I Tried Expensive Grooveboxes So You Don't Have To

I compare pricier standalone music production devices, including the MPC One vs Maschine Plus, MPC One vs MC-707, OP-1 vs MPC, and more.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro / tradeoffs
01:06 OP-1
02:22 Maschine+
04:13 Verselab MV-1
05:54 MC-707
07:24 MPC One
09:40 Comparisons & Lessons Learned
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My current favorite music production gear:
Novation Circuit: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Korg Electribe 2: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Roland MC-101: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Model:Cycles: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Arturia MicroFreak: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
ATH M40 headphones: www.zzounds.com/a--3972602/it...
Editing and thumbnail design by Coastland Creative: www.coastlandcreative.com
Note that some of the above links are affiliate links, which give me a commission (at NO extra cost to you!) if you use them to buy something.
Social media:
Twitter: Twitter.com/GabeMillerMusic
Website: GabeMillerMusic.com
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Soundcloud: Soundcloud.com/GabeMillerMusic1
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[@GabeMillerMusic]

This series now has a part 3! For those of you wondering about the Akai Force, Deluge, and more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5SwlKWidpd-aposi=05I-lXywd839kU2Y

[@alternatv1997]

No mic in on the 707? Ive heard my friends make demos with this only and theres vox on that material

[@EscapeTheCloudsOfficial]

I've got an MPC Live Mk. 1, which runs the same OS as the One, and think it's one of the most capable, incredible pieces of gear I've ever seen in 25+ years of making music. It's both an instrument, AND a DAW in a box. With all the additional synths now, it's really a powerhouse.

[@ELToxik]

I jus grabbed the MPC live 2 and this is the one we have been waiting for! Portable, built in monitors, standalone and you can even plug in another midi to it

[@Sadiquecat]

Props on the short, concise video, crazy amount of production value there you're doing Gabe :D Respect !

[@miselhere3375]

this is the best groovebox related video i've ever seen, nice work as always gabe

[@shruggie664]

Wicked vid. Love the editing style and thorough reviews. Nice!!

[@edgi55]

Awesome review Gabe, just what I was looking for. Keep up the good work

[@JackAcid]

I'm a Deluge user. I used lots of smaller, cheaper boxes, but this thing changed my life. It's an absolute joy to use.

[@fluim0102]

It is! just couldn't get over the small boxy sound... Swapped it out for a spectralis, and yes it's much slower, and hugeeeee and clunky. But my god that thing sounds phenomenal. Settled for an MPC one in the end, and really digging it so far. It can also be super fast

[@ShaighJosephson]

I've been wanting the Deluge, but it has outgrown the hardware with 3-button combo functions... Hoping they create a new hardware interface for it...

[@GregDixson]

Nailed it with it's not 1:1 👍🏻 so true, there are trade offs in every modern day groovebox and you need a keen eye to find not only what features a box has, but what's missing, and any limitations. Good there's folk like yourself reviewing and going through the gear to give us a heads-up. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@P-S-T]

Hi! Thanks! Your videos are always so professional and your voice and the way you speak is very nice to listen to. Bought Circuit Tracks and Circuit Rhythm because of your videos and I love them. They make a nice couple together. :)

[@WillieCarpenter17]

Love my Maschine+ glad I got it as it has helped me learn and the workflow suits me very much, only scratching the surface with it too, CPU limits is it’s own flaw for sure. Also i would like to add that it is 100% portable, big maybe yes but it is fully capable of being portable with the correct external battery power and the myvolt ripcord

[@AdrianGeorges]

Well done video which gives the idea of pro’s and con’s of actual gear. Mpc One is a beast of a machine whether it’s stand alone or in conjunction with PC daw. Thanks for this rendition.

[@Soundsauca]

Very insightful. I’m no beginner but my MC-101 scratched that itch I had for a Groovebox. I know I barely use all its capabilities but the Roland sound engine is very special to me.

[@l.a.beltranmusic4554]

Great video. Your presentation is getting crazy good.

[@christianschroer1999]

I saw a Akai Force . YES I would love to see that video about that devices and about the deluge as well :).

[@PoboyMusic]

I love the force it is a beast and so easy to jam with.

[@ToyKeeper]

There aren't many videos about the Akai Force. I'd love to see more info about it, especially the recent features like the timeline view / arranger mode. It seems like the gear which is closest to the workflow I want, but most of the info about it is old, from before it had those features. Deluge is cool too, but I already know a lot about how it works. It's very capable, but could really benefit from adding a screen and more knobs.

[@bartjanc]

@@ToyKeeper u can easily add more knobs to a deluge by using a midi controller

[@ToyKeeper]

@@bartjanc It's a bit of a DIY band-aid solution, but yes, that can help make the Deluge's controls more accessible.

[@dedude5864]

All the others is not even close to a full spec'ed force.

[@dimemesional]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on something like the Deluge Synthstrom. Great video as always!!

[@JackAcid]

That's what I have. I absolutely adore it. Highly recommend!!

