MPC LIVE 2 REVIEW

[@matthewcowan567]

Dude I gotta say this is the best product review I've seen. You answered all my questions literally seconds after I said them. Normal I'm a skimmer but I listened to the whole video. Subscribed!!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@KnowledgeOfSelf144]

Hands down the best pads on the market

[@JEFFMAN90]

Bought the MPC One back in September and last week bought the Live 2 retro as a birthday present for myself. I plan on just using the MPC One in controller mode using the Live 2 retro in standalone mode.

[@OllieLoops]

Nice! Happy birthday!

[@Prizmadelik]

Now THIS is is a review! I've learned new things that I am going to apply in my productions. Also, I made two new videos of myself making a beat on the MPC LIVE 2 if anyone wants to check it out. Have a good day all!

[@jxhsett9188]

I’ll watch

[@WeFullTime]

The MPC LIVE 2 is legendary, I haven't used my Maschine Mk3 since.The speakers, battery, and touchscreen are actually what made it legendary. Get one if your thinking about getting one. The Live II just works. The Maschine Plus is not even in the same league as the Live II or the MPC ONE.

[@OllieLoops]

Good thoughts!

[@eddmtz4028]

and how much is it The MPC LIVE 2 is legendary,?

[@1anre]

How much did you get yours for & does the Maschine have an inbuilt battery too?

[@WeFullTime]

@@1anre $1199 USD, and no the maschine MK3 does not have an inbuilt battery.

[@stefrance2]

Awesome review ! I miss content from your channel !!!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@Madmohawkfilms]

Glad to see you mentioned the SUPER SIMPLE , yet seems to elude many people, act of simply connecting a powered USB Hub to your MPC. Lots of whining about only 1 on the One and only 2 on the others yet a few dollars lets you add 4 for under $30 you can add 7-10.

[@OllieLoops]

Yup, check out the connecting midi devices video I did for more info.

[@playgroundofsound7683]

Retro edition is nasty!!!! My mk1 has a style flip skin on it. All hail Akai!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@OllieLoops]

The retro one does look good.

[@nocturnalron69]

Wow! Great in dept video. You answered all my questions and answered questions I didn't know I had. Thanks you so much !!!!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Yeah, do the face off with Maschine + 🙏🏽👍🏽🇬🇧

[@goodboid]

Take a look at the Akai Force as well please. Excellent rundown!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Will do.

[@johndawad]

Especially with the latest update.

[@BangBangSystems]

I really like to see a good comparison between the LIVE II and Maschine+ As a MPC lover I think the Maschine+ has a good future. NI has better VSTi and therefore a big advantage. Also voices made on the computer with NI VST can be port to the + But I really can understand why + hasn’t have touchscreen and less I/O.

[@ParkerCharlesGabriel]

Has the comparison video been made? If so may I have a link?

[@TheRssRehT]

Please do the M+ comparison, would be great to see.

[@MFDOOM85]

best review ive seen so far. ty sir!

[@OllieLoops]

thanks!

[@felixschmidt794]

Dude thank KZbin for this awsome and well structure Video :)

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@christopherpederson1021]

sending back analog Rytm for this thing. the pads feel incredible

[@OllieLoops]

Some say they are the best in the industry! Enjoy!

[@supremelc3667]

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay Playing beats the MPC all day I'm just sitting on the Dock of the Bay wasting time....

[@OllieLoops]

Brilliant!

[@Delliofreight]

🔥🔥

[@tsalazarrubio]

Making beats on the waterfront with the ferry in the bg was dope! U from Seattle??

[@OllieLoops]

Yeah, based in Seattle.

[@MexiChriS]

I want that comparison video. Despite that it is always Akai's MPC for me.

[@Maochan81]

I wish there was something similar with the Akai Force workflow. I would love to use the Live II because of the battery & speakers. But would really miss the 64 pads, Clip-based workflow and the Hype synth.

