... Then I figured, why not just use outboard synths and sequence them via midi. So I got a Roland Fantom-08, a Korg Minilogue XD, and an Arturia minibrute 2s. The Fantom-08 will do 16 midi channels by it's self. It doesn't use ram unless you record audio tracks. The CPU usage is minimal. I haven't had it crash one time yet. I highly recommend getting something like that if you're interested

[@gobowwoewow3752]

problem is the MPC key 61 is supposed to be an alternative to having to do all that and they're charging a lot for it

[@Spikeypup]

Same thing happened to me when I made a critical review of a microphone that I thought was overpriced for the sound. The Mfg. instead of having their pee-pee explode, decided to contact me to see if they could assist me as there must have been something wrong. And in fact, there was, I had a problem with my FX chain that I didn't know was happening, causing the review to go really far south for this mic. Thanks to the manufacturer reaching out, I re-tested and was delighted. Where it gets intriguing, is we then formed an extraordinarily strong relationship, now, I serve as a sounding board for a certain consumer base they focus on and now I participate in groups and talks with R/D, Engineering, Sales, and even the CEO, and often! They ask for my input all the time now and give me things to test and keep (the best part!). We took a bad beginning and turned it into a winning situation for everyone... and consumers now benefit from our collaboration (they sell 1,000's of units across dozens of SKU's on amazon daily)....all stemming from a negative review that they could have just dismissed.

[@SingularityMedia]

It was the same with the MPC live. Bought mine, stupidly, close to release. It took well over a year before it started doing what it was promised to do.

[@IsaiahGrande]

This is why I love your channel. Your response shows how much you know your business and the great music that you make. Keep it up

[@ethai1]

Many youtubers who do these kinds of reviews just relentlessly shitting on whatever it is they're reviewing, oftentimes using clickbait titles and thumbnails, and scream into their mics like "omg no this is soo bad" etc. etc. The reason I'm subscribed to your channel is because whatever criticism you do have, you present it in a respectable manner, and I think you make it clear that it's from your experience with whatever it is you're reviewing.

[@enochroot9438]

as I've gone through life I have learned integrity is everything...screw the shills & fanboys, keep an open mind, be honest & like what you like without apology. Keep being you Benn

[@EnochLight]

^ this right here ^

[@rickmay1188]

I appreciate your honest reviews. keep them coming.

[@JoseVGavila]

Go with the truth, even if it hurts some people. This is the value of your channel

[@robarth-meltedcheesehomest4012]

Love youre reaction video Benn! No mpc user myself but this recalls to so many other manufacturers who need to check before they get their stuff out to us!! Hats off !!!

[@TheJohnniegolden]

Benn is a reasonable guy. An intelligent one too. From what little I know of him, I don't think he has a hateful hair on his head. But he demands a lot from the gear he spends his dollar on. As should we all. I thank him for his filters. I feel he has a great position in general, and nothing he has ever said has hurt my pee pee, nor my wallet or my music making. I'd like to buy you a drink Benn.

[@kozhikkaalan]

Well said, sir, well said

[@dexstrumental]

You are who I trust the most on the internet. I laughed so hard in this one. Thank you, I needed that!

[@GianfrancoCecconi]

Benn, your review was perfectly reasonable. I am an MPC-X user and MPC firmware 2.11.x - the one that was created to add support for the MPC Keys - is terrible. In everyday use, still today with 2.11.4 - 2 months since the original release - I find unacceptable bugs for a tool that is intended to be production-grade. Most are incredibly basic and show 1) dramatic failures in the testing process, (e.g. one bug is that the MPC ignores the input MIDI channel specification and just gets anything coming in from the MIDI port) and 2) a dramatic lack of resources in addressing them (how hard can fixing the aforementioned bug can be?). I hope InMusic puts their act together before the large community of MPC fans starts looking for alternatives.

[@keepitshortnsweet]

InMusic already has "their act together". They're growing their business based on a model that profits off of selling unfinished music equipment and false advertising. A model that is not challenged in any way legally in the form of class action lawsuits. They operate like this with impunity.

[@kb420ps]

I'm an MPC X user, and I agree 100%.

[@CiabaMusic]

That intro is exhilarating. Supercool music content too, that generative track sounds really beautiful

[@vitaobassbr]

I really dig your video about the MPC... was very informative and you even compose a great song with that broken gear. Keep your good work!

[@KordTaylor]

We all so love Benn Jordan. His truth is big! ❤️

[@shocktnc]

Glad to see you standing up for yourself- You didn't do anything wrong and there was no reason for people to go after you for it.

