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.
By CharlesRandolph Fri Aug 03, 2018 4:33 am
SupremeSoulstice wrote:I honestly think Akai is on the right track. Some of the first batches seem to be the only units with problems. Mine with new firmware so far is perfectly fine. These units are in essence the very idea of what the MPC line is. Solid groove boxes, awesome workflow. It only makes sense to make these units that could be run without software, with the ability to integrate with software as well for those that like working that way. These firmware updates are obviously leading up to the next phase of the bigger picture. That’s perfect integration with a platform that has the potential to far succeed over any other controller/daw combo. I’m excited for the future with Akai. If I’m wrong I can still pull out my Maschine Studio from the closet and work with that inside of Ableton. I have a feeling I won’t need to do that. :-)


Good points.

My only issue with controller and desktop/laptop software combination, is the OS they are installed on. I do not trust Microsoft or Apple to maintain consistency. Especially Apple, those guys update their OS and everything stop workings.

So if the Akai Dev are not on top of thing, the end user is S.O.L until they can update a patch. Microsoft is no better, they are constantly updating Window 10 or should I say, Constantly breaking Window 10. :-D It would be nice if Akai released a LINUX version of the software, but we know that is not going happen. :lol:
By Danny Scott Fri Aug 03, 2018 3:26 pm
I understand your point but if most users use the Live in tandem with a computer, then IMO, the price point is just too high. There is too much competition with Maschine and their own Touch and Black unit. If someone is more comfortable with the MPC workflow, I totally get it, but if someone can use an MPC and a DAW equally, there is so many things you can do with a DAW, it's not even funny. Again, standalone was my seller on this unit. Why spend the money on using it integrated with a computer if you can do the same thing on a computer?

Now that the Akai rep is insulting users ,saying that all the freezes and crashes are the users fault, they can keep ALL of their shyt.

SupremeSoulstice wrote:I honestly think Akai is on the right track. Some of the first batches seem to be the only units with problems. Mine with new firmware so far is perfectly fine. These units are in essence the very idea of what the MPC line is. Solid groove boxes, awesome workflow. It only makes sense to make these units that could be run without software, with the ability to integrate with software as well for those that like working that way. These firmware updates are obviously leading up to the next phase of the bigger picture. That’s perfect integration with a platform that has the potential to far succeed over any other controller/daw combo. I’m excited for the future with Akai. If I’m wrong I can still pull out my Maschine Studio from the closet and work with that inside of Ableton. I have a feeling I won’t need to do that. :-)
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By MPC-Tutor Fri Aug 03, 2018 3:59 pm
I have to agree with many of the points here, the pure standalone experience is often cumbersome and frustrating, and recently I have found myself mostly working in controller mode combining the software, mouse and MPC hardware together for a hybrid workflow. I've been building a lot of keygroup programs recently and trying to do it 100% in standalone would have taken me 30 times longer than doing it mainly in the software (using the hardware mostly for the data wheel and pad selection, not even looking at the touch screen). As such, an MPC touch or Studio would suffice, or possibly any cheap pad controller.

I am also simultaneously using a variety of other computer apps for their more advanced audio editing features, such as sustain and crossfade looping, batch processing, better plugin support, so again, working in controller mode does provide a better 'fit' for my uses ATM.
By kaydigi Fri Aug 03, 2018 4:17 pm
MPC-Tutor wrote:I have to agree with many of the points here, the pure standalone experience is often cumbersome and frustrating, and recently I have found myself mostly working in controller mode combining the software, mouse and MPC hardware together for a hybrid workflow. I've been building a lot of keygroup programs recently and trying to do it 100% in standalone would have taken me 30 times longer than doing it mainly in the software (using the hardware mostly for the data wheel and pad selection, not even looking at the touch screen). As such, an MPC touch or Studio would suffice, or possibly any cheap pad controller.

I am also simultaneously using a variety of other computer apps for their more advanced audio editing features, such as sustain and crossfade looping, batch processing, better plugin support, so again, working in controller mode does provide a better 'fit' for my uses ATM.


It’s just so match faster using the controller and software. I wish the GUI looked better, the fonts they use for the expansion browsers are something out of windows 3.1.

I’m just holding out hope for hard drive disc streaming. I would use my Live more when that’s enabled.
By Danny Scott Fri Aug 03, 2018 5:32 pm
That was basically my point. For the cost of a Live, you can build a lightning fast computer with an i7 and 16 gigs of RAM and probably include a pro version of Cubase or Studio One. The whole selling point was it's standalone function.

