Bug reports & end-user support for Akai's MPC Software 'controllers' including the new MPC Studio 2, the MPC Touch, MPC Renaissance & original MPC Studio and MPC StudioB lack.
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By BDRAKE Mon Apr 07, 2014 8:13 pm
Chillin wrote:
Coz wrote:Touchscreen?


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I don't understand, they could have/ can created a dedicated "hardcore" app on the iPad for such "machine". There are large conglomerate companies who have done the same already such as Mackie.


Now the way I see this, is like a new version of the Roland MV8800, with a more high resolution screen and modern software support.


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Now the way I see this, is like a new version of the Roland MV8800, with a more high resolution screen and modern software support.



Yeah See I have the MV8800 I thought Roland had set the bar which no one had answered. That was a VERY DOPE concept that should have been built on. It was just too dang slow. If they incorporate that with audio tracks as Roland did it would be a winner. Thats saying they use a fast processor which shouldnt be an issue and plenty of RAM/ bigger hard drive........ :shock: OOPS there goes the price hike :x
By teksama Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:03 pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by teksama
Hi Pete,

Can you say what processor the MPC was running? ARM? Atom?

Did it work in conjunction with a PC software package?

Can you name some of the other companies your working with?

Thanks


The prototype was running an Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) with a core i5. It did not require any external PC. TBD what the final device runs, nut I'd expect something similar. Performance was excellent because the device is optimized to so one thing, not to also serve as email device, etc. You can even hook a keyboard, mouse, and external display to the MPC if you want. That said, I was able to do all the sample loading just using the touch screen and a thumb drive.

Other companies: I'm not going to name names, but we're working with several tiers from most of the big names that produce software and hardware down to a selection of some of the smaller companies that create unique or impactful software. I've been in the room or on the phone with each of these. InMusic (Akai/Numark) was included when one of our field folks pointed out to me that they were doing cool things with embedded and their next gen of products.

It's a hood enough sample to make sure we have feedback covering the spectrum of requirements for creative/pro audio.

Pete


:smoker:
By daftmunk Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:06 pm
MPC-Tutor wrote:Serious question - beyond this type of 'typical' integration (e.g. perform MIDI sync, data transfer, MIDI Control of DAWs, perhaps use of the MPC audio interface), what kind of integration would you guys be lusting after with a new standalone MPC?


complete seamless DAW integration.. something similar to elektron's new over bridge technology: http://www.elektron.se/news/announcing-overbridge-computer-integration-for-analog

Full VST/AU control, Bi-Directional Audio streaming & Totall Recall

In practice.. the hardware works standalone, like your standard MPC.. but once connected to the computer, it basically operates like Renaissance except it isn't using cpu resources since the computer software is more like a 2-way front end editor. A project started in standalone mode would also seamlessly open in computer mode and vice versa. You could of course have the option of saving the project onto your computer for further offline work without MPC connected..
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By SimonInAustralia Mon Apr 07, 2014 11:16 pm
teksama wrote:The prototype was running an Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) with a core i5. It did not require any external PC. TBD what the final device runs, nut I'd expect something similar. Performance was excellent because the device is optimized to so one thing, not to also serve as email device, etc. You can even hook a keyboard, mouse, and external display to the MPC if you want. That said, I was able to do all the sample loading just using the touch screen and a thumb drive.

So they have put an Intel i5 NUC PC mainboard, and a touchscreen, running Windows, into the Renaissance, as a proof of concept?

So still MPC Software, running on Windows, so shouldn't mean the end of MPC Software development, would just maybe be optimised for a touchscreen.

teksama wrote:InMusic (Akai/Numark) was included when one of our field folks pointed out to me that they were doing cool things with embedded and their next gen of products.

It's a hood enough sample to make sure we have feedback covering the spectrum of requirements for creative/pro audio.

Pete

So this is a Pete from Microsoft, not one of the Akai Petes?

Too many Petes!
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By DJ Hellfire Tue Apr 08, 2014 1:51 am
Chillin wrote:
Coz wrote:Touchscreen?


Image



I don't understand, they could have/ can created a dedicated "hardcore" app on the iPad for such "machine". There are large conglomerate companies who have done the same already such as Mackie.




