Thoughts on the MPC X Special Edition
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 เม.ย. 2023
- Giving some quick thoughts on today's Akai MPC X SE (Special Edition) announcement. I don't currently have the X SE, or have any experience with it, but I do have a lot of experience with the MPC One, Live 2, and Key 61.
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Thanks for watching! If I missed something important, or got some details wrong... my apologies! I'll update this comment with any important info (if needed).
Cheers!
Tefty
Akai is wild (genius?) for getting all those other channels to newly-review essentially their flagship from 2017. brilliant, actually
Facts. Lol just a facelift. I can get a retro skin put on my x for 60 bucks.
To me... this is what the ren should of been way back!
I told you it would just be Retro.
*have
@@Webzterr gtfoh... goofy! 🤪
@@nucentury08Well the photos did leak months ago
Exactly
First honest review that i've seen on this machine. Here's a sub.
I too am excited for 3.0. Assuming they're using semantic versioning, 3 would represent a major change rather than a minor or patch change. To me I read that as potentially major refactoring of the core of the system - not necessarily UI / UX differences but if I'm right about that, that may have been done to support exciting functionality that they couldn't build on the old 'foundations'. The core of the system they wrote in 2017 was not necessarily built to support the functionality they've built out now and probably contributed to a difficulty developing for the system, hence the bugs.
What I imagine is that things will largely stay the same but allow for more stable development going forward, plus probably a few big ticket features. I don't know how disk streaming would be possible in any meaningful way except for stem playback because surely things have to be in RAM to support playback from any part of the audio, but maybe disk streaming in a linear manner would increase options for audio tracks. This is all conjecture though.
i watched everyone who got the box today. you did this great brotha! i have a MPC X. i was so happy to see ppl show it off. youd know how to use it. my man!
I just subscribed to your channel because your description of the MPC XSE was spot on! You were very informative and helpful and different from how everyone described the new XSE. You are very frank in how descriptive of for who the MPXSE is a best fit. Thank you
With the sounds and the ram upgrade I think the extra 300 makes sense
Numeric pad is extremely useful for advanced sample chopping., e.g. take a sample and say eq/ filter and run the top end through one FX chain and the bottom through a different chain, when you want to get it triggering from exactly the same point.
I ordered it last night. Couldn’t resist. I think the color matters.
Great video alongside all your others!
I regretfully sold my Live 2 about 12 months ago and bought another recently because of its portability. Eventhough also just bought a Key 61 which is definitely the best value version of the MPC atm. The MPC X is a better buy used although the SE is IMO a better longterm decision as you mentioned if you are after a studio MPC centrepiece. I think AKAI will announce a new MPC Live and MPC X next year.
Hopefully they will also release a 88key fully weighted workstation with higher specs than the SE, a MPC SE on steroids with a weighted key-bed, 64-128GRAM 16 Q-Links, 10inch tilt screen to, go up against S88 and the like.
🤞
Ordered. I’m new to MPC. Will be using to sequencing all my synths.
with the new color way, it also looks a lot like the MPC Renaissance
I think that's the best part. I love the renaissance
Great review! I couldn’t agree with you more because the cost & slight upgrades doesn’t move the needle to motivate me to buy it. I’ll stick with my MPC One since I have a family to support and its budget friendly too. Great content!
I love arrow keys on my 2500, Ren and X. All preference I guess. Keeps your flow. I have the Keys 61 too and will one day appreciate the quad core and ram bump in a used SE I will get 😂
I really thought they'd add a speaker since this is supposed to be the all in one. Would have been the icing on the cake
Great video, thank you for keeping us informed! I have had an X since 2017 and a Live 2 for a few weeks. The MPC X SE looks fantastic and even as an X owner im tempted with the SE although something inside is screaming 'dont do it, its the same with an extra stick of ram'. Trouble is - that stick of ram probably makes a big difference when using lots of instruments (although presonally i rarely push my mpc to the limit). If I do purchase it - it will be because of the ram upgrade and the instruments which will come with the SE (hopefully I can also use these on my Live 2), im also on the edge as im unsure how long this will be available for - a video on youtube featuring Andy Mac by Andertons (music shop based in the uk) where the presenter asks Andy how long it will be available for and in a rather cryptic way Andy doesnt say 'its limited edition' but says 'its a special edition, people will have to move fast' ...which to me either sounds like its limited or they just want lots of people to buy in fear of not being able to get it in years to come
I'm so glad someone made the MPC Sex joke. glad I got mine, gonna make plenty of love to it. I needed those 16 q links in my life, with that retro screen
Picked up the SE coming from the Live MK1
That’s a pretty good point… a touch strip would have been a great addition
I tried running Fabric XL and Stage Piano on my MPC Live 2. I found load up times a fair bit slower than my MPC Key 61 and also a bit glitchy, which I suspect is due to the upgraded RAM on the 61. Shame as I was considering a cheap secondhand MPC X for £700 for easier workflow and installing Fabric XL etc. Think I'll standby for second hand SE version later in the year as the SE is currently retailing for £2000 new in the UK. I think the KEY 61 is the sweet spot at the minute.
