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 Hamsta Gangsta Thu May 14, 2020 10:48 pm
EnochLight wrote:The question is, who will offer the service of replacing batteries? If we all have to send our Live MK1's to Akai or an approved Akai service center, it could be a lengthy wait. Judging from the tear-down videos I've seen, accessing the battery ourselves and R/R them will not be easy.


I don't own the Live but tbh I'd probably just say "f*** it" and have it always plugged in. It's def not a solution for ppl who use it heavy on the go, but it shouldn't impact *studio* folks that much. I'm really curious when those batteries will start to die out :?:
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By mr_debauch Thu May 14, 2020 11:10 pm
the thing i am looking forward to finding out from you guys who make the switch.... if you let your wrists sit on the speaker grill, will it get bent in or dented downward? it looks like that run of the mill speaker front grill which is usually around a millimetre thin
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By NearTao Thu May 14, 2020 11:44 pm
EnochLight wrote:I keep going back and forth. If I can get $800-$850 for my Live 1, I might. It’s not the speaker - it’s the new button layout and CV.


+1 - I sold my Live last year... but am considering the mk2 myself for CV and the button layout (mostly) does seem better.
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By D3V1L15H Fri May 15, 2020 12:23 am
EnochLight wrote:
I don't mean to freak you guys out, but yes - replacing the Live's lithium-ion battery will become an issue at some point, probably sooner than later, especially for those who leave their Live's plugged in to shore power all of the time keeping the battery at +97%. The reason is because the optimal charge level for storing lithium-ion batteries hovers around 30% (which is why companies like EGO automatically discharge their lithium-ion batteries to 30% after 30 days of non-use).

By keeping your lithium-ion battery constantly stored at 97%, you decrease the life expectancy, yet I doubt anyone is targeting a 30% discharge state when their MPC Lives are powered down and not plugged in. It's kind of a pain in the ass to do so, and not conducive to a studio setting.

The question is, who will offer the service of replacing batteries? If we all have to send our Live MK1's to Akai or an approved Akai service center, it could be a lengthy wait. Judging from the tear-down videos I've seen, accessing the battery ourselves and R/R them will not be easy.


This. This is the future unfortunately, and for the most part I fall into the group of my Live being plugged in most of the time. Great post tho.
By Eyalc Fri May 15, 2020 3:02 am
I won’t be getting one. Not enough compelling from the MKI for me. I don’t use CV, the extra buttons wouldn’t really impact me, and I’m not ever in a position where using the speakers (can’t stand the marketing calling them monitors) would be beneficial.

There’s only two reasons I’d upgrade from the Live mkI:

1. They implemented compelling software enhancements that required new hardware to run
2. My Live stopped working and I wanted to reinvest in another one

At this point though, I have several other things I want to invest in before another MPC.
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By EnochLight Fri May 15, 2020 3:07 pm
Meh.. I caved. Just ordered the Live 2. Sold my Live 1 in less than an hour, and only lost $53 on it. Taking into consideration I've owned the Live 1 for roughly 13 months, that made the cost of ownership just $4.07/month, not taking into consideration how much I'm spending on the Live 2. Not too shabby, IMHO.

At the end of the day it was the new button layout and CV that made me jump. Not sure how I feel about the speaker, but I'll see how that plays out.
By J.O.BEATS Fri May 15, 2020 3:18 pm
No
I’ve had the live since it’s release and Live 2 offers me very little to make the switch

And I don’t understand the ops reasoning for switching to the 2. It’s significantly bigger than the original and a Bluetooth speaker would take up less room in your laptop bag. You probably won’t even be able to fit the live 2 in your bag.
By Unreallystic Fri May 15, 2020 6:44 pm
After coming back from the FB groups, you guys are so much more civil...

I am not upgrading.

That does not mean I won't replace. I took the MPC X plunge right before the Rona' hit bad, and made it the center of my studio. Because of that the Live is now 100% on portable duty - if that wear and tear + battery starts to become an issue, then I will go ahead and get the MK2 when that time comes - as a replacement.

There is no reason for me to upgrade, despite liking the speakers more and more when thinking of collabing or even catching the vibe (I'm so sick of headphones), I don't feel they are worth the cost for me. On top of that there is no discernible other advantage. I didn't read anything about improved screen or battery life. The screen still doesn't tilt. The new connections (CV) don't affect me at all (I'd rather it be a USB hub with their latest update), they didn't even change the color to something more interesting.

So, I'm just going to wait until I feel the need to replace my Live.
- Unreall