The original MPC One came with the F9 Expansion, which was a bunch of Keygroup instruments, but it didn’t come with nearly as much factory content as the Live and X. They have differentiate between the lower entry level products and the higher level, and the One was exactly that: the cheapest standalone MPC in their lineup.
I literally have NO issue with mild hardware refreshes like this - the 4GB RAM on the Key 61, X SE, and (allegedly now) One+ notwithstanding. This means this platform will continue to be invested in and supported, and Akai are (still, 7 years later) committed to the long haul. That’s admirable, and I’m totally down for that.
If a new Live III comes out with the 4GB RAM, larger factory storage, and (hopefully) some other tricks - I’ll happily sell my Live II and pick up a (hypothetical) Live III.** But that’s because in its current form, it’s a great production machine. I do love the One’s form factor, but I’ve grown to love the built-in speaker and can’t see using a portable MPC without one.
** Time will tell if we see a new Force, since Ableton’s Push 3 put Akai on-notice.
As for people thinking One+ is a “cash grab”, I’d say to them: “duh”? Literally every product ever made is a cash grab - they aren’t a charitable organization. They are 100% a for-profit business and need to make things people want to buy. I’m not mad at them about that.
