MPC Live - questions before buying

Hey guys,

I used to own an MPC 1000 until recently, now I'm having withdraw symptoms big time! Software sequencers are just not the same. So, I've limited my choices to either the Akai MPC Live, or the Elektron Octatrack (probably MK2). I am more than comfortable with the workflow of the MPC, the Octatrack is completely different although I could potentially achieve the same results. I'm leaning towards the MPC as I am familiar with their products and have used them, the Elektron feels like Akai's main competitor as it offers something different and modern.

So I've gone through the manual for both units, and have seen various YouTube tutorials. These are some questions I have for the current users of the MPC Live:

- Audio/sample record metering: is the input metering system numerical and does it calculate input levels in real-time? This was my biggest gripe with the MPC 1000, the record window was a graphical bar that represents input level. It's 2017, input levels are important.

- Audio/sample record formats: I can record in stereo obviously, but can I record in summed mono LR or isolate between mono L/R?

- Audio/sample record resolution: I haven't seen the specs on the digital resolution or bit rate of the sampler? What is it and can it be altered? 16 bit/24 bit/32 bit floating @ 44.1 - 196 khz?

- Convert stereo samples to mono (summed LR, mono L, mono R) ?

- Routing audio in and out of the unit: the unit is similar to the MPC 1000 in terms of audio I/O: 1x stereo output and 4x mono outputs. So essentially 6x outputs, which is perfect for me when printing individual tracks from the MPC into my audio interface for mixdown in Pro Tools. How do you assign samples/programs/tracks to these outputs? What are the options? From memory on the MPC 1000 in the program edit I could assign it's output from there (as whole program or individual samples within the program). Is this more or less the same approach on the MPC Live or has this been expanded? Also, if I want to send an individual output to an external audio device for processing then feed that device back into the MPC on a separate track, can this still be done on the MPC Live? From memory on the MPC 1000 it was under mixer - input - through.

- Master output: Can this be adjusted internally? On the MPC 1000 I could access the master output level, and I needed to back it off to -12db as the outputs on the unit were all unbalanced. Even with a -12db master output, this got me closest to my reference level of -20 dbfs which was fed from my DAW, through my interface, into the MPC 1000 inputs, then the MPC 1000 outputs were fed back into the interface, and input levels were measured in the DAW. Has anyone performed gain staging on the MPC Live so far, and what have they determined? The specs suggest the unit has balanced I/O.

- Filter/amplitude envelope processing for layered samples on the same pad: on the MPC 1000 I could layer 4 samples on 1x pad, this was good and all but I was restricted or limited to processing options for each sample, apart from velocity and level. Please tell me that MPC Live has complete filter and amplitude processing options for each sample that is layered on the same pad??

- Step sequencing record/edit: I was running JJ OS 1 on the MPC 1000 and usually recorded everything in step edit mode. I was comfortable with it, and could make adjustments to individual steps post record which was fantastic to get chopped samples lined up the way I wanted. I read in the MPC Live manual that step sequencing record/edit is only possible with MIDI tracks. Is this correct?

- Firmware: Will the MPC Live have continued firmware updates into the future. How solid is the OS currently?

Is everyone generally happy so far with the MPC Live? Is anyone not happy with the unit so far? How is the build quality of the unit? One of the biggest issues with my MPC 1000 was the build quality, cheap components lead to constant upgrades - pads, buttons, PCB boards, etc.

Sorry for the long post, I just like to have all boxes ticked before I move on it. As I said earlier, for me its either the MPC Live or try something different like the Elektron Octatrack. I'm leaning more towards the MPC purely because I am familiar with the workflow.

Thanks for the read.

Whatup bro.
Man listen Get the Live and be done with it.

The mono thingy you're asking bout nah only stereo.
The input for dampling it has a numeric metering. You can use your finger ir data kmob to pull down the thresh hold.

You get 44.1 and fro 16 bit to 96 bit and yes you change it.

This machine does basically what you said and more.

The effects are good this go around.

You can stack 4 sounds on a pad and you can add 4 effecfts on those ssme pads.

Its built good not like the 2000XL built quality.

