Can You Register A Akai Product Of Two Different Devices
Cost £1040
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It doesn't feel all that long ago since we were incessantly jamming with the countdown MPC Alive, a colourful, balanced unit that managed to be both welcoming and fun for newcomers while boasting a depth of functionality that contributed to Akai's all-in-ane ambitions. The original features were robust, with 16 velocity- and pressure level-sensitive pads, each encircled by RGB LEDs. It had a 7-inch multitouch brandish and an array of buttons for transport and other functions.
It also features a large information knob and iv smaller multifunctional Q-Link knobs. These interface elements were combined in diverse means to manage drum kits, software instruments, pattern and song creation, sampling, and audio and MIDI inputs and outputs.
What y'all may take forgotten, though, is the size of the affair. The at present discontinued original MPC Live was portable but certainly not what you'd call compact or lightweight at 424 10 69 x 224mm. This smaller 2d iteration comes in at 411.5 10 45.7 x 243.8mm, with the new in-congenital speakers adding 19.8mm to unit of measurement's depth. If you lot have a dedicated bag, stand or Decksaver-style comprehend for the original Live, you'll need to get out the measuring tape.
Too as being significantly lighter, the revamped button layout of the MPC Alive II includes new buttons for step-sequencer access (probably the most-used button), mixer, timing correction, mute, and adjacent-sequence selection. The master volume knob is at present more attainable too, now sitting on the superlative console.
Circular the back, in that location are eight outputs, including iv TRS CV/gate jacks, essential for users of bazaar and modular synths. Aslope these, there are 4 inputs, ii pairs of MIDI in/out, and two USB-A and one USB-B ports, plus a total-size headphone jack, a speaker on/off switch, and an ethernet port for Ableton Link. The MPC Live II also includes the updated 2.8 software, a weighty library of demo songs, and 10GB of loop/sample content.
Speaker'southward corner
The most notable addition to the MPC Live unit, though, is the speakers. They're difficult to miss, and accept proven somewhat controversial amongst MPC users on forums and social media. The speakers were certainly a assuming step. Aside from the Korg Volcas and the Novation Excursion, in that location are few other hardware synths with built-in speakers. Their inclusion on a professionally congenital MPC unit of measurement is certainly novel – and we couldn't expect to try them.
The convenience of the MPC Live II really is irresistible. You don't demand cables and you don't demand headphones. If the battery is fully charged, you lot don't need a mains plug either. Most of our time with this review model was conducted cable-free, and it'due south an enormously enjoyable style to piece of work. Nosotros fifty-fifty took it outside, to a local park, to remove the model from the studio context, and information technology proved hands loud enough to irritate passers-by.
Yous could fence that Akai has missed a trick here past not equipping the MPC Live II with a tiny microphone too, to provide the full standalone sampling feel. How well the speakers work for you volition depend on your expectations and your environment. Merely residual bodacious that they'll admittedly dominate a serenity room, and can more than than hold their own equally part of tabletop jams aslope phones, tablets and laptops.
The MPC Live Ii sounds good on your lap merely transmits its depression cease more finer on a table. The speakers don't sound budget or modest by any means. Given their size, they sound well-nigh beyond the limits of what's physically possible. Familiarity with your system'southward audio is an important part of the mixing process and, after some practice time, yous'll be able to mix tunes with the MPC Live Ii besides. More speaker mileage tin be obtained by connecting other devices, for example, an Elektron Model:Samples, to the inputs, setting an audio input to monitor, and mixing the Elektron's sounds with those coming from the Live II, then it transforms into a hub for audio, MIDI and CV.
Selection box
This Akai update isn't solely virtually hardware though. The company has upgraded the MPC software to version 2.eight. This software comes in 2 forms: at that place'south a version that runs on the MPC Live, MPC One, and MPC X; and another that exists every bit integrated DAW software. It also runs as a plug-in for other DAWs. If continued to a computer with DAW software, (which is included in the Live II purchase) the hardware will act as a controller for that software.
