MPC LIVE II Worth It in 2022?

I've been using the MPC LIVE II for quite a while now and I wanted to share my thoughts on whether or not it's worth buying in 2022. Hope you enjoy the video!
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#mpclive #dawless #musicproduction

[@DylanParisMusic]

Pickup the Retro Edition of the MPC Live 2 at Zzounds using the link below and help the channel at the same time! www.zzounds.com/a--3981117/item--AKAMPCLIVE2XL

[@drebone1986]

Totally worth it, this is my go-to and I never use headphones, I only use the built-in speaker and it's pretty spot on, I love that it's powerful enough to hear basses and leads but not so overpowering that I never get an accurate reading of what the final results are. A lot of people are ignoring the speaker but I personally think Akai got it right because it's one to one the exact sound if used correctly, if it's clipping on MPC Live 2 it's clipping on the final mix, if it's too low it's low in the final mix. I got this back in March and I was that new guy, I was lost at first and about a week in I decided to search for help and have been learning everyday something new almost a year straight, once they finally added the Hype plug-in and the rest of new plugins it became a must own. I made 100 beats in 2 weeks after that update and was on my own since then learning and sound designing something I never came close to on FL Studio after nearly 20 years of using it. MPC Live also works with everything else including FL Studio with midi cables and midi over Wi-Fi, this is beyond worth it. I can use everything but this is so good that I only use this now and everything else accents it, I'm a believer now and it's sparked my creativity the same way FL Studio did so many years ago by being so different but familiar and cool that anyone can and will want to learn it, to me it's FL Studio with a speaker with an Komplete ultimate upgrade inside now if you know how to sound design to get it there which I admit takes time but that's only because I want to take my time now a year later because I'm having fun still waking up everyday at 10am and composing without limits. This thing is so good I've even used my phone as a Sampler by opening FL Mobile and I've gotten that to finally work right by connecting an midi interface and a stereo jack to a USB Type C hub and came up with magic. Get one if you find one, nothing else comes close currently IMO after a year straight of using it it's still teaching me plus every artist/producer today is using this over Maschine especially when performing Live, Chloe Bailey literally took this on Jimmy Fallon and performed with it next to an live orchestra, Chopsquad DJ uses it for all of his beats which is basically everything coming from Chicago/Detroit like King Von, Lil Durk, Tee Grizzly, Sada Baby and finally HitBoy used it for Nas last two albums with a PC of course but I've made my point, it's very versatile in any arena of music, the software is the only hurdle but once you know you know, 💯/10

[@DylanParisMusic]

Appreciate the insight and sharing your experience here! Excited to learn more as I keep using it!

[@joshuagardner894]