I just bought yesterday after knew the price of the X SE a MPC key 61
Arrow keys and locate bar, can't fathom why these are gone on Live. Heck, Studio Black the best thing for those features.
At $1000 more than the MPC Key 61, why not just get the Key 61 if you’re looking for a flagship MPC? (Assuming you have room for the keyboard). I hope they come out with a a MPC Live 3 with the added RAM/storage in the Live II form factor.
The extra Ram is great. But the CPU is the real limitation. But we will have wait for a completely new MPC for that. MPC 2 etc.
Oh, would love having arrow pad and number pad on the Live. I even tried connecting external keyboard (or rather map buttons on MPK249 to keypresses) but only tab button works (get to next element on screen). Why? Because pressing keys is faster, more precise and involves muscle memory (with touch screen you need to look on screen) - especially fir step sequencer I se benefits. Basically I am thinking about getting X, but still don’t know id SE is the XL that Akai mentioned in their firmware.
I was thinking its just the MPC Ren with a iPad & digital feedback over the Q Links.
Keeping the cursor and numeric buttons on it is nutz lmao
You also get all of the new plugins which is great because i haven't purchased any of the new mpc plugins. The one thing I would like to know is the Quad ARM processor that is part of the MPC X SE, is it also part of the original MPC X? For me I don't need to get another keyboard device, Unless it was a MOOG One. In my opinion unless you need an all in one device the MPC key 61 is too big, doesn't have the work flow I would want or the form factor I'd want. The MPC X SE is exactly the right device. I just wish the Ram was expandable, 8 g or 16 g would be great. It would have been awesome if the MPC X SE had 8gig of RAM and an even faster processor. Personally I would NOT want a touch strip. I prefer the One to One button function. That is exactly why I don't like the MPC Live, and I don't like the buttons on the left side and the Screen to the right. I have the MPC one and love it but I am ready for the upgrade.
My vote for a future update would be an improvement in work flow for finishing completing songs, more tracks, more RAM and a beefy processor. I do not need a touch strip; and, please do not take buttons away. One to one buttons/ and knobs is awesome. I don't want to menu dive.
I have a MPC Live 2, and also the full Ableton Suite so no need for myself to get one of these. I really hope it is as you say, this is just an easy update for them in terms of using existing designs. A sort of quick refresh before they release some new innovative hardware. I really think they should have thrown in all the plugins though, especially Model D.
I know they don't have the R&D power of phone manufacturers but when you look at the upgrades that are made in that industry, like every year they upgrade to a faster processor, better screens with higher refresh rates and more storage/memory yet they keep the prices almost the same. I really hope they have some new stuff brewing as this design (The X) is 6 years old.
Great video and great points! Question: so this MPC is the fastest and most practical for present day beatmaking, but how does it sound? Like does it have a “cool sound” to it like the 1K or 3k? I’m genuinely curious!
As always people disagree on this. Some say we shouldn't complain since we're getting the 'cleanest' sound to date. Others say the mojo has been lost in in the last few iterations of the flagship MPCs. YMMV.
@@fragmatic1964 feel this 1000%
If your paying $350 extra to get the rest of the plugin content for your mpc x, you are spending the $300 increase in price to get what is already on the mpc x se for free, the $300 increase in price maybe for the software instruments and not the hardware instrument. That maybe where the difference in price comes from, just a observation…
3.0 needs Stems For Sure! 😊
If I had the space it would be a treat.
Agreed Mick 👍
Agreement
Including the instrument collection is the whole price bump being warranted and added ram and hard rive space to store and use that over more tracks.
There would need to be a new MPC X altogether to add all new things.
I would really want them to add the DAW like function of the FORCE, that would tip the vote from me.
At the moment I would want to build a studio around this and a FORCE and that's not really a very wise money dump.
I would also want a couple flagship keyboard workstations to have enough of a palate to warrant a hardware setup like this.
The analogue bits are a bigger part of the sound but you really can't be limited when thinking of a centre of a studio setup.
I have have thought of connecting it all via the new SSL live consoles but not sure yet if something like this would be the centre of a studio like that.
Ideally I'd like to the a FORCE/MPC X/(invented)AKAI MULTITRAXCK RECORDER combo in a future product.
There's this feature of being able to expand the IO of this and the FORCE by adding class compliant audio interfaces to the USB ports but they only have the means of multi tracks out not multi track recording, if that was a future idea for a product then you might even be able to centre an entre production studio around it.
Even just a multi track recorder that can sync with the MPC line that run on Dante or MADI so you can add your own DSP processing in between it all as well as their own.
I'd like a multi track recorder to have Dante or MADI to chose my own conversation at least.
