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.
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By Bezo Tue Feb 04, 2020 6:01 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:High End gears still sales, you don't have to sale a million units to turn a profit. Provide quality craftsmanship, straight forward design, straight forward tools that just work, and incredible customer services. These are the attributes, that budget gear does not offer.
Agreed! The Moog One is $6,500-8,500. I don't know how well Moog is doing with it, but I've seen enough chatter and reviews to know quite a few people bought.

If Akai is going to do 2nd generation pro level gear, they need to realize the need for modern features & workflow IMO. For every you-should-just-use-a-DAW-then person here, there are dozens that don't even think about MPCs because they're stuck in the 90s in many ways. Especially professionals.

I've mentioned it several times, the ability to do simple copy/paste of a full bar or MIDI, or inserting (drag & drop) a MIDI track where you want is lost on an MPC. 1-step functions in a DAW are 2-3 steps on an MPC. What professional wants to deal with that?

Time-stretch algo upgrade, auto detection (bpm, key sig) upgrade... there have to be lures other than tactile control if they're going to produce a pro level product.
By Unreallystic Tue Feb 04, 2020 6:22 pm
Bezo wrote:Agreed! The Moog One is $6,500-8,500. I don't know how well Moog is doing with it, but I've seen enough chatter and reviews to know quite a few people bought.

If Akai is going to do 2nd generation pro level gear, they need to realize the need for modern features & workflow IMO. For every you-should-just-use-a-DAW-then person here, there are dozens that don't even think about MPCs because they're stuck in the 90s in many ways. Especially professionals.

I've mentioned it several times, the ability to do simple copy/paste of a full bar or MIDI, or inserting (drag & drop) a MIDI track where you want is lost on an MPC. 1-step functions in a DAW are 2-3 steps on an MPC. What professional wants to deal with that?

Time-stretch algo upgrade, auto detection (bpm, key sig) upgrade... there have to be lures other than tactile control if they're going to produce a pro level product.

I dunno about the Moog One, I've only seen a couple YTers who actually "own" one, and personally do not know a soul even interested in buying it, yet owning it. I also haven't heard a peep about it really since release. But I also have to admit that its about the circles, I don't talk to or run with anyone who would spend that kind of money on a synth, its just not practical enough for any situation.

As for professional grade MPC "eh". I've talked about it in previous threads, there isn't much they can do to make it worth the dumb cost. What people really want is a DAW in a box that functions with the ease of a MPC, without silly limitations like 1 GB limits, when cellphones that cost way less, have way more. People want Akai to deliver on all their promises and match the functionality of their previous units.

Akai needs not just beefier specs, but MONSTER specs, they need to look at a laptop in terms of power, not a tablet.

Prime example, I purchased and use The Repository, because of the size of the samples contained, I cannot load two instruments from the pack at the same time without hitting the memory limit. Another example, I am just not using my FA-06 anymore, and figure I'll rip all the sounds out of it and flip it, but when I auto-sample, I will have to either have multiple versions of say the Grand Piano, or sacrifice quality in order to not run out of memory. Disk streaming will fix some of this, but that's not here yet, and memory is CHEAP.

I'm NOT salty about this stuff, but when I hear calls for an expensive MPC, I just think its more, wanting met expectations with what we have now.
- Unreall
Bymember04959388 Tue Feb 04, 2020 6:32 pm
Unreallystic wrote:
Bezo wrote:Agreed! The Moog One is $6,500-8,500. I don't know how well Moog is doing with it, but I've seen enough chatter and reviews to know quite a few people bought.

If Akai is going to do 2nd generation pro level gear, they need to realize the need for modern features & workflow IMO. For every you-should-just-use-a-DAW-then person here, there are dozens that don't even think about MPCs because they're stuck in the 90s in many ways. Especially professionals.

I've mentioned it several times, the ability to do simple copy/paste of a full bar or MIDI, or inserting (drag & drop) a MIDI track where you want is lost on an MPC. 1-step functions in a DAW are 2-3 steps on an MPC. What professional wants to deal with that?

Time-stretch algo upgrade, auto detection (bpm, key sig) upgrade... there have to be lures other than tactile control if they're going to produce a pro level product.

