Official: Akai Force Topic

Akai Force Forum: Everything relating to the Akai Force, the iconic 64 pad, clip-based standalone sampler/groovebox from Akai.
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Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By CharlesRandolph Mon Jan 21, 2019 1:53 pm
hansjbs wrote:And you assumed its not the same for me because i also use it as a source of income?

I assumed nothing. I said, for me.

hansjbs wrote:Again RAM is not the case. If the fx is well written and streamlined for the software it won't be an issue until your planning to use multiple fx on a lot of tracks which these mpcs were not meant for. That's the take away, the mpcs were not meant for full production and mastering. Even the older ones were not not even mpc 4000.


People do use multiple effects on lots of tracks. Also, what something is meant for, is not how it will be used.
Example: People using spoons, something you eat with as a percussion instrument.

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By Unreallystic Mon Jan 21, 2019 1:57 pm
Frisbi wrote:
Unreallystic wrote:So I have a lot of "feelings" on this product based on purchases on my current roadmap.I don't want to get into too many details, but I was thinking about buying the MPC X later this calendar year or when I can net good financing (I finish all my guitar center payments this month w00t). For how much the X cost, I want to be sure that I am buying the right thing.

I'm 50/50 on this product itself, it isn't directly influencing this decision, but I'm wondering how its existence affects the MPC hardware ecosystem. Sure some things are dynamic and going to be based off sales, but is the MPC X going to be the pinnacle for only a year longer? Are they going to re-approach the hardware with an MK2 with better specs? I remember buying the Push and then (3) months later, watching the reveal for the Push 2.

This product shows the direction Akai is going (still hoping for a APC MK3 tho), and that would mean the chances of an X mk2 are higher than I initially thought...

And what DOES this mean for the APC line? I just mentioned wanting an update to the APC 40 mk2, but is this a flat out death knell to the APCs?
- Unreall

If I was you, I would get a 2nd hand Mpc Live and start with that and then see what happens.
Mpc X is way too expensive for a 2gb device.
2nd hand Live is the right price.
And I swear in a year or so there will be many standalone surprises.
I will stay on Live until they release something with at least 4gb or 8gb.
Live is very funny, go for it.

I already have the live, which is why I've been going back and fourth on the X, leaning towards "No" right now, but the Force and its timing, makes me lose confidence in understanding the planned hardware roadmap.
- Unreall

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By Unreallystic Mon Jan 21, 2019 2:14 pm
zangetsu01 wrote:In the end who cares?? Thats how it goes..

Playstation 1, Playstation 2, PS3, 4 and so on..

As long as they implement the promised features in 2019 there shouldn’t be any complains.

I don’t expect my X to be the flagship model for ever. I just want it to do the things that I need it to do.

And if Akai launches the X-2 and Live-2 I wont jump on that ship if I don’t need it.

That’s something Apple fanboys do..

Its not a matter of how long its the flagship. It's a matter of getting the best bang for buck frankly. MPC X is a serious investment for what it is - essentially Live with a better screen and surface level access to controls. Dropping over $2k on a device for it to be improved upon soon afterwards or for support to essentially drop because it wasn't a big money maker - is NOT something I emotionally want to go through (just being blunt). I went through it with the Push (I couldn't do the exchange, either I missed the window timing wise, or it was because of the package deal I did to get it), and I damn don't want to go through it with a 2K device.

Also, come on man, you smart enough to know the difference between this and a PlayStation. Even at its most expensive you were talking like a c-note for the latest and greatest, and because of development cycle and what have you, the previous platform didn't lose support from Sony for YEARS. Comparing that to something that's going to run you 2 stacks+? From a company that doesn't have the best track record? For a unit that even meeting expectations, won't do Sony numbers?

Can you REALLY fault someone for making sure they are making the right purchase, at the right time? I DO expect/hope for an upgrade in the future. I like the form factor of the X, and don't like the factor of the Live, I'd love a mix of the two, a smaller MPC X, that had better specs, and other stand-alone production features...along with the battery of the Live, so I'm all in on something like that, but I don't know their roadmap, I don't know what is or isn't coming. for all we know, as the Live most likely nets them the most return due to volume - they will do a Live MK2, and live the MPC X line to rot. We just don't know, and my stance is that this mucks things up a bit more, its good that they think this is the direction to go, I'm all for expanding the ecosystem, but if this takes off, what happens to the MPC side of the equation?
-Unreall

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By CharlesRandolph Mon Jan 21, 2019 2:22 pm
Unreallystic wrote: I'm all for expanding the ecosystem, but if this takes off, what happens to the MPC side of the equation?


Music equipment does not age out, the same way a PS4 does. You either follow the new direction, find something else, stay where you're at, or use something old. The best thing about Akai Force, Live, X going back to standalone, is that Akai Pro is not tied to Apple, Microsoft OS updates, which tend to break things.