[@chrisdavies9143]

Your first video was well-balanced and fair. You praised what should be praised, you criticised what you absolutely should have criticised. This second video is even better: you got some heat from some brand heroes claiming you "don't know how to use the device" and then responded by utterly pushing the machine to its limits and giving us all a masterclass in creativity. Hats off Benn, keep being you.

[@agentooe33AD]

Recent subscriber. Your initial video on this keyboard is what made me subscribe to your channel. I loved the honest take, and we need more of that. Glad to see that it ended up being a defective unit. Anytime anything new comes out these days, there's always bugs to be worked out, so that just goes with the territory. But we need honest takes on these products so we know what they are, and can make an informed opinion about it, which could mean the difference in spending $2k or not.

[@jasongravely7217]

Dude I’m dying at the intro to this. You’re awesome

[@midsoulmusic]

I actually love that you are always honest man

[@GothProfessor]

Ave is not a shill and does *not* deserve any of the abuse or shit-talking he's received, just as Benn didn't deserve any, but Ave definitely jumped the gun in his reaction to Benn's original video, making Benn out to be ignorant of MPCs and unrealistic with his criticisms. I've had an MPC Live since 2017, and I have been lucky to have never encountered a bug, but I knew that all the people complaining about bugs back at launch weren't just making it up or being ignorant. The MPC social media groups are full of this judgmental brand-loyalty mentality.

[@gossamyr]

That epic intro, omfg... :edit: deeper into the vid, I noticed unlike other yt personality brands, you don't backtrack, you don't apologize and on top of that you allowed the company to move a piece on the board. This is important because if it was about negative hate vids, the person would hedge them out and not give the opportunity to fix something. You are a credit to yt and moreso, humanity, glad you are out there, man.

[@donaldpriola1807]

Really appreciate this, and the irony of this occuring right after your toxic brand loyalty video. You probably moved the needle a touch over at Akai, and that benfits all of us. More than anything, I appreciate your musical approach to the instrument. I always need to know if whatever I'm using will fit my weird.

[@kobi-kobsen]

I feel with you. I have a friend I meet and talk about tech from time to time. If I accidentally say, something not completely positive about [fill any apple product] it gets very uncomfortable.

[@ktreier]

The naysayers clearly were afraid they might lose current or future sponsorship deals or hardware to review. Keep up the good work.

[@G.GordonMidi]

There are so many youtubers where this is the case. Nearly every gear review is positive these days. Reviewers seem to not want to upset companies and discourage them from sending the reviewer more free stuff. They're selling out their viewers, which is extra fucked when the viewers are the ones who "pay" for the channel to continue by watching ads. It's extremely aggravating

[@WhiteWulfe]

"I'm just kidding, I'm fucking lazy." Okay, I'm so subbing because of honesty like that. Nice videos, and is honest about how they'd rather work on music than spend hours editing and syncing up multiple video and/or audio feeds all together just to make the video a touch prettier.

[@8thlvlMage]

Benn's videos have always been (benn?) that way so I think you're gonna really enjoy catching up! 😄

[@robertsyrett1992]

You keep raising the stakes with these amazing intro sketches. Love it!

[@all_that_gazz]

Really glad you did this followup Benn. The MPC 61 Keys could really condense my amateur home studio, but I was really put off by what looked like some show stopping bugs and was so relieved to find out it was most likely a defective unit. I also really appreciated your honesty and you're right, the Fan Boi's need to look at the bigger picture and see that constructive criticism benefits them and shouldn't take it so personally. Finally, I also would have probably assumed they were bugs as in this day and age of mass produced devices I tend to default to 'bug' rather than 'fault', and maybe that's the real lesson here - never assume?

[@thesnipecatcher116]

Funny, I’ve been a frustrated owner of an MPC Live 2 for about 6 weeks and love your videos and wish you’d do more. I learned a lot. Thanks!

[@seanp2k617]

Just wanted to say that I’ve been a fan of your music for a long time and I love the actual professional insight you bring to reviews and really all your content. Super great stuff, very down to earth and accessible while cutting out the BS. Keep going, love it! I just made a Patreon account to sub to you there too :)

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

Well done Benn... those who know your videos will know that you're not stupid enough to make user errors. They'll also know that your reviews are always honest. Quite honestly, people are tribal and that's what the problem really is. And it was great that Akai reached out and sorted it - a defective unit, nothing particularly controversial there; it happens from time to time to many products.

