In-depth look: AKAI MPC Renaissance

[@UniversalHomeboy]

Currently on a 2000 classic. When I've mastered it, this is the one I want

[@teashea1]

I found an unused one on ebay and ordered it today ------- another great video from Sonicstate.

[@YasharBeats]

This is the best equipment Ive bought so far! It's the final destination for a beatmaker! Akai set me free from the keyboard and mouse. Finally I can make music with my ears and not looking at a screen, and doing so with the best and fastest workflow ever! And yet I can easily integrate it with everything else I have on the computer. I love it! It really feels like an instrument! Fantastic audio interface!! Everything about it is just quality! Akai has done an amazing job..forever grateful.

[@SmoothbassmanStudios]

I got mine last week. It's worth every penny. I do wish it could operate as a standalone device, but the workflow using the computer is awesome! I get the next version of the 5000 is going to have internal hardware and software compatibility. It'll just keep my MPC 2500 for live work and the Reni for the studio. I can export programs made for the Reni to any other MPC format so I'm not redoing any work. I was skeptical but once I used it for a week I was sold on its value.

[@BazillMcintoshrushmoremuzic]

I have a MPC 2000xl, and i have to say when Mr Linn left the company so did his swing. I bought a Maschine and all i have say is that its amazing!!!!

[@3001pope]

Dj Quik so glad he got a mention

[@Superlover]

i have a mpc 2000xl and had some others mpcs in the past as well, and i have to admit: the build quality of the renaissance is impressive.

[@GaitaPonto]

I'm so glad I got one today.

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

12 years on and still want one!

[@Estephan2013]

I don't get why you guys are mad he said it works with all other DAW systems. meaning you don't HAVE to use akais software, if you have logic or FL studio or whatever it should still work.

[@scoolesike]

+orlando gamez MCesike ldch 28296 tfpt l701 R1143

[@els1f]

Dude that thing is amazing, and Nick batt's reviews are the best!

[@TuMalditaMadre]

2:05 shots fired at Native Instruments and Maschine

[@christucker4079]

hahahahah shots fired shots fired

[@EloquentBeats]

Yep, completely agree. What I want to see is an MPC that you can simply plug a keyboard mouse and monitor into like the Roland MV machines. I don't want my hardware to rely on a computer when in reality a hardware sequencer is really just a computer on the inside specifically built for dealing with MIDI/Audio. Also RAM expandable to somewhere in the GB range, a nice big hard drive, CV output and built in bounce to disk system would be nice. But that's just my dream machine ;)

[@BrancoArgenta]

This is how the next MPC one should look

[@m0de]

there's a reason so many hit records were made with the mpc. workflow, sound and swing. i'm sure you can make good tunes on any of the other beat boxes out there, but this has those magic ingredients. definitely going to check one out, but i'll use my mpc 3000 until i die.

[@federeeco3198]

the 3000 is the best ever

[@flowmaka]

Great video! Can you load several songs at the same time as you would with a traditional MPC? For live use going from one project to another in real time? Thanks in advance!

[@gpeepssat]

I use to always wonder why people had multiple MPC's. I wasn't paying attention and bought the MPC Renaissance 4 years ago didn't know it was a controller. I was pissed at first because I had to buy another brand new computer plus I just had spent over $1800(I think) for the Ren. I was going to exchange the Renaissance for the mpc 5000,but I decided to keep it instead because at the time there were alot of bad reviews about the MPC 5000(bugs). I'm satisfied with the Ren other than the fact that it's to big for me to travel,so I purchased the MPC 1000(I added extra ram,hard drive,jjos,ect) Now I want the MPC X for studio mainly and the MPC Live for travel,but I dont want to get rid of my MPC Renaissance nor my MPC 1000. 2019 and now I guess I figured out why folks have multiple MPC's Thinking back I may of purchased the 1000 first, but either way I bought both of them in 2015.

[@jonesconrad1]

haha I hear you, I've just replaced all the tact switches on my 3k so looking forwarding to playing with that, got the studio so getting into the MPC software recently, been using the 1k with jjos for ever, really want an X and a live II, trouble is lack of desk space

[@grahamgreen8283]

@@jonesconrad1did u get another desk

[@sweepstakes]

Strange days for MPCs! I think I'll hang onto my 1k and use my new Octatrack for the freaky stuff. The bank of 16 knobs seems like a good move, though, and I like the idea of a quick interface for changing layer parameters.

