MPC Live II vs. Akai Force - Streetfighter style matchup

Watch the REMATCH - now that the Force update (3.0.5) is out - • [REMATCH!] - Force vs....
Decided to give the MPC Live II a good look, and did an old school streetfighter style match up with my Force. If you're curious about how the Force and the MPC Live II compare - this is your chance!
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1:01 - Pads
2:23 - Knobs
4:43 - Buttons
6:12 - Software
7:09 - Sampling
8:37 - Audio I/O
10:24 - MIDI
11:47 - CV
13:15 - Mixing
14:33 - Note Repeat
15:33 - Power
16:16 - Mixing
17:57 - Workflow
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[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Watch the REMATCH here - (now that Force 3.0.5 is out) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKnUmnasg8qaptE

[@coltenwestin7457]

Instablaster.

[@m-stat9]

Lets redo with 2.11 vs 3.2

[@wolfgang_grows]

Just a little hint: you don't need to go to the menu to get to the pad mixer screen on the akai force. Just press shift and the mixer button.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Oh - didn't know that. Good tip. I feel frustrated, sometimes, at how Akai has all these obscure elements that aren't exactly intuitive - nor are they easy to find out. Maybe that's in the manual, but the manual is not fun to slog through. How'd you discover that?

[@wolfgang_grows]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I actually got that info from the manual. When I bought the force earlier this year, I decided for myself to go through the tedious process of reading the manual from start to finish. Some functions are explained very straight forward and in great detail. Other parts - like e.g. all the different fx plugins - are explained in a rather superficial way...

[@dwallbeats2986]

Video breakdown is dope like the creativity!

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Appreciate that

[@BubbaSatori]

Interesting that yours is the first opinion that I’ve seen in reviews that dislikes the speakers. Big plus for me as a consideration for purchasing. Really enjoying the video game theme for these matchups.

[@Darqion]

Oh wow, im on a T-shirt

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

haha

[@babsysinger]

dude you are so funny. these videos are completely helping me.

[@SoulN1]

thanks for this video..i had purchased the force right before the MPC LIVE 2 DROPPED...i was mad at first but the Force was made for DJ's also and thats what i brought it for to Play along side with my DJ Software Rekordbox 6... since they both have link..and it work flawless..after watching this..im glad iv stayed with the force...just need a few more updates and where good...thanks again...luv your videos bro

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

🤘🤘

[@TK-hz4ss]

Force kills the Live anyways, you made the better investment

[@LikiHoffman]

hey bro how´s going ... can you explaind me how to conect force with recordbox... is with ableton link ?

[@davidvochocjr1005]

Thanks for comparison. The speaker on the Live + battery makes it an ultimate portable couch&holiday piece of gear for me.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

If it works for you, then awesome!

[@femmy820]

May the Force be with you :-)

[@alexfennellart]

Loved the video

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

🍟🍟🍟

[@BBoyRocTee]

Thanks for this awesome comparison. I'm still torn between which to get, but this definitely sheds some light on each of their strengths and weaknesses. I would like a "dawless"/standalone/portable alternative to recording via a computer. Problem is, I am primarily a guitar player, (hardware) synth player and vocalist looking to record indie/soul/ambient stuff. So, the PRIORITY for me is being able to record good quality audio tracks. Would definitely use the device for drums, though. There is a fear of gross under-use of its capabilities with these goals in mind. Problem is, there is nothing quite like this for instrumentalists/vocalists (I have the iZotope Spire, but its arranging capabilities are just waaaay too limited). Which would you recommend? Thanks in advance :)

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

How do you define "good quality audio tracks"

[@liamhebden8857]

I've been in the mind that using both as a combo production set is my thought with them. It will give me then 6 and 7 making 13!!!! Ahahaha I have been in the mind set that what I am without with the MPC isn't worth getting over a DAW setup. But thinking now to add both together. I think the Force will be doing all the work and the MPC LIVE ii will be just the sample chopping machine... Linking them with Ableton will make it fully complete and I can CV Gate some analogue equipment with them also. Although I am a fan of the type of creativity I get from hardware. It's just cut off from all the destructions a computer offers. Full lushness in the making Lol, thanks great video and great conclusion!

[@nucentury08]

I own both ! The Speaker Monitor sounds Amazing 🚀🚀🚀 Enough to get a accurate spectrum mix to take back into your studio and it will translate the same great Low great minds great High.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Haha...I HATED the speaker when I tried it. Esp the location.