[@JoshIsMakingMusic]

"I have more grooveboxes than anyone reasonably needs." Wow I feel that.

[@Gainn]

Is non possible. Unless you can't get in your house. Then you may have a problem.

[@JoshIsMakingMusic]

@@Gainn house? I live in a pile of Digitones.

[@Gainn]

@@JoshIsMakingMusic the house that takt built.. :)

[@BottleBass1977]

Ricky Tinez would like to have a word

[@beatsbyjayess]

Those transitions into the next groove box was genius 🧈 so smooth

[@DJDigitalJosh]

I paid around $500 for my used MPC1 & I love it! It will take a challenging while to learn it, but it's well worth it. I would like to have 2. So many possibilities. I love Roland sound, but I'm really bummed by the little screen & few tracks.

[@jtf2dan]

Besides having the best synth engine, I like that fact that the Roland ZEN-Core hardware is found in the Verselabs, MC 101 and 707 Grooveboxes, Juno series, Jupiter Series and Fantom Series of synths so they are all compatible to work with each other.

[@MusicWizard85]

Yes! Such a slept on fact! For $999 you are getting sounds from their upper tiers - Fantom, Juno, Jupiter etc! The 707 is basically a near perfect DAW in a box with high quality sounds, easy to use sequencer, and ability to expand via Roland Cloud/Zeneology, etc. Combine with hardware synths, guitars/bass/drums/keyboard or another groovebox and you've got a beast of a setup. Alternately you can just track any of the sounds into your favorite DAW and go that route. I'm very happy with my 707! 🤘✌️

[@somethingelsedoesmatter]

I think I would recommend the MPC One to beginners, honestly. So long as they intend to watch some tutorials or buy the MPC Bible and try learning it, I think it's a better use of money to get something good from the get-go, rather than something that they'll quickly outgrow, or grow frustrated with limitations. At least where I live, it's harder to flip gear and not lose a significant chunk of my investment. I have had the MPC One for about 2.5 years, and it's got so many capabilities, I feel I haven't even scratched the surface. And yet, I'm able to record and produce music without issue. I'm at the point now where I am hoping to replace my Yamaha AW1600 with it - I know, it's a bit opposite to what most people want an MPC for (groovebox, which I originally wanted it for), but so long as I can get a good acoustic-like, dynamic drum kit programmed in to trigger with edrums, I think 8 audio tracks should be plenty for vocals and guitars. At that point, it's a bonus that it has the sampler and synths built right in to add to my analog audio tracks. I don't regret spending the money on it, especially since Akai keep expanding and improving it. It's really kinda scarce to have this much post-launch support and expansion in a piece of music gear, at least in my limited experience.

[@magnuseriksson8081]

I do not understand why people have a problem with the workflow, but I agree with samples and vocals.. I love the Mv1, its so fun to work with

[@JacobShulkinYashkakakashka]

Yesss part 2 elektron I ADORE my Digitakt! I think it’s a perfect mix of trade offs esp with the newest OS it has 2 LFOs per track which makes its have soooo much more value

[@synkuk]

Cannot wait to see your thoughts on the Force

[@Loomiedarko]

Really good review as usual ;) If you get your hands on the Deluge, try sequencing MC101 with it. IMHO Deluge sequencing power + MC101 beautiful sound engine is a perfect portable setup!

[@raysubject]

Great oveview ! Thanks !

[@MistabishiTV]

Exceptional reviewing. Percect clarity and cuts right to the chase of what I want to know before committing to learning another box...

[@adamkrasneski3679]

I might check out that playlist. I feel like im at a crossroads where im using less metal guitar and bass and more dirty synths and drum machines. Would like the option of including intruments tho. It would be super nice having an all in one daw free from weekly OS updates, unrelated background processes randomly lagging ur cpu, and an integrated screen and midi controllers freeing up ur cable management.

[@Enbyvalent]

Great video! Getting a Maschine Mikro mostly disinterested me from this kind of space tbh. I’ve realised I love the flexibility of a groovebox like workflow with direct access to fine tuning/mixing on a computer and as such I have much less interest in the Maschine+ or the MPCs. Also, the fact that both the computer and the sound library are upgradeable far into the future is a real plus! Not to mention access to third party plugins. I’m definitely looking to upgrade to a Maschine MK3 though if only for the better on-controller instrument selection and control. I’m really hoping for a Digitakt Mk2 soonish to go with my Circuit Tracks because I feel like if I want to get away from the computer it might as well be to have a different workflow and limit the menu diving to a minimum. Those two seem to cover cover a lot of ground together with regards to both sounds and workflow and the fact that they can then be joined by other hardware instruments while keeping the same workflow is really neat! As far as on the go music making, I’ve found that I can get a lot of mileage out of my iOS devices especially when used in conjunction with the Circuit as additional voices and effects processors But that’s just what seems to work for me of course 😊

[@TheInternetIsDeadToMe]

Looking forward to your opinions on the Digitakt. Great video as always Sir.

