Akai
Force, MPC X, and MPC Live updated now with Ableton Live Set Export
Akai Professional is proud to announce two new firmware updates for the Force as well as the MPC X and Live products. The updates feature multiple workflow enhancements alongside Ableton Live Set Export functionality, enabling users to move their projects from the MPC and Force ecosystems to the Ableton Live platform. To learn more about MPC Live and MPC X have a look at our MPC Live and MPC X Review. With an MPC Live or X, it is exceptionally agile and easy to produce songs without the need to use a computer-based DAW. These resulting productions are ready to mix and master.
MPC X is the battleship including extensive connectivity and the possibility of recording of audio tracks in your studio or when you perform live. MPC Live is the hands-on smaller device which can be used mobile to produce beats and works just fine in a studio or on live stage
MPC Live and MPC X are absolutely beat and song maker machines. Both let you perform with the support of a sampler workstation and more to produce a beat or song. All features required by the modern producer are included in those little devices, there is really no computer needed.
Users can now enjoy a seamless transition from the MPC and Force work environment into that of Ableton Live to take advantage of their favorite Ableton features as well as their virtual instruments and plugin collections. Akai Professional is proud to add one more tool into the immense palette for users to take their creativity and performance to unparalleled heights.
New in MPC firmware 2.6
- Grid Automation – Users can now input, edit and view automation in Grid Edit and Audio Edit.
- Step Automation – Users can now input, edit and view automation in the Step Sequencer.
- Support for up to eight sub-mixes in the mixer window.
- All-New TUI layouts for Akai Vintage effects.
New in Force firmware 3.0.3
- Grid Automation – Users can now input, edit and view automation in Clip Event/Region editors.
- Step Automation – Users can now input, edit and view automation in the Step Sequencer.
- Functionality to export all clips or export a single clip – users can now export the clips in their Force project to audio, MIDI or MPC Pattern files.
- Matrix Mode enhancements – Users can now copy, paste, create and delete clips from the Matrix mode.
- Convert to Keygroup function – On a Drum track, users can quickly convert a sample assigned to a pad into a Keygroup track so they can play the sample chromatically.
- Improved external keyboard support for scales selected in Force.
- New Step Sequencer Mode – Mono Lanes, perfect for single line melodies and basslines.
- Support for up to eight submixes in the mixer window.
- Force now works as an audio interface in Computer Mode.
- All-New TUI layouts for Akai Vintage effects.
Akai
MPC Live II Mobile Practice Machine – During Convid-19
AKAI MPC Live II – The Perfect Mobile Studio
We are all facing difficult times, for many for several months. This is the new normal at least for industry-developed countries until the third quarter of 2021, in other places well into 2022. While the whole industry we are working in is changing we need to adapt to a new working together or on how we are collaborating on how we team with the client if we meet in person. I just want to highlight a key finding of mine when I did review the AKAI MPC Live II.
The new mobile music beat making machine help you always to improve your skills. Why not get better when you left your home and sit on the beach, or covid-19 conform somewhere on your outside. The new AKAI MPC Live II is your tool to work on your skillset everywhere. I did take the AKAI MPC Live II with me when I did go to the lake, letting the dog have some fun in the water. It has driven to a location outside, taking the device out of my bag and get started. No setup is needed or an external power supply is required.
When you meet with your clients, probably somewhere outside, you can share the project and get feedback while meeting the client and not being forced to a studio environment where your client may not want to visit you right now. It is a modern instrument you can take anywhere and use for 4-5 hours.
Akai Live II is one of the top mobile music production and performance devices in the market. A comprehensive upgrade from the legacy MPC Live. AKAI MPC Live II is unmatched in versatility and the ability to inspire you on the go. The MPC Live II is a fabulous mobile & DAWless MPC sequencer/sampler. The Akai Live II is an excellent entrance into the MPC range to leverage the MPC workflow.
Akai
Review of Akai MPC Live II & Akai MPC One
Akai MPC Live II & Akai MPC One Review
We covered in our MPC Live and MPC X by Akai Pro Review (2019) the previously released MPC machines. Both devices did already show back in March 2019 how far the non-computer or DAWless machines have developed these days. With an MPC Live or X, it is exceptionally agile and easy to produce songs without using a computer-based DAW.
These days you have the choice of performing with many instruments to perform DAW-less. Devices like the MPC Live II, which come with an included battery, have the edge during the pandemic where you may want to meet friends outside instead of sitting near in a cafe or studio with them.
AKAI MPC Live II – The Perfect Mobile Studio
When I looked back in 2019, MPC Live was the smaller device used mobile to produce beats and works just fine in a studio or on a live stage. The new Akai MPC Live II replaces the now discontinued MPC Live. Akai’s current MPC lineup currently consists of three well-defined MPCs: the MPC One, the MPC Live II, and the MPC X.