[@EARTH.HARMONY.SOUND.HEALING]

thanks man!

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

🍷🍷🍷

[@dashavati]

You can control the bars of all each track on the mpc live. It's on the main page right beside the name of the track. You can change the amount of bars in the loop.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

I mean - I still don't really like the MPC workflow. Personal preference.

[@dashavati]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy yea it's a preference type of thing I was just letting people know. That option only shows when you have don't have the mixer window open. Lolol it took me a while to figure that out smh 😂

[@40791]

Apologies if I have missed this - after integrating with an Ableton project via WiFi sync, can I use FORCE as a midi keyboard to play my Ableton instruments? If I set up a drum rack or Ableton keys plugin can I play it from FORCE??

[@TK-hz4ss]

Yes

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

No...haha. Not sure why they said yes.

[@Goober2023]

If you had the MPC software, can you plug the force into and if so will it work like the live etc, does it have a controller mode would there be any benefit apart from maybe not using so much ram in standalone . Don’t know if anyone ever used the repository pack in standalone but it eats it

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

No...doesn't work with mpc on computer. You can create expansion packs on the computer that week open on the force

[@deepfriedbeats]

Come from an MPC background and will say ever since I'd picked up the force I find myself working more in it than the MPC.. Workflow is so much faster.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

🤘🤘

[@PoboyMusic]

The force is a beast. Ableton with push 2 is even faster workflow but for a standalone it is a great machine. Needs arrangement mode tho

[@deepfriedbeats]

@@PoboyMusic still waiting!!! Lol! One of these days.

[@buckbumble]

@@PoboyMusic it’s here!!

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

West’s better for home recording?

[@Wolf_Avery]

Do you ever get a headache from the Forces pad lights pulsing. Any idea if they can be dimmed? I know the screen can be dimmed.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Haha hasn't bothered me.

[@YOUrDEAlerwiThHell]

Another question: in clip mode is there a possibility to see where the clip is with its sound; i mean like on the force you see when the clip will loop. in Mpc live you have to guess or get a "feeling for it or am i wrong?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Not unless you're looking at that specific clip

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I think you were too nice the live and gave it the win at least 3 too many times. I bought this FORCE full price and I probably buy the next one full price as well, ... its that good to me! Thank you for the time and effort on the post!

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Haha...so if you would've given the Mpc live the win, why do you prefer the force?

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Pink Buddha lol I was saying the FORCE should have won by at least 3 more points. 👍🏾 sorry, I could have stated it more clearly lol, think I was busy at the time.

[@movadovato3627]

@@digitaldiezel5870 whats the need for 2?

[@eddmtz4028]

Besides price which one do you suggest to create my own whole tracks or songs as mp3?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

whew....that's a tough one. The workflow is just so different from each other. I particularly like the way Ableton is organized, so that's why I liked the Force (it was based upon the Ableton format). But you might like the MPC format? I think the MPC is better, if you like the finger drum and you like to sample. The Force is better for creating full songs (like with the Arranger)

[@cronenbergj]

Can you use MPC Expansions XPN files with the Force with no problems or conversions ?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Yup

[@RayJuang]

Akai force 3.0.5 firmware just came out today and a lot of the changes that you wished in other videos made it in!! BTW, thank you for doing the akai force videos. I'm still learning how to use mine but draw inspiration from your videos.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

I know! Just installed it. More force Friday videos soon.

[@noobslayerr9732]

Which has the better clocksync? Mpc even the 2.0 all this yrs still needs an acme4 with it to behave on sync with other gear or even within its internal engines. .. Has force tighter clock?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

No idea. Haven't used the others

[@noobslayerr9732]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy between them i mean..mpc vs force in matters of clock sync

[@marknesium]

Isnt the Force designed to work together with Ableton Live?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

yes

[@roman13rooms]

It has ableton link

[@jrv8709]

Great video. Curious if your opinions changed after 3.05 sw drop

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol...I'm making a rematch video right now

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Rematch video up now

[@AD-Dom]

I got mpc lite with the crappy little Akai midi controller. You can make drum programs within it for use on force. It’s fairly annoying not having some sort of computer link that’s not a Ableton would be nice.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Yeah - I've tried doing that. Works "ok." Maybe they just figured people would just want to export to Ableton or something, so they didn't bother with software. I wish that something like the MPC software existed.

[@Romenet310]

Man, I just ordered the Akai force and I had no idea it was so large in size. It makes the live 2 look like a baby when compared side by side. I don’t even think my little table will hold her.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Haha...it sure is big. It's like a small alligator.

