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 dryad-66 Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:36 am
Imperfection.is the key.it makes things interesting my impression is that the older boxes were made with the OS as part of the whole.new models the hardware feels built around/for the OS.and is pretty much a replica.we are now pretty much working on our desktop/laptops but through the hardware.before there was a feeling of independence (more so) we have more range now but also the experience has been watered down somewhat.to make your music rock will still always come down to programming/processing (good effects in the new MPCs) and taste.Unfortunately in this commercial environment the last 3 parts are quite rare.
By B-Wise Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:48 pm
hyena wrote:
B-Wise wrote:If people are "now" saying the MPC 1k/2500 sounds grimy & nasty, then I can't see how these current MPC won't be considered classics in the future.


i don't think so. you know why? old tech becomes obsolete, and that's universal, but dedicated obsolete tech can hold its value. current line mpc's are too bound to current computer software technology, so when that will move on, the old machines will go down in value much more than old gear that doesn't rely on a general usage operating system. this is only an opinion, but i'm ready to put some money on this bet.

it is in part psychological, i mean: the dx7 can be described as an old computer too, no? but the dx7 doesn't feel like a 1984 personal computer that makes sounds. current line mpc reflects contemporary software applications, in 10 years it will look really old, and almost nobody will keep an old laptop just to connect to the old mpc. on the other hand, you fire up an mpc60, a 4k, even a 1k today and it looks like the dx7, a dedicated musical instrument. it looks old? yes, but doesn't "feel" the same way as, example, maschine mk1 ... feel me? again, it's perhaps only a psychological effect, but i'm pretty sure it will go down this way.


Don't underestimate the power of MPC nostalgia!

The fact that it's old, but capable & that these were the first MPCs that many young users fall in love with. In the future they will be the ones calling them classics, plus they are also the users that mainly use the MPC in standalone mode, so not being able to use it on a laptop in the future will be like pissing in a river to them (it won't matter).

These are future classic! Like it or not. You're now the present version of the past hater of the 2k/2kXL/1k/2500, that never thought any of those would be loved for their sound in the future. :nod:
Don't be that dude. This site still have posts of 1k/2500 haters frozen in time. The more things change... :lol:

You're lucky I'm not a betting man. History is on my side. Now let's wait & see :smoker:
User avatar
By Telefunky Mon Jul 03, 2023 11:03 am
hyena wrote:... old tech becomes obsolete, and that's universal, but dedicated obsolete tech can hold its value. current line mpc's are too bound to current computer software technology, so when that will move on, the old machines will go down in value much more than old gear that doesn't rely on a general usage operating system. this is only an opinion, but i'm ready to put some money on this bet.

... current line mpc reflects contemporary software applications, in 10 years it will look really old, and almost nobody will keep an old laptop just to connect to the old mpc. on the other hand, you fire up an mpc60, a 4k, even a 1k today and it looks like the dx7, a dedicated musical instrument. ...

This is spot on (but I lack to find any hate in the statement) ;)
It‘s just a description of the path modern DAW MPCs have taken in past years.

I‘ve made a quick time journey by installing anything from the oldest Essentials to MPC2.x software for the silver Studio and it seemed like a constant decay in functionality for my (personal) use.
The old „classics“ have a fixed set of features (their character), as considered efficient during the time of design. Not everything perfect but no surprises, either take it or leave it.
Opposed to this current SoC based MPCs are a permanent construction site... so what is supposed to become a classic at all ?
(unless hell freezes over and someone tames the Linux demons) :popcorn:

There is focus on a fairly inviting ecosystem of add-ons instead of providing „tools“ (obviously successful) which makes full sense from a business pov.
And of course the machines are usable to groove or rock
(but simply lack the ingredients to ever become a classic) :mrgreen:
By B-Wise Mon Jul 03, 2023 11:15 am
Telefunky wrote:
hyena wrote:... old tech becomes obsolete, and that's universal, but dedicated obsolete tech can hold its value. current line mpc's are too bound to current computer software technology, so when that will move on, the old machines will go down in value much more than old gear that doesn't rely on a general usage operating system. this is only an opinion, but i'm ready to put some money on this bet.