Just keep in mind, a sequence is a section of a song, a track is literally the midi data, and a program is an instrument or sound that will play the track / midi data. Think of a track like a midi file or a piece of sheet music. Without a soundfont or virtual instrument assigned to it, you wont hear anything. Without an instrument to play said sheet music, you wont be able to play or hear sheet music. That being said, you can do very flexible things with the setup. For example, write a melody on a track and assign a program (instrument) to that melody, then copy the sequence, go to that same track number, and assign a different program (instrument) to that track, now, you can have two instruments play the same melody without having to completely rewrite the melody. Then you can tweak that melody to more suit the instrument you choose. Once you understand the difference between a track and a program (something with which even Akai does not adequately explain), everything falls into place. A sequence is a section of a song, be it an intro, verse, chorus, bridge, outro, etc and contains midi data (as already explained, in tracks) contained for that sequence. This means, it is likely that sequence 1, which might be your intro, will have fewer tracks than sequence 10. Your track count can and will change as you add sections (sequences) to your songs. Finally, a program is literally the "voice" that will play the MIDI data found in a track. In laymens terms, this is most likely going to be defined as an instrument, however, it is not limited to just an instrument. A voice could be a single instrument, perhaps a sampled flute, a sound from the synth engine, or a sampled vocal recording. However, a sampled recording can contain an infinite number of instruments. For example, if I sampled the very first note from Star Wars, this is an entire orchestra playing one single note, which will be pitch shifted, and as such, this could be an entire orchestra. Or perhaps, I record a single phrase from an acapella choir with multiple harmonies, in this case, I would not only have multiple singers in one note, but also, multiple notes being sung by this choir. Or, to use a similar example, perhaps I sample a chord on a piano and pitch shift it. The drawback with the MPC comes in "finishing" tracks. Because its structure is designed to write music in chunks called sequences, it can be tricky to design a seamless intro and outro or to have seamless transitions that may be short that flow from one section to another. For example, perhaps I want to have a very short two beat drum fill that starts at the top of my track and then goes into the intro of my song, this requires thinking about how to structure this beginning two beat sequence (setting it up for a single 2 beat bar, sometimes having to fudge the tempo to half time, then having to deal with time stretching being wonky for this one measure, etc). In addition, it is very frustrating that there is no way to force a cc data setting to default if it is not currently the default. What do I mean? Suppose I write a section of music, eight bars, and in the last bar, I use a high pass filter to gradually "sweep" or cut all frequencies above 1,000 Hz. Now, I play this sequence and in the middle of this last bar, I stop playback and switch to another sequence where this same instrument is used. The high pass filter will remain at the last setting it was set at with no way to force it to return to its default setting. To get that instrument to have the setting returned to default, I either have to manually edit the FX high pass filter my manually turning the high pass filter to its default setting or, go back to the sequence where I set this high pass filter to gradually cut the frequencies and play the sequence in its entirety so that at the end of the sequence, it will return the instrument to its default setting. While write automation is very cool and extremely convenient, it makes this last point I mentioned above very inconvenient. Write automation (turning a knob or using the x/y fx feature to adjust something like an eq filter or even something like stutter, and having these actions saved as you do them so that when you replay the sequence, it repeats exactly what you do as if you were turning the knobs yourself again) is a bit scary in that it can be difficult to remove automation after the fact if you don't like the results. Sure, you can use the undo feature, but that option is not always available (perhaps yesterday, you did a write automation, turned off the MPC, loaded the same project today and decided you didn't like the write automation, undo is not available, you have to manually remove the automation, which requires some menu diving and patience as it takes time to load more complex write automation stuff). Overall, great platform, needs better synth engines, but it is currently better than the Maschine+ in my view.

[@poopoppy]

I just bought a Circut Rhythm last week, but I saw this being sold second hand for $250, and I had to buy it. This video made it an easy buy :)

[@Iredidv]

Don´t forget the sp404mk2...battery, lightweight, great fx,good enough polyphony,simple workflow. I have the mpc one and the maschine plus ,and agree with 99 percent of what you say. Im gonna sell the mpc one,get the sp404mk2 for portability and use the extra fx and samplespace , will be a good buddy with the m+. For live performance the new ´dj´ mode or whatever its called on the sp404mk2 would be a good way to transfer between songs whilst the m+loads the next project. Just a thought.

[@psysword]

Totally agree with you. SP mk 2 is awesome. Roland

[@DylanParisMusic]

Working to get my album out in the world, listen and share if you enjoyed this video! open.spotify.com/album/6HCemxzxzH49z9vXIOjgug?si=B9qD4W93Ruq_U-mhl664og

[@jimixsamax86]

Your integrity is undefeated. Thank you for you valuable insights.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words 🙏

[@Thedrumsthebass]

Had an MPC one and absolutely loved it, tried the Hakai mod that installs Force OS on next gen MPC’s. Sold the one this week and immediately ordered the Force. All MPC’s (Akai standalones for that matter) are worth it , the machines are beasts and it’s quite hard to find any unit available now that even touches the functionality. Bravo Akai, Bravo 👏

[@alexandrosroussos]

I'm very tempted by the Force, it's only its lack of portability that kept may away from it so far.

[@Thedrumsthebass]

@@alexandrosroussos I can understand that viewpoint , however I have never been a fan of taking my high ticket gear out of the studio. So that’s never been a deal breaker for me , but I totally get why portability is important for some.

[@alexandrosroussos]

@@Thedrumsthebass The idea is not to go in town with it, but rather taking it with me on travel/holidays or maybe at the park in sunny days, where I usually get different inspiration. Also the idea of having a piece of gear you easily bring at friends with synths, multi-sample some of their presets is quite sexy. I use a Blackbox for that purpose right now, but I wish it had a built-in battery.

