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.
By Ed Jeffersen Wed Apr 06, 2022 2:34 pm
NEVER once have I had a double strike with Maschine or Live Push.
The MPC Live II pad response is a joke. Especially when it comes to playing melodic instruments. Yes, an external keyboard is the best way to go but that totally defeats the purpose of an "all in one battery powered box with built in speakers". The thing is unusable and now I know why there are so many of these on the used market. I have had two of these. The first used and the second brand new. Same thing.
It's a damn shame because aside from (more than) a few work flow quirks (I can live with) I really like the MPC. The midi timing is so good.
Maybe I will be back for version III or IV or V .... if they fix the pad problems. Seriously there is no excuse. If NI and Ableton can do it so can Akai.
A big part of the problem is related to aftertouch. I could immensely improve the response by turning off aftertouch in the program. If they could find a way to delay the aftertouch it would make a huge difference. As it is it happens immediately on pad strike as opposed to AFTER. DUH?
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By MPC-Tutor Wed Apr 06, 2022 2:42 pm
+1, had to return my retro edition for similar reasons. I exchanged for an MPC One instead, the pads are better but still not as good as they should be, sensitivity is mediocre compared to my MPC Live Mk1 and MPC Touch. I'm not sure if these issues are limited to certain production runs or are just the way they make the pads now, maybe some people just don't notice or care (or just don't know any better). I've mentioned this in other posts, but IMO MPC pads have never been as good as Maschine pads, not even close. And based on recent experiences, the pads have become even worse.
By soulgolem Wed Apr 06, 2022 4:26 pm
don't despair, i think any musical instrument requires *some* level of adjustment, played Stratocasters all my life and when i picked up a Gibson i felt like it was unplayable, but they aren't bad instruments by any means.

and it's okay if you don't gel with it, that's why there are alternatives, i just fkn love my mpc live ii right now 8)
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By Monotremata Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:16 pm
soulgolem wrote:don't despair, i think any musical instrument requires *some* level of adjustment, played Stratocasters all my life and when i picked up a Gibson i felt like it was unplayable, but they aren't bad instruments by any means.

and it's okay if you don't gel with it, that's why there are alternatives, i just fkn love my mpc live ii right now 8)



Totally unrelated random side note.. Im a Fender guy too, love the 60s thin C shape necks. Sold my 'dream guitar' Gibson SG in like 2004 because the neck was a baseball bat compared to the Fenders (I got thin wirey fingers and hands). Just picked up one of the Epiphone 60s Standard Les Pauls a few months ago though and OOOOOOH BOY that neck is small and fast just like my Strat is. I finally found a 'Gibson' I love playing!
By DokBrown Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:19 pm
I have a mk1 & the pads are still disappointing. the pad colors are cool but the responsiveness def falls short of
1] roland MV
2] MPC with MPC STUFF fat pads


https://www.mpcstuff.com/akmpcthfatpa.html

& thus the MP1K & 2.5K will always remain classics.
JJOS
Solid supply with cool aftermarket
.WAV support

Maybe mpcstuff will save us again ???


https://www.mpcstuff.com/akai-mpc-one-c ... tion-unit/
By tjoh311 Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:11 am
I've had the Live II for a month now... I have noticed that these pads are a little more touchy than the ones on the MPC one, but I've gotten used to them. I mainly overdub my parts using 16 levels, and if I need chords I use my Launchpad X to bang something out. No real double triggers or anything like that.
By BeatWilson Wed Apr 13, 2022 4:47 pm
I had a Live2 Retro and returned it due to having a couple of oddly squishy pads. I got a different one which was better but didnt feel the same as the X. The X pads feel good. I sold the Live2 though and bought an S2400. It wasnt getting used enough so it had to go.