... current line mpc reflects contemporary software applications, in 10 years it will look really old, and almost nobody will keep an old laptop just to connect to the old mpc. on the other hand, you fire up an mpc60, a 4k, even a 1k today and it looks like the dx7, a dedicated musical instrument. ...

This is spot on (but I lack to find any hate in the statement) ;)
It‘s just a description of the path modern DAW MPCs have taken in past years.

I‘ve made a quick time journey by installing anything from the oldest Essentials to MPC2.x software for the silver Studio and it seemed like a constant decay in functionality for my (personal) use.
The old „classics“ have a fixed set of features (their character), as considered efficient during the time of design. Not everything perfect but no surprises, either take it or leave it.
Opposed to this current SoC based MPCs are a permanent construction site... so what is supposed to become a classic at all ?
(unless hell freezes over and someone tames the Linux demons) :popcorn:

There is focus on a fairly inviting ecosystem of add-ons instead of providing „tools“ (obviously successful) which makes full sense from a business pov.
And of course the machines are usable to groove or rock
(but simply lack the ingredients to ever become a classic) :mrgreen:

Hater may had been the wrong word, maybe doubter is better, but I stand by the rest of what said. You can give any reason you want why todays MPC won't be considered classics in the future, but you missed my main point:

Don't underestimate the power of MPC nostalgia!

In 2003/2005 nobody thought the MPC 1k/2500 would loved for it's "grimy sound" :smh: ...yet here we are 20 years later.
By Sir Snaxalot Mon Jul 03, 2023 12:08 pm
B-Wise wrote:Don't underestimate the power of MPC nostalgia!



Nostalgia may be a factor, but in doses thats OK. The 60, 3000, SP-1200, ASR-10, EMAX/Emulator, etc. All indeed do have a unique sound and specific quirks that make them highly sought after. In varying degrees, subject to the user of course. To say that it's "just nostalgia", to me; is an attempt to completely objectify a subjective realm and then dismiss it under a handwavy guise of "nostalgia". It doesn't really prove or disprove either case.

I won't go as far as to say that modern MPCs won't become future classics, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I think that they feel a bit more disposable than their older brethren. I can't see them being sought after for their "sound". They sound transparent and pristine (which I actually prefer), but I think we've reached audio quality perfection and it's just diminishing returns from here.

So where does that leave the "future classic" impetus, utility? Well in terms of utility, by nature of technology and its application to musical tools, then it will be infinitely superseded by more modern devices yet to come. The only point of interest I can see, is value and accessibility. Modern MPCs being able to be had for as little as $200 or less would be a tremendous boon to novices and those using them as accessories to their already established setup.
By B-Wise Mon Jul 03, 2023 12:25 pm
Sir Snaxalot wrote:
B-Wise wrote:Don't underestimate the power of MPC nostalgia!


I can't see them being sought after for their "sound". They sound transparent and pristine (which I actually prefer)

They said the same thing about the 1k/2500 20 years old & I that's why I liked them too, nice & clean with no added dirt.
By B-Wise Mon Jul 03, 2023 1:50 pm
Menco wrote:I am sure at this moment someone is making a future classic on an X/Live/One that will be the reason for somebody to say 20yrs from now: “I bought this machine because my favourite album was made on it”.

Exactly & the users that got their first taste of making beats on these units will be the ones in the future shittin' on the new gen of MPC's talking how the X/Live/One sounded grimy & has a better UX because of the old touch screen or w/e.
See if I'm wrong in 2037. I'll wait... :popcorn:
By pedro_oliveira1993 Mon Jul 03, 2023 4:31 pm
I got a 2500 recently and I feel that it responds differently than my Live II. Can't exactly pinpoint what it is, and it's not a question of sounding "better than", but it feels different.