[@Roccetscience]

Your assessment was spot on brother. This is my first experience with Akai. Awesome video.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Appreciate it 😎🙏 thanks for watching!

[@Syntox]

The algorithm randomly served me this video and this is such a great and considerate analysis of the great modern MPC platform. Subscribed!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@THA-REAPER]

I want one of these, but it would kind of be overkill. I have the MPC One and the MPC X already. Along with the SP404 MK2. I really don't like having wires in the wall and doing the whole powerbank thing for the MPC One. I just want a really simple bag sometimes. I find the current generation of MPC's as good as you can get, my only thing is I would definitely use a standalone vst or sound module of some sort because like you said the stock plugins sound mediocre...it's more like you can tell you are using samples with effects on them. They kind of sound like sound fonts, but more pretty because the effects lol.

[@boutstaxx]

You can use Bluetooth Midi with an Ipad I use M1 with no latency and use Ios synth apps with pad perform route audio back in to record

[@omarwhite3627]

Damn now I’m thinking about buying an MPC again 😩 Also a standalone ableton push would go so crazy!

[@PoboyMusic]

I mean the akai force is basically standalone ableton push. It's a beast. I have one.

[@omarwhite3627]

@@PoboyMusic I've thought about getting the force before, but held off because it doesn't have a battery, which is what's appealing to me about the MPC live. But the force definitely seems like a solid choice.

[@PoboyMusic]

@@omarwhite3627 I just bought the live 2 and really like the portability and the speaker actually. I been playing it alot. Arranging is alot easier on the force tho cause its more set up like ableton, putting together "scenes" takes no time at all. I think all akai mpc will go this matrix route hopefully if possible. Anyways loving the Live 2.

[@Izzymusamusic]

Your wish is ableton’s command 😂

[@HanjoSynth]

First comment! Great insights on the MPC, definitely a piece of gear that requires time to master.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks man!

[@Alckemy]

I actually bought the live one this year after finding out the specs were the same outside of the built in speaker and a couple buttons. I’m not gonna lie, I’m tempted to upgrade but I feel like version three is coming in 2023 as live 1 came out in 2017 and the live 2 released in 2020. Btw if you do get a live one you can get a portable speaker (I bought a refurbished jbl party box 100) that’s still cheaper than the live 2 and you get a huuuuge sound that’s still… kind of portable. Hopefully the love three or next iteration will have more ram, number of inserts and effect modulators.

[@th3xer0]

I think song mode might be what you're looking for in terms of an arrangement mode.

[@owendockrell]

Subbed. Thanks for video. Got a live 2 for 1k euro in Jan. Love the speakers personally as most days I get in late from work and can just sit in my bed and make a beat. I treat it like a fat novation circuit with much better preset content haha.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Glad you’re enjoying the LIVE II and that you appreciated the video!

[@lazaruslaser]

Information I needed badly... Mpc live 2.. in my future.. Thanks So much for Your Expertise

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy the MPC life

[@daffycarter8390]

Amazing review bro I have mines and it’s amazing god bless you

[@mr.mellow6765]

Very professional, eloquently/well spoken and insightful. An extremely well balanced review. I enjoyed watching this! I’ve been producing for many years; started using FL Studio in the summer of 2006 at 17 years old, then used Native Instruments Maschine from 2012 until now.. it’s been a long ride. I’ve been looking for a new adventure.. something worth trying. By the appearance of its physical design, it gives the impression it has a very relaxing, smooth and laid-back workflow. It’s true, a keyboard and mouse can get played out at times... change is always good. =) Thanks for the great insights! Cheers! ~* ps. You earned a follower ;) 👍🏼💯

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you kindly! Appreciate you sharing your experience!

