MPC LIVE II Longterm Review

Finally got around to doing a rambly longterm review of the Akai MPC LIVE II.
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#mpclive #akai #dawless

[@DylanParisMusic]

If you enjoy my videos please consider listening to my album and letting me know what you think in the comments / sharing with your friends if you dig it. Thank you! open.spotify.com/album/6HCemxzxzH49z9vXIOjgug?si=LTonR2KMTtS3qEbUUD4qiA

[@sinewaymusic]

100% agree about the MPC being the best "of I could have only one" device out there. I recently upgraded from the One to the Live 2 and I'm not looking back. The battery is such a killer feature, and the speaker is surprisingly useful and perfect for a casual 10 minute jam in between job meetings or the lunch break.

[@CDMESD]

Great review. I am seriously considering the MPC Live 2.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching! It's a really good device!

[@HanjoSynth]

Totally agree on the power of sampling. I have been getting deeper into sampling garageband and iOS synths into my gear and it defenitely feels like anything is possble with small amount of tools!

[@immersivenarrative]

Yooo 7,77k subs good luck Dylan ^^

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you 🙌🙏😎 I’m stoked!!

[@philippebackprotips]

MPC Live 2 battery operation + speakers + enough I/O midi makes it usable w other battery powered devices on the move. For me this is the key feature. Hype is dope for sure. I wish we had Hybrid 3 on standalone. One can dream.

[@babysunn2]

Awesome Setup, Jazzy House Music... I think You Just Created A New Genre, lol...That Being Said, Your Visuals Is Tight!👍🏽👍🏽!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you! 🙌🙏😎

[@shawndiggz8904]

Great video! I totally agree with you that the $500 bundle is too much to pay. I guess working with what you have is the best solution instead of a gear acquisition. Nicely done!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching! Yeah the MPC is so flexible it's nice to not be forced to pay to upgrade but I hope they drop the prices on the plugins and bundle soon

[@middaymeds]

Fantastic video Dylan! I'm totally with you on the newer MPC platforms being some of the most convoluted music production software to use. I come from a background that involves Pro Tools so I'm no stranger to obtuse layouts but damn if I didn't feel like an idiot when I first tried to time stretch a sample to match with the BPM of a song. Hell even keygroups are kind of hard to figure out at first.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah the learning curve is wild, they're very different from most DAWs and even other grooveboxes and dawless gear

[@jefgibbons]

Great vid, I'm really close to picking one of these up... LOVE the retro version.Auto-sampler is still better on MPC. Also love the idea of the speaker and the battery ;) Great song too, piano sounds good!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Oh man I wanted the Retro version so bad! If you get it I'll watch your videos and live vicariously for sure haha. Thanks for watching! 🙏😎❤️

[@DrRONYmusic]

Hey! I love your videos man! Quick one . I read that the MPC one doesn’t have wifi and that I couldn’t use Splice directly on the MPC one as opposed to the MPC live 2 that has wifi and allows to download samples directly onto it. What’s your take on it?

[@defjustice5144]

This is a great video. I am still learning my MPC Live 2, and still haven't tried keygroups, but I agree on the MPC Key 61. 500 dollars is a lot. I'll stick to my Live 2. MPC X is the goal later though. Also subscribed.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for the kind words and the sub! The X does look like a powerhouse for usability

[@weepwow]

Awesome video, just got a Live 2, so dont understand all this yet. My first MPC. Coming from Ableton w/Push 2 and Elektrons etc.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching! What electron gear did you use? I had a digitone for a bit and really liked it

[@weepwow]

@@DylanParisMusic I have the original Elektrons and Digitone. Like you, I see no reason to sell, each one still has its own time and place.

[@Morenoo]

Hey! Thanks for your review! Your videos are always insightful! I have a question, what do you think about the Force vs Live 2, do you still use them both? Which workflow you prefer or you feel being more creative on?

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you for the kind words! I find myself using the Live 2 a lot more which is strange given that I really like the ableton style workflow of the Force. I think the Force is a bit too big and the onboard sounds are not as inspiring as something like the maschine plus. I'm hoping they'll drop the price of the mpc expansion instrument bundle and bring it to the Force

[@HealyHQ]

Fun vibes!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you!

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

If you look around you might be able to find a mint KingKorg for $500 or less. 5 oct. keybed (no aftertouch) though it emulates P5,OB,MG,MS20,303 filters and 16 band vocoder (bit more Kraftwerk sounding compared to Roland Mr. Blue Sky).