[@OllieLoops]

I understand. You may want both and run the Force into the Live2.

[@TheLordcasio]

You keep it tight and concise. You need to do more videos. I would love to see detailed videos on the workflow of “MPC with Model 12” and “Blackbox with Novation Keystations MK III”. Do you mess with Sample Robot? I am currently trying to sort out the best way to convert my plug ins to zoned/velocity-layered samples across multiple hardware platforms.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Great suggestions.

[@TheLordcasio]

@@OllieLoops weird question. Do you do location sound (for film/TV) as a day job, by any chance? I do and there’s something about your videos that makes me think that either you do as well…or should.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks, I don’t do location sound, but I try to take it seriously in my videos. I really enjoy it. If you haven’t seen it, check out my Drum Machines on Vacation video, which is all about location sound. That’s cool that you do that. It seems like a cool job. Do you like it?

[@TheLordcasio]

@@OllieLoops “Do I like it?”…sometimes. You have to live by a mantra of “I care about this as much as I am allowed to care about this.”. Meaning that, there are folks in charge that just don’t care about sound or the sound department. It can be frustrating. BUT, it’s way better than bar tending (the other musician alt job).

[@pettypendergrass8480]

Good video... I wasn’t really sure which MPC to upgrade to from the mpc Renaissance. But I’m definitely getting this

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! I think you’ll like the Live 2.

[@VultCult]

Thank you for your review. I'm interested in obtaining one, but unsure if it can work for my musical purposes. You mention how much MPCs are used in Hip-Hop and Dance but in your opinion, can it function for someone wanting to create rock and metal drum/percussion tracks for finished studio recordings?

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I believe that it can be used for any genre. They are popular for hip hop and edm, but that doesnt mean you can't use it for rock and metal. Whats nice about it that may work for you is that it has several useful drum kits including live drum kits, or you can sample whatever sounds you want. With the pads, you can play and program the drums in live for human feel for as many bars as you want. Therefore, you can create fills and patterns that would be commonly heard in your preference of genre. I hope that helps.

[@richardfinch1789]

Finally, superb awesomeness 😊

[@OllieLoops]

Thank you!

[@GuidanceMusic]

I wonder if you could help answer my query. How would you get the stems from a beat you finish in the MPC Live 2 in to your computer? I used to use a 3000 and track them out via audio but am obviously not looking to have to do that these days. It was so painful. What's the process now? Many thanks

[@OllieLoops]

Hey, thanks for your question. The process on the current MPCs is that you can export stems or even an Ableton Live file directly from the menu. You can export them to a USB drive or SD card and transfer the files that way. I hope that helps.

[@GuidanceMusic]

@@OllieLoops I'm getting one based on that answer. Many thanks :)

[@casteanpreswyn7528]

Hey, quick correction, the master volume control isn't new, they just moved it from the back right of the unit to the top left.

[@casteanpreswyn7528]

For clarification, you(most likely accidentally) imply at 1:49 that the volume control is a new feature, however it was a standard feature before and only the location of the control dial has changed.

[@OllieLoops]

Correct. It was moved to the top.

[@oKnaHleyNozRag]

Nice going to invest now thanks

[@PlatinumPlusProductionsTV]

Nice Keep Pushing!!!!!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@skizzyskitzo]

I do want to see that comparison because I’ve been using both for so long I’m at a tug of war 😂

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Remind me what the comparison is? It's been a while for me...

[@jasonjasonjasonjasonjason]

I dont see that many reviews at all talk about the splice integration. Is there a reason you didnt mention it? For me its the feature i want to know more about but cant find much info on it.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your comment and question. I didn’t mention it primarily because I have never used that feature. But you’re right, I should have mentioned that is was a feature. Also, there’s so many samples on the device that I’ve not gotten bored of them yet.

[@LimitedEditionEDC]

Supreme brought me here!

[@OllieLoops]

Supreme!