[@exactspace]

It works exactly like an MPC, but the sounds come from your computer. I think it's sort of silly to argue that it is "cooler" to perform without your laptop. You don't have to touch your laptop while you perform. A great advantage of this is that the MPC is upgraded as you upgrade your computer.

[@mannybeats3045]

The best MPC ever hands down and no you can't use it as a stand alone. Its software based hardware which is we have all been waiting for !!!!!!

[@kroser1983]

the software sucks. its got soo many bugs its more annoying then enjoyable......ive been an akai user a very long time, i own an mpc 5000 which is so much better. i sold my maschine mk1 for this....biggest mistake i made, yes the hardware is better then the maschine but the software is just terrible...im selling it to get the latest maschine studio

[@patrickgideon8584]

KROSER See, this is what I'm talking about. I like all the controls, but I don't trust that software. Give me the interface for all my drum and sampling needs, but let me do the entire song in a DAW that's been doing it longer and has all the bugs worked out, like Live or Logic

[@ivanandrade5195]

Now, 2022, is the AKAI MPC Renaissance a good equipment ? I mean, it's been 10 years since this video. I'm a drummer looking for a device to finger drumming in live performances.

[@franklinbenson9252]

I just purchased one just trying to see if it work with FL studio

[@cresshead]

it certainly looks the Biz. what's your take and Gaz's take compared to the maschine or even the tempest?

[@Eltalstro]

Many of these comments seem to prove: A) How many people are stuck in the past and B) How many people love to dis things they have no hands on experience with. My 2kxl will not get used again. It is just hugely limiting unless you are making standard hip hop beats with few effects (unless you have the AMAZING EB16 (Anyone who has it knows I am taking the piss)). Unlike 98% of the people posting here I actually have the Ren and can say it kicks ass. I'm pretty keen to try the Ableton Push though.

[@fimpson]

That little improvised demo towards the end made me cry and poo at the same time.

[@joshspoon]

in 2.0 they should use that usb bus for HDD and let you use that HDD for standalone away from computer. Software on the device and files on your HDD. That would make it real nice.

[@patrickgideon8584]

That's great, but what if you want to look at the computer screen? I prefer to use the MPC software within Ableton, not make a full switch to the MPC software...

[@bhartman7893]

Mpc is bout to get huge its what turntables did for rap in the 80s and 90s. MPC competitions are getting to b a big deal in NYC. Check out Araabmuzik if u like mpc stuff.

[@Theawkwardblock]

A lot of people are making some valid point but let's not forget what's really important here...the guy from AKAI looks like Mr. Weasley from Harry Potter, kinda. And, that MPC standalone thing a majig argument. That too.

[@austinbock1480]

Can you use this without plugging it into a computer? Or do you need to have it plugged in to use it

[@ReformedWhiteKnight]

You need to plug it in to a computer, it's just a controller

[@claytonlevibrown]

it doesn't have that slider fader looking thing on it that people use to filter envelope the beats?

[@damianhood8459]

I had the same question as Bacilius3, does it work without computer???

[@vileguile4]

Can you route sidechaining on it? Does it support midi plugins in the chain (ie arpeggio/chord maker)?

[@glennhill_music]

Hello, I've got a question I really need answered. I've been looking to get an mpc but when i look for one all i get is this renaissance one and the 500 one, but what happened to all the other ones, the mpc 3000, the mpc 2000xl... are those ones still being made or what? I've been looking for an MPC 3000 everywhere...

[@Mr.Gump5780]

Please add a "Pad to Track" assign function, so that I can have each drum sound go to its ow n track in the daw much easier.

[@hallal55]

i got a mpc5000 after trading it for a maschine but i find the workflow slow on this... would a 2500 be any better?

[@JoeyHeartthrob]

id like to see an araabmuzik demo on the mpc

[@cresshead]

Question could you record a whole song including vocals and external synths with this?

[@edwinragland2883]

This controller is great. I never had an older MPC but with the Renaissance I feel like I'm getting the best features from them all. The software has been updated dramatically and is still improving. I would make no sense economically to make another stand alone MPC.

[@dominicgray2187]

They just did I think, lol, the touch

[@ER_aka_RAM]

+Dominic Gray Touch isn't a stand-alone MPC

[@edwinragland2883]

The Touch is just another controller. A new stand alone Mpc would retail at about $4000 dollars these days.