[@wren23_bass-synths]

I have the One for about 2 months and this unit is deep af. I mainly got it for the sampling, but it's now the brains of my dawless synth setup. The midi capabilities are off the charts. I haven't even gotten real deeper into as of yet. I was thinking of getting the Live ll, but for now, I'm staying with the One, but this video is feeding my GAS 😁

[@DylanParisMusic]

If you have the One and love it then I’d say stick with it! No need to switch out unless you gotta have the speaker / battery

[@TranceCore3]

I have the Live II already, it's great. I want to pick up a One, or Akai force to serve as a unit that stays in the studio, while I continue to use the live anywhere I want when I want. The benefit of either is being able to move my work around to any unit via USB ports or the SD card.

[@PoboyMusic]

@@TranceCore3 the force is awesome. I love it. I just bought the live 2. Love that too. Little harder to navigate than the force but portability is worth it.

[@them.6306]

MPC X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tricks-and-tips]

Nice video! I was 'worried' you had sold it. Just like I returned mine after 1 week btw. Not that I did not like it, but I could not justify keeping it since I already have the 707 and the MPC would be fulfilling a similar role in my setup. Unfortunately it could not do conveniently what I bought it for (playing multiple long stems as backing tracks) But I really miss the MPC. It has some very good selling points that you cover as well. For me the browser of the MPC is lightyears ahead of that of the 707. Adding a real keyboard for typing is a bless. Bye bye rotating knobs and pushing buttons for typing! For sampling, man.... There is no real competition I think in this area. So far I have not been into longer loops, but I wanted to use the MPC for that. It was made for this, chopping stuff etc. Sound quality is indeed a thing. I find the MPC a little 'thinner' in sound. Something the 707 does better still. The MPC Live 2 being the 'all in one' device is another big strength indeed. I used it in a lot of places where I would not have been making music with my 707. The hardware was made for this. The piano roll was a bit of a disappointment for me. Maybe I had to get used to it more, but here I really missed the mouse and find it counter-intuitive compared to editing steps on the 707 (which I usually have no issues with). And the fact that it does not play samples like a DAW does (so it 'knows' where the sample is 'in time', but just triggers them) was what made me return it. Very inconvenient when working with longer stems when you need to stop at bar xx and start again (the sample won't start again, since it needs the trigger). If they find a way to make that work (that would require a real lineair song mode), I will get one immediately. The only real thing the 707 excels at for me is the jamming part. Now I made some nice jams on the MPC, but the 707 with the dedicated knobs is still a lot better for quick and improvising actions. Just grab the knob and move it. I know you probably can get close after lots of hours on the MPC, but the 707 is king of that department for me. But the MPC is great and if I would not have had the 707, it would be on my desk for sure.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah I’ve been trying to take to heart some of your perspective on using gear for a while after I was swapping stuff out a lot in 2020. I think the 707 is so intuitive and immediate in a way you totally nail here. I think it is initially way easier to jam with the 707 for me cause it has a very ableton style workflow as well. The synth sounds on board are LUSH too. I miss the 707 and definitely shouldn’t have sold it. The MPC LIVE II has been treating me very well but definitely requires more time to wrap my head around.

[@tricks-and-tips]

@@DylanParisMusic I have had a D-tour with 2 returns lately, so I tried the opposite route..... I had a good reason to return the MPC, but still. I feel the MPC Live 2 should have stayed. It earned a place in my musical heart. So if I can get my hands on a decent second hand example, I won't hesitate and try to get it. Or maybe a Force, since that seems a bit more suited towards live stuff. But the MPC somehow has more appeal to me.

[@DylanParisMusic]

@@tricks-and-tips I definitely have preferred the MPC to the Force despite the Force being more like an ableton push. It is just very large. I prefer the LIVE II form factor and battery.

[@jhop127]

I picked mine up a little while ago and have found myself getting a little frustrated with the learning curve, it seems I can get something the way I want it and then i'll press something and it will be ruined but i don't understand what i've done wrong ! hahah

[@DylanParisMusic]

Definitely takes time to learn it! I recommend watching a lot of tutorials

[@audreyazwell]

Dude that's crazy, I'm an acid pro user and the live 2 retro edition will be my first time going outside of it lol should be here soon! Edit: I mean to say I never see Acid Pro users outside of myself lol

[@DylanParisMusic]

That's rad! I haven't used in a long time but it was definitely my first DAW

[@audreyazwell]

@@DylanParisMusic it was my first and only essentially haha I've been working around the limitations this entire time lmao Honestly it's the bomb except for the bugs with VSTs, which has gotten better but still. Omg dude, you're not gonna believe this but: they FINALLY gave us side chain compression! Anyways, I'm excited to upgrade for sure lol Does MPC Live do side chain? I never thought to ask that, I'd imagine it does 🤔 Edit: stupid question that I answered myself with a google search, sorry about that bahaha

[@alexandrosroussos]

Agree so much on that it's probably one of the rare pieces of gears for which I don't know what to ask more except new portable form factors. Oh yeah : it needs a Vocoder plug-in, doesn't it ?

