Sonic LAB Presentation - Akai MPC X CV control and workflow

Akai Professional product manager Andy Mac came to show us the new MPC X. We hook up some CV gear and look at the workflow between MPC 2.0 on the host computer and MPC standalone mode too.
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[@m-chopbeats7526]

I always liked Andy, does a great job... really working overtime for Akai these days lol. MVP

[@halcyondaystunes]

I am so close to buying one of these, Took me so long to move from my MPC2000 to computer based and even though i have made better tracks i still don't have as much fun as i did when i had the Akai.

[@maxb4057]

the best part of this monster is that you cant check your emails

[@marctronixx]

Max B *MIC DROP*

[@roysummers1026]

Or Facebook

[@robertgarvansnyder4665]

all notifications disabled

[@spaceman103]

Max B Sr

[@aikighost]

I'm liking the auto marked up q links and the excellent screen responsibility myself.

[@MrBlueHaze]

Wow Akai I'm impressed you guys did it right this time! After all of these years, I'm going for the live but that mpc x is like a next gen mpc 4K my background. Andy Mac it has been a long time coming.

[@robertgarvansnyder4665]

Shit, I'm really impressed. The transition to/from computer hosting mode and standalone mode is damn sexy.

[@BromeliadBro]

Incredible. So much more than I would have thought to ask for...all I wanted was an updated MPC1000. This does so much more.

[@shorocproduction7212]

Supersonic!! Thank you Andy & Nick for a very actual & comprehensive look at the X's workflow. I've preordered so I'm in line...

[@Mirchitunes]

Very nice coverage of the key features of MPC and MPC-X. The music he created during the demo is even more dope. MPC rocks!! No side-chain compression still.

[@alexanderh1273]

this is what I've always wanted. the only naysayers are people who now regret having invested so heavily in a computer. Thanks Akai!

[@hiltoniusmusic]

great job, guys! what an amazingly powerful production tool.

[@ljs8888]

the CV automation is amazing!! can't wait

[@vinylselektaz6475]

The ability to bring third party instruments to the hardware is the deal breaker. Im sold on it.

[@rahim4411]

Man that's a beast! it's a beautiful machine. the effects are dope this time. It's over!!!

[@theinfideluk]

That mix at the end with the Erebus sounds really nice. Would like to have seen that track being built up from start to master

[@Zinfidel1]

Akai, please send a LIVE to Nick for review. The presentations are truly appreciated but myself and many others look for a review when purchasing things and Nick is an extremely fair reviewer. I'm more likely to buy one if there is a full hands-on review and breakdown regardless if an item is 10/10 or not. If Akai wants things to sell this time (*ahem* rhythmwolftomcattimbrewolf)then send one to sonicstate!

[@inthefade]

Agreed. I appreciate and enjoy this presentation, but only until someone like Nick has had their grubby hands on it for a couple weeks and has explored the limitations will I be comfortable dropping a big wad of cash.

[@sonicstate]

Fair enough, though I am not nor have ever been an MPC user, I would not feel comfortable getting deep enough with it, to give an MPC users point of view. However, I would like to try one out for my live set....

[@Zinfidel1]

Neither am I, really. Years ago, my first legit drum machine was an Akai XR20 but I quickly moved to the Korg ESX-1 a couple weeks afterwards. Doing every sound from the Akai pads wasn't quite my thing yet. But that's what I find interesting about the MPC Live is the touchscreen workstation aspect. The step sequencer, mixer, piano roll, splicing, time stretch, fx. All of that seems incredibly easy to do. MPC pads are arguably the best out there and it's a nice bonus to have those for sample triggers, clip launches, previews, etc. Alternatively, the more videos I watch of the Toraiz sampler, the more I want it. Anyways, I think you could do it some justice. Wouldn't be much different from a VST or DAW review, right?

[@claudiowiesflecker413]

What's really bothering me about those presentations by corporate representatives is that (of course) they are going to keep repeating how good everything is and how much easier it is going to make everything and how much you need it.. I'd rather prefer a "both feet on the ground" evaluation with some flaws and missing topics. For example he keeps repeating, how quick and responsive the screen is, drawing random notes and automation lanes in??? This tells us nothing about the claimed improvements in workflow/speed over a computer in a real world situation (especially computer with touchscreen)

[@aikighost]

I'll come and give you a hand Nick ;)

[@varoennauraa]

This is brilliant! But I want to see some sampling as well.

[@geecen]

Those oleds on the knobs are really nice. I hope more standalone controllers get the message that a dedicated controller can really add so much to a daw or production program.