IMO, if you have to hook up the Akai software to a computer, then use your "Standalone" Live unit connected, what's the point? A powerful computer is more than capable of running 100 tracks with 50 different VST synths.

kaydigi wrote:
MPC-Tutor wrote:I have to agree with many of the points here, the pure standalone experience is often cumbersome and frustrating, and recently I have found myself mostly working in controller mode combining the software, mouse and MPC hardware together for a hybrid workflow. I've been building a lot of keygroup programs recently and trying to do it 100% in standalone would have taken me 30 times longer than doing it mainly in the software (using the hardware mostly for the data wheel and pad selection, not even looking at the touch screen). As such, an MPC touch or Studio would suffice, or possibly any cheap pad controller.

I am also simultaneously using a variety of other computer apps for their more advanced audio editing features, such as sustain and crossfade looping, batch processing, better plugin support, so again, working in controller mode does provide a better 'fit' for my uses ATM.


It’s just so match faster using the controller and software. I wish the GUI looked better, the fonts they use for the expansion browsers are something out of windows 3.1.

I’m just holding out hope for hard drive disc streaming. I would use my Live more when that’s enabled.
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By SupremeSoulstice Fri Aug 03, 2018 6:14 pm
Danny Scott wrote:I understand your point but if most users use the Live in tandem with a computer, then IMO, the price point is just too high. There is too much competition with Maschine and their own Touch and Black unit. If someone is more comfortable with the MPC workflow, I totally get it, but if someone can use an MPC and a DAW equally, there is so many things you can do with a DAW, it's not even funny. Again, standalone was my seller on this unit. Why spend the money on using it integrated with a computer if you can do the same thing on a computer?

Now that the Akai rep is insulting users ,saying that all the freezes and crashes are the users fault, they can keep ALL of their shyt.

Unless I misunderstood you, their isn't a Maschine touch. The price point is too high? You see the quality of build with these MPC's? Maschine's are plastic and imo their pads suck. You think it's bad here, get a Maschine and find out how many things suck or just flat out don't make sense, especially as for how long they've been "working" on that software. None of these platforms are true DAWS, but if one is closer it's definitely this one. You're spending the money to have the best of both worlds, and not have to be tethered to a laptop if you don't have too. You don't have that option with NI. So far this unit is no different for me as far as the basic work flow is concerned, when compared to the other MPC's. I've been a long time registered member of this forum and left after the MPC4000 Nukai ordeal, having owned the 3000, 2kxl and the before mentioned. Purchased the Maschine Studio right when it came out and regretted it the whole time, now I'm back. The difference is now you can ALSO work with the software or use whatever other software to help you get things done that you can't do ITB. I don't know man, I see a lot of potential with this platform. I'm sure if I had a buggy unit my feelings would probably be different, glad I don't.
By Certified Beatz Fri Aug 03, 2018 11:20 pm
SupremeSoulstice wrote:
Danny Scott wrote:I understand your point but if most users use the Live in tandem with a computer, then IMO, the price point is just too high. There is too much competition with Maschine and their own Touch and Black unit. If someone is more comfortable with the MPC workflow, I totally get it, but if someone can use an MPC and a DAW equally, there is so many things you can do with a DAW, it's not even funny. Again, standalone was my seller on this unit. Why spend the money on using it integrated with a computer if you can do the same thing on a computer?

Now that the Akai rep is insulting users ,saying that all the freezes and crashes are the users fault, they can keep ALL of their shyt.

Unless I misunderstood you, their isn't a Maschine touch. The price point is too high? You see the quality of build with these MPC's? Maschine's are plastic and imo their pads suck. You think it's bad here, get a Maschine and find out how many things suck or just flat out don't make sense, especially as for how long they've been "working" on that software. None of these platforms are true DAWS, but if one is closer it's definitely this one. You're spending the money to have the best of both worlds, and not have to be tethered to a laptop if you don't have too. You don't have that option with NI. So far this unit is no different for me as far as the basic work flow is concerned, when compared to the other MPC's. I've been a long time registered member of this forum and left after the MPC4000 Nukai ordeal, having owned the 3000, 2kxl and the before mentioned. Purchased the Maschine Studio right when it came out and regretted it the whole time, now I'm back. The difference is now you can ALSO work with the software or use whatever other software to help you get things done that you can't do ITB. I don't know man, I see a lot of potential with this platform. I'm sure if I had a buggy unit my feelings would probably be different, glad I don't.


