Torn between the XL and Live MK3 - anyone else been here?

I've been through pretty much the whole lineup at this point: 500, 1000 (JJOS maxed), 2000XL, 2500SE (JJOS maxed), and even the 5000. Been using the Live MK1 for about 9 years now.

Recently spotted the XL and it’s really pulling me in… but I’m torn between grabbing that or going for the Live MK3 instead.

My Live MK1 doesn’t really leave the home studio, it’s hooked up to the monitors, though the kids sometimes take it to their rooms and mess around on it with headphones (they still prefer using it through the monitors though).

I get there are different use cases for each, both will be an improvement on the Live MK1, but I’m curious what people think.

Anyone else wrestled with the same choice - Live MK3 or XL?

If you're keeping the Live mk1... the XL is an *easy* thumbs up from me. If on the other hand you're replacing the Live mk1 and still want something portable... I mean the mk3 is absolutely competent... and *not* a desk hog like the XL

Still... if money isn't an option... you *may* want to send projects to a Live mk1 from the XL... you still can... or keep the Live mk1 with Firmware 2.x and XL with 3.x... lots of options on this boat!

NearTao wrote:If you're keeping the Live mk1... the XL is an *easy* thumbs up from me. If on the other hand you're replacing the Live mk1 and still want something portable... I mean the mk3 is absolutely competent... and *not* a desk hog like the XL

Still... if money isn't an option... you *may* want to send projects to a Live mk1 from the XL... you still can... or keep the Live mk1 with Firmware 2.x and XL with 3.x... lots of options on this boat!

I am planning on keeping the MK1 Live - to let the kids cut their teeth on it. I don’t go far with it - from the studio desk to the living room once in a while - but hardly ever.

That might be your answer there, mate. If you're intending to be in the studio, I feel the form factor of the XL is definitely going to benefit you.

Both options are great...but there is a lot to be said for the Q Links and the extra hands on dedicated functionality of the XL.

For me the Live 3 is a perfect modern MPC. Super powerful, not too large on the desk, usb-c audio, great with eurorack.

The XL looks too big and also i think they went to far with design. The original X SE looked great and the OLED qlinks next to the pads made way more sense. The design just looks unappealing to work with.

I also used to own a 4k which I loved but it took up too much space. So Live 3, with its extra buttons, has a great workflow despite being more compact.

Quick add .. my last legacy mpc i bought was the 2500 then add jjosxl loved the os didn't like the sonics E ASkI jab then sold it in 2014 was frustrated with akai back then jump all in to maschine studio and the first Komplete kontrol keyboard.

Failed miserably and sold.. Bought the X in 2017 loved that mpc.. Lampdog pulled the trigger first on the XL and i bought it and love everything it has to offer. Yes its huge just bought a desk stand waiting for it to come in I need at least 30 degree angle to see all the dam buttons .. USB C audio and midi is so slept on..

qlink I was mad at first and I have to say it makes sense.. that being said I use my X more at the moment love the qlink placement and yes the oled are nice on the eyes.. I still might look into getting the mod to 4gb but might pump the breaks because don't see legacy MPCs being supported as the new MPC3 OS developes.. live 3 looked nice in person but flagship is the way to go the extra ram will help when they decide to put out better instruments plugins..

The Force design was ahead of it's time!
Force users understood the XL knob design from the beginning Anyway, I like how the little screens are tilted making them easier to see when it's flat down.

Bottom Line...

If you want the power of the XL BUT need Portability, Go with the Live 3.

If you want to be Grounded in a Studio Environment, with other Gear,....Go with the XL

As long as you have the money get the XL.

And serious ask yourself extra buttons and 8gb more ram is it worth $1200 more and have the room for it its a no brainer. I loved the live 3 just didn't want to hit shift button all the time.. but $1200 less you can buy a new interface or some mid level studio monitors..

Certified Beatz wrote:And serious ask yourself extra buttons and 8gb more ram is it worth $1200 more and have the room for it its a no brainer. I loved the live 3 just didn't want to hit shift button all the time.. but $1200 less you can buy a new interface or some mid level studio monitors..

You also get a bigger screen & more knobs with screens.

Just buy both

After living with the Force and 64 pad clip launching and 8 q links with screens I couldn’t go back. I rarely reach first for my Key 37 even with Pro Pack.