[@robertsyrett1992]

As an Octatrack user, I would say it's worth it's weight in gold. That built-in vocoder/autotune on the MPC-1 looks very nice though.

[@KirklandWilliamsWorkout3000]

Wait it has a vocoder 😅

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@KirklandWilliamsWorkout3000 My apologies, it has "vocal tune" (the generic auto tune). Which is just as cool and rare to see in a groovebox.

[@joezazasin7]

awesome video! 💯🔥

[@ShaighJosephson]

I use a HR Looperboard as a four stereo channel mixer and loop creator that I run into an Akai Force audio interfaced with Abelton... Works like a charm running my guitar pedalboard, synths, and vocals into it...

[@Pheonix0114]

Great video, also your rocking that beanie

[@eg4358]

Great roundup of your more advanced grooveboxes, Gabe! Digitakt next? :D

[@GabeMillerMusic]

It probably won't be the very next thing I try, but I would love to give it a go at some point.

[@BottleBass1977]

@@GabeMillerMusic Please do. As a newcomer to grooveboxes, I see the Digitakt being recommended over the more accomplished boxes, purely because of its lower barrier to entry. I'm interested to see if that's an accurate conclusion.

[@crazygooner3398]

Great video!

[@andyhcape]

yes please - DELUGE, DIGITAKT, and especially Akai Force thoughts would be really appreciated. AKAI FORCE seems to be very underrated and incredibly good value at the moment.....would love your opinion on that - in comparison to the MPC range, and perhaps up against the DELUGE which is very different form factor but similar capabilities.......

[@JustinUrban1]

Deluge was a fun box to own. It is very very powerful. The Digitakt in many people’s minds is a must have. They are not wrong. I’ve owned 2 and love them, and their new update made them even better. I’ve owned the MPC Live 2 as well, but it felt like I was still using a computer in a box.

[@andyhcape]

@@JustinUrban1 Thanks Justin that's useful. I have just got an Akai Force - not really delved into it yet but I think it will work out, I like the idea of working on a computer/laptop but somehow never do - so an Akai Force might be like having a computer with bigger buttons and solely for making sound/music - which is what I need I think. Interested in what you say about Digitakt - maybe I need to start looking for one of those!!!! Deluge is very tempting - artisan and eccentric - but I think unless you spend lots of time with it - it will go mostly unused in my hands.......despite liking the whole ethos of the maker etc.......

[@KitCatStudio]

A few months back I had to decide on a sampler to go with for my studio. My main two were the sp404a and the mpc one. Eventually I decided on the sp404a as it was highly reviewed and hyped on the net. After trying really hard to get my hands and head around that thing , I have to say I think I made a mistake there, simple things like chopping samples are never accurate and hard to accomplish, at least for my setup. I am really struggling with that thing- although I have to say the built in effects do sound super nice and have superb quality. I guess it’s made for guys that really like sampling vinyl records and have a low-fi approach to beats. Now I want to get my hands back on the mpc, and I don’t know maybe sell the Roland. I usually really like Roland stuff snd also have some analog gear but this one feels really limited to my purposes or maybe I’m missing a “have to have” muscle memory thing here! Would appreciate some advices from you guys. Tnx Gabe been following for some time, you are now my go-to obsess about new gear dude 😬🙂

[@djangofett4879]

I can't give enough praise to the MC-707. I'm quite familiar with that synth engine interface from many other roland synths. It has been around from the JV-2080 to SC-880, XV series, fantoms and Integra 7. And the effects engine is quite familiar to users of those synths. It has all been refined and improved though. Its fantastic.

[@mrholmesly]

Tnx! Also, nobody addresses (and markets) the Roland JD-Xi as a full-fledged groovebox. It's closer to a groovebox than just a synth. And one of the best and cheapest solutions i've ever tried.

[@maxricemusic656]

I got a model cycles and model samples, and when you pair them together, it gives you plenty of space to make entire songs, and the performance features are fantastic, and so is the sound. I feel like Elektron, unlike the other companies, made reasonable limitations, but did not compromise where it counts most, just IMHO.

[@s.r.b.4582]

I think you're right, but the videomaker did say he's looking for a daw in a box, which elektron boxes aren't. But I prefer, as you, Elektron approach to groovebox

[@maxricemusic656]

@@s.r.b.4582 Yeah solid point, the Elektron UI's are very far away from being a "daw in a box", I would consider that a positive thing, but again just my opinion.

[@s.r.b.4582]

@@maxricemusic656 I 100% agree with you

[@mechasartre3694]

I’ve just got the Maschine plus and I absolutely love it, I don’t think it’s huge but then it is sat next to an MPC 2500.