[@HansInNorway]

What a great presentation - makes me want the X even more

[@Cdrivethp]

I got my MPC X on pre-order, hopefully I will get it soon!!

[@inthefade]

Pretty impressive. Surprised that the voices are limited to only 64, but I think I could live with that. This is the first device that I could imagine having at my studio, and completely eliminate using a computer for production until mastering. A very succinct and impressive demonstration.

[@dugnice]

"completely eliminate using a computer for production until mastering." NOT gonna happen, unless you only record analog instruments. If you own vsts and want to incorporate them into your music, you WILL NEED to use a computer.

[@nym053]

If I got this, I would still use my computer. For multi tracking more than 4 hardware instruments for example.

[@ramonkey2939]

I’m finally getting a free weekend to really dive into the mpcx and put a controller together

[@MatthewRecko]

Have a good weekend! Wait..

[@MaxDorisca]

Bravo Andy looking forward to your next lessons..

[@zekemusicproductions]

This was a great video, it answered a lot of my questions I was looking for. The one thing that isn't clear to me is when you are in standalone mode can you use the qlink knobs as a midi controller in a DAW (e.g. protools, reaper, cubase etc) like he did with the FabFilter compressor in the MPC 2.0 software? Also, can you use it to pull up other VST's and control them in other DAW's like he did with the NI Massive vst? That would truly make it a great central studio piece.

[@Tcabezon]

not talked much about the recording capabilities, would love to see how can I use to work with acoustic instruments. Is it possible to see al tracks at the same time, as one would do in a DAW?

[@badinibeats5939]

i had a drink every time he said screen technology

[@AcidBattle]

very nice demo, i love it yet, hope it will come end of may....

[@cresshead]

excellent video, great demonstration of the mpc x

[@officialriff]

Nice presentation. Workin' with the mpc live. 🔊

[@8bitDude0]

Was waiting for this!

[@2010MrWhitewolf]

Nick? I hope you will do a regular review of the MPC X soon. I realize there is an awful lot to cover. Maybe you could do a "special extended" review? As always, thanks for your time and what you do :)

[@monsieurhonorificfishface5621]

The MPC X is so god damn awesome 👏 I am so so so going to buy one once I’ve saved up enough for it. Other people save up to buy a car, I save up to buy a sequencer lol

[@phill5367]

Did you get it

[@MaverickM1]

Great gear and proper demo

[@chris5375]

This Machine was build for me, excellent !!!

[@MrPoppymusik]

I’m sold 😍😍😍 great demo 👌

[@BluffMunkey]

I'm so pleased that Akai haven't cheaped out on this. Can you save track states as templates so you don't have to set up and route all your hardware each time you fire it up?

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

They kind of have, 2gb of ram is shite for a DAW.

[@foggydrifty]

Would love to see a video of live audio looping with an external synth, bass, guitar etc. That's the workflow I feel a lot of people are interested in. Up to now all the videos have been midi sounds.

[@mysticsailor9]

It's really limited in audio inputs..

[@holubtsi]

Loooooow memory ram. Forget it

[@masadampc]

you did a good job Andy

[@burmashavetom]

Cool jam at the end.

[@djjas764]

Dope..... What's the boot up time of Mpc x. Thank you Andy and Nick.

[@UberSynth]

It looks like Akai use the same led back-lit buttons from years back. Some of those buttons look like those on my Akai DPS24 multitrack studio.

[@kh485]

This looks interesting, considering many laptops computers are programmed to slow down over some years so that they are unusable.

[@els1f]

If I didn't own any equipment and I was just getting into making music I would definitely save up and get this first.

[@hotsawce3546]

That's my plan!!

[@ventarfield7115]

Reminds me of the equipment I started with back in the day. Emu Sp1200 and mpc 60. Except this has evolved to do every thing you could ever imagine you could do in the future world we used to imagine back in the floppy disc days.

[@jonlaidler]

Same here. Incredible machine

[@ventarfield7115]

@scoot manke please do expand your point.

[@cresshead]

it's a Beast!...brilliant video...great product.

[@AnsolasDe]

Does Bounce to Audio consider Plugin Delay for example when using FabFilter Plugins, which have a quite high delay in some modes? Even Dynamics most time have a look ahead Feature which introduce latency

[@roottreatmenbyronalddersar854]

Thx for the video my question can I insert a stereo input??

[@Superlover]

nicely presented. thank you

[@MattGreerMusic]

This thing is pretty bad ass. Gotta say.

[@TeleporterM11]

Andy is one of the most brilliant musical minds since Chopin and Beethoven.