[@DylanParisMusic]

Oh yeah vocoder would be sick, the choral doubler plug-in doesn’t have manual per note control like that I think

[@android6217]

I am a user of "Mpc live". I'd like to import MIDI data created with a smartphone composition app into an Mpc and play MIDI with the tone material of the Mpc. Is this possible? If you like, I would like to know how to do it. I'm sorry for the amateur question. .

[@wylatron]

The real question when someone asks “is it worth it now” is: when does the new version come out and how much more advanced vs money will that new version be?

[@DylanParisMusic]

That and what competitors are there as well, but absolutely, value is a moving target in that way

[@wylatron]

@@DylanParisMusic for sure. I have maschine, and looking at their maschine+ line, I feel like they’ve somewhat fallen short of the mark. Maybe what I want will lead me to pick up a used akai force, given that I run maschine in ableton live, and you can definitely export your projects to use in the force. Mind you, I think the workflow and feel is a bit different with the force, and double again: I have no idea when a new version is coming out; but if my luck continues the way it has with many a piece of kit… right after I buy it😂 Mind you, I think what is *somewhat* important to remember is that even when new models come out, these ones are SO GOOD and still do what’s written on the tin. Never have we had such good choices, and especially with the akai lineup, the various mpc’s and force all do a lot of the same stuff that it kind of feels like much of the decisions come down to ‘what do you need for in’s and outs?’ I’ve been watching videos and reading writing for a week and I honestly am not sure I’m any closer to deciding which one is right for me….

[@DylanParisMusic]

I've got all three in the studio right now. Definitely a bit let down by the Force's integration with Ableton and opening Ableton files is a bit of a hassle to be honest. The MPC Live 2 and Maschine Plus are neck and neck for me, I'd probably choose the Plus for the sound quality of the virtual instruments it comes with, as long as you can find a good price.

[@wylatron]

@@DylanParisMusic yah I’ve seen a few vids that outline the dance you have to do with force and ableton, really does seem roundabout and not that fun… and we hates tediousness😂 So basically, I’m coming at it as a guy who once did all live p.a. and felt burnt out and started to dj as it was easier to just trot out finished tracks, leave all the gear at home. I’d like to modernize what I do with tactile control that gets me away from the computer, and to integrate that with my dj sets. Also, thank you so much for taking time to dialogue with me. It means a lot😊

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you for taking the time to watch my video and share your thoughts! It's very appreciated

[@rrtramel]

Me: Clickbait title Also Me: Clicks and watches :P

[@Thedrumsthebass]

Looool It’s KZbinr rites of passage to do “ is it worth it in _____”

[@DylanParisMusic]

Can confirm food is worth it 🤣

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks man, yeah I thought this was a pretty accurate title and thumb for the content but it’s true people use this format a lot haha

[@rrtramel]

@@DylanParisMusic yeah I watched to the end, hehe

[@DerekHundik]

Whats the difference between Akai MPC Live II Retro vs Gold edition vs black one ?

[@DylanParisMusic]

The color

[@peterpiper7951]

"Worth it in 2022?" LMFAO

[@MrMissingReel]

The MPC One has more buttons than the Live 2. On the MPC One you're almost able to NOT use the Touchscreen....actually pretty much like back in the days on the MPC 2000....so what additional controlls on the Live you're talking about....am I missing something?

[@DylanParisMusic]

I was referring to more controls than the MPC LIVE 1, haha hard to refer to that one in reference to the 2 without sounding like I'm referring to the MPC One, thanks akai lol

[@MrMissingReel]

@@DylanParisMusic Ah....😂

[@FabioBarnaba]

Hi, great job! Is possible to use it in a Live session as a multitrack for backing tracks? Can I put inside the MPC 16 audio tracks stereo on main out and its metronome on separated output? Thanks a lot!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Been looking into this and you may hit some limits depending on how you try to pull this off

[@FabioBarnaba]

@@DylanParisMusic Ok, thank you for answering me!

[@ArguZ72]

Yes, it is...

[@user-tl6en9vq5x]

There’s nothing like it. Still waiting for others to catch up.

[@alexandrosroussos]

If only Akai could make an actually portable MPC Live mini :)

[@nastied]

Indeed ! Or mikro Maschine plus with great cpu ..

[@alexandrosroussos]

@@nastied As long as it's really standalone : built-in battery is a minimum, and speaker appreciated ;)

[@alexandrosroussos]

@Heffe the size of the original MPC Live is acceptable but it’s a bit heavy for travels. Something around 1 to 1.5Kg would be perfect. The size and weight of the Roland Verselab MV-1 but with the battery built-in or the sows of a Synthstorm Deluge. I would accept a bit less of I/O like just one USB host port, one USB device port, a headphone Jack, a stereo input and a main out. For storage would also accept being only on sd card if the form factor is indeed “mini”. That would be in addition of a desktop MPC unit or upcoming “61 Key MPC” for home studio usage. I have hopes technology can now allow smaller/lower profile and lighter form factors like what I’m looking for.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

For what? So what do you think is the MPC One or Studio is for?

[@alexandrosroussos]

@@DJWOLFLIVE the Studio is a controller and needs a computer to work so for me it’s not in the groovebox category and the One is close but still pretty heavy and quite big compared to a Roland Verselab or SP 404mk2. The SP404mk2 form factor and weight would have been perfect. So basically they need an MPC mini or an MPC Live mini (if they could crank an AA batteries compartment and speaker in there). That’s what I meant by portable.

[@milk_bath]

I love Digitakt’s parameter locks and trig-less trigs and how quick and easy it is to apply, but wish it had more effects choice to use that with. How is the MPC step automation with my use case in mind?

[@DylanParisMusic]

I’m not super sure how they compare because I never got very far with the digitakt. Having much longer sequences is really nice though, and the amount of tracks you have allows a more organic and natural production flow for me vs the more tracker / programmatic workflow of the Digi

[@sinewaymusic]

It's not as quick and easy on the MPC, but there is a step sequencer. In some ways, it's way more powerful, but from a workflow perspective, nothing beats Elektron when it comes to p-locking. The key difference is that on the MPC, it's actually more like a quantized automation lane. Meaning, while you can certainly program in per-step automation, it will not revert back to the previous state unless you also program that next step in too. Compare this with Elektron, which locks the automation to that step and then "unlocks" the automation to whichever setting you dial in live. Pros and cons really.

[@milk_bath]

@@sinewaymusic I appreciate you providing the detailed comparison. On a subjective note, is entering step automation on the MPC touch screen fun?

[@sinewaymusic]

@@milk_bath To be honest, what makes the MPC fun is that you can treat it like an instrument and feel your way around with the pads and discover new music ideas by chance. Switch to scale mode and play your favorite synth presets or samples with it. Jam on the pads as a song embryo evolves and hit Dub Record to quickly punch in more and more rhythm until you can't sit still anymore. Then add to that the incredibly deep possibilities of sound design, mixing, etc. The arp (Note Repeat button) is fantastic and incredibly deep and versatile. The least fun parts? The stuff that involves using the touch screen, like the piano roll and *drumroll* the step sequencer. Well, you can actually enter steps with the pads of you are just doing a quick drum beat, but I don't use it for that since jamming live is so much more immediate and fun than programming a step sequencer. No, I'm not a finger drummer, I just "hear" stuff while jamming and record the parts that I like. It's super quick. BTW, since you're comparing against the Elektron machines, don't forget that you have lots of cool options on the MPC, such as the amazing humanize features, which lets you randomize certain parameters (pitch, attack, decay, filter, and more). There's also probability coming next month in the 2.11 update, which works for any sequence (drums and melody). But since you asked about whether the MPC step sequencer is fun, I have to be honest and say that it isn't. That's the core of the Elektron workflow, particularly its generative sequencing. That's cool and I thoroughly enjoyed it and had so much fun with ctrl+all and things like that. But ultimately I got stuck with live jams and never finished songs on my DT+DN combo, and the MPC was and remains my solution.