Its a bit of a learning curve but you're familiar already. It has a lot in it.

Pads sre thick and fat l freakin love them. Touch screen is dope!
You get the software so you can hook up to a computer. Akai gives you Velvet free, Xpand, Hybrid3, Mini Grand etc.

This MPC Live rocks!

astral_Signal wrote:Hey guys,

I used to own an MPC 1000 until recently, now I'm having withdraw symptoms big time! Software sequencers are just not the same. So, I've limited my choices to either the Akai MPC Live, or the Elektron Octatrack (probably MK2). I am more than comfortable with the workflow of the MPC, the Octatrack is completely different although I could potentially achieve the same results. I'm leaning towards the MPC as I am familiar with their products and have used them, the Elektron feels like Akai's main competitor as it offers something different and modern.

So I've gone through the manual for both units, and have seen various YouTube tutorials. These are some questions I have for the current users of the MPC Live:

- Audio/sample record metering: is the input metering system numerical and does it calculate input levels in real-time? This was my biggest gripe with the MPC 1000, the record window was a graphical bar that represents input level. It's 2017, input levels are important.

- Audio/sample record formats: I can record in stereo obviously, but can I record in summed mono LR or isolate between mono L/R?

- Audio/sample record resolution: I haven't seen the specs on the digital resolution or bit rate of the sampler? What is it and can it be altered? 16 bit/24 bit/32 bit floating @ 44.1 - 196 khz?

- Convert stereo samples to mono (summed LR, mono L, mono R) ?

- Routing audio in and out of the unit: the unit is similar to the MPC 1000 in terms of audio I/O: 1x stereo output and 4x mono outputs. So essentially 6x outputs, which is perfect for me when printing individual tracks from the MPC into my audio interface for mixdown in Pro Tools. How do you assign samples/programs/tracks to these outputs? What are the options? From memory on the MPC 1000 in the program edit I could assign it's output from there (as whole program or individual samples within the program). Is this more or less the same approach on the MPC Live or has this been expanded? Also, if I want to send an individual output to an external audio device for processing then feed that device back into the MPC on a separate track, can this still be done on the MPC Live? From memory on the MPC 1000 it was under mixer - input - through.

- Master output: Can this be adjusted internally? On the MPC 1000 I could access the master output level, and I needed to back it off to -12db as the outputs on the unit were all unbalanced. Even with a -12db master output, this got me closest to my reference level of -20 dbfs which was fed from my DAW, through my interface, into the MPC 1000 inputs, then the MPC 1000 outputs were fed back into the interface, and input levels were measured in the DAW. Has anyone performed gain staging on the MPC Live so far, and what have they determined? The specs suggest the unit has balanced I/O.

- Filter/amplitude envelope processing for layered samples on the same pad: on the MPC 1000 I could layer 4 samples on 1x pad, this was good and all but I was restricted or limited to processing options for each sample, apart from velocity and level. Please tell me that MPC Live has complete filter and amplitude processing options for each sample that is layered on the same pad??

- Step sequencing record/edit: I was running JJ OS 1 on the MPC 1000 and usually recorded everything in step edit mode. I was comfortable with it, and could make adjustments to individual steps post record which was fantastic to get chopped samples lined up the way I wanted. I read in the MPC Live manual that step sequencing record/edit is only possible with MIDI tracks. Is this correct?

- Firmware: Will the MPC Live have continued firmware updates into the future. How solid is the OS currently?

Is everyone generally happy so far with the MPC Live? Is anyone not happy with the unit so far? How is the build quality of the unit? One of the biggest issues with my MPC 1000 was the build quality, cheap components lead to constant upgrades - pads, buttons, PCB boards, etc.

Sorry for the long post, I just like to have all boxes ticked before I move on it. As I said earlier, for me its either the MPC Live or try something different like the Elektron Octatrack. I'm leaning more towards the MPC purely because I am familiar with the workflow.

Thanks for the read.

astral_Signal wrote:Please tell me that MPC Live has complete filter and amplitude processing options for each sample that is layered on the same pad??