[@stevepottz111]

Bro I haven’t touched my live 2 in weeks cause the bugs don’t mesh with my established mpc work flow. Ben was on point.

[@joegrant413]

Look forward to hearing from you, Benn.

[@ndguardian]

One thing that I have to say is something I've said many times before. Music listening, music preference, music production...basically anything music is purely subjective. That includes how you best work with your gear. I really like Free Beat's video about how there isn't really a wrong way to use a piece of music gear. If you're making music with it and you're enjoying it, awesome! That's all I have to say about that.

[@karmatosed7211]

This is one of the very best channels I've come across, and I love it when you make a point to ber critical of something because it's ALWAYS supported with sound logic. Your opinion carries weight for me because unlike most of the influencers, you've been in the business for many years. You were making a living with it before anyone could set up a webcam and make money from their bedroom. But what I value so much in your channel, is that you don't cater to anyone and you don't rely on sponsorships or whoring yourself or your channel out to make a quick buck unlike many (*cough* Ave *cough*). That guy is only in it for the money, nothing else. And because I was critical of how his content has become one time, none of my videos can be commented on now because his fans spammed all my videos making personal threats against me and my family, and offering rewards for doxing my home address. So Ave can eff off and keep being dumb as a sackful of hammers as he is. Benn keep doing ur thing as you see fit cuz you do it better than anyone else right now.

[@dontcallmejon]

Benn making Akai put in work, I wonder if they even bother pushing the machine as hard as you did in the QA process because lets be honest they aren't expecting their consumer demographic to make the sequencer do anything too complex or use the keys to imitate a grand piano in a live setting.

[@casaterris4527]

Thank you Ben!!! Speak your mind brother.

[@BrianWilliamsTheEngineer]

Excellent, well thought-out ... some youtubers just turn on their webcams and start blabbing. Thanks for consistently putting thought into your videos.

[@halcyonwinds1970]

I found your previous video very well done and I believe that honestly sharing challenges with new hardware is necessary so we can all know what we’re getting into and set our expectations appropriately. Not only that, it records the current state of things so the manufacturers can work toward improving things! Keep doing what you do. Your videos are amazing and the amount of effort you put into each is appreciated.

[@KristianWontroba]

You’ve come a long way: From cutting off the entire human race in isolation to putting yourself out there and absorbing personal attacks on social media to help make the music-making world a better place. Thanks for the years of passion and honesty Benn!

[@braincraven]

Love you dancing with the ducks! Just so awesome and nice loop there with the 160 year song.

[@gaeel330]

I just rewatched your video about the modules in your case, and I find it interesting how it resonates with what you're saying here. You went out of your way to make sure you weren't saying modules were "good" or "bad", framing them all in the context of how they fit into your workflow and whether or not you find uses or enjoyment in them. Similarly to the MPC Key 61, the modules that you were the most critical of were the ones that were faulty, it's obviously very frustrating to spend money on gear for it not to work. People like drama, and we can become overly defensive. Also, we only really ever hear the loudest voices, the vast majority of viewers probably watch your videos and then move on with their lives whether they agree or disagree with what you say. It's really important that we, as semi-anonymous humans trying to talk over the internet, learn that it's okay for people to not like the same things as us.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Well, thanks for helping me identify at least one KZbinr whose MPC reviews I should not take seriously. (Hint: Not you sir.) I appreciate the integrity. Subbed.

[@bengalinsky4300]

The cult-like mentality of the mpc community is toxic beyond belief, you keep doing you! I think the majority support your honesty, there’s a vocal minority of butt-hurt man-children that you can effectively ignore.

[@stephenroldan5107]

I have always hated that brand.

[@ChumpyDumps]

Yeah, there’s no other group of gear that has such a rabid fan base. Reminds me of console fanboys.

[@BigJBeats]

That “cult-like mentality” you speak of, is not exclusive to the MPC community. Have ever talked to the sp404 community??? Even Dow to the DAW/FL Studio community?? All communities are stubborn in their own ways.