[@kevincollins8406]

I’m an MPC one owner and I love it my only short comings is not enough outs like I have on my MPC 1000. I record without a computer ( tascam DP 24 or my old fostex VF160) I’m hella old skool! If the MPC one had just 2 extra outs I’d be even more happy with. I could separate my snares and kicks onto their own tracks. But I’ve learned to use the EQ effects and can now get the same results in a mix as if they were own separate tracks ! I will say that if you know how to operate an MPC 1000 that’s half the battle on a MPC one right there! Straight away with no manual I was working it like I had it 6 months! So for any one who has never touched any of the MPC’s the learning curve would be a lil steep but don’t let that keep you from gettin one

[@raven-jz6cv]

If u have a usb interface mixer like for ex one comes in mind the soundcraft 22MTK you can have as much as 22 outs of mpc on it:p

[@LFiers]

I have an MPC Live 2 and find it takes too many button presses to do simple things that are fast and easy in a DAW. I'm struggling to get my head around it's workflow. Never had an MPC before. I only use it in stand alone. Not sure if I should keep at it or sell it and focus on my DAWs at this point. I'm half half.

[@raven-jz6cv]

@@LFiers read the mpc bible. Remember daw is scenes or linear/tr way of sequencing. Mpc is tracking like atari. Use it as its got small ppl in an arcade video game runnin around in the screen ..in ur head. If u achieve only 10% of its functionality layering down ideas and sampling is 100x faster than any super cpu daw

[@LFiers]

@@raven-jz6cv Thanks. I have read MPC bible. The work flow is still tedious and slow compared to a good DAW. I can sample within seconds on my PC. I don't do see how it could get "100 times faster" using an MPC.

[@raven-jz6cv]

@@LFiers but it can. My adhd and autism wont allow me to do anything on a pc. So i found atari like way of moving things to work for me. But new and general mpc foundation was never designed to be act as a standalone rather than extention of your daw and ur main hardware brain.maybe thats whats confusing you? If u dont have any other hardware and u dont like the feeling of chop chop vinyl fast then u dont need an mpc. Have u tried other more instant grooveboxes like force for ex or pioneer? Those 2 are designed to be act as a standalone as they made for live djs . Elektron boxes also offer that. On a certain level. But for me my man mpc is the king of the jungle for my music i need no daw no pc no fuss.i can sample a vinyl track faster than u can say ableton...but to each on its own . And i completely understand u i really do. Nothing can ever replace a strong daw mindset. But for me and im sure many others daw is a no go.

[@arcadeuk]

Akai Force is the way to go. I did after my disappointment with the Circuit Tracks. You get a lot of the circuit style intuitive interface on the pad area, and for the DAW section, it is far more powerful than the maschine+ in that you probably wouldn't ever realistically hit it's CPU limits. The MPC One recently got a load of cool feature updates, so we are hoping we get much of the same for the Force soon, as there is allegedly a private beta of some sort in progress.

[@avace917]

I wound up grabbing the MPC One Plus and I love it

[@umanoid1523]

I used to LOVE groove boxes and drum machines. Anytime a new box would come out id pick it up. I sold all of my hardware off over two years ago because everything i owned was collecting dust. Id only been using software for years. I don’t think ill ever go back. The only thing i still own is an access virus desktop synth which I’ve yet to set back up.i do love controllers though which gives you hands on but I still have my Daw. Boxes have too many limitations and button pushes to do something thats easy to do in a Daw. I dont travel or make tracks out of my studio and if i want to noodle and sketch i use my ipad. There are some amazing Apps.

[@LFiers]

I'm starting to feel this way. You nailed it with what you said. "Too many button pushes that's easy to do something in a DAW." It actually feels tedious. I'm trying to love my MPC Live but find myself missing my DAW workflow. I don't know if I should keep trying to learn my MPC or sell it and just focus on my DAWs on my PC. I'm half half for now. My MPC been collecting dust for a while now unfortunately

[@zjaguilera8948]

One of the things with the mc707 that made it a winner was the way you can use it's send / returns either as inputs or in order to insert effects such as a pedal "Microcosm looking at you". It has a lot of mixer- like qualities.

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Indeed, the performance options make it fun even after your track is finished

[@BeastlyAnteater]

You can do that on MPC too…

[@Gainn]

@@BeastlyAnteater Yeah, but it's easier on the MC-707. You need an audio (or powered USB) interface to put multiple devices into an MPC. the faders make it easier to use as a performance mixer with up to 4 external sources using audio insert. I use both all the time, and my Live 2 goes in to the MC as a pair of stereo inserts nearly all of it.

[@zjaguilera8948]

I tried getting into the Akai ecosphere, had the force for a bit but I couldn't fall in love with the synth engines with Akai. Monstrously powerful especially if working with samples but the MC707 keeps me productive with its workflow and engaged with the knobs and faders and minimal menu diving. For me it's super easy to route audio / tracks , apply effects, and shape sounds with the MC.. feels very intuitive and hands on. I got one used for about the same price as a MPCOne.... No looking back!

