In Standalone mode, is there any way to add basic effects

...Like Reverb, Compressor, etc... to an insert or fx slot or does the software need to be connected to use any effects? How does this work?

It should be pretty easy to figure out. You can stack up to 4 effects per pad, program, and master. Do you not have a live? Have you got the book tutor wrote? Have you seen any YouTube videos on this subject?

So yes it has internal effects in standalone? I have a touch right now

Yes, lots. People debate the quality of these effects.

If they are as good as the stock effects in the 2500 I'm good

where are the quality of the effects being debated? point me towards some threads

Yes the MPC Live/X has internal effects.

This time around Akai put efford into making some good, not great effects. The filters are dope! They are better than the mpc2000xl that were optional. And if you know what you're doing you can use them a get away with using them and sounding good on your sounds.

InspectahEX wrote:So yes it has internal effects in standalone? I have a touch right now

If you're looking at it from that point then you have noithing to worry about. Though this can be subjective.
If you get the live you get the Software also. The Air effects that come free is definitely a winner, there's not even a debate there.

InspectahEX wrote:If they are as good as the stock effects in the 2500 I'm good

Exactly the same effects as the touch.

Oh awesome, well those effects seem quality to me... if I really needed a more advanced eq, reverb, or compressor then I guess I would just plug it into the software make an audio bounce and jump back out to standalone? correct?

Yes if you want.

InspectahEX wrote:Oh awesome, well those effects seem quality to me... if I really needed a more advanced eq, reverb, or compressor then I guess I would just plug it into the software make an audio bounce and jump back out to standalone? correct?

The effects routings is more complex than any other sampler I've ever had. It's hugely capable in this way.

I think the onboard effects are fine. I have a handful now which seem like my go-to's. Used subtly they are very effective.