New to MPC

I'm brand spanking new to the MPC world and a little confused about what I should purchase as a newbie.

The MPC Live 2 seems ideal but I have read that the MPC One would be better for a newbie.

I can afford either machine but the MPC One is definitely more affordable but what about the capabilities before the two machines?

Other than being cheaper, the MPC One doesn't really have anything particularly aimed for newbies. Both machines offer the same software 'environment', so it's really just about whether you want/need the additional hardware features of the Live 2 such as battery power, internal SATA drive option, speakers, wifi/bluetooth, more I/O.

Here's my article comparing all three current MPC models:

https://www.mpc-tutor.com/mpc-buyers-gu ... -vs-mpc-x/

All the modern mic line, have the same OS.

The difference in machined comes to hardware nuances.

If you need more than a pair of outs, then the One isnt for you.

I've owned both, and for me the live mk2 is the better one due to the portability of it. Sitting on the sofa making music, is something I absolutely love to do now that I can do it.

The speaker is fine as well.

If you don't need portability and plan on having it left in the studio permanently, then the One, being cheaper, might be better as you can use the extra cash on other toys!

Also remember that all these MPCs can now use a USB audio interface instead of their internal audio, so even the MPC One can have up to 32 I/O if you have a class compliant interface that supports this, although currently audio interface support is a bit patchy and 'beta'.

The MPC one has smaller pads. As a new user that might not even be noticeable but if you are use to traditional MPC size pads it may take some adjustments. If you have bigger hands the larger layout maybe a tad more comfortable.

The One has more dedicated buttons if I'm correct. That for me was a important thing when making the choice between a One and Live mk2, that and the price difference. Plus, with Os 2.10 you get some features that weren't previously available on the One. Also something to consider...

dcasanares wrote:I'm brand spanking new to the MPC world and a little confused about what I should purchase as a newbie.

The MPC Live 2 seems ideal but I have read that the MPC One would be better for a newbie.

I can afford either machine but the MPC One is definitely more affordable but what about the capabilities before the two machines?

The only reason I recommend the MPC One is if spending the least amount of money is of paramount importance, otherwise I'd recommend the MPC Live II all day long:

• It has both Wifi and Bluetooth (easy Ableton Link, Splice sync, OTA updates, and Bluetooth MIDI controllers)
• It has a built-in battery for not only true portability, but also a great UPS
• It has more i/o options.
• It has the option to install an SSD into the bottom (Akai recommends an SSD for best-performance for disk-streaming on the Force, and while MPC doesn't currently have disk-streaming, we all know it's likely coming eventually)...
• It has two (2) USB A ports on the back (MPC One only has a single port, so plan on buying a supported powered USB hub if you want to plug multiple items into it).
• The screen on the MPC Live II just "feels" bigger, only because it is sitting closer to you when working
• Built-in speaker. I can't stress enough just how useful this is. Would I master or mix on it? Of course not, but for quick jams, sample monitoring on-the-go, and previewing ideas on how it would sound on a speaker format that many consumers use, it's priceless. It's also super useful if you just want to fire up your MPC to jam without having to power up your entire studio, mixing board, active monitors, or using cans.

So yeah, MPC Live II all day long, IMHO. That said, MPC One does have more dedicated buttons, and is lighter/smaller, so that's a win. But everything else just makes MPC Live II a better choice as far as i'm concerned.

EnochLight wrote:

dcasanares wrote:I'm brand spanking new to the MPC world and a little confused about what I should purchase as a newbie.

The MPC Live 2 seems ideal but I have read that the MPC One would be better for a newbie.

I can afford either machine but the MPC One is definitely more affordable but what about the capabilities before the two machines?

The only reason I recommend the MPC One is if spending the least amount of money is of paramount importance, otherwise I'd recommend the MPC Live II all day long:

• It has both Wifi and Bluetooth (easy Ableton Link, Splice sync, OTA updates, and Bluetooth MIDI controllers)
• It has a built-in battery for not only true portability, but also a great UPS
• It has more i/o options.
• It has the option to install an SSD into the bottom (Akai recommends an SSD for best-performance for disk-streaming on the Force, and while MPC doesn't currently have disk-streaming, we all know it's likely coming eventually)...
• It has two (2) USB A ports on the back (MPC One only has a single port, so plan on buying a supported powered USB hub if you want to plug multiple items into it).
• The screen on the MPC Live II just "feels" bigger, only because it is sitting closer to you when working
• Built-in speaker. I can't stress enough just how useful this is. Would I master or mix on it? Of course not, but for quick jams, sample monitoring on-the-go, and previewing ideas on how it would sound on a speaker format that many consumers use, it's priceless. It's also super useful if you just want to fire up your MPC to jam without having to power up your entire studio, mixing board, active monitors, or using cans.

So yeah, MPC Live II all day long, IMHO. That said, MPC One does have more dedicated buttons, and is lighter/smaller, so that's a win. But everything else just makes MPC Live II a better choice as far as i'm concerned.

This pretty much sums why I went with the Live 2... No regrets, here.

Have a good one,

3EO