[@DubYaJsWorld]

The battery is everything for me right now. I'm still a beginner but I don't want to sit at my computer. I have to sit there to edit my KZbin videos and I'm okay with that. I want to make my own music for my channel but I don't want to be tied to the computer at all! I just bought the live 2 it should be here Friday. Got it for $780 on eBay, like new. Can't wait to get started or should I say continue, I have the Akai software already.

[@lennonlivestevegrantnobody997]

Hello thank you for your tutorial…is it possible to real time record 16 tracks of midi … to make copy of midi files in real time from a 1990!😳kawai q80ex it’s the only way to copy the files I perform a John Lennon tribute show and have 2 sets of ten midi songs linked together as a long file 900 bars I run 14 tracks of midi instruments and 1 track midi to dmx lights I track to queue Roland p10 video samples and p1 lyrics display… I want to update the system but don’t want to re program everything. I want to plug the q80ex into the also live 2 and record the 16 tracks at once in real time ( it’s the only way to get the midi information notes and control and program changes etc from the q80 ex ?? Thank you for your help if you can answer this I’d b very appreciative as I’m thinking of buying a live 2 but Nd to make sure it will do this. Cheers

[@mitechko]

Keygroups are fine for many things, but there is a significant difference between a keygroup and a proper sampled instrument like Grandeur. Grandeur has 18 velocity layers recorded, where as MPC keygroups can only do 4 layers at most. 4 layers is enough if you just want some piano in the background, but if you are going to have a piano playing expressively as the main voice, the lack of nuance starts to show. There are tricks people use to overcome this (stacking multiple keygroups configured to play at different velocity levels), but it becomes unwieldy pretty fast and requires quite a lot more work. But I agree with you about the price point of the new plugins. And the sampled plugins like the Stage Piano suspiciously lack any information about the number of samples. The Stage Piano seems to take 20GB of space and has 4 sampled pianos, so that's ~5GB per piano and Native Instrument pianos seem to take about 5GB each, so it kinda suggests that they have a comparable sampling resolution, but actual information would have been helpful.

[@googlerep366]

I think this can pretty much sum everything up for people trying to decide whether to get the one or the MPC live 2 or any MPC for that matter is If you're going to be locked in a studio to make music just use a computer and some cheap external hardware that you can set your knobs and buttons to. With the MPC Live 2 You can use it in the studio or you can take it anywhere you want with you and not have to have any instruments plugged into it and be able to create music. If you're going to buy an MPC the live 2 It's the only thing that makes sense otherwise you might as well use your computer because it's way more powerful. And if you have the MPC live 2 then you can also use that in your studio but you have another option to take it places and use it wirelessly for 6 hours plus being able to have two terabytes worth of everything you could possibly think of on it that's a lot to get to choose from just being in the middle of nowhere You could be sitting in the woods and create a whole set and use your headphones even if you want to to mix. I don't think it's that hard of a choice plus you got way more plugins and io's on the MPC Live 2. Trying to use an SD card to search for things is slow because the drive speed is very slow on a SD card versus using an SSD drive It's 100 times faster.

[@blknight]

I'm thinking about getting the MPC Key 61 or the MPC Live. I currently have a Yamaha MOXF8 but want an MPC for drums/sampling. would you recommend the MPC Key 61 to augment the sounds of my MOXF8 or go with the MPC Live? Thank you for your time.

[@DylanParisMusic]

If you already have a keyboard that's working for you, I'd recommend the One or the Live and using the Yamaha as your midi and sound source

[@combobreaker449]

honestly don't regret the $500 bundle

[@benkutta6328]

Hey Dylan! From today‘s perspective: would you buy mpc live 2 or maschine + for live performances?

[@DylanParisMusic]

That's a good question! I'd actually probably go with the Akai Force if playing live is your main purpose. That said the MPC Live has been more stable for me than the M+ so it would probably be the 2nd place after the Force.

[@lrkx_]

Could I suggest/ask for a video explaining how you make drum kits or key groups for the Force to beef up the collection with better sounds from VST’s or hardware? The same approach you used with the Live II instead of opting for the keyboard or expansion would be pretty much the same as on the Force, I suspect?

[@DylanParisMusic]

Mostly the same! I used the mpc software to autosample the vsts, not sure if you can get the software with the Force but if MPC Beats can do it you can make key groups there and then transfer to the Force. Alternatively you can use the autosampler on the Force but that would require a lot of cabling

[@RobotSnake]

The software is coming to Force. It’s already been in Beta.

