robleighton22 wrote:In my mind a more clever approach would be a module based ecosystem with the Live as a hub. If they had a q-link module, a mixer module, input upgrade, a step sequencer module, etc they would make way more cash potentially as more ppl are likely to buy into a base Live first and get sucked into additional add-on hardware. However, they've cannibalized their own product line as customers have to choose one or the other.
The Force is a confusing choice as well. I love MPC pads and I love step sequencers...but im unlikely to have both from Akai as both products together have too much crossover without enough added value for the price).
Look how popular midi hardware and euroack modular is. If Akai pioneered the standalone daw hardware ecosystem they would be massively stepping into new territory with lots of potential. I actually think an all in one device is asking too much.
I don't think modular would work. It walks away from the essence of the MPC too far, and opens too many doors for other people to make money off of them. I also fail to see real value beyond what's in the box now. Most of what would be good to add-on, is really just outboard gear, that I'd argue is modular now as is. Going into something like mappable Q-links would be cool, but the benefits are beyond minimal in the current format, hell a HUGE part of why I wanted the MPC X was the q-links, but at this, it feels unnecessary to have 16 q-links, just give me the OLED screens for each knob, and *personally* I would love if they became push-enabled endless encoders to speed up certain workflow options.
All they really need to do IMO (to make me happy on the MPC front, though I'm not actively looking for anything tbh, just theorizing, is a cross between the MPC X and Live, give me the q-link screens like I mentioned, I'd argue some of the physical buttons could be removed, or at least relocated, the screen enlarged (though not super important), and some additional input options (both audio, CV, and MIDI).
As for Force, just focusing on its
current ability - it does fill a niche separate from the MPC. Keeping it a buck, short of finger drumming/jamming, I do NOT want to perform with the MPC. For ME it is JUST for production. It's too cumbersome in format and layout for live performance (not calling it impossible, just my personal preference). The Force is a next generation APC (hence the original name of APC Live, which I still like better, I hate the name "Force"), the Force is an APC crossed with a BOSS Loopstation, and they took advantage of the synth work from the MPC to leverage synths internally.
- Unreall
or They could purchase the 2nd Gen Chips. I'm sure they'll get a good price. Off the shelf retail, they are 200.00. So wholesale and in bulk. That price would drop.
Dam, Ok. I am getting sick 
basically of talking about Akai and the MPC. smh 