[@BrianC-o8y]

I'd like to see the NI Maschine comparison

[@OllieLoops]

That would be dope. I don't have Maschine currently, but maybe one day in the future. Thanks for your comment.

[@Dante_Nim]

I'd love to see the comparison with the Maschine +

[@stefan3112]

I would appreciate a comparison with deluge. You know both very well.

[@OllieLoops]

That would be an interesting one. The devices are so different. But I understand where you're coming from. We'll see what we can do.

[@aoutivd]

Apples and oranges

[@stefan3112]

@@aoutivd Main difference?

[@aoutivd]

@@stefan3112 the deluge is mainly used as a sequencer and the mpc is almost like a standalone daw. The deluge is rad and for a live sequencer maybe one of the best but there is a lot of menu diving. The MPC has a touch screen and allows you to build many different songs with easy navigation. Some say using an MPC instead of a computer is a “dawless” setup but that’s a bit pedantic considering the mpc is a computer with their own UI. Using a deluge when other sense would definitely be considered dawless. I’d even argue for live performances the deluge is a “cooler” device than using the MPC but I use my MPC as the brain of my system.

[@stefan3112]

@@aoutivd I'm thinking about getting the MPC too. Therefore I would be interested in the differences and similarities. As for the Deluge I miss the pads and it is quite difficult to use (many hidden features). But both are sequencers, samplers synths

[@jbanales69]

Is there any information on the lifespan of the battery? What happens when it eventually dies?

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your questions. Lithium ion batteries often have hundreds or even thousands of cycles (charging and depletion) which determine their lifespan. Although the chemistry of the battery is one factor, how the battery is cycled is often a bigger factor in lifespan. If you use it from 100% full to 0%, that type of cycle will shorten the lifespan of the battery versus using it from 100% to 80% then charging it. The battery will last longer if you don’t use it down to 0% very often. What happens when it dies? Well, that may be many years from now if you are good about cycling it and can get a thousand cycles out of it. But it will eventually retain less and less charge until it wont hold a charge at all. In which case, you will likely need to send it to Akai for service. Hopefully they have a battery replacement available whenever that time comes. With that said, you should still be able to use the device connected via power supply for many years. Many MPCs from the 1980s and 1990s are still in use. I hope that helps.

[@taggartjs]

Can anyone here tell me if one is able to import Standard MIDI Files into the MPC Live 2? If someone has answered this already, I apologize. I just don't feel like scrolling. Anyway, I've got dozens of SMF's and I really don't feel like re-sequencing each one. Would love to use this unit live (pun may or may not be intended). So, any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@ujjayisoundsystem]

Def want to see live 2 vs. Machine +

[@ricardogonzalez-om4gn]

Is there a way to connect the mpc to my tascam DP 24 multi-track .. I'd like to use the mpcs sounds to record them onto my tascam is that possible thru the quarter inch ins and outs?

[@OllieLoops]

You should be able to track into the Tascam via 1/4” outputs on the MPC. You can mute/solo tracks to record the tracks as you want. Hope that helps.

[@ricardogonzalez-om4gn]

@@OllieLoops thank you and yes this definitely helps!🙏🏼

[@OllieLoops]

No problem. If the tascam has midi, you could then sync the two to get your start points to match.

[@ricardogonzalez-om4gn]

@@OllieLoops yes it actually does have midi; I've never used midi ins/ outs..I don't really understand the whole midi function to be honest with you. do you recommend the midis over the quarter inch ins and outs

[@OllieLoops]

Midi doesn’t carry the audio signal. Midi is a communication protocol to send note info and start / stop messages, etc. So you would have 1/4” for audio plus midi. Check out my connecting midi devices video for more information about midi and the mpc.