[@dominicgray2187]

+Eric Ramos I found this out shortly after. Isn't the Ren better then? I mean it doesn't have the touch UI, but it has the whole audio interface & USB hub thing. Then it is modeled more closely to classic MPCs, so if you used the 60, 60 ii, 3000, 2k, or 2kxl, this is a more similar layout. I'm honestly trying to decide between the Push 1, Ren, and Maschine Mikro or MKii now. I'm rocking w/ Ableton, but idk about the Push personally...I've heard maschine has a lot to offer, and I had a 2kxl previously, so this would be a very similar machine. Idk though yet...I'm looking for the perfect mix of hands on workflow and portability....one of the 2 has to go haha

[@ER_aka_RAM]

+Edwin Ragland Considering how much the 5000s are going for.. pretty much!

[@snowcoldbeatz4255]

nice video. I enjoyed how you showed us.you make it easy to use. me and a friend got our mpc Renaissance today thank you

[@franklinbenson9252]

Trying to see if it works with FL studio 21

[@Born2WinBIg77]

Can you use the Renaissance as a VSt is a Daw like Ableton??

[@hueypnewton617]

I love my MPC studio.

[@footmarshian]

i worked in a studio in london and then first seen 2 Mpc 60s had ago on one of them they are fantastic bit of kit it blew my mind then i ownd the mpc 2000 and the 2000 xl i used to sit in bed with the 2000 making beats all night ;-) but i will not buy an mpc that needs a pc the mpc is a very tight machine for beats i ony got an mpc as i did not like cubase and wanted Hardware Sequencer i got an mpc500 now long live the mpc

[@lewderoge7386]

Great in depth video!

[@Soundboy817]

Hi there,sometimes I like playing my drum samples on my midi keyboard,is there a way to place samples on pads,but at same time assigning them in order along my keyboard,as they seem to get mapped out all over the place???

[@jamaladams3001]

it says Music Production Controller its has its uses thats why when i get mine this wont be my standalone i must have a keyboard workstation too with integrated software that i can move quickly will help me a lot with me just getting started in music production. I know what im buying. Im looking at the MPC Touch too. I had the Roland Fantom Xa and i fell in love with the pads on there so i wanted a MPC dont matter. these companies do a good job making sure you can do the best work on their products.

[@whiskeytangofoxtrot8014]

this akai dude look like a bond villian

[@windtwist]

So many whiney folks on here. Just make your music. This thing is awesome and now that it/s 2018 you can pick one up or 500 bux. COuldn't ask for a better controller.

[@numanuma20]

Which is better for the money and the least amount of memory? MPC or Maschine?

[@Gregory5741]

Does anybody know if you can still buy an MPC 3000 new? is it out of production? thanks beforehand

[@samuelevillalobos]

Gregory5741 it's out of production. itd probably be hard to get new. probably just go slightly used

[@Gregory5741]

Thanks!

[@JBlongz]

Ableton Push just trumped this.

[@CW2SCOGG]

Memory depends on your computer's RAM with the MPC Rennaissance and Maschine..haven't seen the MPC Rennaissance library yet but Maschine's is staggering. Your choice depends on workflow. Many cannot give up the MPC way of doing things...I waited so long for the Rennaissance I gave up and bought Maschine I personally like both and use the MPC 5000 with my hardware at home and Maschine Mikro with my laptop on the road. done deal...:)

[@bartjager2901]

I'd rather see the old mpc's back in production! or something like it. Upgrade the old workflow with pc connectivity and combine it with that old dusty sound!

[@benduddell2686]

+Bart Jager Yes, yes yes. Old MPC's with the option to connect to PC. I track midi sequences from FL Studio to MPC 500. Means I don't need a laptop at gigs but it's a fuck about.

[@Official360]

So how do you feel about the current MPC's now, are they what you asked for?

[@CW2SCOGG]

Your Dream Machine sounds a bit like an MPC 5000, minus the CV/Gate out but there are midi to cv/gate converters that will serve that purpose. I love my 2000xl and my 5000 and will never get rid of them. Yes, no mouse and monitor like on the MV but I never used them much, anyway..fudgy to use..no cut and paste..I eventually sold my MV..just didn't like its sequencing and song mode was a pain..nothing like the MPC at all (which is just a great midi sequencing platform)

[@Bacillus3]

this mpc working without computer???? or it's only controller ????

[@Kyoju252]

Can you use it as a standalone MPC?

[@CW2SCOGG]

Maschine now has the ability to timestretch samples to fit session tempo..wonder if the MPC can do this (like the 5000 which uses something 'called 'Patched Phrase' which sounds "pretty damned good" (pun intended heh heh)

[@jaycemusic360francis8]

How dump your work from the renaissance to Protools ?