[@BeastlyAnteater]

@@Gainn you absolutely do not need an interface to do sends/returns with the MPC. I had been doing it with my Live since 2018. But yeah you’d need an interface to get more than 2 mono or 1 stereo in. But we were just talking about sends/returns so…

[@phantomscarz]

You’re an AMAZING reviewer

[@koboss_]

man... you are a legend

[@zapmando]

Hi Gabr I've been tinkering with verselab for a year now, it's my preferred music making method over the MPC live and my badass computer. It's like being in a special brain space once you really speak the verselab language. I wish you don't have to program every chord manually, even though I have templates it still takes 20 minutes to set one up, where I can get thousands in a minute on mpc. So I do hook the verselab to the MPC just to get chord data and arpeggio data sometimes. The memory limitations of the verselab, are making me think how to make 2 or 3 minute more dynamic. I'm totally new to making music. I also think the verslab might be a performance sleeper. You can load up 7 of the tracks with kits which can have whatever assigned to each pad and you can set those 3 control knows to do whatever effect like an sp404, if you use the looper tracks you only get 5 of those kits. And last week I mastered my first track ever, and it was on the verselab, I'm clueless on that stuff but it seemed like very fine eq adjustments, maybe there is more to it, but I did notice a nice difference after some small adjustments. I'm gonna start doing some verselab content, but want to thank you for always giving the machine some attention. It's really powerful especially for the current price, I saw it for $500 awhile back, and it's just a pleasure to use once you are fluent.

[@ksgant]

Had the Maschine+, and you hit the nail on the head with it be way underpowered in standalone mode. I used it mostly in controller mode on my computer, which means it's just a Maschine Mk3...but twice the price. It's not worth it. Just get the Mk3.

[@wernerxldata]

Got an MK3 as well, and I use Maschine software with routing in Ableton, so much more powerfull

[@RegebroRepairs]

It will be very interesting to see what you think of the Deluge. I wanted the features of a DAW, but the UI of dedicated hardware, and I do need a song mode, and the MPC One seems way to much like actually working on a DAW, and then I could just as well use a DAW. Plugins? In a box hardware box? Arg, no, ugh! :-) So the Deluge was my choice, and it's hard to learn, but so far I'm happy with the choice.

[@nexdable]

FYI, in response to your comment about sound design on the Maschine+, NI recently released the new "Poly Synth", a pretty decent analog-ish sounding polysynth (like the name implies). Obviously, It's not massive and it's not fm8; you aren't suddenly able to do a full sound design workflow using those synths entirely onboard. Also, the fact that Reaktor (albeit, a neutered version) is onboard, means that one could build new instruments and effects for themselves, dramatically increasing its capability. I actually built myself my own poly synth for onboard sound design before NI released theirs (I still prefer mine in a few ways actually).

[@MakeSomething]

Such a great video. My take from this is that there's not a perfect groove box yet but it's probably coming soon. I have the MPC Live and like you mentioned the workflow is a little wonky. I think that comes from legacy MPCs and they don't have any plans in changing the workflow for lifetime users. But man, the song mode on the MPC is such garbage. It's by far the reason I don't use my MPC Live very much. Again, excellent video. Appreciate the effort.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm actually working on a video about whether or not the perfect groovebox can even exist, since there are so many tradeoffs manufacturers have to make. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@MakeSomething]

@@GabeMillerMusic awesome! I just subscribed so I’ll be looking forward to that!

[@musicmould]

I have the MPC X and I really like it but I feel the song mode is the worst part of it hands down. The simple fact that you can’t continue editing beats while in song mode makes it really unintuitive, cumbersome and somewhat hit and miss. I would use it SO much more if it worked better. Maschine is wayyyy better in that regard.

[@PHeMoX]

@@GabeMillerMusic You're an ...'idiot'. _Of course_ much better groovebox / sequencer work flows can exist. We really shouldn't pretend the MPC One/ Live or even Maschine work flow is 'as good as it gets'. That's ridiculous. One has to only look at the Roland MV-8800. It's tooo bad the machine is now slow as hell compared to more modern devices out there, but the sequencer and song work flow is still completely unmatched. In comparison, Maschine+ is not as intuitive, even when not terrible.

[@JGW-im3nf]

The Perfect Groove Box is the MPC Line. The cloning of VSTs and built in VSTs kills them all.

[@cyborgchimpy]

I have my ni maschine mk3, and I fucking love it and will never get rid of it. The library is a curse and a blessing though. Immense amounts of sounds to choose from is nice, but it gets to the point there's too many choices and I get paralyzed, or don't even wanna open my maschine cuz I don't feel like spending 30 minutes finding sounds

[@musicismydrug5208]

Would love to see a comparison with new digitakt that you have and one of this grooveboxes! :D

[@fluim0102]

Making a 8 bar melody (which is kind of needed for anything truly melodic) is a real pain in the ass, and involves pattern chaining...

[@Jerewalch]

MC707 for the win, even if my favorite instrument is definitely the OP1. The Maschine + is tempting but I don’t have infinite money haha. I might try the Mikro one day!

[@m-stat9]

707 user here as well. It has the best synth engine, most physical controls (24 knobs + 8 faders + 16*2 pads), a not-too-fancy display with Ableton-like clip view and does the magic in working both for producing and life performance. Also works with Aira-link

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Had the MPC live and now have the MC 707, and agree with your comments. Maybe one day I’ll get to try the OP-1 and Deluge

[@alexwestconsulting]

deluge sounds like balls. great to sequence on though.