But tbh, it's a topic I don't really care about. I think both sound great. At least to my ears. And if they sound bad it's 100% my fault :lol:

I really don't get why people got so worked up about this.
By 40Beatz Mon Jul 03, 2023 5:59 pm
Bandwagoneers :lol:
By dryad-66 Mon Jul 03, 2023 6:25 pm
pedro_oliveira1993 wrote:I got a 2500 recently and I feel that it responds differently than my Live II. Can't exactly pinpoint what it is, and it's not a question of sounding "better than", but it feels different.
.

Theres definately something unique to them….
By 40Beatz Mon Jul 03, 2023 7:17 pm
Using the Classics....forces you to Use Your Ears when makin Beats. In my opinion....thats why they sound better. Dot Matrix LCD Screens, Knobs and Buttons allows you to navigate differently, yet concentrating on the Sonics of the Machine. Less Internal bloat, Primitive Analog AD/DA convertors, with just the right amount of Distortion/Drive made (the Original)AKAI sound Hard Hittin and Dirty. Makin you More Creative.
Now....Its all about Visual Sonics. InMusic has taken the Creativity out of makin music. Beautiful Touch Screens, Clean Sound, Pre-Made Sounds, Chord Progressions, Boo-Koo Space, Companies Digging the Samples for you, etc.

In all honesty....I appreciate ALL Akai/InMusic Products tho. I believe they're doing an Excellent Job. Lets Make More Music Together!!!
By B-Wise Mon Jul 03, 2023 10:04 pm
40Beatz wrote:Using the Classics....forces you to Use Your Ears when makin Beats. In my opinion....thats why they sound better. Dot Matrix LCD Screens, Knobs and Buttons allows you to navigate differently, yet concentrating on the Sonics of the Machine. Less Internal bloat, Primitive Analog AD/DA convertors, with just the right amount of Distortion/Drive made (the Original)AKAI sound Hard Hittin and Dirty. Makin you More Creative.
Now....Its all about Visual Sonics. InMusic has taken the Creativity out of makin music. Beautiful Touch Screens, Clean Sound, Pre-Made Sounds, Chord Progressions, Boo-Koo Space, Companies Digging the Samples for you, etc.

This is so subjective. If you can't make the new MPC's sound hard hitting & dirty that sucks for you. Using your ears doesn't have no effect on the sound quality. Just because you like the old tech don't let that blind you of the facts. 24bit can deal with higher volumes, which means harder drums/samples without distortion.

If you want distortion use the distortion option in the sample edit & or the Insert/Drum FX. This isn't as direct & convenient as just using a volume knob, but now your not limited on relying on 1 flavor of built-in dirt, but instead they start you off clean & let you make your own flavor(s) of dirt, which allow us to be even more creative not less.

How would a touch screen & all other stuff that you mentioned, you don't even have to use & even if you did use the clean sounds & chords progressions you could I use them in creative ways?

Akai can't take the creativity out of the machine because it was never in the box. It's you the artist that's the source of creativity & can't no company take that from you!

Your post is the reason why I say power of MPC nostalgia is 1 Hell of a drug :smoker: Which is why I predict that these current MPCs & even the Force (when most MPC heads finally take the time to realize how powerful it is) will be considered classics! All the current younger versions of people like you that started & loved with the current MPCs, will be the ones saying their classics in the future.

Please keep in mind I'm not saying this as some MPC fanboy, I don't even like the MPC for making beats, I only love the samper, but the sequencer sucks for my way of creating compositions. I say this based on MPC history, which this site provides a lot of.
By pedro_oliveira1993 Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:43 am
dryad-66 wrote:
pedro_oliveira1993 wrote:I got a 2500 recently and I feel that it responds differently than my Live II. Can't exactly pinpoint what it is, and it's not a question of sounding "better than", but it feels different.
.

Theres definately something unique to them….


It's the way chops trigger. Don't know if it's something with the envelope combined with the pitching up and down or whatever. But as soon as I pressed the pad it felt different.

Then again, it might be nothing. To me, whatever that is, it sounds more enjoyable. I have no motive to lie or convince myself that this or that is better just to take part in this war or justify a purchase. Because, honestly, I don't care.

I did enjoy Ave Mcree's video on the 3000 though. Pure trolling.