[@ikeaaron]

I think it's really that people saw this and kind of hoped it would be an MPC with proper software integration, much like the Virus TI, but instead it's a controller/DAW combo. It's disappointing to some (such as myself). Really not that big a deal. It'll find it's niche among users who feel that standalone MPC's are great for what they are, but a bit lacking in modern functionality. I wish something like this or the Maschine was out when I made the arduous switch DAWs.

[@Kyoju252]

That's what I figured... Don't you think for the price a standalone MPC should be included? Especially since the Renaissance is really only as powerful as the computer it's attached to.

[@Soundboy817]

Akai need to add an ensoniq asr 10 mode to the renaissance that would make this a monster

[@tvmaskava]

waiting for my mpc 2000xl to arrive i recently bought, loal :))

[@eighttracks]

It doesn't have audio tracks yet

[@aikighost]

When do we get a proper new standalone MPC instead of these glorified midi controllers?

[@milovandenaweele8042]

***** No it can't. get your facts straight.

[@savvhutt2003]

***** i own one it is not a stand alone.

[@savvhutt2003]

***** it has to be plugged up to a computer to work

[@NicWolf]

aikighost Seriously. MPC used to be a musical instrument. now it's just another studio tool.

[@monkcat6235]

Nic Wolf As a guitar ,piano,violin and recorder player of varying levels I have to argue with you when you consider any mpc to be a musical instrument. I guess in that case you can consider a bottle and rain water falling on a tin can as musical instruments too.

[@thegreatpatsy]

I need this thing!

[@mikeslickmix8840]

lol is he really??🤣🤣

[@sonicstate]

nope, its tied to the computer as the software and audio is processed with the CPU

[@lightoffuturedays]

I'm starting to find the term "workflow" rather annoying.

[@maccagrabme]

Cant believe in this day and age of cheap SD cards and ram or SSD drives that this has no onboard storage? What were they thinking omitting this? I can do anything in software already but am very interested in a device like this BUT with onboard storage for instant recall without a blinkin' computer. Would have added about £20 to the price surely but sold a shedload more devices in the process.

[@amschellee1806]

just buy an adapter

[@lambo360ap]

There's a USB port where you can hook a hard drive to

[@MrLesWhite]

lambo360ap USB means nothing if there is no on board hardware or OS

[@Born2WinBIg77]

THE MPC REN IS WAY WORTH THE PRICE, HERE ARE THE FACTS: If you Wanted a: 1) Great Midi Controller with Pads and Knobs: $300 2) Great Audio Interface: $400 3) Pro Drum Maschine Software like Maschine: $600 4) Great Vsts: Starting from $200 Subtotal: $1,500 The MPC Ren is a Great Compilation of all of these features and Heres the 2 Words that Seperates the Ren from the Mashince: GREAT WORKFLOW!! NUFF SAID: --NYC'S DJ KALEAF( I have my MPC Ren on Order!!!

[@hallal55]

sorry i ment i traded the maschine for the mpc 5000, i love it im just figuring out the best way to track im still new to it

[@nritti_]

I think Akai is a great company with quality affordable units. People want these expensive top of the line equipment and producing bull shit ass beats off of them lol I think Akai fulfills its purpose for the everyday in home studio.

[@andy1107100]

they fail to tell you that you are limited to 4gb of ram so in real use you have only 3 gb of ram to play with when using lot of plugins on each channel insert. i doubt you will able to make much use of all the inserts per track/program until it's 64bit

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

Also agree the Akai's interface looks a lot better than Maschines tbh, a lot more logical and standardised. The mixer section looks way better. Maschine isn't nearly as good as a center control. But I guess that is not its spec.

[@ikeaaron]

Yeah, in hindsight I don't think that the price is completely unwarranted and I can see why people would buy it. I actually think it's a trick piece of kit, but at this price, it's just not relevant to me as my needs are already met by my current PC/controller/interface setup. Maybe after some time has passed, I'll see what the going second-hand rates are. I think this is MUCH cooler than the Maschine, actually.

[@kaloutube]

Sounds a little like the MPC 4000

[@apeironishome]

yeah but who's serious who doesn't use a computer in their setup. i totally understand and the price is high for what it is. but the software comes with it, its got lots of controls and its an audio interface. I don't need one but I can see these working their way into a lot of studios.