[@taratantara]

@@alexwestconsulting i second that. sounds average. great sequencer. Swapped it for an OP-1 which IMO is a way better sketchpad.

[@alexwestconsulting]

@@taratantara deluge is great as the centerpiece of a daw-less setup with other external synths though, if not the best sketchpad. But then, they both fail with respect to being able to effectively export into a daw after the fact.

[@navboi12]

Love the Bad Gear reference!

[@liudas5377]

Your good dude!! Thanks...

[@grapesodas]

No synthstrom Deluge? I have personally been through all these grooveboxes and sold them all, keeping only the Deluge. Hands down best brain for a setup.

[@aqueous5099]

Bravo 🤟

[@ckbarlow]

I’m completely in love with my Deluge. After 1.5 years of being glued to a laptop screen (composing and pandemic-teaching via zoom), it has been such a fun alternative to a DAW. And when I do need to transfer to DAW to wrap up a track, the dead-simple resampling of clips and arranger tracks straight to card has been .

[@el-creeper9001]

Doing a groovebox demo with the OP-1 and not the Deluge is like filming porn and cutting the scene before anyone takes their cloths off.

[@connorcarbon]

@@el-creeper9001 it's so true. I see this guy's videos all the time and respect his grind and making lots of informative videos but he's seriously doing a disservice to so many people by not evaluating a Deluge and including it in all these groovebox comparison videos

[@connorcarbon]

Can confirm. I only sold the Deluge (after also selling the Polyend Tracker and MPC Live II) because all the flashing lights really bothered my eyes and distracted me too much. The MC-101 is my latest grab and it's proving to be a great sketchpad but yeah people are genuinely dumb to not be looking more into / talking about the Deluge

[@PatoLete81]

I recently acquired the akai force, learning to use it, I await your review in the future, greetings

[@paulbrady5632]

Totally informative vibe. What say you to the 1010music Black Box; is it actually a 'groovebox'?

[@nungu60a]

Great video! Won a sub

[@callansullivan3408]

Try the Synthstrom Deluge; I love it.

[@User-wq9ri]

I'm definitely up in the air wondering if I should get a mpc one or a mc-707 but I'm leaning towards the mpc one.

[@cocolovealcorn]

I’d be curious for your thoughts on the s2400 from Isla Instruments. :)

[@lafemmedevastation]

I think you would've liked the Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 for its workflow, big useful touchscreen, and 16-step sequencing all in a row ..some also like the new Toraiz Squid

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah I only heard about it recently but it looks super interesting, I'd like to try it if I can get to it.

[@avace917]

Nice video. I have the MPC Touch which I love to death. I use it in Reason as a VST. Being a long time MPC user (starting with the MPC60) I'm gonna be biased to that sequencer. Lol

[@micindir4213]

Yeah, no doubt akai got you hooked for life.

[@mechasartre3694]

I’ve been using MPCs for 15 years and the Live made me unbearably sad. Sold it and got the Maschine+, I still love my 2500 tho and dearly miss my 60 and 2kxl

[@avace917]

@@mechasartre3694 Interesting. What about the Live did you not like? Glad you found what you need in the Maschine+

[@hb-fc3jj]

I'd personally give myself a few months to get used to a new groovebox. Most don't stand up to a cursory glance. Especially my pride and joy - the Elektron Digitakt. I fckin hated it for the first few weeks due to the learning curve but now it is the centre of my setup.

[@rainbow_mess_music]

I've owned a ton of these grooveboxes. I wonder if you've ever thought about trying the polyend tracker? Out of the ones I've had (digitakt, deluge, 101, 707, circuit, op-1) it's been my favorite, but that's probably because the workflow is so unique to it and the tracker world. It's very upfront about what it is, which makes it really easy to make things in its workflow.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm slowly working on a Polyend Tracker video! It's been super heavily requested lately so I've been digging into it.

[@rainbow_mess_music]

@@GabeMillerMusic cool! :) will be interesting to see what you think about it

[@Eklipsemedia]

It’s time to get one of those frisky m8 trackers

[@jjurksztowicz]

@@Eklipsemedia They are soooooo good. I'm glued to mine and it's incredibly fun and powerful.

[@aneveningwithebola2727]

I prefer Roland's ecosystem of products. They don't make much of an attempt (or at least not a good one) to replace the DAW, but the tradeoff is, they tend to have features that are more useful for live performances.

[@djstephennicholls]

The Roland MC707 does have a mic in , there is a switch o the back that changes from line in or mic.

[@dracul74]

Nice video. I love my Mpc live. If you are sampling and producing tracks it is killer... but wouldn’t pick it for those who are dawless live jammers... Elektron or Roland products are better. I love Machine... but hate my computer and do feel like the Plus doesn’t quite have enough in it for me to switch away from my Mpc.

