hyena wrote:why dont you go with another model? like the Live mk2 or the One (if you prefer having more buttons)? then, having as you said multiple midi controllers, you can customize your user experience\tactile control with what you prefer, and still keep the 4k for that good old trusted workflow!
the easy implementation of usb midi controllers is a strong point in this new li ne of mpc's, as is the opportunity to have more audio i\o via external soundcards. you tasted all the goodness that's to harvest in this new line, maybe a smaller model can satisfy you, given that cpu power and ram specs are the same for all the line. and less q-links and oleds means less probability of something going wrong. i use a stupid korg nanokontrol mk2 with my mpc live mk1 and i'm very pleased with the UX, most of the times i just do with the 4 qlinks, given how smart is the screen automapping of parameters.
I shall purchase another shortly in a couple of weeks,I'm holding off until after Superbooth 2022,incase Akai drop an MPC Keys in the meantime,they are showcasing at this event so who knows what may come of it,I shall be angry if they do drop something like that and Ive just bought an X,I would go for the MPC Keys and then keep my 4K as well if they do
I've returned the two Xs it in order to get my money back in the time period,I've had to send back the first one and then have a replacement and had to send that back as well within the two week period to get my money back first,Once I'm sure that akai have nothing else on the horizon i will get the X again, hopefully this time it will be fault free
I did look at the One as an alternative as the button layout is similar to the 4K layout but would rather an MPC with all the Q links and plus the X has more of the I/O that I need and the tilting larger screen would suit me better,I do like the MPC One retro version though,I'm not a fan of the Live,I don't need portability or speakers so pointless for me