[@X-101]

Guess you don't use a lot of hardware? the Live 2 has 6 outputs and 2 midi outs, the One does not

[@theorize999]

now i need to get the MPC im about to get one thanks for your opinions

[@theorize999]

I’d much rather have the Live2 I need the extra instead ins and outs to go with my other gear i’m looking for a centerpiece.

[@theorize999]

i really like your commentary on the learning curve, i mean. i currently use Renoise so I’m not afraid to alternative workflows.

[@theorize999]

you need to get hooked up with sweetwater I shop through them I tap that link if you had it brother. nice music to end it with too good one

[@cordlesswire]

does it have that nifty feature where it can isolate tracks of any song? i know they indtroduced it recently with live keys, but i dont know if that will be introduced to like mk2 as well.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I’m not sure that feature is on the standalone MPCs yet, last I heard it was only on the software. When it’s out on standalone it will definitely work on this as well, I believe it’s a paid add on like some of the other synths and effects

[@MashmanMusic]

What is the cllosest product in the Akai range that competes with the MPC Live 2 that is not standalone?

[@DylanParisMusic]

honestly not sure, I know they have a studio controller thing but at this point you might be better off just plugging in a live 2 and using it in controller mode (spendier that way though)

[@gatorent.productionbuffrec8797]

As for the MPC 61 key i would buy if it had speakers 🔊. For me that would be the ultimate workstation.

[@DylanParisMusic]

The 61 Key looks super cool, would love to try one someday. Definitely would be nice if it had an SD card slot and speakers too

[@ipainthouses3084]

Came across this video , did you by any change made a video on how to create your own piano via vst ?

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah I think I did, I forgot what I called it but it was before I got the MPC plugin expansions

[@ipainthouses3084]

@@DylanParisMusic alright , im gonna look for it. That way i can sample every vst i want , so i can play it on the pads/keys in standalone

[@DuckAlertBeats]

Snazzy little track at the end there

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you!

[@IIrandhandleII]

In a few years they should release a laptop with a midi controlled finger drumpad. MPC-LT

[@vertigev]

Just saw that SteamDeck just hanging there... Got my email today, how long did it take to get yours after you paid? Anyway, back to synths haha

[@DylanParisMusic]

Mine showed up within a week after I paid, I got lucky with a day one order

[@vertigev]

@@DylanParisMusic Nice!

[@tom-541]

I really like this video, I gotta say I disagree with you on those Stage Piano and Stage EP plugins - I find them wayyy better than just a keygroup. I believe Stage Piano or Stage EP has about 12 multisamples per note whereas a keygroup only has four. I do find the keygroups are lacking compared to that. The inbuilt effects are useful, it's has streamlined settings to change, etc etc. Now, I got the MPC Keys from the One, and it was 100% what I wanted. I wanted a good rompler with good sounds (Fabril, Stage Piano & EP) so I was looking at a MODX to add to my One at the time. I already had a 61 key keyboard paired with my One but the reduced friction of having it all in one box really has been worth more than the sum of it's parts. I can't really verbalise how. I also wanted the wifi and bluetooth so it seemed like the perfect upgrade. The Live II to the Keys is a bit of a harder sell - but for the discount you were offered, I'd still consider it if I were you. That's assuming you can afford to lock that money away while you deciding to sell it on / you can get some good money back for it.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I appreciate your perspective on it! Glad to hear you're enjoying the Keys!

[@IsshmanGarcia]

I made the mistake of buying Fabric XL, Studio Strings and OPx4 individually. I wasn't aware the whole bundle was $500..the link I used was for FabricXL, so and it said $500- but 250 for limited time. So essentially I paid $550 for 3 plugins. I've been in contact with Akai via phone to see if they can retrofit me to the bundle seeing I paid over what they wanted for it. They have sent me on a wild goose chase of email this person, etc...time will tell if they do right by me...seeing as I loyaly purchased over 10 hardware pieces from them thus far. Yes, I'm digging OPx4!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Oh man that's so brutal! I hope they make that right for you, that's not a good way to reward a loyal customer at all

[@HammyHavoc]

And did they do right by you in the end?

[@pixelissue]

if Akai would support 3rd party VST's that would be a game changer.

[@teddybearasaurus]

What keyboard did you buy?