[@clacclackerson3678]

Great video, great channel, thanks Gabe! What groovebox WOULD you recommend for a beginner, money no object? I was thinking about the MPC One but now you've scared me. What about the Roland SPMkII?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

If money's not an issue and you've got some patience or a bit of music production experience in general, the MPC is definitely not a bad option. If you're a complete beginner to music production, it might be good to start with a midi controller and a DAW or a more intuitive groovebox like a Circuit or Maschine+. I haven't had a chance to use the SP yet so I can't speak on that unfortunately.

[@clacclackerson3678]

@@GabeMillerMusic Hey, thanks for your time. I'm pretty familiar with Logic and FLStudio, very much piano-roll/synth stuff (composition) using midi controllers. Same with the *many* iOS apps I've got, but no sampling. Because I'd like to get into hardware sampling with an intuitive workflow, would you recommend a Circuit Tracks rather than the Circuit (no sampling)? And haha, you've got me looking at the MPC One again! Cheers!

[@CelebralBore]

Lmao, I ordered the verselab like 10min ago and am just watching this video now. I am a beginner. But I want a one in all system and I fell in love at the possibilities of the verselab. I used to use arturia and wanted way too many things. For me, I don't need 10 different synths, drumboxes, grooveboxes or pedals, I just want a one for all where I can plug the stuff into something and edit it further in a DAW, which I think the verselab would be perfect for. The integration with the iPad could help me a lot, too and I could take it with me on the travels.

[@Gainn]

Wondering if the Akai MIDImix will PnP with the MPC.. The good old LPD8 makes things easier, but some faders/rotaries in a small form would take it up another level.

[@massiballa8282]

Great video man, quick question if I buy a traktor controller s8 do I still need a music machine?

[@sr7bbird]

Hello again. I was thinking of the korg sq64 sequencer. from what I see on videos, it looks as easy as the novation circuits but has a function I have been looking for with the circuit for years now. the ability to record midi data from a keyboard to a external synth via midi thru.(as much as you seem to love jamming on the pads, it's just not for me). anyway, that is a device that I would love your opinion on. thanx.

[@dopelogik]

Wondering if you've played with the Polyend Tracker. Seems like an amazing unit for the price.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I finally filmed something with one, it'll be out in the next few weeks.

[@CXtheproducer1]

The MPC has something none of those boxes have? Audio tracks and a legendary sequencer

[@josecortez5213]

I want Yamaha to make new groove boxes. I love my Rm1x . I also miss the three RS7000's I've owned.

[@MarkKoolen]

The rm1x is THE piece of hardware i regret to have sold 10 years ago

[@shaft9000]

Once every 10-15 years Yamaha dips a toe into the EDM world, and then swiftly dries it off. My SU700 is still one of the coolest looking bits ever, with a funky plastic (the GOOD kind :O) sound to match - even if the dang OS is it's chief impediment.

[@fluim0102]

Have you ever tried a Spectralis? Best sounding groovebox out there. Built like a thank too

[@YosiOren]

Don’t get the critic on maschine plus portability when the mpc,707 and mv1 are as “portable” needing same wall outlet ?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm not just thinking power, I'm also considering size and shape. The MV-1 is quite a bit lighter and can be powered via USB. The MC-707 definitely isn't all that portable, other than taking it places around the house. I only mention it with the devices I really vibe with, because that's usually the factor that would make me enjoy them even more.

[@kingalysterianlion5542]

Hey! Great video! You should really checkout the MPC Live II.

[@PRODUCEDBYAD]

Think you'll ever try the mpc live 2? I've heard it's main draw is the speaker, but I'm not sure how much it differs from the one otherwise. would love to your thoughts on the device.

[@kiehtoo]

In addition to the speaker Live mk2 has a built-in battery, different (less) buttons and more audio/MIDI/USB connectors. The software and the screen is the same in both, so basically the insides are identical. Both now support class compliant USB audio interfaces, so the i/o might not be worth the extra price, if you don't need the portability gained from the battery and speaker.

[@thelabby9998]

M+ worst enemy is mk3+computer. Akai mpc One and Force are doing great job (akai updating thing properly… amazing!) Roland as you pointed juicing mc707 into impossible shapes and half cooking everything most ot the time (mv1 is fighting the M+ market but you need an iPad to get “some” extra features… very limited atm). I will recommend Zenbeats since is crossplatform and Logic Pro with mac mini (as budget) or mbp (as powerXpound). Let’s hope Apple release some kind of “Logic for iPad” and everyone get the missing dot…

[@gelatinous6915]

Fun fact! The OP-1 used to be $800 before discontinuations of many of the parts used in it, thus causing producton to stop for almost a year and the device to be re-introduced at $1200.

[@gianlucamarchese]

I even had a pal offering me one for 600 back in the day. If I only knew about the upcoming shortage and demand lol

[@nebula0697]

It's kind of sad how it was already expensive and then became even more inaccessible. Was the parts shortage Coronavirus related?

