NEWS Flash!! New MPC concept shown at Build 2014

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.

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!

Pete Rock?

If they're genuinely pursuing an NUC solution for the next MPC, I think it's excellent news for fans of standalone MPCs. With that kind of power I'd like to see a lot of the offline stuff become realtime. Much higher quality effects too please, and lots of them.

DJ Hellfire wrote:

Chillin wrote:

Coz wrote:Touchscreen?

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.

It all depends, so I partially agree.


The iPad connector was changed in a progressive way. No one saw that coming, but is was needed.


The way companies implement the connector now is by using a different in/output on their own hardware, like a USB hub. And lighting connection of the in/output on the iDevice. Inmusic, Alesis already has done so on the new iPad io dock2.


The iOS argument is a good one thou, iOS can get obsolete, however Apple always builds obtained API's for new iOS systems. Prove of concept are the many music creating apps running on iOS 7.


And with that being said, iOS works with compilers so it does understand many coding languages, like for example C++, which is being used by Visual Studio. What it will need is a portal, to go from windows to iOS with some optimization.


All in all, dedication is always better. No arguing there. Beside from the technical stuff.


Another advantage of .NET and Visual Studio is that developers can build cross platform software. Meaning already existing software (plugins) can easily be ported to a dedicated device, within the Windows embedded system.


During their conference they explained cross platform with a PC, phone, tabled and X-Box.


Microsoft is already using the embedded system in their own music application. Called the Surface Project.

So for those who are afraid, this future MPC may look like a "ordinary windows PC". Do not worry, since it's completely customizable by the developer of the software. Just like ATM machines don't look like a regular windows PC.


http://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/NewsCent ... ix-Project

m:t:c wrote: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.

yes Access were probably amongst the first to experiment with this type of hybrid integration.. but i don't see NI going standalone hardware, controllers/interfaces is as far as they'll go imo.. TBH i'm not sure if Nukai have the resources to do something like that either.. they seem to always be a step behind, and in the software realm, several staircases behind i'm afraid.. but would love to be proven wrong.. hopefully they step their game up.. not holding my breath tbh..

daftmunk wrote:

m:t:c wrote: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.

yes Access were probably amongst the first to experiment with this type of hybrid integration.. but i don't see NI going standalone hardware, controllers/interfaces is as far as they'll go imo.. TBH i'm not sure if Nukai have the resources to do something like that either.. they seem to always be a step behind, and in the software realm, several staircases behind i'm afraid.. but would love to be proven wrong.. hopefully they step their game up.. not holding my breath tbh..

Then you have the Roland Aira system1 as well.







The nice thing about this concept is that you don't need a hardware and software setup separately.

Chillin wrote:Then you have the Roland Aira system1 as well.

The nice thing about this concept is that you don't need a hardware and software setup separately.

Not nice is having to use it as your audio interface, for outputs into your computer.

SimonInAustralia wrote:

Chillin wrote:Then you have the Roland Aira system1 as well.

The nice thing about this concept is that you don't need a hardware and software setup separately.

Not nice is having to use it as your audio interface, for outputs into your computer.

I think it depends on the requirements and purpose of the user.


But there are always options in that field of audio interfaces, if one demands better preamps etc....



Hybrid consoles do exist, like:



The Tascam DM3200, Solid State Nucleus and Midas 32. Amongst many others.


These can be used as standalone or with the daw combined.

I just mean that the System-1 has to be set as your audio interface, to get USB audio into your DAW, while the Virus TI uses a plugin.

Chillin wrote:people bought [the Ren] for [...] making a living, a career

garbage. don´t be silly.

i liked this one...

SimonInAustralia wrote:I just mean that the System-1 has to be set as your audio interface, to get USB audio into your DAW, while the Virus TI uses a plugin.

Oh, I misunderstood.


From what I can remember from vids is that the Aira TR8 had a audio-midi USB HUB. Which could import the midi notes as well as the sound. I don't know how it's done with the System 1. From my knowledge the Aira devices work interchanging.

The vid I refer to was where the TR8 was connected to Logic X in and another to Ableton.

ha.. come to think of it, MV & SP-606 were pretty ahead of times.. then of course 3000 had VGA out.. and 4K had Aksys..

btw, TR-8 just has a built-in interface.. no front-end or VST on the computer.. System-1 should have 2-way comm but it's still unclear what/how.. from what i understand it'll allow you to upload new synth engines on the hardware via your computer.. they call it plug-out.. basically reverse of a plug-in

GNRFAMZT wrote:

Chillin wrote:people bought [the Ren] for [...] making a living, a career

garbage. don´t be silly.

i liked this one...

Yeah, I forgot about that device. However, I don't see what was garbage or silly about my previous post. Especially when I criticized the Ren for not being opted.


From my understanding people buy high-end (flagship) devices for serious business. And yes I was talking about the MPC's, this doesn't mean other brands can't make good devices. I look at this objective and natural, not subjective. I know, it a bit of that captain save a hoe mentality.

I hope you enjoy making music on the Roland SP-606.

And the only thing your post tells is that this concept is not new. But we knew that already.

I'd prefer if Akai focus on simplicity and creating a machine that does what it does really well, at a reasonable price. They pretty much managed that with the MPC1000 IMO (eventually, when they sorted the pads, shame about the jog wheel), but in 2015 I'd be happy to see a mid-sized standalone MPC running Windows Embedded with a touch optimised version of the MPC Software on top of it.

Not fussed about fancy integration with my computer, just want something that plugs into the power socket and lets me crack on. Would be good to have wifi data syncing (with dropbox option!) and USB 3.0 'in' and 'out'. HDMI out. The rest is all about the app that runs in the MPC and a decent set of sensitive pads.

I'm simply not interested in buying yet another bug ridden monster workstation for £1500, I don't see the value. Keep the price sensible and accessible. £500 region (e.g. $700).

daftmunk wrote:ha.. come to think of it, MV & SP-606 were pretty ahead of times.. then of course 3000 had VGA out.. and 4K had Aksys..

btw, TR-8 just has a built-in interface.. no front-end or VST on the computer.. System-1 should have 2-way comm but it's still unclear what/how.. from what i understand it'll allow you to upload new synth engines on the hardware via your computer.. they call it plug-out.. basically reverse of a plug-in

Hmmm...,

I found the vid on the Aira TR8, multiple in/outputs via USB.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N58jVASFeVs


And it does so with any other DAW, as I have seen with Abelton,


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdtrrHPewhU



Here is a vid with Presonus,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwLeEqxTxNg


It would be nice seeing this USB Hub in the upcoming product(s) by Akai.

Chillin wrote:the only thing your post tells is that this concept is not new. But we knew that already.

go sit on a tack.