[@F_letc.h]

Great review. Would love the comparison vs. Maschine Plus

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@fcf8269]

The plus is the worst option ever made by NI; unless they priced it at the same price of the MPC One

[@DERAILEDbeats]

@@fcf8269 mhm. i got a mk3, honsetly looking at the maschine+, looks and feels pretty much the same as the mk3. way overpriced

[@fcf8269]

@@DERAILEDbeats Yep; they had the chance to make a good stand alone box but ended up making it overpriced and underwhelming to be honest.

[@1anre]

What’s its cost in 2021? Is it recommended for a beginner beat maker?

[@OllieLoops]

$1299.00 USD. Beginner to expert, the MPC is a good machine. The learning curve may be steep for a beginner, but it’s also got a ton of features that will keep you engaged for a long time.

[@1anre]

@@OllieLoops thank you Ollie for the quick response, i better get to start saving up for one as it looks very wholesome & should last me a long time after buying it. Subbed to your channel now.

[@OllieLoops]

Yeah, it should. Save up. Check out the MPC one also, you would save a bunch and get most of the functionality.

[@con4679]

what do you suggest for first time buying ? mpc live ii or op-1 ? thank you

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your comment. The devices are both very different. And they have very different workflows. I would suggest first researching them to see how they could work for you. The OP-1’s is workflow is more limiting and very specific while the Live 2’s is more open ended and flexible. I think most people will enjoy the MPC workflow more, but some people really like the limitations and workflow of the OP-1. I hope that helps. Good luck.

[@semi788]

yes for mpc live 2 vs ni maschine+

[@ejmikk]

A nice review, although the speakers seem very distorted and not clean at all. The sine wave test should produce a single frequency, not the distorted mess that was both heard and seen on the frequency analyzer...

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your comments. I too thought the additional peaks in the sine wave tests seemed off. I'm assuming they are doing something internally to enhance the frequency response. Speakers of this size can only do so much in the lower frequency range because of the physics of speakers. But, if they added harmonic content to enhance the range, then they could make it appear to go lower than it does. That's my best guess as to what's happening, and that would explain why the tests look as they do. As far as testing sound quality via video, that's a bit tricky to translate. I would suggest checking one out first hand to see what you think. In short, it sounds better than a lot of bluetooth speakers that I've used but nowhere near a pair of studio monitors.

[@Artek604]

You should be doing the videos for Akai (and Deluge) :)

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks

[@jxhsett9188]

Just bought the mpc live 2 Im hella excited to make the mysteries of sound uwu !

[@OllieLoops]

Sweet! Enjoy!

[@DopamineOverload]

Definitely want to see the comparison. I've been a longtime NI fanboy and LOVE my MK3.... but the Live 2 destroys Maschine+.. the MPC One also destroys it. Bang for the buck, I'd go with the One. A $100 proper-voltage battery bank makes it portable, too. More dedicated buttons. Better layout, I think.

[@OllieLoops]

Yeah, I agree. Check out my MPC One review if you haven’t already.

[@DopamineOverload]

@@OllieLoops Definitely have. Love your reviews, man. Quality editing. On-point all the time.

[@OllieLoops]

Many thanks! Yeah, the One is such a good value. Thanks for your support!

[@RickRijuanaPro]

Super Dope Breakdown

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@isaacgodbolt9244]

Please compare them yes and thank you

[@el9delcielo]

I think is quad-core for the processor. Thanks for the video.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks, I think that’s mentioned in the specifications section.

[@poporowyo]

I also would LOVE to see a comparison to Maschine+

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! We’ll see what we can do.

[@marcelocg]

Yes, please make a comparison video between Live 2 and Maschine+, but ENOUGH of specs comparisons! Please do compare the workflow, the routine of producing music on these two devices. Which one is more productive, easier, faster to achieve the same final song?

[@OllieLoops]

Good thoughts, thanks for sharing.