I dunno about the Moog One, I've only seen a couple YTers who actually "own" one, and personally do not know a soul even interested in buying it, yet owning it. I also haven't heard a peep about it really since release. But I also have to admit that its about the circles, I don't talk to or run with anyone who would spend that kind of money on a synth, its just not practical enough for any situation.

As for professional grade MPC "eh". I've talked about it in previous threads, there isn't much they can do to make it worth the dumb cost. What people really want is a DAW in a box that functions with the ease of a MPC, without silly limitations like 1 GB limits, when cellphones that cost way less, have way more. People want Akai to deliver on all their promises and match the functionality of their previous units.

Akai needs not just beefier specs, but MONSTER specs, they need to look at a laptop in terms of power, not a tablet.

Prime example, I purchased and use The Repository, because of the size of the samples contained, I cannot load two instruments from the pack at the same time without hitting the memory limit. Another example, I am just not using my FA-06 anymore, and figure I'll rip all the sounds out of it and flip it, but when I auto-sample, I will have to either have multiple versions of say the Grand Piano, or sacrifice quality in order to not run out of memory. Disk streaming will fix some of this, but that's not here yet, and memory is CHEAP.

I'm NOT salty about this stuff, but when I hear calls for an expensive MPC, I just think its more, wanting met expectations with what we have now.
- Unreall

I think the good side of new Mpc is that they are flexible enough to be revamped quite easily.
Of course they will put more Ram, we don't know when but sooner or later they will do it.
They can add features, plugins, any sort of digital tool on the software.
They can implement disk streaming, maybe, or other kind of codings.
So it really depends on the market request, they built a platform that can be easily upgraded with not too much effort.
If they come out now with One, it means they know this is the customers area where they can make a good profit.
Otherwise, they would have made an X deluxe for professionals.
I think that if you look at it from this point of view, all Akai moves are clear.
You talk about Moog. Ok, Moog is Moog but you really think they sold many 8000$ synths this year?
I don't think so.
I think that clones for 300$ were sold much much more.
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By Bezo Tue Feb 04, 2020 6:49 pm
Unreallystic wrote:I dunno about the Moog One, I've only seen a couple YTers who actually "own" one, and personally do not know a soul even interested in buying it, yet owning it. I also haven't heard a peep about it really since release. But I also have to admit that its about the circles, I don't talk to or run with anyone who would spend that kind of money on a synth, its just not practical enough for any situation.
There's a 300+ page thread on Gearslutz FWIW.

Unreallystic wrote:As for professional grade MPC "eh". I've talked about it in previous threads, there isn't much they can do to make it worth the dumb cost. What people really want is a DAW in a box that functions with the ease of a MPC, without silly limitations like 1 GB limits, when cellphones that cost way less, have way more. People want Akai to deliver on all their promises and match the functionality of their previous units.

Akai needs not just beefier specs, but MONSTER specs, they need to look at a laptop in terms of power, not a tablet.

Prime example, I purchased and use The Repository, because of the size of the samples contained, I cannot load two instruments from the pack at the same time without hitting the memory limit. Another example, I am just not using my FA-06 anymore, and figure I'll rip all the sounds out of it and flip it, but when I auto-sample, I will have to either have multiple versions of say the Grand Piano, or sacrifice quality in order to not run out of memory. Disk streaming will fix some of this, but that's not here yet, and memory is CHEAP.

I'm NOT salty about this stuff, but when I hear calls for an expensive MPC, I just think its more, wanting met expectations with what we have now.
- Unreall
Yup, or as close as possible to a DAW in a box.

The 1st thing I did when autosampling was introduced was create a piano. It ate at least half the RAM. I quickly realized you could only have 1 program of this quality in a project.

Yeah, more RAM seems like an easy, cheap addition. Plus disk streaming, already a much better machine not costing Akai much. Processing speed/power might be the costliest thing they need to address. Some DAW-like workflow improvements... IMO, the opportunity is there if Akai / InMusic is up to it. Priced right, I don't see how it doesn't do well.