[@TK-hz4ss]

The Force is an absolute monster, MPC and Ableton married together. Anyone who comes from the MPC will kill it on the Force. Cant wait till the drum synth and arranger update, hopefull they will find a way to tranfer tracks to clips and sequences to scenes from the MPC to the Force as well, that will be a gamechanger. Im sure they will, its designed to be an ever evolving workflow , like Novation has done with the Circuit, so keep the ideas flowing to Akai and keep the Force on the forefront of design. Best studio investment I have made to date

[@PoboyMusic]

Agree! Also agree with giving akai feedback

[@juanjosegh2423]

Lol I’m new to this can someone help me translate this lol What does transfer tracks to clips mean 😂

[@YOUrDEAlerwiThHell]

Could´nt you also plug and akai apc 40 into the mpc live for the other pads :D? (just wondering^^) (or maybe with a launchpad (x)?)

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

I don't think so. The apc 40 is more mapped to Ableton

[@YOUrDEAlerwiThHell]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy Thx for the fast answering!

[@rishpanjeet7479]

I like that everything is physically closer on the Live II

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

? Not sure what you mean by that. Maybe you mean the buttons that you want to use? Because the Force is a tighter arrangement of buttons....but there are a lot more of them.

[@rishpanjeet7479]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy the screen is closer and all controls are closer to body - Force forces your neck to get all scrunchy The old man gave me candy

[@luisxTuga]

you ended my dilemma tomorrow i will buy the force that the force is with everyone hahah

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Welcome!

[@bryanbytes]

Has firmware updates to either machine changed the scoring at this point?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Yes...but the firmware updates are almost the same for each. So it doesn't change the comparison.

[@MrBinsique]

Hello, do you use the BETA version in the Force? Have you problems with it? THANK YOU

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Haven't had problems, but I also can't get back to the regular version. So I'm stuck with it till the next version, apparently...😂😢🤷‍♂️

[@MrBinsique]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy Thank you. I have Charge it from 2 weeks and I have no problems! Thank for your videos! I like them!!!

[@junglsmor]

still cant believe we cant rearrange tracks in the force. really need a big update

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

So true

[@TK-hz4ss]

Its comming

[@earthspiritsong]

@@TK-hz4ss Did it come?

[@mojodrum3215]

I like your last comparison about the workflow I find the live too structured for that reason l don't think a software for the Force would be a good idea. I like the fact that the Force doesn't feel like a software in a box. Like you mentioned it would be nice to plug into a computer for a larger screen but still a win for the Force.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Sound design on the computer would be a lot faster, imho

[@truechristianity74]

That’s what I was thinking about the force MK II HDMI out like the Roland MV’s to use with a mouse

[@panelectric8460]

“Dear mom, sorry my weekly ‘gear that I use’ email is late , the Ostriches got out of the living room again . Just wanted to let you know about a very fun and cool review of some Akai stuff I just saw on line with this dude Pink Buddha , so you can be assured I will be spending your money responsibly and we don’t have to do a coin toss to decide models again , your loving son, Matt”

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

😂👍😂

[@blue.sunset]

I think Akai Force 2 will be awesome!

[@rayshawnbedell8112]

I don’t think they are done with the force yet at all

[@THA-REAPER]

Old video, but i was waiting for the step sequencer to be mentioned lol. The Force kills the MPC there. While the MPC has a more quicker accessable note repeat. The step sequencer compensates for that void. MPC reminds me of like a reason redrum style sequencer.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Ok ok - fair point! Forgot to include that.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Leave a comment with your opinion if you would have handed out different scores! Let's have a friendly brawl!

[@cantoexmachina5616]

Note repeat on the force was changed, can’t remember which firmware, but only on drum tracks. Hold the note button with the pads in note mode and you get time divisions on the screen. Thanks for the vids.

[@vforvillain77]

Ouch! You are mistaken to miss that the live also has the different knob modes. hold the q link button on the live and you get the same options, screen, project, etc.

[@vforvillain77]

also, you should pin this question so it stays at the top instead of getting lost in the comments

[@NaseImGlase]

Last round... Every track can have its own length on the mpc. Try to change the track length in the main screen next to the different track buttons. And in sampling and software there are some huge disadvantages on the force. You can't chop on the fly... You even have to convert before chopping. And the still missing song mode is also a big issue. These are programmed software disadvantages made by purpose from akai. For me coming from the push this would have been a no brainer, but the software limitations killed it for me. But cool video. I enjoyed watching.