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Nice video, but I’d argue that the plethora of high quality sounds in the two Roland devices completely blast the others away.

[@BeatagoniaDawless]

nice one

[@bularitual2051]

Hey Gabe what about the CPU? Thanks dor the great videos

[@lisan1010]

Gabe I need the 2024 update of this quest!

[@goodnota]

Gabe, can MPC One sample class-compliant devices over usb like 101/707 do? Like, can you sample Microfreak connected over usb to MPC ? Thanks

[@googlerep366]

The mpc live 2 best of everything. The only true standalone groovebox that has every feature available. The 6-hour battery you're able to put a two terabyte hard drive in it and still have expandable storage beyond that through an SD card reader or two USB ports that alone's enough to choose the MPC Live 2 not to mention it has a built-in speaker so you don't literally need anything just the actual MPC live 2. I usually bring my acai MPK mini and plug it in and it even powers that up. I can't see any other groovebox better than the MPC Live 2 even in 2023.

[@popshobbydungeon]

Hi Gabe I had the OP-1 and it was just OK for me (Keyboard sucked) The MPC X is probably the best Hands One experience I have ever had (IMO) .....but doesn't fit your budget so I'd say the MPC ONE mixed with the TASCAM Model 12 is going to beat every option out there (IMO) Been watching all your videos and must say you have a way about you Keep up the good work best regards, Rick

[@tminusoftexas3224]

amazing amazing video. so would you say for beginner go with a Akai Mac studio

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Maschine is probably the easiest to use, but the MPC stuff is also very good. The MPC Studio is a good entry point if you're trying to get something budget and don't mind using something that isn't standalone.

[@baltimega]

So tempted to get an Mpc One or live but after using the mpc beats software, idk. Currently rocking the circuit tracks/rhythm combo along with sp 404, Volca Keys, and Nts-1, so I have a variety of synth, sample, and effects options, and I can kind of design my own work flow and bring in synth sounds from vsts and iPad plugins as well if needed.

[@user-mb8rf7qk5q]

MPc One is a beast. Best $800 I’ve ever spent. I’m literally selling all my other shit. I need nothing else.

[@J-Hz]

The software is totally different. In saying that it might be hard to learn if you've never used the older ones

[@user-mb8rf7qk5q]

@@J-Hz I never used an older one. I just watched tons of videos before getting it, and then watched tons of videos when I got it. Learned it completely and then started working on beats. Took me about 3 months.

[@baltimega]

@@J-Hz I've never used an older one. And thanks, I guess I just have to get my hands on one

[@judgementu8771]

I have the mk3 i want the plus maybe they will make a micro + hopefully with atleast one big screen on it

[@summerlaverdure]

I understand all the issues at hand of making such a video ($$$, time to learn the workflow, etc) but if you ever did a video on vintage grooveboxes (are they still worth it today, do they have any upsides over a modern groovebox etc) i would love to hear your take on it

[@GregDixson]

Good call 👍🏻 plenty of interesting comparisons eg. Roland mc303 had a Song mode. 20 years later mc707 doesn't Generally with the now vintage gear they were limited by the tech and threw everything they could in. Skip to now, and manufacturers have the tech but miss some things off to save money or sell multiple versions 🧐

[@summerlaverdure]

@@GregDixson MC-101 not having a song mode is one of the things i started asking politely to fumie wolff for, they put in a haphazard scene chaining thing but it never was what i wanted, than what do you know, after i dropped the dosh on this , MV1 is announced and has a song mode x__x to say i am livid is to say the sky is blue, but its the only thing i have to bang beats on so i try and deal

[@GregDixson]

@@summerlaverdure ah I feel your pain. Yea probably the only thing that held me back from getting an mc101 was how I was going to make a full track with no song mode 🧐 It's not even a thing unique to Roland to hold off on obvious features. Oh well, keep going.. mc101 has much potential and you can always export out to a DAW right

[@summerlaverdure]

​@@GregDixson you can, but it kinda wrecks the "i wanna go dawless" thing i was feeling XD still, at the end of the day when midi'd up to a controller it's a decent rompler

[@GabeMillerMusic]

It's an idea that's been sitting on the list for a while, I'd definitely like to give that a go for at least one or two older grooveboxes at some point

[@InRoB-Music]

Hey gabe, did you take a look at the roland sh-4d?

[@bjharvey3021]

I have been on a quest for a DAW in a box since 2014. Octatrack got in the way. I literally stopped making music when I got the Octatrack. Can't Ableton just make an ipad version of their app? Or a hardware unit which opens Live session files? Of course not.

[@DmitryGorbushin]

It's quite odd (and sad) we don't have any modern groveboxes from Yamaha. RM1x was quite nice and RS7000 was really brilliant. Yamaha has a lot of good stuff in their portfolio (anyone remember AN1x or Yamaha EX or A3000 sampler?). At least they remember there was DX7 and it was huge back at the days. Finally we have modern implementation for FM synths. Well, maybe we would have new grovebox from Yamaha sometime.