Nope, that's still as it was, I submitted a feature request for improvements on this years ago, but nothing doing.

astral_Signal wrote:I read in the MPC Live manual that step sequencing record/edit is only possible with MIDI tracks. Is this correct?

Are you referring to STEP EDIT mode, where you enter the events numerically? If so, the Live does not have this at all. There is a LIST EDITOR in the computer GUI, it does the job but it's not great, half hearted implementation IMO. Apparently LIST EDIT is coming to the Live and X 'soon' (the X even has a dedicated button for it).
The Live does have a drum machine style 'step sequencer' though, if you like that kind of thing. Not sure which type of sequencer you are referring to TBH.

astral_Signal wrote:- Firmware: Will the MPC Live have continued firmware updates into the future. How solid is the OS currently?

Akai promise it will continue to receive many ongoing updates. In terms of the current firmware, I believe it is stable, but I've seen reports on these forums of crashes for both X and Live, but these don't seem to be frequent - the issue is more related to features - some are missing, others are implemented but feel rushed.

My recommendation (which hasn't changed from January when they were first announced) is to wait until they've been out in the wild for a few months, have received some OS updates and have some reviews from actual users.

MPC-Tutor wrote:

astral_Signal wrote:Please tell me that MPC Live has complete filter and amplitude processing options for each sample that is layered on the same pad??

Nope, that's still as it was, I submitted a feature request for improvements on this years ago, but nothing doing.

astral_Signal wrote:I read in the MPC Live manual that step sequencing record/edit is only possible with MIDI tracks. Is this correct?

Are you referring to STEP EDIT mode, where you enter the events numerically? If so, the Live does not have this at all. There is a LIST EDITOR in the computer GUI, it does the job but it's not great, half hearted implementation IMO. Apparently LIST EDIT is coming to the Live and X 'soon' (the X even has a dedicated button for it).
The Live does have a drum machine style 'step sequencer' though, if you like that kind of thing. Not sure which type of sequencer you are referring to TBH.

astral_Signal wrote:- Firmware: Will the MPC Live have continued firmware updates into the future. How solid is the OS currently?

Akai promise it will continue to receive many ongoing updates. In terms of the current firmware, I believe it is stable, but I've seen reports on these forums of crashes for both X and Live, but these don't seem to be frequent - the issue is more related to features - some are missing, others are implemented but feel rushed.

My recommendation (which hasn't changed from January when they were first announced) is to wait until they've been out in the wild for a few months, have received some OS updates and have some reviews from actual users.

Thanks for the reply. I'm in no rush to get either device right now, just trying to get some answers about the new units. That's pretty strange that you can't independently edit the envelope for layered samples, this should be crucial. Step edit mode was what I was referring to, that was my primary recording mode with the MPC 1000, it's disappointing that the mode has been phased out. Is there anything else that you've personally found unusual about the design and infrastructure of the MPC Live, or has there been anything which is concerning?

Cheers again.

astral_Signal wrote: Step edit mode was what I was referring to, that was my primary recording mode with the MPC 1000, it's disappointing that the mode has been phased out.

I wouldn't say it's been phased out, it is there in the GUI and will almost certainly be coming to the standalone UI (it's been in the Ren/Studio UI for a while now), but it's certainly quite clunky to use in the GUI, so hopefully the touchscreen version will be better implemented.

Regarding the layering thing, there's always the simultaneous play option if you need independant envelope/filter etc per 'layer', but it would definitely be better to have this within all the individual pad layers.

In terms of features it's hard to compare definitively to the 1000 as obviously it has a significantly better array of goodies on offer, but the implementation of those features can often be infuriating from a workflow perspective. So you might find your overall workflow slows down, but on the flip side you can do so much more 'in the box', so you'll probably just learn to adapt.

Get one from a place with easy returns so you can get a few weeks with it, but IMO I'd definitely wait to see what happens regarding software updates first.

That's the learning curve l was talking about. As you deal with it more and more you get familiar with it and the work flow picks up. I did for me, l'm flying through it now.

MPC-Tutor wrote:So you might find your overall workflow slows down, but on the flip side you can do so much more 'in the box', so you'll probably just learn to adapt.
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