Soundbar Speaker
The noticeable update for the MPC Live II is the visible black built-in speaker. This speaker helps when you have no headphones with you when you are mobile. The included Live II’s speaker sounds good, giving average volume, a solid stereo image, and low-end ubiquity. The speakers are not an apparatus. They are ideal for an outside jam or with friends, and you all want to listen to the sound. You do not buy Live II for the speaker. You obtain it for the whole package.
MPC Live MK II Mobile Practice Machine – Convid-19
The new mobile music beat making machine help you always to improve your skills. Why not get better when you left your home and sit on the beach, or covid-19 conform somewhere on your outside. The new MPC Live II is your tool to work on your skillset everywhere. I did take the Live II with me when I did go to the lake, letting the dog have some fun in the water. It has driven to a location outside, taking the device out of my bag and get started. No setup is needed or an external power supply is required.
When you meet with your clients, probably somewhere outside, you can share the project and get feedback while meeting the client and not being forced to a studio environment where your client may not want to visit you right now. It is a modern instrument you can take anywhere and use for 4-5 hours.
Akai Live II is one of the top mobile music production and performance devices in the market. A comprehensive upgrade from the legacy MPC Live. Akai Live II is unmatched in versatility and the ability to inspire you on the go. The MPC Live II is a fabulous mobile & DAWless MPC sequencer/sampler. The Akai Live II is an excellent entrance into the MPC range to leverage the MPC workflow.
Ableton Integration
MPC Live II is Ableton Integration ready. WiFi (only available on the Live II) brings you tightly synced Ableton Link integration. ALS export makes sharing your projects super simple. Ableton Control means seamless clip launching and parameter control right from MPC Live II.
Ableton Live Control Features
- Matrix Tab – The Matrix tab displays an 8×8 section of Live’s Session View marked in the Live GUI by the colored session ring. Users have a complete overview of—and immediate access to—the scenes, clips, play status, recording status as well as control over playback, recording quantize functions, and scene/ clip management.
- Mixer Tab – The Mixer Tab provides instant access to Live’s key mixing functions, divided into three views for control of Levels, Main mixer parameters, and Sends. Using Force’s touch interface, control any slider/knob or bring up a full-screen editor for precise adjustments.
- Device Control Tab – The device tab controls the device on the current track at Ableton Live’s Blue Hand position, providing control and key visual feedback on Ableton Instruments and third-party plugins.
- Control Bar – At the top of the touch user interface, users can customize the Control Bar to display preset displays for Session, Arrangement, and Performance modes including BPM, Phase Nudge Down/Up, Metronome, Follow, Overdub, Automation Arm, and more.
Akai MPC One
The Akai MPC One is the most petite and most straightforward of the current MPC range. As it does not come with a battery – it is not a mobile performance system. You need to supply power while you use the device. Looking at a competition like the Maschine+, this device is half the price of a Machine+ and still substantially less than a Synthstrom’s Deluge and is coming with a different UI and the MPC software experience. The main difference to Akai Live II and missing an internal speaker is getting smaller pads and no battery & no Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support. You get more interface buttons with the One as its layout allows for more real estate. The extra buttons are helpful.
Eurorack and Semi-Modular Connectivity (MPC One & Live II)
Akai included CV/gate ports that you can use with your Eurorack, AE Modular, or Semi-Modular gear. No need to add midi to the CV device on top. The four ports need to be split by a cable in CV and gate. The Eurorack and Semi-Modular connectivity are essential when you want to use the device with your modular gear.
Touchscreen Akai MPC One & Live II
You can use the pad, knobs, and buttons, and in my experience, I used the touchscreen and pads at the same rate. The touchscreen helps when you want to make editing sequences, select notes/events, modify automation, enter parameter,s or enter a simple file name. The touchscreen is identical on both devices, and I used it a lot on the typical MPC workflow.
Rating: Five out of five stars
The MPC hardware Platform and the support software updates are getting better. With the new software updates, Akai is adding more helpful features to both devices. The Akai MPC One is a fantastic value for the price. The higher-priced Live II is your machine when you are mobile, especially in the current time where you want to meet outside. Both devices enable a whole new generation of beatmakers to produces beats and tracks.
Overall, with the MPC Live II, MPC One, and MPC X, you get your hands on a DAWless device without the need to run a computer while performing. The MPC lineup has you satisfied when it comes to sequencing your tracks and song, the fully grown sampler, recording, and editing abilities can be all used intuitively through the easy to use interface.
Akai
Beat Making with the New AKAI MPK mini MK3
Beat Making
Akai Professional released some weeks ago a new version of the best-selling MIDI controller, mini mk3 MIDI Controller.
For the beginner, MPK mini is a complete package with every tool needed to create hit songs from the start. For the working professional, MPK mini is the ultimate musical Swiss Army knife, packed with all the features to deliver on any musical task. From its inception, the MPK mini inspired a generation of producers, redefining how creators make music. MPK mini mk3 refines the tried and tested design of its predecessors with an updated feature spec that leaves any roadblocks by the wayside and places creativity firmly in the driver’s seat. Your hit song starts here!
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