Then through those specs into an Advance MK2 49, 61/73 & 88 (hammer action), compatible with the MPC software. Do similar Native Instrument-like packages with AIR Music Tech VIs.
Bymember04959388 Tue Feb 04, 2020 6:55 pm
Bezo wrote:
Unreallystic wrote:I dunno about the Moog One, I've only seen a couple YTers who actually "own" one, and personally do not know a soul even interested in buying it, yet owning it. I also haven't heard a peep about it really since release. But I also have to admit that its about the circles, I don't talk to or run with anyone who would spend that kind of money on a synth, its just not practical enough for any situation.
There's a 300+ page thread on Gearslutz FWIW.

Unreallystic wrote:As for professional grade MPC "eh". I've talked about it in previous threads, there isn't much they can do to make it worth the dumb cost. What people really want is a DAW in a box that functions with the ease of a MPC, without silly limitations like 1 GB limits, when cellphones that cost way less, have way more. People want Akai to deliver on all their promises and match the functionality of their previous units.

Akai needs not just beefier specs, but MONSTER specs, they need to look at a laptop in terms of power, not a tablet.

Prime example, I purchased and use The Repository, because of the size of the samples contained, I cannot load two instruments from the pack at the same time without hitting the memory limit. Another example, I am just not using my FA-06 anymore, and figure I'll rip all the sounds out of it and flip it, but when I auto-sample, I will have to either have multiple versions of say the Grand Piano, or sacrifice quality in order to not run out of memory. Disk streaming will fix some of this, but that's not here yet, and memory is CHEAP.

I'm NOT salty about this stuff, but when I hear calls for an expensive MPC, I just think its more, wanting met expectations with what we have now.
- Unreall
Yup, or as close as possible to a DAW in a box.

The 1st thing I did when autosampling was introduced was create a piano. It ate at least half the RAM. I quickly realized you could only have 1 program of this quality in a project.

Yeah, more RAM seems like an easy, cheap addition. Plus disk streaming, already a much better machine not costing Akai much. Processing speed/power might be the costliest thing they need to address. Some DAW-like workflow improvements... IMO, the opportunity is there if Akai / InMusic is up to it. Priced right, I don't see how it doesn't do well.

Then through those specs into an Advance MK2 49, 61/73 & 88 (hammer action), compatible with the MPC software. Do similar Native Instrument-like packages with AIR Music Tech VIs.

More Ram is not that easy addition, they have to change all motherboard because it's shared with cpu.
I think that's why we are still running with 1gb Ram.
And I strongly support your idea of more Air effects and plugins, I also think they should go in that direction, an expandable platform Mpc with third party standalone plugins.
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By Bezo Tue Feb 04, 2020 7:21 pm
Frisbi wrote:More Ram is not that easy addition, they have to change all motherboard because it's shared with cpu.
I think that's why we are still running with 1gb Ram.
My assumption, and desire is that they upgrade the CPU as well. Not sure of the specs, but I'd imagine an upgrade there would help with streaming.

Frisbi wrote:And I strongly support your idea of more Air effects and plugins, I also think they should go in that direction, an expandable platform Mpc with third party standalone plugins.
They have everything in place to be a smaller but better version of Native Instruments. They have a killer ecosystem waiting to be created.
Bymember04959388 Tue Feb 04, 2020 8:44 pm
Bezo wrote:
Frisbi wrote:More Ram is not that easy addition, they have to change all motherboard because it's shared with cpu.
I think that's why we are still running with 1gb Ram.
My assumption, and desire is that they upgrade the CPU as well. Not sure of the specs, but I'd imagine an upgrade there would help with streaming.

Frisbi wrote:And I strongly support your idea of more Air effects and plugins, I also think they should go in that direction, an expandable platform Mpc with third party standalone plugins.
They have everything in place to be a smaller but better version of Native Instruments. They have a killer ecosystem waiting to be created.

Yeah I totally agree with you.
Just a small effort Akai, you have the best groovebox on your hand.
Can you imagine an Mpc with 8gb Ram, I5 or I7 cpu, an open platform for third party effects and synths?
That would be a real winner
By Unreallystic Tue Feb 04, 2020 9:42 pm
I actually would NOT have "open" third party effects, but would run it similar to Reason before VSTs, sign a few deals to bring certain VST brands on board. Roland Cloud is a no, because Roland has their MC-707 that competes with Akai in several areas, and I doubt they could get Arturia or Native Instruments as both are in the hardware game, but to me, that is still the holy grail...

