Ditching the software and strictly standalone.

Who here has done this and how has the journey been?

I was straight MPC software with my Live but the software kept giving me too many probs and killing my creativity/workflow.

Plug-ins crashing, Huge latency which turned into computer crashes, freezing up outta nowhere, beats not loading up and plenty more. The software also uses alot of CPU almost a Gig actually.

I've been strictly standalone for the past couple months and it's been great although I went back to the software and changed some things hoping it would be smoother and that wasn't successful lol.

Anyone else strictly standalone for similar reasons?

well, I have clicked the software icon a few times when i thought that was the way to update the firmware on the live... then closed it a second later once i remembered you have to download the separate thing from the akai website.

I just don't see the point... if i am going to be using a DAW on my computer, the mpc software is not the one I would waste my time using. If i am away from the computer messing with various hardware, the live is pretty good to have... for a little box you can lug anywhere (or to the other side of the room) it is great that is has as many features as it does. Though even on standalone, they should maybe think about ironing out a few head scratching issues.

mr_debauch wrote:well, I have clicked the software icon a few times when i thought that was the way to update the firmware on the live... then closed it a second later once i remembered you have to download the separate thing from the akai website.

I just don't see the point... if i am going to be using a DAW on my computer, the mpc software is not the one I would waste my time using. If i am away from the computer messing with various hardware, the live is pretty good to have... for a little box you can lug anywhere (or to the other side of the room) it is great that is has as many features as it does. Though even on standalone, they should maybe think about ironing out a few head scratching issues.

All facts and I agree!

I usually start in standalone and then finish in the desktop with absolutely no problems. Except the recent waves plugin issue...

mr_debauch wrote:well, I have clicked the software icon a few times when i thought that was the way to update the firmware on the live... then closed it a second later once i remembered you have to download the separate thing from the akai website.

I just don't see the point... if i am going to be using a DAW on my computer, the mpc software is not the one I would waste my time using. If i am away from the computer messing with various hardware, the live is pretty good to have... for a little box you can lug anywhere (or to the other side of the room) it is great that is has as many features as it does. Though even on standalone, they should maybe think about ironing out a few head scratching issues.

Yes exactly the same here.
Why using Mpc.software when you have softwares like Reason 10 on the market?
I really enjoy Mpc Live standalone though.
I never used the software, I make my projects on standalone and record them on Studio One through a firewire mixer.

Amen to that!

Frisbi wrote:
Why using Mpc.software when you have softwares like Reason 10 on the market?

Do you have a dedicated music computer rig?
What OS are you running?
Which Plug-Ins are crashing?
What other programs are running, when this occurs?
Have you tried doing a clean OS install on your computer, then fully updating it, then only install the programs that are needed?

I work and write in stand alone then use software for track out when its ready, the software is hard to look at and make any sense of, it really is a mess, 1.9 was easier on the eyes and smarter layout, mixer is getting there tho slowly, ive not had any latency problems or crashes i just fin it uninspiring and am totally lost trying to operate it from the software screen

Caustic Yoda wrote:I work and write in stand alone then use software for track out when its ready, the software is hard to look at and make any sense of, it really is a mess, 1.9 was easier on the eyes and smarter layout, mixer is getting there tho slowly, ive not had any latency problems or crashes i just fin it uninspiring and am totally lost trying to operate it from the software screen

Yes, the GUI is not the best. Kind of how Reaper was when it first started.

Im liking the softwre a lot but i use it like a big menue on hardware not a daw as such.I would not load it up with too much plugins ect.Quite happy with the ones that come with it.For now and ive got ableton right there too so........Reminds me a bit of old fruity loops.I was very productive on that.

The MPC software is decades behind leading DAW software (figuratively and literally). The amount of assets a DAW like Reason or Logic comes with is enough to compose, mix and master and entire recording. The instruments, effects, etc... it just makes no sense to try to rely on the MPC software as a DAW, especially when you get a full-fledged DAW like Logic for $199, or Reason for $299.

Try recording a complete song in the MPC software. First, dealing with Song mode, then recording vocals with various takes, comping, tuning, etc. It's not even a matter of preference - it's impossible to do these basic DAW features in the MPC software.

IMO, anyone serious about composing and recording songs can't rely on the MPC software to fulfill the functions of a DAW. Sure, buy an MPC for composing, but invest in a DAW to do everything else.

That being said, I love the MPC workflow for composing tracks. I think some things are done way better in the MPC software, but not DAW stuff.

Yes i would not use it instead of a do all advanced daw.But a a raw sample sequencing vibe peice i think its pretty cool.Especially if your attatched to the MPC way of producing.

I will use the mpc software to open up a vst use it in a song then when I know it's how I want it, I will resample or convert it into audio so I can go back into standalone mode. I Have hardware synths but there are too many on my computer I've come accustom to use. the software to me is not very good, but I can open a plug in like waves apply it to a vinyl sample to restore it, resample it, delete the plugin after. it's actually very nice on my CPU. I rarely even use as much plug ins while finishing up my tracks anymore... I feel like I could downgrade my computer and still get these projects done.

Eyalc wrote:The MPC software is decades behind leading DAW software (figuratively and literally).

OUCH!!!

Re: the GUI being terrible like when reaper started, yes! i agree but now reaper has white tie themes and thousands of usable themes/skins, akai just keeps getting worse, i wish akai could be more like cockos apart from the name