[@nortavon]

Benn made a video about this topic 'toxic brand loyalty'

[@apoclypse]

@@nortavon It goes both way though. There are those people who are so hell bent on thinking they are "better" or different by taking down a brand that others like. I see people trying to takedown something they've never used or that doesn't affect them in anyway personally. Both sides are equally as annoying. Not saying this applies to Benn, I'm saying ti happens. That being said I remember going on Gearspace after first buying the MPC Live. I ran into what I considered a major bug. I posted about it and all the MPC heads jumped and spewed toxic filth my way. Blaming everything but Akai for the issue. My Behringer keyboard (DM12) was the prime target. Only for Akai to confirm that it was in-fact a bug on their end. It's annoying to say the least and I almost sold my MPC and walked away that day. That behavior can turn off for new customers imo. I'm glad I stuck with the MPC but the bugs have gotten pretty bad and only getting worse.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Amazing work, I still have no idea how the original video turned into a "KZbin event" but I'm beyond stoked to see your follow up. Keep up the excellent work and hopefully people will learn to chill the hell out when a single individual doesn't lay praise on their favorite thing. Everyone should go watch your brand allegiance video too.

[@ronrees9157]

I subscribed to your channel because of your honest reviews and videos as opposed to sales pitches and sponsored wind blowing from other channels just do what you do we appreciate it!

[@ferranmarco705]

Apart from what everybody else is saying, I just want to say that the entertainment value of that intro is greatly apreciated. Thanks.🙂

[@samprock]

some ppl like to be on a receiving end of the lies, dunno why though. honest reviews are useful, indeed. thanks for keeping platform healthy-ier!

[@almightytreegod]

I’m annoyed with myself that the drama actually does pique my interest, but at least your perspective is always refreshing.

[@JeanBernal]

I had some akai midi controllers in the past, but all of them were defective from the factory (different failures). I didn't want to waste my money anymore, as I needed something that would allow me to finish my work, instead of hindering my workflow, so I just looked for another brand. Before I had the product, all the reviews pointed to the product being a great investment, however, when I started having some problems, I realized that a lot of people were having the exact same problems that I was having, and apparently the quality control process of the brand was not adequate enough to avoid this kinds of things. Thanks for your content, great videos!

[@rayderrich]

KZbin: "Ben knows too little about MPC's to even criticise it" Ben: "Let me make a full track in less time than you spent on making that hate video" Nothing but respect for you Sir. Keep on being honest and musical.

[@koraamis5568]

Liked the 160 year song the most. Also the synthwave track deserves a timestump, it is great! In general liked the non sample based "beat" the most. Maybe no coincidence; I remember a music teacher in school once said that it was a shame that all music produced on a certain platform sounded like made on that platform, as if the platform would take over the music.

[@darghe]

You always made an impact and in a good way. From the days when you shocked the industry by offering your album as a torrent to bringing instruments to Chicago kids iirc (preceded by that documentation which you got hated for as well because you opened some eyes about local corruption). Heck even your straight scientific fact video about the sound weapons got so much hate because you told the truth. But it’s all good. You have balls and the world needs such people. Man you even got Behringer to stick up to their word and do even better. I’d say keep going. In todays world it’s probably a long con but I’m sure there’s several if not lots of people grateful for what you do. I sure am.

[@ringsystemmusic]

I paused this video since I had to do other things. Come back, Benn says “sometimes my peepee hurts” right away, fucking slayed me

[@wanderingjuniper]

Brilliant intro, class. Nice audio cables as well

[@Luap-ls3ix]

Im not even joking when I say this...was at a guitar center 30 min ago and the mpc keys they had on display crashed. Asked an employee to reboot it and he unprompted says out loud, "damn that's the 5th time today" 💀💀

[@d.farmrose8077]

This was awesome... hope you and Ave get 100,000 additional subscribers each!

[@bdbeats7209]

NPC's getting mad over a MPC... You push your gear to such a limit that most producer's couldn't, it's not a surprise they wanna blame you for the products faults. Much peace and love Benn, keep doing what you do.

[@charliecarrot]

Great video. Ended up being very inspiring for using the MPC, funny enough.

[@christianthompson1473]

Ah, so i was right... i suggested that Ben had a faulty unit. I had that same problem with the fantom 6. In fact i had THREE faulty fantom 6's one after the other. A faulty batch in fact. It does happen.

[@chrisstaubyn]

I just watched your fanboy video. It's the first time I've ever seen one of your videos. It was good enough for me to subscribe to your channel. I watched the MPC Key video, and it was fine. This one is also good. Thus far, going through your past videos, I like them all, except the Cobalt8M video (I hate that damn synth).

[@timb8970]

So true, im sick of companies using their customers as beta testers. Make sure the product actually works as promised then release the item!

[@baileycarthew4381]

Tune in for the music and the "other" videos :) Lots of integrity from this man is evident in all that he does on here.

[@sCealt]

Ironically, your MPC Keys video made me start saving for an MPC One 😅