The last time they tried that, Apple changed the connector of the iPad killing the MPC Fly before it even released. Plus relying on a 3rd party device to power your device could turn out bad when support for that 3rd party device ends or development stops. Plus sooner or later as the device get's older and Apple forces you into newer iOS that makes your device run slower, the performance of the MPC software can be degraded as well. At least with this dedicated embedded OS, the MPC will work as long is nothing hardware related fails. And you only have to worry about updating it when an update only for it is available.
By Chillin Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:52 am
daftmunk wrote:
MPC-Tutor wrote:Serious question - beyond this type of 'typical' integration (e.g. perform MIDI sync, data transfer, MIDI Control of DAWs, perhaps use of the MPC audio interface), what kind of integration would you guys be lusting after with a new standalone MPC?


complete seamless DAW integration.. something similar to elektron's new over bridge technology: http://www.elektron.se/news/announcing-overbridge-computer-integration-for-analog

Full VST/AU control, Bi-Directional Audio streaming & Totall Recall

In practice.. the hardware works standalone, like your standard MPC.. but once connected to the computer, it basically operates like Renaissance except it isn't using cpu resources since the computer software is more like a 2-way front end editor. A project started in standalone mode would also seamlessly open in computer mode and vice versa. You could of course have the option of saving the project onto your computer for further offline work without MPC connected..




This way of working is the future. There are other companies as well, who have devices working in similar ways.


I have no experience with Elektron, but their devices look flimsy. I like the way Akai builds hardware.
By daftmunk Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:02 am
^ Nukai makes their shit in China.. open up Ren and it's basically empty plastic shell..
Elektron uses custom mil grade components made in Sweden, pretty much built like a tank..


You are right that that hybrid workflow is the future.. indeed there are others.. my UA Apollo comes to mind.. standalone operation.. on-board DSP for the plug-ins .. Thunderbolt connectivity.. 2-way communication.. :smoker:
By Chillin Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:09 am
SimonInAustralia wrote:
teksama wrote:The prototype was running an Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) with a core i5. It did not require any external PC. TBD what the final device runs, nut I'd expect something similar. Performance was excellent because the device is optimized to so one thing, not to also serve as email device, etc. You can even hook a keyboard, mouse, and external display to the MPC if you want. That said, I was able to do all the sample loading just using the touch screen and a thumb drive.

So they have put an Intel i5 NUC PC mainboard, and a touchscreen, running Windows, into the Renaissance, as a proof of concept?

So still MPC Software, running on Windows, so shouldn't mean the end of MPC Software development, would just maybe be optimised for a touchscreen.



Windows 8 and beyond is optimized for touch-screens. And the NUC is basically a "bare bone" computer. With i5 being sufficient for music production it should be ok.

The i7 is more reliable when doing video production. But it's not needed for basic music production.

Of course clock speed KHz, RAM etc... also play part in the overall output.


Even more promising is the Edison by Intel, when Edison is daisy chained, you can build incredibly small yet power devices. SSD's, with the case functioning as the heat sink. No more bulky old fashion head sinking needed. :P



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Last edited by Chillin on Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:02 am, edited 4 times in total.
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By m:t:c Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:17 am
Really I'd like to see something similar like Access has done with their TI range. Standalone synthesizers that integrate perfectly to supported daws as a "regular vi plugin" via usb. I suspect NI and Akai are if not going to that direction but experimenting on the possibilities.
By Chillin Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:18 am
daftmunk wrote:^ Nukai makes their **** in China.. open up Ren and it's basically empty plastic shell..
Elektron uses custom mil grade components made in Sweden, pretty much built like a tank..


You are right that that hybrid workflow is the future.. indeed there are others.. my UA Apollo comes to mind.. standalone operation.. on-board DSP for the plug-ins .. Thunderbolt connectivity.. 2-way communication.. :smoker:


I have never opened any of these devices, so I really don't know. But I'll take your word for it.



More hybrids:

Tascam DM3200, SSL etc...

Arturia? I even think the Beat Thang works like that.


People say, hybrid is the future. :idea: