Live 2 MPCstuff.com replacement fat pads review

Just thought I'd post this up here because I haven't seen someone post specific to live 2.

Coming from Maschine mk3 I find the live 2 pads are considerably more prone to double triggers or no trigger and the sensitivity settings don't really improve the situation. Anyway I don't like the stock pad experience thought I'd try the replacement pads from MPCStuff.com. I ordered the clear pads thinking I'd like the look.

Installation:
Long but Straightforward if you follow the video. I did it a few times to try with no corx then with one set and eventually put back the stock pads because the replacements are just worse.

Experience with No Corx:
Same as the factory pads, no better or worse. One negative is that the edges of the MPCstuff pads do not extend as far internally to prevent pull out so they are more likely to get pulled out if they get any sideways pressure (say from putting in a backpack etc).

Experience with 1 Corx:
This was terrible, There was always 1 pad in constant note-on detection. I opened it up and tried reapplying them but this issue persisted. I think the corx is just engaging causing a pad to push too hard on the sensor and keeping it engaged.

In the end I put back the factory pads because the replacement clear pads let the LED's through way too much and it was very very bright when working in a dim room.

If you want to change the look of your MPC Live 2 go for it they work fine (don't bother with the corx and I'd avoid the clear pads) . To resolve the pads double triggering etc I've eventually just adjusted my technique that's more effective.

Good info, I hope it helps someone .

You can always dim them if its to bright with the clear pads

william72234 wrote:You can always dim them if its to bright with the clear pads

Really?? Where's that setting, I did a quick sweep for a pad brightness but I must have missed it, or is there some other way?

utensil wrote:

william72234 wrote:You can always dim them if its to bright with the clear pads

Really?? Where's that setting, I did a quick sweep for a pad brightness but I must have missed it, or is there some other way?

In pad color screen.

Oh yeah am aware of that way but that doesn't work for plugin programs etc and not practical to change for every program , would need a global setting to make this practical In my opinion

im not happy with the sensitivity of the pads of my mpc x anymore. not sure if it has got worse over time (1.5 years of use), or if the quality is just not the same as on older models.

anyways, i was already to purchase the Thick Fat Pad Set (not super thick) and the Akai Pad Sensors Sheet FSR from mpc stuff. then i saw this thread, and did hold off.

as the first post describes, it seems that the new pads of mpc stuff makes the experience even worse unfortunately.

i replaced the pad sheet along with corx on my mpc 4000 and it worked really good after it.

so i was wondering, if someone else has tried to replace the pads (or rather pad sensor sheet) of the live or the x?

is it a waste of money and you shouldnt really replace anything relating pads/pad sensor for these newer models?

cheers

Fat pads are just inherently less sensitive; I wish Akai would offer fat and thin pad options for all future release; as I alway prefer the feel of thin pads for feel and sensitivity.

I dunno why i had it in my head that mpc 2000xl actually had cork under the thin pads to give a spongy soft sensitive feel; but whatever method they used for the 2000xl I think akai should return to that cos these thick pads are rock.

Lampdog wrote:2kxlse2 pads were the best pads I’ve ever used.

Agree;

dunno if it was flourescent yellow colour that was having a psychological impact; making them seem softer and more playable; but I just love those pads, so spongy and playable.

Does anyone know any specifics about those pads and how they differ from the others?

On the flip side I replaced the sensors and pads on my 1k 3 years ago and had no complaints.

I used some 1mm self adhesive cork sheet under the pads and suit me perfectly.
Though not fat pads. Not keen on the feel or look of them.

X pads seem ok for now but had to take some time to set them up to suit me


[youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKa0VSD ... Z1gMZKDtcW [/youtube]

are the original mpc renaissance pads working on the live or x? somebody tried this? i remember them being a bit softer than the current ones on the x.

I needed a few tact switches for an MPC 2500 I was fixing up and the absolute meatballs at mpcstuff.com want $8 per switch. lol. Ended up with 50 of them for like $10 and they're actually rated for more use. either way they'll be better than the mickey mouse ass switches Akai used.

Strongly recommend tracking down the part numbers and sourcing stuff elsewhere if you can unless you like the 8000% markup

But for the pads, I found them to be not that different than stock. I needed them because the sp404sx I got them for had completely burnt out pads, but for around $120 shipped, I wouldn't bother unless it was broken. it's amazing what smoking cigarettes next to your gear will do