[@DavidPeck]

There is also an Ableton style Clip Launch mode in the MPC Live which bascially does the same thing as the Force. Search MPC Live Clip Launch. It can also control Ableton Live and do pretty much everything that a Push can do with the Ableton Live Control feature + midi remote script.

[@hailnarii4239]

🤷🏾‍♂️ To each it’s own!!! It’s all about what fits ones personality.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

yup!

[@RAWDILLZ]

come back JUNE 23RD when 2.11 update is released for MPC live 2

[@andyhsong]

damn...if only force could control software, thats the only thing keeping me on the MPC

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

I mean, you are on the money with that one. I think they thought that the integration with Ableton would sort of take care of the need to create their own software. I think their problem was, that they sort of split the difference. It's not close enough to Ableton to really integrate well. And not close enough to Akai to really take advantage of the software. 🤷‍♂️

[@rhampton1914]

Forget the Force,,,,What version of Streetfighter is that..>?....lol

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol...the very first! I played this version as a kid.

[@nucentury08]

But give you the ability to produce radio ready chart topping records! I’m not Ableton guy for Daw Logic when it comes to steaming or even just in the Box work I got the Force thinking they would release Software with it Smh 🤦🏽‍♂️ But it’s still a great device but Live 2 is all of that and wireless 🚀🔥

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

I think they are just counting of Force/Ableton integration. Esp because the workflow on the force is so similar to Ableton. Vs MPC, which is an entirely different beast.

[@johnnyparker2128]

I already know you’re going to hate on the Force......but I was wrong. I still wish the Force had pad tap sampling. I would actually buy a MPC Live just for this if I can find a good deal.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Yeah...that pad sampling is golden. Why couldn't akai do that for the force?? It's the same damn company.

[@TK-hz4ss]

Its coming in the next update

[@MrLeonsidbury]

DUDE just an observation all the disadvantages you give to the Akai Force is because it was design as a PERFORMANCE MACHINE so for an example as a performance machine you would need more buttons for access while performing. Again the Force is based on you being a performer. The Force you learn how to play like an instrument all of the disadvantages you give the force are advantages you need as a performer and I have no need for it because I don't use it as a performer I'm a DJ and I use the Live II to remix songs or create songs to play as MP3s when I DJ. So if you analyze why you need equipment before you buy it it will serve you better in the long run.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol...but if your a DJ you could say the same thing for MPC live? I'm comparing two PERFORMANCE MACHINES (your caps 😉), so now I wonder why you even watched this if you just care about using a CDJ

[@thedjd4]

I've been wanting to get a force I've had a novation circuit feel like this would a be a big step up ,how is the arranger? cause I'd like to make full songs without using a daw as I have done in the past ?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Arranger is ok. It works. I do not like using a small little screen like that for arrangement work. But I could totally see using it to capture a performance, and then just transfer to Ableton and finish there. Never going to try and finish something on the Force. NEVER! ....unless I'm trapped in an elevator for a month, with the Force. Then suppose I would.

[@thedjd4]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy yh would be the case of doing it all on the unit then sorting it out on ableton after ,just to get the general idea down ,then can play about on ableton to master/ finish it, also is there any tempo nudge ? Wanted to incorporate into dj sets via serato link ?

[@goodboid]

I think the biggest win for the Force is that it turns into an Ableton controller at the push of a button after the 3.04 update.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Yes....but I wish you could trigger clips, or use the pads to play drum racks (or instruments). Like on the Push. Not sure what that wasn't a feature.

[@sheepskin11]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy shoot, I hope that's not the case. I got the Force because I thought it would do the essential functions that a Push does (when I upgrade into the laptop+Ableton workflow).

[@dco1019]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy you can't use the pads to play instruments? I know that's what you said...but then it doesn't operate like a midi controller at all?

[@jellebolijnlive]

With new update for the force, how would your new comparison go? 🙃

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Already did it! Watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKnUmnasg8qaptE

[@janeway1111]

Which would be better for live performance - I'd like to use pre-recorded samples, but also perform live - like play midi from a roland spdsx & keyboard as well as live record & loop guitar & vocals. TIA :)

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

I don't think the mpc is a great live instrument. It's more oriented towards production

[@janeway1111]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy thank you. After more research I ended up buying a Force last night :) and it should arrive in a week. I've got a Nord Electro 3 which only supports MIDI 5 pin, despite having a USB connector. I've also got a Roland SPDSX which supports both MIDI 5pin and USB MIDI. Here's hoping I can work out how to connect them both to the Force. And be able to trigger the Force's onboard sounds from them. And also have the Nord & Roland's onboard sounds still available for different tracks as well.

[@auntjenifer7774]

At these prices why not get the mpc keyboard that's does all this and has 6000 presets plus it's a beautiful instrument!

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

It didn't exist when I created this video!

[@scubadog7039]

I rarely if ever sample, so workflow and the ease of it is important to me. All these bells & whistles mean nothing to me. I'm a Ren user and will update one day, probably to the MPC Live. Also, no PC connectivity with the force is a deal breaker, can you even connect a monitor to it?

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Monitor - like a computer monitor? Or like an audio monitor?

[@cresshead]

14. song mode ..force? .. yeh.... um no...zero song mode moc live 2 : yes 15. price force - cheaper by almost $200 mpc live .. heading toward mpc x pricing. 16.plugin synths force 4 plugin synths mpc live 3 plugin synths

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Good extras. I didn't want this video to an hour, so had to cut it off somewhere! Song mode is in beta (check out the video I did exploring that, if you want a peek).

[@RAWDILLZ]

Use what's best for you

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Yup - couldn't agree more. This "competition" is just for fun.

[@enzodenovellis]

the difference is already visible in the hardware: FORCE allows you to really work in standalone because it is more "large"; instead MPC II having the possibility to be controlled via software has reduced its size and has "hidden" many functions in the display / touchscreen. W FORCE

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Good points

[@enzodenovellis]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy I'm about to buy FORCE ... and I understand a lot thanks to your videos. I will contact you soon and we will make music together! ;)

[@sheepskin11]

I love the Force, but man is it buggy.

[@ItsKeeganForealDough]

Bruh get the mk1 XD

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Haha

[@truckwillis9375]

skip the category names, ex: sampling - "the sample button is closer on this one, thats win." and neither of these are for fully producing a track, even if they advertise it. you didn't make akai gear better you just made streetfighter worse

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol...thanks for sharing your glorious OPINION

[@thefoxfamily341]

Please dont cut ya Videos to much..rest is useful..thanks..Grüße aus Wien 🇦🇹🖖

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

🤷‍♂️ "cut?"

[@thefoxfamily341]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy sorry I see the street fighter mashup to late..and wrote too fast..good work

[@RAWDILLZ]

bias review

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol…. Isn’t everyone biased?

[@RAWDILLZ]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy especially nowadays

[@wylatron]

I uh… deleted my comment after watching more of your comparison. I was quite positive, but I feel like there’s a lot of fake outs for drama’s sake going on here. I started out enjoying the vid, but as you went along and ignored a lot of things it got worse and worse.

[@wylatron]

I’ll give an example: note repeat. Yah, so on the force you can set up a macro to the knobs above the pads, and combine note repeat with say.. a filter. Not really hard to do, super effective. Want another example? Ok. So the force doesn’t come with software. Right. But it does plug into ableton, albeit in a bit of painful way. I don’t know about anyone else but I never used the mpc daw before I owned an mpc, and I still don’t use it because I’ve been using ableton since version one. I could go on and on and on and on. “8 cv’s is more than 4” yup, but then you’re getting those through splitters and the same splitters could be used for the force, no? Good grief.

[@wylatron]

In fact, you could set the beat repeat up on the fader if you liked… just incredible how much was ignored to create a back and forth between the two.

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol...dude, if you don't like my content, it's a lot less work to just ignore it. But if you want to keep writing novels of distaste, be my guest. It shows engagement to the KZbin algorithm, and helps me out all the same. ✌️

[@wylatron]

@@PinkBuddhaAcademy that’s the thing, the rest of your videos are fantastic. I actually really like your channel, it’s just this one video that’s sorta lowering the bar and kind of ignores a lot of things I know that you know better than. If you consider it to be anything but reverence for your usual content that makes this less style seem lesser, my apologies for not expressing that better. Have a day my dude😊

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Coolio - that video is also over two years old. So hopefully that is taken into account as well.

[@Eagles4life221]

Bias af lmao

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol...😜🤷‍♂️

[@hailnarii4239]

😢👎🏾

[@PinkBuddhaAcademy]

Lol...you prefer the mpc?

[@hailnarii4239]

Lol idk!!!! I’m confused 😐 to say. I’ll have to experience with the Akai Force to see how comfortable the work flow it is to me.