I believe this is why more people want, the Live, X, Force to do more. They are just tired of being locked down, smacked down, and stranded by MAC OS or Windows. They just want it to work and not be concerned that the latest security patch, will render their gear useless, because it tied to PC.

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By Unreallystic Mon Jan 21, 2019 2:35 pm
hansjbs wrote:Once you understand and realize that these MPCs were not meant for full on production like i do RAM won't be a problem for FX. In order to keep cost down they had to make sacrifices. Could they have built a better system with at least 8gb ram and extra powerful yes but it would be extremely expensive. People complain now about the prices of these products which offer quite a bit. Compare them to other products and do pros and cons. I know people That complain about the MPC but are dropping over 1k on a apple phone or iPad just to browse the internet post on social media and make phone calls. The company i work for build product for the military and as an engineer I can better understand pricing now then I did before. There's a lot that goes into building these things and as a company they have to make money and make sacrifices on features and spec to sell and make a profit

So I don't disagree with your over-arching point - I always get a bit turned around when it comes to "what it would have cost" for certain specs, and how much of that would have been passed on down to the consumer.

As someone who builds PCs and done other "Off-the-shelf development", I do NOT think higher specs would/should cost substnatially more, however, I can EASILY see that these products took 3+ years to develop, and most likely they locked into a hardware setup - early in the process (for stability purpose) - which is why the hardware may feel old when we get it.

So I wouldn't nail Akai to the cross for the lower specs - I get it 1000%, but I can't sit here and say that the cost of better specs would be some significant cost to us. I'd FULLY expect a sequel to the *ecosystem* to sport a much stronger set of specs as the wants of the users has become better defined.

The MPC Touch was a huge let down for me as it wasn't portable, many voiced the same frustration, so listening to customer feedback, they pulled it off with the Live. Many people prefer Ableton (myself included), so they took the Push setup nad manipulated the Live/X setup to meet that feedback. Customer feedback now seems to be centered (and rightfully so) - around VSts, plugins, FX, Live, and better stand-alone support...so I'd assume the next "whatever" would play those up. VST, plug-ins, and FX are ALL going to be RAM and Processor driven, so I'd anticipate a huge bump in that category, marked with support from some of the larger VST brands for a "stripped down" or "portable" version of their popular VSTs.
"I see it, like a 20" Zennith" - Raekwon
- Unreall
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Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By Lampdog Mon Jan 21, 2019 3:57 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:People do use multiple effects on lots of tracks. Also, what something is meant for, is not how it will be used.
Example: People using spoons, something you eat with as a percussion instrument.

I have used a half empty box of grits with mic taped to it for creating 'shaker' samples.
It works GREAT.

Grits, eat em? Nah, SHAKE EM.

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By CharlesRandolph Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:06 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:People do use multiple effects on lots of tracks. Also, what something is meant for, is not how it will be used.
Example: People using spoons, something you eat with as a percussion instrument.


Lampdog wrote:I have used a half empty box of grits with mic taped to it for creating 'shaker' samples.
It works GREAT.

Grits, eat em? Nah, SHAKE EM.



Nice! I use rice and small mini tupperware!

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By chino Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:10 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:I believe this is why more people want, the Live, X, Force to do more. They are just tired of being locked down, smacked down, and stranded by MAC OS or Windows. They just want it to work and not be concerned that the latest security patch, will render their gear useless, because it tied to PC.


^^^ THIS!!! :nod: :nod: :nod: I hope DJ software follows the music production trend too. I would buy a Serato DJ embedded mixer, deck and/or media player controller without hesitation!!!

I'm sooooo tired with having to deal with Mac OS updates & whether or not my 'bread & butter' software is going to work after an update!
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Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By Lampdog Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:12 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:Nice! I use rice and small mini tupperware!

Gonna try that one day soon.

Actually, THAT is a good idea, 'Sounds from 'round the house" folder for beat camping. :lol:

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By CharlesRandolph Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:15 pm
Lampdog wrote:
CharlesRandolph wrote:Nice! I use rice and small mini tupperware!

Gonna try that one day soon.

Actually, THAT is a good idea, 'Sounds from 'round the house" folder for beat camping. :lol:


Sound good! I'll add some up there!
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Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By Lampdog Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:26 pm
Didn't mean to hijack the thread, I'll stfu now.

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By CharlesRandolph Mon Jan 21, 2019 4:27 pm
chino wrote:
CharlesRandolph wrote:I believe this is why more people want, the Live, X, Force to do more. They are just tired of being locked down, smacked down, and stranded by MAC OS or Windows. They just want it to work and not be concerned that the latest security patch, will render their gear useless, because it tied to PC.


^^^ THIS!!! :nod: :nod: :nod: I hope DJ software follows the music production trend too. I would buy a Serato DJ embedded mixer, deck and/or media player controller without hesitation!!!