[@HazyJ28]

dude is a wizard lol

[@subconscious.com_usa6691]

Awesome product

[@osands]

can you setup qlinks to do analog style step sequencing where you can change note values, velocity etc on steps?

[@jonathanattal5419]

very nice review. Can we use plug in through the akai daw ?

[@PNM_79]

Hey, Nick. Did Andy specifically say when it's being released? I pre ordered the Live but I'm still waiting. They said early spring. So I hope it drops soon.

[@dirkroslyn]

Does the software 2.1 work with The MPC renaissance ?

[@slamblambacid]

Does the GUI interface layouts of the OS are different in MPC-Live vs MPC-X ?? Or just the same but bigger ??

[@gatlinproduction]

Question? If we can add plugin like SSL and Waves etc. We shouldn't have to Track Out Into Protools for separation? I mean if it should good enough and audio will come up with a big analog sound. we could just use protools for Masting audio. Just looking for some advice.

[@saintnicholas5507]

Tune at the end please make more of that

[@fmagic2000able]

I realize this may be too late to leave a reply, but I believe got the idea from the soundtrack from the tv show "Now and Again - Give me a sign". If you're interested you can do a search on KZbin, you should be able to find it.

[@docmarc36]

excellent summary

[@sabbo4soulico]

Can you use the 16 Q knobs to set pitches like in an analog sequencer ?

[@BURG]

i had some serious gas for the MPC live... now im like, dammit.. i need this :)

[@_fig.8]

breathless with anticipation!

[@quinthonybrown]

I use Auria/ios . Will the X read the Fab Filter plug ins ??

[@FreezerKing]

Nice machines, both the Live and the X, shame about that shipping delay though

[@maximusheronimus23980]

in sequencermode, can i use the 2 midi ins in separate tracks at the same time? using a Digital piano and synth at the same time, and record those on separate tracks

[@HansInNorway]

Yes

[@mightymikerocks]

very cool beats

[@Operator11X]

Is it possible to use my advance 49 VIP software thru mpc X in a Standalone mode?

[@neoseyes]

The sequence he has on 18 min. If I write a melody, can I move the chord progression to a different key? The whole thing.?

[@mCKENIC]

Very interesting, been looking at this since it was teased particularly since laptop, motu interface and modular is fairly bulky when gigging. 8cv outs are a killer feature IMHO. But serious question (and Im not hating) - why does the screen overhang the back of the instrument? Its a recipe for disaster when moving the machine I think!

[@whitelionmuzikproductionz9725]

Nice machine for performers but as a studio producer you'll still need a computer and plugins and a midi keyboard to take full advantage of these great features. But it's a great tool as the centerpiece of your set up. I've got a fully blown 4000 that I use in the same way as a tool for what it does best .

[@iVardensphere]

Nick. is there any word on detailed Automation Editing or 'parameter locking'? Being able to record knob motion is cool but I'd like some ability to go deep into tweaker land.

[@midilyfestyle]

iVardensphere Having watched your pro 2 and sub 37 videos, I have a feeling you'd make amazing stuff on this if you had plocks

[@iVardensphere]

jozeph gee Thank you! :)

[@elyot4010]

Mine's on its way!

[@PSICK1234ikillallracistrolls]

How can I get the 2.3 software upgraded to the mpc x? I really need help because I'm starting g to figure this machine out.

[@stanislaubudzko]

Can i connect Novation Launchpad or akai controller like APC40 to this device via USB, to use clip launcing like in Ableton?

[@9000knobs]

Do you have an answer for this ? If i could do this to advance trough scenes, like ableton, i'm sold. But i'm not sure.

[@mephistovonfaust]

I can't decide.... I wanted to get the MPC Live when it launches but now I kinda want to save up a little more so I can afford the MPC X... Damnit!

[@juangaspar8183]

Does anyone know if you can sample like in the mpc 2000xl

[@foggydrifty]

Just got the biggest kick watching these two jam together on the FB page. Haha! Looks like lots of fun happening there. 👍

[@ellane8441]

I Love My Akai Pieces but, it Really hurt that the latest Apple IOS updates weren’t supported on my Centerpiece the Renaissance. 2,300.00 not including the expansion packs I’ve purchased. So I replaced my Renaissance with this MPC X. Another 2,300.00. I’m loving the specs and Stand-Alone feature but, I will still keep the Ren and hopefully they will update the drivers to work with my systems in the studio. Hopefully Akai and Apple will take the time to think about US, the starving Artists who’ve Invested a lifetime of devotion to Our work, our Life, our Product selections and Our Work.

[@arslanarif9513]

what about sampling and chopping?

[@tradewhales9170]

How would i sync the mpcx to run the dfam sequencer?

[@hansklok3827]

Does anybody know if it's possible to record midi notes from the MPC Software (2.0) into a Midi Track with the limitations of the AU Plugin-Format in Logic Pro X? (Chords, Arp, etc.). I know this is not possible within the Komplete Kontrol Software (maschine).

[@jasonm2279]

Yet another awesome overview Sonic State. ALMOST AT 100,000 subs. Slick vocal line Nick ;)

[@Boris_Chang]

Is this mainly intended for hiphop producers or would it shine in an electronic music studio (analog modular synths)-would this be a good sequencer for a Eurorack?

[@waywardv]

Would be interested to hear a full version of the track they jammed out to.

[@HansInNorway]

facebook.com/wwwsonicstate/videos/10154757429448355/

[@waywardv]

Cheers.

[@fmagic2000able]

I realize this may be too late to leave a reply, but I believe got the idea from the soundtrack from the tv show "Now and Again - Give me a sign". If you're interested you can do a search on KZbin, you should be able to find it.

[@mindseyerobot]

the track playing out at the end sounds like it belongs on a wipeout game:) carry on

[@gatlinproduction]

Also I don’t every action you make on the Drum Machine the 2.0 Software will follow. In my case i’m going thru the menu and others and the 2.0 Software is not moving along with my moves.

[@MrGiMiK777]

My MPCX's main dial started skipping by 2 for everything. Iv updated a couple times but it did not help. It doesn't do thos in stand alone so im sure it's a software thing and not hardware. Any idea what I can do?

[@kdee868]

pads seems very hard again but there's a reason why....latency in controler mode....i hope mpc stuff will make smoother rubber pads like the one on the 3000/60

[@junglejingle7836]

can import midi per track on 2.0? on v.1.9.7 only import midi per seq. i mean if you import midi, v1.9.7 put midi file on seq. 1 track 1, if you want import another midi file on track 2 you can only choose seq. 2 so go to seq.2 copy and then go back to seq.1 track 2 paste...this is crazy...

[@isoldeisobelle552]

I am not going to listen to all the naysayers... this is a thing of beauty. Bravo Akai!

[@chris5375]

I agree with you

[@Jeremy-su3xy]

Is it too late to buy MPC X? When is the next launch for the Akai Flagship Sampling Machine?

[@aanon2550]

Moving some notes around on a piano roll = "move your production to a whole new level!"

[@TheExcelllence]

This drops in June/July, Native Instruments cut the price of Maschine Studio a couple weeks ago. And That usually means NI is coming with something else. I wouldn't be surprised if they release a new drum controller to counter this. Competition all around, this Summer is going to be fun. lol

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

WOW!! I love dedicated hardware.....control of audio and MIDI all without a computer. NO MOUSE!!!!! DID you see those encoders...they are digitally labeled!!! FANTASTIC!!! I will be making music with this machine in 1.5 years. I am currently tracking off computer with a ZoomR24 then importing the tracks (WAV24bit48kh) into the computer for final processing. Overdubbing without latency and 10x faster building tracks.

[@RADIOTONTA]

serious stuff.

[@AmAdicted2Music]

Can we rewire on this?

[@sabbo4soulico]

is it easy to export from the MPC to audio tracks so I can later work in my DAW ? Or do I have to record it manually to the DAW ?

[@RodmanSan]

I saw in another video that you can export it to an audio track for your DAW.

[@sabbo4soulico]

thanks :)

[@nakedrecords123]

So I placed my order back in January. The unit is awesome. But he avoided the question asked 2 times about the release date. Not sure when the video was made but it was just released. So based on that I truly should not expect this unit until June/July.

[@johnnyparker2128]

My Maschine 2 software keeps crashing and NI hasn't been able to fix it in over a month. I think it's time to join the Akai team. Oh and the Native Instruments plug-ins at 16:02 are hilarious.

[@gatlinproduction]

Please Help. Wondering. Is there away to transform My Roland MV-8800 Program Sounds To the MPCX? EXAMPLE: I know i can take out the Midi and upload it into the MPCX. But how do I save the Drum Sounds which I've uploaded Into the Roland MV-8800.

[@gauloiseguy]

gatlinproduction Connect it to your PC and look into the file structures. There should be a folder in every project with all your samples in them. Just sold mine so can't look it up for you, but it is there, and it is a massive job. I would start from scratch tbh

[@willdahbe]

This thing is pretty great and all, but it would be amazing if Akai released just an 16 encoder OLED Q-link controller that worked with or without a computer. That thing would just sell like mad.

[@beatsforless8179]

tell akai they should have a feature to spread note repeat across the pads