Mpc Plugins

Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
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Mpc Plugins

By javierdm Sun Apr 16, 2023 2:16 am
I want to expand the MPC PLUGINS section of MPC itself, i.e. I would like to buy plugins and be able to install them and open them from MPC (e.g. Electric Basses, Strings, Winds....).

I have researched and people open them through a PC with the MPC program but I don't want to depend on the computer for it, I would like to just use the machine with plugins bought by me, is it possible?

Thanks.

Re: Mpc Plugins

By PMans Sun Apr 16, 2023 6:38 am
You are limited in what you can use in standalone.

MPC Samples has a great range of standalone expansions. https://www.mpc-samples.com/section.php ... xpansions/

Akai has it own range that can be used in standalone https://www.akaipro.com/mpc-plugin-instruments

What you can't do is use most VST's in standalone eg Arturia V-Collection, NI Komplete etc, these can only be used when in controller mode.

Hope that helps. :)
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Re: Mpc Plugins

By THXjay Sun Apr 16, 2023 9:28 am
It can be a little confusing but all you need to remember is that if it's an "Expansion" you just need to copy the folder it comes in into a folder on a hard drive connected to the MPC
On that hard drive just create a folder called "Expansion" (without quotes) and then copy the file into that folder.


There are also "plugins" that Akai/Air sell. These are a little simpler to get as they can be downloaded directly inside the MPC via the internet. They will go into a folder called "Synths" on your hard drive (the MPC will create one automatically)

https://www.akaipro.com/mpc-plugin-instruments

These are not free but are very good quality, much like VST's on a computer.
MPC Instruments which includes (Fabric XL, OPx-4, Organ, Stage Piano, Stage EP, Studio Strings)
Flavor Pro
Mini D

Whatever you buy just make sure it's called "standalone" and you're good to go.
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Re: Mpc Plugins

By 83dude Mon Apr 17, 2023 6:14 pm
jpeg wrote:all akia have to do is put xpand2 on standalone mode that is a game changer


I don‘t think this will ever happen. ATM Xpand2 requires at least 1GB RAM, 2 or more recommended. A single instance will probably max out MPCs‘ memory at an instant.
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Re: Mpc Plugins

By EnochLight Mon Apr 17, 2023 6:41 pm
83dude wrote:I don‘t think this will ever happen. ATM Xpand2 requires at least 1GB RAM, 2 or more recommended. A single instance will probably max out MPCs‘ memory at an instant.


Something to keep in mind is that you can't equate RAM requirement for the desktop plugin as the same for plugins that run standalone on MPC (for instance, that minimum 1 GB of RAM takes into account that you're also running an entire computer OS on top of that). As an example, the Fabric collection (that's including Fabric XL and Studio Strings) require a minimum of 4 GB of RAM for the computer, yet they run in standalone on MPC and Force:

https://www.airmusictech.com/virtual-in ... ction.html

Xpand!2's actual RAM footprint is woefully small by comparison. :nod:
Last edited by EnochLight on Mon Apr 17, 2023 6:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Re: Mpc Plugins

By jpeg Mon Apr 17, 2023 6:42 pm
83dude wrote:
jpeg wrote:all akia have to do is put xpand2 on standalone mode that is a game changer


I don‘t think this will ever happen. ATM Xpand2 requires at least 1GB RAM, 2 or more recommended. A single instance will probably max out MPCs‘ memory at an instant.


hence why the new line of MPC's are looking like they will be 4GB; so that will give good reason to upgrade from the old models to the new line.

Re: Mpc Plugins

By J.O.BEATS Tue Apr 18, 2023 7:30 am
Isn’t fabric xl essentially xpand? When I messed with the demo when it first came out I swore I heard patches that sounded exactly like xpand.
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Re: Mpc Plugins

By EnochLight Wed Apr 19, 2023 5:31 pm
J.O.BEATS wrote:Isn’t fabric xl essentially xpand? When I messed with the demo when it first came out I swore I heard patches that sounded exactly like xpand.


Not really, though they do share some source samples I'd imagine (Fabric even shares some with Hype). Anyway, Xpand!2 is multitimbral and has 4 sounds per patch; Fabric has 2 sounds per patch (plus a "percussion" sample sound). Xpand!2 has arpeggiators for each part as well - Fabric doesn't even have an arp. Where Fabric excels is the pads, IMHO. Has a much more "modern" sound.

Now to pour some gas on this discussion: I think most can admit that Xpand!2 sounds hilariously dated (IMHO many romplers age like this). Gotta' remember the thing was originally made as a ProTools 8 exclusive like 15 years ago. The original Xpand 1.0 came out 17 years ago. :nod:
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Re: Mpc Plugins

By Lampdog Wed Apr 19, 2023 8:04 pm
javierdm wrote:I want to expand the MPC PLUGINS section of MPC itself, i.e. I would like to buy plugins and be able to install them and open them from MPC (e.g. Electric Basses, Strings, Winds....).

I have researched and people open them through a PC with the MPC program but I don't want to depend on the computer for it, I would like to just use the machine with plugins bought by me, is it possible?

Thanks.

I purchased Model D, installed it to my hdd, works on standalone mpc x and standalone mpc keys61, no computer.

Because I had bought Keys61 and it had some standard plugins that aren’t standard on X I was able to download those and install them to X also.

Re: Mpc Plugins

By B-Wise Thu Apr 20, 2023 3:23 pm
jpeg wrote:am looking forward to model D discount sale to pick that up and looking forward to the juno, but despite the plugins being of good quality i find that presets just dont apply well when i try to use them

Presets aren't really meant to be used. They're there as examples or starting points.
What are the chances that a preset made by a sound designer that does't know you, for a device you didn't make, would work well for a random user?
It's your job as an artist to hear beyond the preset & use the tools that the synth has to offer to make what you like.

Re: Mpc Plugins

By jpeg Thu Apr 20, 2023 3:56 pm
B-Wise wrote:
jpeg wrote:am looking forward to model D discount sale to pick that up and looking forward to the juno, but despite the plugins being of good quality i find that presets just dont apply well when i try to use them

Presets aren't really meant to be used. They're there as examples or starting points.
What are the chances that a preset made by a sound designer that does't know you, for a device you didn't make, would work well for a random user?
It's your job as an artist to hear beyond the preset & use the tools that the synth has to offer to make what you like.



not everyone is interested in doing alot of sound design; so would be good to get some presets that is more genere specific; eg a deep house preset pack or a neo soul preset pack, etc

i get that presets are a starting point but the onse that come as standard are not even in the right ball park; hence the request for prests that are closer to the mark.
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