I'm sooooo tired with having to deal with Mac OS updates & whether or not my 'bread & butter' software is going to work after an update!


I could see a combinations for the Akai Force and the Denon DJ SC5000M Prime <- Which is an absolute monster. No need for Serato or Laptop! I wonder if the crossfader on the Force, can routed to external gear.

Image

There is a Ethernet port on the back and I wonder if the Force and SC5000M Prime can connect with each other. Since INMUSIC owns Denon DJ and Akai Pro. Never know!

Image
Image
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Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By zangetsu01 Mon Jan 21, 2019 5:39 pm
Unreallystic wrote:Its not a matter of how long its the flagship. It's a matter of getting the best bang for buck frankly. MPC X is a serious investment for what it is - essentially Live with a better screen and surface level access to controls. Dropping over $2k on a device for it to be improved upon soon afterwards or for support to essentially drop because it wasn't a big money maker - is NOT something I emotionally want to go through (just being blunt). I went through it with the Push (I couldn't do the exchange, either I missed the window timing wise, or it was because of the package deal I did to get it), and I damn don't want to go through it with a 2K device.

Also, come on man, you smart enough to know the difference between this and a PlayStation. Even at its most expensive you were talking like a c-note for the latest and greatest, and because of development cycle and what have you, the previous platform didn't lose support from Sony for YEARS. Comparing that to something that's going to run you 2 stacks+? From a company that doesn't have the best track record? For a unit that even meeting expectations, won't do Sony numbers?

Can you REALLY fault someone for making sure they are making the right purchase, at the right time? I DO expect/hope for an upgrade in the future. I like the form factor of the X, and don't like the factor of the Live, I'd love a mix of the two, a smaller MPC X, that had better specs, and other stand-alone production features...along with the battery of the Live, so I'm all in on something like that, but I don't know their roadmap, I don't know what is or isn't coming. for all we know, as the Live most likely nets them the most return due to volume - they will do a Live MK2, and live the MPC X line to rot. We just don't know, and my stance is that this mucks things up a bit more, its good that they think this is the direction to go, I'm all for expanding the ecosystem, but if this takes off, what happens to the MPC side of the equation?
-Unreall


1) You are taking the PSX example way too seriously it could have been any other product.

2) 'best bang for buck frankly' -> Exactly But to say that 2K is a huge investment -> it depends.. If I'm going to rock my X for 10 years and it's costs me 1800 euro's it means that I've enjoyed the machine for 180 Euro a year. Not a big deal..

3) I don't fault anyone for making sure they are making the right purchase. It ain't even about that, because most of you cats have already made the purchase. And most of us already knew the specs before the purchase.

I feel like you're taking my words the wrong way..
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Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By Danoc Mon Jan 21, 2019 5:49 pm
Reading specs and trying to understand every tech nuance is 2 different things. I spend my time making music and dealing with clients and new projects.
You keep regurgitating the same thing over and over and its becoming redundant.

Now how much music are you acually doing? You're sitting in a whirlpool of convo trying to explain to people who know there crap this digital facade that's not doing nothing but wasting time.

Question for you. Would you use the 2000XL over the MPC live in 2019? If not why? I know l wouldn't.

My setup is Inside The Box! I have no outside gear but a midi keyboard and the MPC live everything else is in my computer.

Stop with the uou knew about the live and what you were getting.
In the beginning of the live and X ALL the specs wete not presented to us. Akai kinda F***ed us around. I got the live based on :
1. Tight MPC sequencer
2. Touch screen
3. Operational on a battery and portable.
4. Operational in standalone or controller mode.
5. Export tracks

Others things l found that were dope came later. For instance akai didn't tell us about exploding tracks. I freakin love that feature cause l use it in Reason.

So in limitations l will not do that to myself when doing music. I want all l can muster to help with a better work flow and ease of mind. When l work l want to be able to work with the top effects, Daws, audio and video without worries.

It is embarrassing to have a client in front of you and you can't open up 15 Wave plugins because you wanna be limited.

Your needs is not mines. We don't have the same setup so don't expect me to not want certain things as opposed to yourself.

AGAIN! If Akai makes a new product that product should be better and have more than the next. If not l wouldn't buy into it.

Its not about YOU, others want to use the entire machine and not have to deal with things like latency. They can just make music and keep it movin. I respect that.

machinesworking wrote:It’s not tech level genius **** to look at specs before you buy something.

You and others here go off constantly about how underpowered the MPC and now the new Force line, is.

Re: Official: Akai Force Topic

By hansjbs Mon Jan 21, 2019 6:06 pm
This thread is going no where fast in the mean time just blaze is having a blast with the mpc force from the last akai video. Same Just Blaze that blasted akai over the mpc 5000. Same one that wasn't a big fan of the renaissance. Same one that enjoys the new standalone MPCs and now the force. I know he didn't get paid by akai to say the stuff he said on that video it's how he Really feels.
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