Ren/Studio Owners & Essentials Software

Seeing as how it appears that for the near future, the only way to get multi-timbral functionality out of the flagship products is to use the stripped down product software as a plugin, will the Essentials software be offered as a free download for Ren/Studio owners?

You can get multi-timbral functionality out of the standalone MPC Software, and a single instance of the plugin.

Though you don't get multi-timbral playback from MIDI sent from DAW tracks into the plugin, since it is only a single instance.

Wondering why can't you just use a single instance of the MPC Software plugin, and use the virtual outs to route multi-timbral audio from your MPC tracks into DAW audio tracks? Is it due to not having enough outputs? Or do you want to sequence your MIDI from DAW MIDI tracks, instead of MPC tracks?

Will have to wait to see if it is possible to easily load multi-track MPC Software projects into multiple MPC Essentials plugin instances, if you want to start a composition in MPC Software and then move it to multiple plugin instances of the MPC Essentials plugin.

Also have to wonder if the same MPC Sofware workflow and features are intact, in terms of working with your overall project in multiple MPC Essentials plugin instances spread over multiple DAW tracks, compared to that same project within a single instance of MPC Software.

SimonInAustralia wrote:
Will have to wait to see if it is possible to easily load multi-track MPC Software projects into multiple MPC Essentials plugin instances, if you want to start a composition in MPC Software and then move it to multiple plugin instances of the MPC Essentials plugin.

Also have to wonder if the same MPC Sofware workflow and features are intact, in terms of working with your overall project in multiple MPC Essentials plugin instances spread over multiple DAW tracks, compared to that same project within a single instance of MPC Software.

Waiting to see this as well. Curious what element / essentials will do for current ren / studio owners.

SimonInAustralia wrote:Though you don't get multi-timbral playback from MIDI sent from DAW tracks...
Or do you want to sequence your MIDI from DAW MIDI tracks, instead of MPC tracks?

Yes. This is the functionality I would like to see implemented. I simply want to insert an instance of the REN plugin onto an instrument/ MIDI track inside my DAW, hit the Ren's pads while recording into my DAW's sequencer and then have the REN's sounds triggered via MIDI during playback.

With the new controller mode functionality, I suppose that within Logic, I could load some REN (or any) drums into an instance of the EXS24 and trigger them via Ren pads while recording into Logic's sequencer. I'm sure that I could find a similar workaround in Pro Tools or Live but just feels like a let down and IMO, defeats the purpose of why I bought the Ren initially. It is what it is. I'm getting tired of belaboring the subject actually. I'll see what Ass-entials has to offer in the way of MIDI functionality and wait to see how MIDI implementation is improved in future REN/ Studio software updates. Meanwhile, I'll make music. Thanks Simon.

And thank you Akai as well for what appears to be the most significant and solid update thus far to my favorite piece of gear. I'm still on board.

GedaBlaq wrote:
And thank you Akai as well for what appears to be the most significant and solid update thus far to my favorite piece of gear. I'm still on board.

Seconded.

GedaBlaq wrote:Seeing as how it appears that for the near future, the only way to get multi-timbral functionality out of the flagship products is to use the stripped down product software as a plugin, will the Essentials software be offered as a free download for Ren/Studio owners?

Essential software is free to download now.

@petegoodliffe MPC Essentials software is unleashed! Ren/Studio owners can download it to use with your hardware here: http://www.akaipro.com/essentials
1:01 AM - 5 Oct 13

Thanks jigdagod. Downloaded it. Keeps telling me to re-run the installer to download the audio and loop content. Content isn't an option from the installer, only standalone app and plugin versions. What gives? Anyone know?

GedaBlaq wrote:Thanks jigdagod. Downloaded it. Keeps telling me to re-run the installer to download the audio and loop content. Content isn't an option from the installer, only standalone app and plugin versions. What gives? Anyone know?

When you installed the Ren/Studio software did you install the content? I believe that could be the content it is referring to.

There are 3 packs of downloadable Elements content, for MPC Element owners, different to the expansion packs that came with Renaissance/Studio, I think it more likely refers to them.

Is there any preference setting to ignore not having them?

If not, possibly not tested without access to, and loading, the 3 Essentials content packs.

I didn't create an account, just downloaded the software, installed and authorized fine for me. i didn't try to d/l the content. just the software.

Had to plug in the hardware to authorize it, but then was able to load and use instances of it in Logic without hardware attached.