[@DylanParisMusic]

Ive got a Komplete Kontrol S61 on the way from NI

[@joej5081]

I love my mpc one but the mpc software feels limited in its design and user interface. The software doesn't feel modern but i don't really mind because of all the functions and things it can do, sometimes feels overwhelming great video

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching, I totally get what you mean

[@slice307]

Mpc is designed for standalone. Software is just a bonus

[@marclemar]

We need a group to divide and conquer auto sampling a bunch of VSTs

[@brandonsmith2594]

I'm down let's get started we could make categories like plucks, bells, strings , guitars. We can have people to just sample and load the sounds into a site possibly.

[@marclemar]

@@brandonsmith2594 probably a good idea to start it on the MPC Facebook group then get some organization on who’s covering what.

[@gatorent.productionbuffrec8797]

MPC L2 is flagship of standalone/sampler

[@DylanParisMusic]

LIVE 2 is awesome but I think the X is the flagship by definition

[@gatorent.productionbuffrec8797]

@@DylanParisMusic Speaker and battery put MPC L2 at top for me.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Standalone definition doesn’t inherently mean battery power

[@gatorent.productionbuffrec8797]

True

[@theorize999]

dude wait for the OPx to go on sale I got it on sale for a lot less than 150 I know that

[@FlatWHDF]

That tan shirt looks like a military shirt

[@DylanParisMusic]

Haha a bit yeah, it's an American Giant tee

[@freshday633]

only thing that gets on my nerves with mpc is the processor and ram seriously akai cant you make a live 3 with 2.5ghz processor and upgradable ram to the size of at least 8gb please

[@gazfunk]

The MPC LIVE plugins are fine. Don't use presets. Make your own sounds from scratch. The presets are crap but that's the same for most synths.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I disagree, the presets on most of the maschine plus plugins are really good, and I liked many of the presets in Fabric XL and OPx4

[@alexwest909]

where the disk streaming akai? the fm synth is the only item i'd be interested in, piano samples are a dime a dozen - ios has fantastic piano multi-sample apps. opx-4 standalone @ $149 is something i MIGHT do. But I am much more interested in maschine+ these days, so really i'm just saving for that. akai better get wise that the maschine+ is looking more and more to be a viable product now with a ton of standalone goodness and so shouldn't be nickel and diming it's customers and potential customers. mpc live 2 is better than mpc one obvs, but the price of mpc one, layout and smaller footprint makes it better in the end. but where's the disk streaming?

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah with the Force doing disk streaming I'm sure it's on the way for the MPC line as well, fingers crossed! The Maschine+ is definitely viable these days as well

[@KnowPiepmatz]

The key word is DAWless. Up to the current software (2.13), the MPC hardware cannot be used multitimbrally with external sequencers (DAW / Keystep Pro etc.). This is due to a midi bug that Akai has not fixed since this model series was released. Before you spend money, be sure to be aware that sequencing is only possible internally to MPC or you can use MPC as a software plugin. Normal multitimbral (16 midi channels) control via DAW is not possible. You cannot integrate the MPC into your DAW environment like a hardware sampler (Akai S3000) or a Rompler Roland XV5080. Akai fails to explicitly point this out. I didn't notice it until too late after purchasing it. A bitter disappointment. I wouldn't have bought an MPC because the internal sequencer is too one-dimensional as the only possible workflow for me. Test before you buy. If you send a sustained note (C2) on midi channel (1) and at the same time a short 1/32 bass note (C2) on midi channel (2) to the physical midi (in) of the MPC via midi, the sustained note is cut off. Once the shortest note falls silent, the MPC internally generates a 'Note OFF' on all sixteen MIDI channels. The sustained note therefore corresponds to the 1/32 bass note. Even if MPC (Music Production Center) ultimately follows the workstation concept of well-known manufacturers, it cannot keep up with these professional studio devices. A workstation is never limited to the internal sequencer and is therefore completely suitable for a studio.

[@willywonka47]

Gave up on the force huh

[@DylanParisMusic]

I point to it in this video lol

[@DylanParisMusic]

I use multiple devices for multiple reasons. The biggest reason I got the Force was for live performance of finished tracks from ableton and other devices, so it's kinda on standby for now

[@willywonka47]

@@DylanParisMusic halfway in haha

[@NSW-ye3xw]

The rubberised paint is what puts me off buying. In the long term, it will look and feel horrible when it degrades.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I think that’s a fair concern, I had an original Ableton push that got a little gummy over time and it wasn’t ideal

[@othelo989]

HADOOKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hat.

[@DylanParisMusic]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