In that location is of grade project and preset compatibility betwixt the hardware devices and the software. The DAW version is not required to operate the MPCs; they work totally independently. Just information technology's useful to have as a production tool in its own right. It'south advantageous to have a DAW-level sampling, recording and system surround stocked with a comprehensive range of tools, and as a front end stop for managing samples and other content.
We're not hither to review the DAW software only nosotros are interested in how it relates to Live II. The MPC Live was already packed with features on the software front end, boasting everything producers need to tape and prepare samples, including onboard effects, onboard software instruments in the shape of Air's Bassline, Electric, and Tube Synth, and blueprint-sequencing, and trounce-making tools. At that place's too a vocal way through which patterns can be chained together to create total arrangements, albeit in list-merely format. The MPC software is the same across all current MPC hardware models, differences only arising in terms of hardware specifics, and they can all use the 2.8 update, available as a free download.
After spending several months with the Akai Force, whose touch interface is similar to the MPC Live II's, nosotros're left a little confused. Once you've familiarised yourself with when to use the bear on display and when to use the knobs and buttons though, using the Live Ii becomes a breeze. Information technology'southward effectively a computer and a musical musical instrument at the same time, and does an excellent chore of juggling both jobs.
If the display layout of the MPC Live 2 always feels cramped, you can simply transpose your project into the MPC software and view it via a computer display, which is an awesome ace in the hole. Though Akai received many requests to characteristic a monitor output on this new model, for now, this is as good as information technology gets. Software version ii.eight's new retrospective-tape characteristic is equally welcome as Capture was to Ableton Live ten, and a brilliant bit of insurance if you ever forget to striking record or didn't wait yourself to play so well. All you have to do is printing Shift+Rec to impress the last MIDI part you played in.
Some other new feature is the power to edit note mapping – that is, to assign different MIDI notes to each pad in a program. When y'all touch a Q-Link command, you lot'll see an overlay on the screen showing the currently controlled parameter and values. Somewhere downwardly the line, we'd like to see the MPCs and Strength softwares merge, so the Forcefulness can sync with the MPC software, and the MPCs get the lovely system view that appeared in the recent Strength beta.
Sync'ing feeling
Any car marketed every bit a hub better well have some solid sync options. The Live Two does, featuring total-size MIDI ports that are much more reassuring than the fiddling jack sockets that require MIDI adaptors. There's an ethernet port labelled Link, which provides a connexion for Ableton Link-based sync setups. At that place'due south also wi-fi, which Link can too work with, and which is fantastic for more ad hoc jam situations. You won't desire to depend on wi-fi while on a large stage or for loftier-stakes gigs though.
Link is reliable and piece of cake to employ, as always. There'south no master, significant that anybody linked can join or exit at any time. It handles time changes well, and it's piece of cake to build a setup where the Strength and Live II are both wirelessly synced to a Mac running Ableton Alive ten. The but thing y'all're missing with Link is that it doesn't do start/stop or any song position. If you want those things, you have to revert back to MIDI, which isn't exactly a damning inconvenience simply that functionality would've been nice nonetheless. Information technology's likewise possible to mix and friction match – any hardware that doesn't support Link tin be MIDI'd up.
We have a few issues trying to go the Akai Force and MPC Alive Two to sync via Link but, as before long as Ableton Alive was running, they synced perfectly to that. Link works over wifi simply there'south also support for Bluetooth MIDI in/out, too as for devices such equally computer keyboards, and so you don't take to keep tapping at the touch display to enter project names. Bluetooth audio, though, is not supported on any of Akai's hardware devices.
As we touched on before, MPC 2.8's MIDI Multi feature allows the Live Two to communicate with a powered USB hub or MIDI interface and so that more than than 1 MIDI controller can be used, sending either to specific devices inside a rail or different tracks birthday. A specific input device can exist set upward as the main keyboard or controller, whatever track is selected, and MIDI can at present be routed between tracks, then that different instrument sounds tin be stacked.
Speaking of keyboards, you tin can at present record MIDI chord progressions in the pad perform style, and so export them for use in other projects or even to the MPC software on your computer. The aforementioned CV/gate outputs are practiced news for anybody using modular synths, where it'southward a popular control language, or those using whatsoever other type of synth that supports the protocol, such as the Arturia MiniBrute 2. Although non new in 2.eight, the Live II includes a Live control way for wireless control of Ableton Live's key features. It doesn't quite provide Push levels of command but it doesn't hurt to take it.
Live Vs Force
The MPC Alive II volition serve the majority of your needs if you lot're in the market for a new Akai box, even if its stablemates have more specific functions. On the software side, the MPC Live Two and MPC One utilise the MPC software, which ties in with the desktop MPC DAW/plug-in mentioned before. They're also more about drum pads, Live especially, than the Ableton Push-manner playable pads on the Forcefulness, which are more than general-purpose and useable for beats, keyboard parts, and clip and scene launching.
The Force does not interact with the MPC software, though it'due south entirely possible that Akai is going to bring all of its hardware products into line with a future software update. The Alive has a vocal manner and a selection of software instruments but, at heart, information technology's always been more virtually the sampling and the beats – yous can probably tell that by looking at it. The Force is more of an Ableton-in-a-box concept, which is something that many users have wanted for years. The Live boasts more than means of connecting with the exterior world – more audio inputs, full-size MIDI ports, and the CV/gate outputs – than the Force too. In terms of quality, you tin can't really go wrong with either. Akai's hardware prowess is second to none.
There's another question we've still to consider though: is information technology worth upgrading from the Live I to Live II? Honestly, we're not convinced. Y'all'll lose a lot of value if you sell your original MPC Live unit, and the Alive II'south new features volition be less enticing for upgraders than they are to new customers. Remember, the Live I is compatible with the updated 2.8 software too.
We had a first-class time reviewing the Akai MPC Live II. What was already an entertaining and artistic musical tool has been giving quite a boost on the hardware front, thanks to its new layout, CV/gate and speakers. Only as crucial – maybe more so – is that the MPC 2.8 software update has added important new features such equally the MIDI Multi functionality. Sure, the addition of speakers has added to the model's majority only we call up that's a worthy trade for the joyous spontaneity they bring. It won't be long before some imaginative creative person purchases a Live 2 and uses information technology to build an unabridged album – without using headphones.
Do I actually need this?
If you're looking for a new sampler/beat machine/sequencer to sit at the heart of your hardware rig – and one that integrates MIDI, CV and audio – this may be just what you're looking for. The Live II hardware update brings a tweaked button layout and more connectivity but, perhaps dominating all of that, are its new onboard speakers. The MPC Live already came with an onboard battery simply the speakers take this into unprecedented portable beat-making territory.
Users of the MPC Alive who don't desire speakers might non be motivated to upgrade, specially every bit the 2.8 software update is compatible with the original model. But if y'all're enticed by a brand new battery-powered production and sampling machine, you'll love this unit of measurement.
Cardinal Features
- Congenital-in speakers and bombardment for mobile freedom
- USB MIDI hub facility for expanded input and routing options
- Retrospective-record feature (MIDI events are always captured in the background)
- New button layout brings most-used functions to the superlative level
- Expandable storage via USB, SD or internal SSD
Alternatives
Elektron
Octatrack MkII £1,335
This superlative-notch eight-track sampler/sequencer features onboard effects and puts no restriction on sample length, and volition be peculiarly suited to those interested in glitches and processing. We're non sold on its strange compact flash cards though. 
Pioneer
Toraiz SP-16 £850
This performance-oriented sampler/sequencer includes a touch brandish and, more importantly, analogue filtering courtesy of Dave Smith Instruments. It's non as sophisticated as its competition simply it is chunky and attainable.
Can You Register A Akai Product Of Two Different Devices,
Source: https://musictech.com/reviews/akai-mpc-live-ii-review/
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