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 chrisroland Mon Nov 06, 2023 4:50 am
only $40 and i'll (hopefully) be using it at some point. just weird that every other FX can sync to the Global/Sequence BPM when I'm triggering samples externally and not receiving external clock but apparently Flex Beat . . . just doesn't?
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By Neodymium Mon Nov 06, 2023 6:03 am
I'm on the fence with this one as an FX. There is something gimmickey about it, but I can also see the attraction. But I'm not spending money on anything that could be problematic. I also sync to and external clock, so I'll pass for now.
By ShengTao Mon Nov 06, 2023 1:07 pm
Neodymium wrote:I'm on the fence with this one as an FX. There is something gimmickey about it, but I can also see the attraction. But I'm not spending money on anything that could be problematic. I also sync to and external clock, so I'll pass for now.


You made the right choice. Some of the scratch fx are OK, and it has potential, if they keep working on it. But IMO it's got a long way to go to justify the price tag. Definitely gimmicky as you said. I'll be trying the demos before jumping to buy from now on... I think I got a little over confident after Delay Pro, which was worth every penny.
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By Lampdog Mon Nov 06, 2023 1:27 pm
Gimmicky. Has potential. I guess not a total waste. I don’t need it. We’re getting closer and closer to “create a beat for me” type shyt.

Delay Pro, which was worth every penny.

YES it is!
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By Neodymium Mon Nov 06, 2023 2:06 pm
ShengTao wrote:
Neodymium wrote:I'm on the fence with this one as an FX. There is something gimmickey about it, but I can also see the attraction. But I'm not spending money on anything that could be problematic. I also sync to and external clock, so I'll pass for now.


You made the right choice. Some of the scratch fx are OK, and it has potential, if they keep working on it. But IMO it's got a long way to go to justify the price tag. Definitely gimmicky as you said. I'll be trying the demos before jumping to buy from now on... I think I got a little over confident after Delay Pro, which was worth every penny.


I'd like to here it on synths and other sources, than mostly simple beats from demos, but concerns on it being stable mean I won't waste my time on it. I like OPX4 but they could do with visiting the layout in stand alone, I really like the Jura, but they could do with revisting it and looking at the saturation, drive and analog after so much feedback it's too mild. I don't get the feeling they do much revisiting of released plugins after they are out the gate.

Haven't pulled the trigger on the Delay Pro yet. Current work contract is up mid December, if re-signed in the next week or so, then I've my eye on 2 analogue synths, Kick 2, and then I'll have to decide on the Delay Pro. I've no immediate need for it, and the price will come around again. I've going carried away too many times at this time of year.
By ShengTao Mon Nov 06, 2023 4:29 pm
Lampdog wrote:Gimmicky. Has potential. I guess not a total waste. I don’t need it. We’re getting closer and closer to “create a beat for me” type shyt.

Delay Pro, which was worth every penny.

YES it is!


Yeah, Delay Pro is like magic sprinkles. I legit fear that I'll over-use it sometimes, though it has the quality of not always being too obvious. The presets are very well done. Would love to see more fx like it, which is basically a deep deep dive into something familiar w/awesome presets and new parameters.
Flex Beat on the other hand, is more about a new way to apply FX. Kind of like XYFX, but with predetermined gestures. I feel like it should have been a new mode, not a plug-in effect.
By slacktmusic Tue Nov 07, 2023 9:47 am
Yeah I think I'll pass too... But I'm having so much damn fun with Jura, Fabric, Delay Pro and Flavor Pro
Just the plugins deactivating randomly for me is a real huge annoyance...
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By MPC-Tutor Tue Nov 07, 2023 10:08 am
Neodymium wrote: I don't get the feeling they do much revisiting of released plugins after they are out the gate.


Certainly seems that way, have we seen any improvements or new features on any of the premium plugins yet? It's now 18 months since original release. If you'd paid $500+ for any other suite of plugins you'd be expecting an ongoing cycle of bug fixes, updates and new features.
By sl23 Tue Nov 07, 2023 3:14 pm
Exactly why I won't be buying anymore plugins from akai/air!

After reading that fabric is pretty much xpand with a new interface and samples. Not to mention how many of these plugins are just rehashes, I saw it myself looking at the website and then it was mentioned here. I'll have fun with my live 2, but once it's gone I won't be buying any more akai/air gear!

I know that all companies are ripping people off, but to be so blatantly obvious about it is even worse!
By sl23 Wed Nov 08, 2023 7:57 am
No drama, just truth.
You see what you want to see.
The only way to stop these companies taking advantage is to stop buying their products. I for one am doing that from now on. Have some balls and stand up for your rights while you can cos you don't know how close you are to losing them for good.
Again, no drama, just truth.

Akai hardware is superb, the software just as good, I don't deny, but I won't be taken for a ride.
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By mr_debauch Wed Nov 08, 2023 11:56 pm
ShengTao wrote:
Flex Beat on the other hand, is more about a new way to apply FX.


maybe a new way on the mpc, but not new...

Image-Line released Gross Beat back in 2008 (15 years ago) (edit: they say 2009, but still) and that first version is better than flex beat is now. Image-line has also updated gross beat this year. If you watch this video you can see what this flex is trying to do...

By CPM0003 Thu Feb 08, 2024 10:07 am
Hi, I'm new to this forum, this is my first post.
Does anyone have the direct download link for Flex Beat?

Thanks in advance :worthy: