Akai Force Review Part One (After Having One Week)

In this video I do an Akai Force Review to give you an idea of how easy this device is to work with. I have used it for one week and want to share a few workflow features.
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Soundcraft MTK22: amzn.to/2Oqonoh
Audio-Technica AT-LP60: amzn.to/2A28nXa
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Akai LPK25 Wireless: amzn.to/2uDUg5e
Elektron Digitone: amzn.to/2zUOBN2
Ground Loop Isolator: amzn.to/2mZQUFn
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Zoom LiveTrak L-12: amzn.to/2v11TTx
Fender Champion 20: amzn.to/2v8rGci
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[@verbmusics]

5:20 or so... you easily can double clip by hitting shift+double on bottom row of pads. MUCH easier way

[@MatthewStratton]

Gottcha, I knew that option was there too. There is a lot to keep up with when learning a new device so I don't always think about all the options at once. The pads are so far away from the screen. Used to the mpc live where the double option is right on the screen.

[@vforvillain77]

@@MatthewStratton Also there's a duplicate button on the bottom right of that event editor, might duplicate the events after selecting them so you dont have to cut and paste

[@vforvillain77]

it's under the shift menu

[@goodluckhappydragon]

@@vforvillain77 That doesn't copy the notes, it just doubles the clip length. If you want to copy the notes, you have to hold Shift, and press Double, at the bottom under Track 3.

[@inthemix]

I like the way you say you just make whatever music you want to make. Honestly that's how I've been approaching Force too, I don't sit down and say "I'm going to make Hip Hop" and it's really great because it's brought all sorts of random and sometimes wonderful ideas out of me :)

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice. I agree that it does bring all sorts of random and sometimes wonderful ideas out of me too! It is good to have something that is so different than what I am use to, yet some how familiar and easy to use. Honestly, the more I use it the more I like it. Thanks for you videos btw, they definitely help out .

[@V4D2]

dude.... i don’t know what u did....but....i’ve watched dozens of Force videos..and this is the 1st time i actually get a feel of how the MPC works.. thanks!! i am all about capturing live instruments, looping, and using MIDI instruments,as well....so...i’m looking forward for more stuff from you, and the akai force. cheers from portugal!

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Hi Matt! Instead of what you do at 5:19, simply hold shift and touch Double (3rd soft button on bottom row). That will quickly perform the task you expected.

[@Ajonra]

5:51 in the screen you’re in under events there is an edit button in the top right. There’s a menu item similar to the MPC live that lets you double the length.

[@LiftedNoise]

This is the MPC 3.0 software...? so eventually we should get this G.U.I. for our LIVES I'm assuming. At least most of it, I'm sure there must be unique features for the force. Hey Matthew, I'm most interested in the mixer in the Force. Have you covered that in any of your recent videos? Keep up the good work!

[@MatthewStratton]

I don't have a video out about the mixer yet. But I am about to release a video about the 3.0.1 update that will feature how to use side chain, and you will see the mixer in that video. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5PFfqumd9-laKs

[@mojodrum3215]

Thanks Matthew this is the best video explaining the workflow looking forward to part two :)

[@MatthewStratton]

Nice, thanks for the comment. I am planning to do a lot more videos about the work flow.

[@andreumateulamas]

Great to hear from you, Matthew... And hear your thoughts...

[@MatthewStratton]

Right on. Only a week in. I'm sure by next month after the firmware update things will change.

[@bboydreaded]

MPC 3 software. Ohhhh interesting. You are the first person to talk about what software is in the hardware.

[@pierlooqup]

Can you make a video showing a loop-grabbing workflow using MIDI and external synts? E.g. Akai force send MIDI pattern to external synth and record its audio back into an audio clip. Ideally show how this can be done in real time without stopping the sequencer? Thanks!

[@claudiongleur]

Yes Please !

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes. Give me some time to work it out. I will add it to the list.

[@DolbyAtmosMixing]

You still have the screen protector ;) I kept mine on my MPC Live forever...

[@MatthewStratton]

haha, yes. Still on both of my Akai Force and MPC LIVE.

[@johnnyparker2128]

So far I haven’t figured out how to copy a clip and paste it somewhere else. I also haven’t found note repeat yet but I’m following the included tutorial page by page.

[@MatthewStratton]

There is a note repeat in the arp. If you push the arp button on the left side, switch the type to "note repeat". There is a copy button on the left of the matrix pads. Press and hold copy, tap the pad with the clip that you want to copy, then tap the pad that you want to copy it onto. I recommend watching this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIqUqKNvi5idra8

[@bobcatt2294]

Now that One has been released, I am thinking more on the Force from the standpoint of how I would use this machine within a studio environment and its overall functions. It looks as though that the One will be the new generation of Akia's base station that will hook into new Akia's products. Akia is being quiet about the additional products that will connect to the One. Akia is not mentioning much about the Force these days. Thumb up on this video.

[@acemagex13]

How powerful is the computer itself? Do you run into issues with running out of ram or capping the processor at all? And if so, how does that compare to a standard desktop setup?

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Hey! Thank you for this! With regard to the pad sequencer paging. I started just moving my start head around to shift the pad page. I thought there was a bug. I WAS THE BUG!! LOL! Now I know the right way! 👍🏾

[@MatthewStratton]

haha, Yeah, I was stuck for a while on that.

[@ElectronisoundsAudio]

I am *loving* mine so far. I am not using any Audio tracks, Just drum tracks - I can put any loops, or samples on any pad, and add EQ and FX per pad. MAJOR POWERHOUSE. Boom! 😀 👊

[@DolbyAtmosMixing]

Same here, I rarely use Audio. HYPE is a BEAST!!!!

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Great vid! Matthew. But here’s the bottom line for me, Is it easier to build a basic track in the MPC live or the force?

[@MatthewStratton]

To be determined.

[@romboid]

In the 2x issue, i see a button called DUPLICATE, under velocity, in midi edit. Maybe is what you are needing there?

[@DolbyAtmosMixing]

Yup just saw that.

[@Swoldier17]

Pablo Malatesta yes that’s exactly what he’s looking for. He’s just missing it lol

[@desoakley1260]

As knowledgeable that Mathew is... please remember. He is not a certified trainer and is just feeling his way around this devise. So just because Mathrew can't do it or can't find or just doesn't understand. Does not mean that it is beyond the capabilities of the ASKai Force...

[@Mikepepp2]

The manual is a beast. 😂😂😂😂

[@MatthewStratton]

Yeah, about 300 pages. Still working through it.

[@samprock]

Thank god they got it! LOL prolly the first thing in life I am ever reading manual :)

[@nicolasscheid2557]

Is it possible to load MPC files in the force

[@wasdwasd12321]

7:28 Hey anyone knows if the seam between these two clips now pop or is the transition between them smoothed like a good looper should?

[@dolo747]

wow.. was having the same issue.. i couldn't locate the next part of the sequence.. i was about to return this... I'll give it another week... this device is still not clicking for me... having a hard time finding a comfortable work flow

[@MatthewStratton]

With any device there is a learning curve. I am actually finding the Force easy to navigate, there are things that are not self explanatory though. The manual is a friend of mine.

[@kenzoblytheproducertv4934]

Still Mpc X aww day💯💯💯

[@gazfunk]

I’m still not sure what the point of this is. It’s just trying to do what a Push 2 can do with less power. If you are going to be tied to a desk you might as well use Ableton Live and a Push. The Force isn’t exactly portable, is it? The MPC Live is much better option if you are on the go. I was really excited about it at first and almost bought one but I think I’ll stick with my MPC Live and Ableton Push. I’m open to having my mind changed. I don’t want to be too down on it. It does look cool. I’m just not sure where it fits. Why would you choose this over an MPC or Ableton Push?

[@digitaldiezel5870]

gazfunk I plan to take mine on every vacation. Seems portable enough. No battery, so you will need electricity. I can use in any room on the planet with compatible electrical sockets. LOL!!

[@boothbuster]

I agree... I am beginning to think, they made this for true MPC heads who don’t even know what Live really is! Or the few who for some reason don’t want a computer (although I argue, this looks like a computer... a very limited interface one with the smalls screen placed so far away from you).

[@goodboid]

Can you import midi? Also what is the compatibility like with Ableton? Can I put projects into Ableton after starting an initial idea on the Force? Thanks for making these videos.

[@MatthewStratton]

I am not sure how import midi. There are .mpcpatterns that contain midi data, so I can transfer events from MPC to the Force and vice versa. Ableton integration will be on the firmware update that is planned to come out next month. You are suppose to be able to export the entire set as an Ableton set to import into ableton.

[@goodboid]

@@MatthewStratton Thanks for your response!

[@Official360]

Is this an instrument that can be used in tandem with an MPC Touch/Live like Maschine JAM compliments a Maschine MK3/Studio?

[@MatthewStratton]

Not exactly. It is a separate device. You can do basic things like midi sync, but they are not integrated like the NI stuff.

[@S1ph3r]

@10:53 yea thats kind of stupid about having to select a button to get them to show up instead of it working through the screen

[@justinkinter8651]

Can you overdub audio clips?

[@user-yh5dd5jz7x]

Is the manual a hardware or you can provide a link please. Thanks for your videos btw.

[@MatthewStratton]

www.akaipro.com/amfile/file/download/file/738/product/7147/

[@SilvaFoxMC]

An interesting device thus far. I'm still waiting to see how it handles an entire song with vocals. Main, secondary and ad-lib tracks are what I'm concerned about this machine handling. So far, everything I've seen this thing do, I can do inside my LIVE. I even have tracked entire verses inside my LIVE. I know the FORCE has tools the LIVE doesn't but I need to know the reason it is imperative for me to have those tools. What I'm looking for is the great song creating abilities Ableton has inside of this standalone box. Not a full translation because that would be impossible with this devices limited power. (Same rings true of the LIVE in comparison to the MPC software.) I have an APC 40 already so this device may not be what I need if I can't effectively replace my Tascam DP-24 with it and thats what I ultimately would get it to do. Great videos always my friend. Keep them coming.

[@TeleporterM11]

The Grand Unchallenged Sword I did some singing in it mainly just to check out the fx it came with that were good for vocals. It could do with more fxs for vocals.

[@SilvaFoxMC]

@@TeleporterM11 thank you for the info. I want this thing badly but I can't justify it just yet. The most important thing I need this thing to do is become my recording centerpiece and keep me out and away from my laptop.😉

[@SilvaFoxMC]

@@TeleporterM11 also I subbed you because besides Matt, you are the second person who actually owns this and is posting from the ground up regarding the understanding of this device.

[@MatthewStratton]

If you get a mic pre amp you can record vocals directly into the mpc live.

[@SilvaFoxMC]

@@MatthewStratton been done long ago. My Audio Buddy got plenty miles.😂

[@Mikepepp2]

Feel like I’m using Roland Mv 8800. Complex

[@MatthewStratton]

There is a lot to learn.

[@BabyMoney216]

Is this the same as MPC x or is there a big difference cause I own a x just wondering if I should incorporate the force?

[@MatthewStratton]

Unless you want to use clip launching and use 64 pads as a step sequencer, and melodic and chord arranger, I really don't think the Force will be necessary. They both have the same program types, so no big difference there. If you are big into sampling and are used to using the pads to chop, I do not recommend getting to Force, as you will likely be annoyed like the many users that have commented about it.

[@BabyMoney216]

@@MatthewStratton thanks!

[@TeleporterM11]

Mathew don’t underestimate the scroll wheel. You can use it to nudge notes left to right or transpose them.

[@MatthewStratton]

For sure. The event editor is very similar to that of the MPC LIVE.

[@dadmac4636]

Can you change the time signature?

[@MatthewStratton]

I haven't figured out how to change time signatures yet.

[@DJKue]

Have you tried sending midi out from this into ableton? I’m curious, if say, you’re in notes mode, and if it will send that midi in the key selected into ableton or any midi device. I know midi integration is forthcoming, but I’m sure you can still send midi into the DAW. Thanks for the great videos!

[@DolbyAtmosMixing]

I hooked my FORCE to MPC DAW as a MIDI Controller. Works just fine.

[@TeleporterM11]

Mathew you are definitely high iQ to have figured out some of these workflows like I did, the learning curve is stumping some people especially those that have never used any other controllers.

[@DolbyAtmosMixing]

I agree that the learning curve is tricky. However, this is only v1 of the instrument - meaning there's a long road map for development ahead 😃

[@Ast3rixMusic]

Seems like those that are already comfortable with the mpc software workflow don’t have a lot of issues with it, combined with Ableton users. The recording is clip mode which is the stable of Ableton.

[@leoopokat8235]

Go to clip events and shift 😁 hold note while in arp mode get a bonus screen btw

[@leoopokat8235]

Hold shift and bottom empty track button open new track with advance feature

[@leoopokat8235]

It a good product just need some time to get a my head around it 😉

[@MatthewStratton]

With any device there is a learning curve. I don't think the Force is too difficult to learn though. Depends on what you want to do.

[@ogasi1798]

i really wanted to love this but the more i watch the more i see you have no choice but to use the touchscreen,for example ON THE COPY PASTE ,can this not be completed by pad pushes or buttons>? i could be missing something but i see it over and over

[@MatthewStratton]

Yes, you have to use the touchscreen. Not as much as for the MPC LIVE, because there are a lot of dedicated buttons. But the function buttons on the bottom of the screen have no dedicated physical buttons.

[@samprock]

I got mine for a week and did NOT find how to copy clips and row LMAO ... not to the fault of device, it awesome, just can’t spend enough time on monsta :)

[@MatthewStratton]

Haha. Yeah, I have a feeling that I will still be finding new functions months out.

[@natanmandala]

Just looking at this thing drives me a little nuts. There's way too many buttons and it just looks confusing. I'm sure this thing is great, and I know it sounds crazy, but with my ocd and seeing all of these buttons with different colors and the tetris look would just drive me insane.

[@MatthewStratton]

Naw, doesn't sounds crazy. There is a lot going on, it is overwhelming.

[@DoctorBlankenstein]

yeah, so now I want this effin thing. nice job man... ugh lol ;)

[@celticprogeny1569]

The ceiling.

[@beatz04]

Looks more tedious and complicated than just using Ableton and a Push (+mouse).

[@boothbuster]

beatz04 I agree. I’ve watched many videos to try to get the gist of what this is good at. So far, the only thing I can say it specializes in is DJ clip sets that for some reason don’t want to use a laptop computer nor a simpler sample playback device. (Perhaps because they’re still midi clips, of course, or they’re composing on stage, but do many really do that?) For composing, MPC does great. I’d rather just render the loops from MPC and put them in Bitwig. Or play them quick n easy in something like Launchpad for iOS. I do get the draw of clip and grid sequencing but MPC does that, just via the menus (sequences and tracks) instead of a constant 8x8 grid... honestly I hated Push 1 too, I think such grids take up way too much work area and eye real estate. Would rather have such a Launchpad on the side and separate from the main piece.

[@anonymousmc7727]

Should be 999.00

[@ChazSeamus28]

This thing looks like a Atari

[@m-stat9]

Now do the same video again with fw 3.3.x