Agree with you all the way long time MPC owner owned several and still own my 3000 and 2000 .. also owned Studio.. liked what it looked like but the pads were awful and software at times worked nut had alot of problems. Now i use the software for my the kits i own. Now i have the MPC X love it. The last firmware update was my only complaint.. Akai is what grew up on so maybe that is why im a diehard.. either way its all i want going forward..
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By SupremeSoulstice Sat Aug 04, 2018 12:54 am
Certified Beatz wrote:Agree with you all the way long time MPC owner owned several and still own my 3000 and 2000 .. also owned Studio.. liked what it looked like but the pads were awful and software at times worked nut had alot of problems. Now i use the software for my the kits i own. Now i have the MPC X love it. The last firmware update was my only complaint.. Akai is what grew up on so maybe that is why im a diehard.. either way its all i want going forward..

One thing I’ll give it up to NI for is Kontakt and their Instrument Libraries. The fact that I can load those instruments from Komplete Ultimate with the Live in the software is real dope. I’m never leaving Akai again lol.. They could never release another software update again and I’d still be straight
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By Danoc Sat Aug 04, 2018 2:10 am
You're very optimistic and so am l -:-)

I can say this from experience here and l'll Green is my witness.

At least if not more cause l stopped counting , helped 19 people with there Live. IT WAS BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. Some were buying the MPC for THE FIRST time and they screwed things up. Their fault not Akai's.

Then there's Akai's fault with faulty units so its both not jus Akai's fault on everything.

SupremeSoulstice wrote:I honestly think Akai is on the right track. Some of the first batches seem to be the only units with problems. Mine with new firmware so far is perfectly fine. These units are in essence the very idea of what the MPC line is. Solid groove boxes, awesome workflow. It only makes sense to make these units that could be run without software, with the ability to integrate with software as well for those that like working that way. These firmware updates are obviously leading up to the next phase of the bigger picture. That’s perfect integration with a platform that has the potential to far succeed over any other controller/daw combo. I’m excited for the future with Akai. If I’m wrong I can still pull out my Maschine Studio from the closet and work with that inside of Ableton. I have a feeling I won’t need to do that. :-)
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By Danoc Sat Aug 04, 2018 3:17 am
LOL :lol: Yeah Akai will make you pull your hair oit at times.

You know what l don't get? Dudes will say they don't wanna look at a computer so they want standalone. Ok so if you're looking and the X or Live you're looking at another computer :hmmm: Lets be real you will never get from a computer.

Ill-Green wrote:Word up Danoc, I love the machines, its Akai that makes me do this > :WTF:
Last edited by Danoc on Sat Aug 04, 2018 4:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
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By SupremeSoulstice Sat Aug 04, 2018 4:09 am
Danoc wrote:You're very optimistic and so am l -:-)

I can say this from experience here and l'll Green is my witness.

At least if not more cause l stopped counting , helped 19 people with there Live. IT WAS BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. Some were buying the MPC for THE FIRST time and they screwed things up. Their fault not Akai's.

Then there's Akai's fault with faulty units so its both not jus Akai's fault on everything.

SupremeSoulstice wrote:I honestly think Akai is on the right track. Some of the first batches seem to be the only units with problems. Mine with new firmware so far is perfectly fine. These units are in essence the very idea of what the MPC line is. Solid groove boxes, awesome workflow. It only makes sense to make these units that could be run without software, with the ability to integrate with software as well for those that like working that way. These firmware updates are obviously leading up to the next phase of the bigger picture. That’s perfect integration with a platform that has the potential to far succeed over any other controller/daw combo. I’m excited for the future with Akai. If I’m wrong I can still pull out my Maschine Studio from the closet and work with that inside of Ableton. I have a feeling I won’t need to do that. :-)

You’re not the Masada guy are you? I just copped his latest kit. Shit is dope
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By SupremeSoulstice Sat Aug 04, 2018 5:40 am
Danoc wrote:Oh nah lm not Masada. He comes here under his name. Cool dude.
Which kit did you get from him?


That last one, The Repository. The price he offering that at, he may as well be giving it away. I ain’t mad at all though. He definitely puts his time in creating quality work.