[@AstrotardJones]

Great, when it works. But I'll relay an experience I just had. My One's headphone out just stopped working properly. It's buzzing like mad when the unit heats up. Akai support was horrendous. They sent the unit to MPC stuff after trying to explain to a really unhelpful agent what the issue was. MPC stuffs official solution that AKAI accepted as the correct fix? Buy new, higher impedance headphones. Even explaining that my M50x cans worked on multiple other MPCs in the range that I've had in the past, they didn't listen and have actively ignored a follow up ticket on. While they care insofar as updates, if something goes wrong with warranty issues they seem to not really care. My 2c.

[@DylanParisMusic]

That’s not okay at all, I’m sorry to hear that happened. Support is such a crucial part of what makes a product whole. Appreciate you sharing your experience.

[@AstrotardJones]

Such is life. I just figured I’d ad the 2c so that future buyers can also consider that element. I work IT and I’d be embarrassed if it took me more than 2 hours to respond to a ticket 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@omegajackson]

Yea machine plus was the biggest waste of money ive had….EVER….

[@SunlightOfTheSpirit]

Hey, can you or anyone help? I just received a Mint second hand MPC Live 2. Seller says it was few months old. Turns out he bought it second hand and is registered to two or more people so not letting me register. Communication has been good so hoping to sort it. Anyways, a bit confidence lost. Playing around for a few hours, the large black knob feels loose and comes of easy. The gold lever underneath wobbles quite a bit. Is this normal or common?

[@phatplates]

Gold lever?

[@phatplates]

Oh, I see what you mean. I bought mine new and I've never had this problems

[@SunlightOfTheSpirit]

@@phatplates yep, meant silver lol

[@kanelomusick]

Commenting without ever watching this review… Totally Worth it, goodbye 👋🏽

[@DylanParisMusic]

🤣🤣🤣🙏🙌🙌

[@afxtwinreverb]

Cool specs but terrible workflow. Too much click here, change value (like a pc), just 4 knobs… I had the mpc and the maschine and no device has ever made feel like the maschine, it was like playing an instrument. Live sequencing, muting tracks, changing values… I even had more fun live jamming with ableton and muting tracks with f1 to f8 buttons than with this, no midi controller involved, and way faster. Maybe it’s me that I smash my ideas super fast but I dont get these MPCs, I even preferred beatmaker 3. Glad to people enjoy this but to me it was really bad experience, too much workflow killers, and even the mpc one was missing buttons to my taste. Bad design everywhere. Everything felt like putting bricks. I dooooo think a lot about getting the akai force but maybe I just get a maschine again with a maschine jam. Not really sure, Im afraid of getting the force and feel the same thing.

[@MarcoAntonio-mk9wj]

when do yall think the next standalone model will be revealed? debating the mpc x but might wait for the new new

[@DylanParisMusic]

Not sure but it's been a little while since the II dropped and it has the same internals as the original, X, and One. Not sure akai wants to split the hardware base yet until users complain about lack of power. But I don't have any insider info.

[@WRNGHAUS]

Dawless!!!?? What is this sorcery you speak of???

[@DylanParisMusic]

It's not a story the Jedi would tell you ;]

[@karabovilakazi5021]

This will be worth it in 3022 … seriously I love my live 2. Once you spend the time learning and figuring out its features, you’ll realize just how powerful it is.

[@SonicVibe]

the one is great and more buttons layout better does all the same stuff

[@DylanParisMusic]

Glad you’re digging it!

[@double8beats]

Youre just like me a Tech into making music lol

[@DylanParisMusic]

Hell yeah! There are dozens of us! 🙌😎

[@brandonspivey8020]

If its not got 8 outputs its a step down for us MPC and S series sampler users.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I'm pretty sure it supports audio interfaces

[@maschinelab8598]

gabe miller is a joke