[@ChumpyDumps]

Yeah I'd like that comparison to the Maschine+. I have a Maschine MK3 and love the workflow but it's ultimately a good preset machine with a great sampler. You don't get as much RAM and I believe a worse CPU with the Live 2 but the CV outputs and SATA bay really push it ahead. Not to mention the instruments are designed to be manipulated within the interface itself. I had a MPC Live and sold it because it was pretty much the same thing as a Maschine but it had more of a convoluted workflow. That point still stands but they've definitely fixed quite a few of my gripes with the last two updates and the drum synth looks killer. The MPC One in particular is basically the best deal in music gear right now with all the shit they crammed into it.

[@OllieLoops]

Good thoughts, thanks!

[@osibrathwaite2146]

What was that piano riff from sounds awesome?

[@OllieLoops]

I'm not sure what the record was, I just grabbed one of the first records in the crate.

[@C0llinsW0rth.]

can we see that comparison!

[@spookypen]

Props for full Cheetoing your hand for a .00025 second edit lol

[@OllieLoops]

It’s a rough job, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice.

[@AstrotardJones]

Make the versus....but after the next maschine+ update. My unit was so unstable that I returned it for an MPCLiveII.

[@OllieLoops]

Interesting. How did you like the plus otherwise?

[@AstrotardJones]

@@OllieLoops It feels incredibly incomplete. There is no other way to describe it other than it is like using an MK3 hooked up to an underpowered computer without access to the software. They will have to add a companion app for phones to edit synths and MIDI if they want to keep up with their competition as it feels more like a device that should be hooked up as much as possible, but can be used on vacation rather than a true standalone.

[@OllieLoops]

@@AstrotardJones great insight. Thanks for sharing.

[@pauloyoshizaki2103]

AKAI : Profissional :MPC Live : New Model : Tela : Maior : melhor ; Controller : Equalizador - Gráficos : Tons ; Ritmos : Effectos : Controle Gráficos : volume ?!!! ; Visual Tela Maior Só Tem Ajudado ?!!! Muito !!!! : Parabéns !!! ; Akai : MPC Live ; Tem : Processador igual Computador !!! ; Muitos Recursos !!! Em Som : Digitais !!! ; Para Futuro . 😲😲😃😃😄😄💡💡💡🥇👍👍👍👍

[@TheCuri]

First time it's not a review but a giant advert xD I will prefere the mpc one as I dont See me using this giant thing mobile...

[@OllieLoops]

Check out my MPC one review as well.

[@ChrisLaupama]

Comparison please!

[@Musicaltariq777]

Sooooooooo....$750 for a used in good condition is a good deal???? Coming from the 2500.

[@OllieLoops]

Seems like a good deal. Confirm it works and the battery is in good health.

[@fcf8269]

Not sure which studio is able to use only 8 tracks for non-VST instruments; so while the device is impressive, I still think that its sequencer is the weakest point, considering its "DAWless" mission.

[@DJMikeron]

PDAs on the left side mmmmmm a bit strange

[@OllieLoops]

Which PDAs?

[@elyot4010]

I was looking for something I can use with Cheetos

[@OllieLoops]

Glad I could help.

[@terrelljonesmusic]

You in seattle

[@OllieLoops]

Seattle!

[@auraglasswerks4900]

But is it Robust?!!!! 😜😆😁

[@OllieLoops]

Yes.

[@palimo3653]

You really reached for them criticisms lol.

[@OllieLoops]

It’s a pretty good device.

[@CodySmiley]

And many bugs gratis :)

[@OllieLoops]

What bugs have you seen?

[@CodySmiley]

@@OllieLoops saving error for example.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks, I haven't seen that one myself.

[@DuckAlertBeats]

For some reason I can't watch your hands

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@mlkyblack2038]

Thanks. I've had several MPC's and had issues with all of them, the most recent being the live 2 retro, see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYLOnKduYpqCZqM . Personally, i don't think the workflow on the Live 2 is as good as the MPC Renaissance. Furthermore, i don't think the Live 2 speakers should be referred to as studio monitors. I think that's very misleading.