MPC standalone with Komplete, Arturia Collection, Reason *har har*, Roland Cloud, and say Izotope - built in (or purchasable). Add in a combination of memory and disk streaming so that I don't feel as though I have to sacrifice quality for things to work.

But talking to myself, I would call me *dumb*, at that point, just use a laptop with a controller. Its just not reasonable. What is reasonable and well within focus however, is hard look into disk streaming and memory, yes that is locked on the current hardware platform, but that's where the real growth could actually be, in 2020, I should be able to load a whole "band" of high quality sounds at once, not struggle with the keys and a bassists (Can the drummer get some?).
- Unreall
Bymember04959388 Tue Feb 04, 2020 9:52 pm
Unreallystic wrote:I actually would NOT have "open" third party effects, but would run it similar to Reason before VSTs, sign a few deals to bring certain VST brands on board. Roland Cloud is a no, because Roland has their MC-707 that competes with Akai in several areas, and I doubt they could get Arturia or Native Instruments as both are in the hardware game, but to me, that is still the holy grail...

MPC standalone with Komplete, Arturia Collection, Reason *har har*, Roland Cloud, and say Izotope - built in (or purchasable). Add in a combination of memory and disk streaming so that I don't feel as though I have to sacrifice quality for things to work.

But talking to myself, I would call me *dumb*, at that point, just use a laptop with a controller. Its just not reasonable. What is reasonable and well within focus however, is hard look into disk streaming and memory, yes that is locked on the current hardware platform, but that's where the real growth could actually be, in 2020, I should be able to load a whole "band" of high quality sounds at once, not struggle with the keys and a bassists (Can the drummer get some?).
- Unreall

I think it will be like this, no reason to keep on using 2gb of Ram when Ram is getting cheaper then ever.
And even if I never run out of memory, a better cpu/ram can handle more.
For example, did you notice how Air plugin synths are limited for poliphony? And how the warp is so weak??
I had in mind Reason extensions more then vst.
I think Propellerhead had a great idea with it, you can buy them for a quite cheap price, you have a good choice and they are optimized to work for Reason.
I would love something like that for Mpc.
By CharlesRandolph Tue Feb 04, 2020 9:57 pm
Frisbi wrote:Yeah I totally agree with you. Just a small effort Akai, you have the best groovebox on your hand. Can you imagine an Mpc with 8gb Ram, I5 or I7 cpu, an open platform for third party effects and synths?
That would be a real winner


If you had an MPC with those specs, it would cost $3500 and there goes the highend gear you said people would not buy.
Bymember04959388 Tue Feb 04, 2020 10:58 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:
Frisbi wrote:Yeah I totally agree with you. Just a small effort Akai, you have the best groovebox on your hand. Can you imagine an Mpc with 8gb Ram, I5 or I7 cpu, an open platform for third party effects and synths?
That would be a real winner


If you had an MPC with those specs, it would cost $3500 and there goes the highend gear you said people would not buy.

I would wait and buy a second hand unit for 2000 after selling my Live and my dog to have the money.
Power customer ahah
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By Bezo Tue Feb 04, 2020 11:12 pm
CharlesRandolph wrote:
Frisbi wrote:Yeah I totally agree with you. Just a small effort Akai, you have the best groovebox on your hand. Can you imagine an Mpc with 8gb Ram, I5 or I7 cpu, an open platform for third party effects and synths?
That would be a real winner


If you had an MPC with those specs, it would cost $3500 and there goes the highend gear you said people would not buy.
A computer with those specs wouldn't cost much more than $1,000. I doubt an MPC would cost $3,500. They'd be silly to charge that.
By CharlesRandolph Tue Feb 04, 2020 11:29 pm
Bezo wrote:A computer with those specs wouldn't cost much more than $1,000. I doubt an MPC would cost $3,500. They'd be silly to charge that.


Look at what they're charging for low end 4 core SOC, used in old chrome books and tablets. $2,199 for MPC X.