[@foggydrifty]

Stand alone or go home Akai. Don't jump on the DAW bandwagon so late, people want the new flagship MPC! NO DAW BS. Not all music creators like computers.

[@atommachine]

CPU Power for this ? dual core ok ??

[@gtubgle]

Guys, AKAI is quick to jump ship on their products. Released in 2012, you can no longer find some replacement parts from AKAI (rear digital card). MPC stuff who does have parts available, doubles the price on them. AKAI can suck balls!

[@ikeaaron]

I'm not saying that there's anything out there. But feel that, in this day and age, for what this unit is (a simple sampler and sequencer, really) that the costs of such devices should be significantly cheaper. From a hardware standpoint, I can buy a $1000 laptop that can do the same things, to much greater avail, that the same similarly priced MPC can do. Yeah yeah, I know about the costs of the DAW and I/O devices, but that's why I feel like something like this needs to be more competitive.

[@Nobody95008]

can I connect a windows 8 Acer to it

[@benduddell2686]

+Shivanand Gunness Yes.

[@Nobody95008]

+Ben Duddell thanks man

[@benduddell2686]

+Ben Duddell As long as it has USB out and meets the minimum spec. Which shouldn't be a lot as the MPC will do a lot of the heavy lifting.

[@cresshead]

32bit software only, no 64bit version also quite a few comments on the software not being all that stable currently...although Akai are "on it" and throwing updates out to fix bugs.

[@fluxsage]

However, Keep up the good work on the reviews. Subscribed, and always, watched.

[@truphteller]

Maschine is a disco box .mpc is the king

[@jaycemusic360francis8]

hey guys where should i plug my output cable to i plug it into my mackie mixer but don't hear any audio coming from my speakers.

[@luukeefan]

No man, i'm not talking about converters, instead processing audio, in this case digital audio. there is no analog filter inside the mpc as well as "analog" pitch shifting, it all happens in the realm of digital. The difference in the sound is probably because of the algorithm on the mpc compared to the REN software. peace!

[@viruslived]

Everyone who is crying about wanting a portable/independent solution... you need to realize Akai has that already, this obviously wasn't developed for that need... so move along.

[@Mtaalas]

I was impressed. :)

[@varoennauraa]

I'd like an independent MPC please.

[@lcaise]

this is Numark in fact

[@richiefamus]

So why can't you do the exact same thing you said, only have it plugged into a 13 inch laptop? Look, the trade off you get is not having to track out your drums and instruments via timecode. That is much more useful than the ability to not have to plug it into a laptop. Well in the studio which im gonna guess is why most people will buy it. But I do agree that it would've been much better if it was hardware and you only used the software to transfer. But it wouldn't have been 1299 either.

[@sawtooth808]

While I agree with you about the MPC Renaissance's colour scheme and looks vis a vis NI's Maschine, the Renaissance does have some useful features like an extra USB hub to power controller keyboards and Hard drives.Although this is not enough to sway me to cough up $1200 or more CDN dollars, I will give the devil it's due

[@FlyFlicks]

So its just a midi controller?

[@ReformedWhiteKnight]

Yes

[@ansiaaa]

So in depth that they didn't even show the sample editor...

[@raptorekpl]

It would be badass if it could be used as a standalone unit (even a bit limited). Do major classic MPC users really said "listen Akai, we want the workflow this way"? No one ever said "hey, you know what, I still want to use it without a computer, at least sometimes..." and "I want to audio juice from the hardware circuits, not from software emulation"? Come on... It doesn't look bad... I just don't dig it...

[@VYD239]

Akai apparently consulted with all the 'top' MPC heavyweight producers' around the world - yet none of them requested it be a standalone machine? And you'll notice how carefully Andy Mac phrases what the machine actually is, avoiding directly stating it relies on a computer. Akai missing tricks once again, like they did by creating the 5000, an amazing beast of a machine with a very underrated and powerful synthesizer, then stopping production on it too soon after - silly.

[@mynmyself]

yeah well, but they could have done a perfect hybrid mixing the best of working in the studio using a computer and its power, plus the facility and comfortability of just taking he hardware device to the club... this is just a midi controller with some dedicated software

[@mynmyself]

this akai, by the way, has the best user interface ever yet done... but its just a cool midi controller, i wish u could unplug it and just go ahead

[@janklosowski]

What's the problem with having small laptop conected to the unit. You can even close the screen - all you can do on the MPC. All you need is too keep your laptop on. Ok, your "rig" is less portable by hey! I'm a guitarist - my rig is a monster comparing to that.