This is just a idea for a completely hardware studio but maybe a bit silly to think of as when up in that money you might as well buy a second hand Protools HDX system and make that the centre piece.
No touch strip or internet is a head scratcher. My og MPC Live can be updated through wifi and this can't? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Have there been any rumors around an updated flagship MPC?
I just wish they changed the entire the UI for MPC haha. I like the MPC in theory. Any time I work on any MPC I realize the workflow just feels really outdated. I get that you can make great stuff with anything with enough work, but personally I think Akai is cashing in on nostalgia for way too long... Some day I wanna get a Live 2 used and try again... but for now I'm going SP404 MK2 until MPC shows an update proportional to the upgrade in the SP404SX and the SP404 MK2. I think the loyalty to MPC is their biggest detriment in notable change in the MPC workflow.
Also, I just don't understand getting such a huge MPC, which basically operates as an unmovable and slow/clunky/outdated DAW. I just think it's unexcusable and Akai is milking for minimal update in efficiency.
No hate towards you though, Tefty. This negativity is not aimed in your direction haha.
I'd like to see the touch strip, hdmi, & Disc streaming... Maybe a more brighter screen... gray knobs would of looked better that the black. Poss a speaker? Like on the live.
So, 300 extra for massive plugins bundle and a beautiful retro cooler and faster load time? Sounds good to me.
Yep no reason for me to move from the Studio MKII. I like working with the mouse and controller combination. Maybe some day I will move towards a standalone but I don't see any reason to now.
Think I’ll stick with my 6gb iPad running beatmaker 3 mapped to my mpd232
It looks really good…but I’m not sure I need it. The IO is great, but the desk space! It’s such a space hog.
Same honestly. I could totally use all the extras, but I'd have to rearrange my studio to make good use of it.
You could buy 3 MPC One's for the price of one MPC X SE. I mean, nice machine, but is it really worth the extra?
why not 8 or 16gb ram?
If it cared about its users, Akai would prioritise improving its OS, so that you can finally arrange songs (and I mean really arrange, not copy/paste/mute tracks) instead of launching another beefed up device that is still shackled by its outdated workflow architecture.
Of course there is less money to be made from improving the workflow. But MPC’s market share cannot be retained long term when its workflow remains inferior to Maschine and even the modest Sonicware SmplTrek.
Perhaps Akai is aware that the MPC platform is a dead end in the long term, which is why it developed the more solid Akai Force platform?
MPC one is far more of a bargin vs MPC X SE. Sure if money ain't a thing, go for it. MPC one does a lot and can be bought used for around 500$. But thanks for the review.
Akai has great marketing and product teams. They basically sell same thing for different demographics. For pro users even X SE is cheap. In the same time all those boxes (bar Force) run on same firmware. And they still support their older stuff (thanks to not changing internally to much).
the akai force is leagues better then all the MPCs imo. Ditched the X for one and never looked back.
Not sure, X or SE, the X or SE will complete my grove box setup! i M never in a hurry to create music so loading time does not matter, MY MV8000 take forever!
They were $1999.00 when first released 2017
I can't believe this fatal mistakes of Akai. The MPC key 61 without 16 Q-Links and the MPC X se without the touch strip controller.
Basically if you have already bought any of the plugins as I have (Mini D, OPX4, Flavour PRO, etc) this is not worth buying and you're better off buying a second hand X.
emphasis on " special edition" like a car, nostalgic reasons etc , not intended to be the new x
In euros you pay about 800more for Se Vs X
It wouldn't make much sense if Akai price the new SE similar to the previous MPC X because that would definitely kill the sales of the previous MPC X and they don't want retailers to be stuck with new old stock, I sold my previous MPC X couple of months ago in anticipation of this new release and I'm glad I did because the prices have really dropped for the old MPC X. I have an excellent relationship with Musician’s friends and they always give me a nice discount because I never return anything I buy from them if it's not broken or defective I keep it and they appreciate it and that's why they give me discounts, so remember ladies and gentlemen if you want to get gear at discount prices don't abuse your retailers with bullshit returns.
I am so torn on the MPC X since I own it. I absolutely love the X hardware and the way I can use it as a fully functional controller. Yet the OS has so many shortcomings. Like the reverb is just so really bad. There is no mod matrix or even something simple like a freely assignable LFO or an envelope Follower. The MPC SW is the worst DAW ever in terms of support and features and the Ableton integration is practically not working or as rudimentary as it gets. With the experience Akai has in creating Ableton controllers they could have done waaaay better. The great thing about the MPC is I can just switch it on and get creative. But once the beat is arranged and it goes towards mixing I just can‘t comprehend how much I dislike it… export to Ableton and all effects are gone. Use it in controller mode with the SW and I can’t use most of my VSTs because no VST3 support. It drives me mad that I love and hate it so much at the same time.
Regarding the X vs X SE I would get an SE if I didn’t already have an X. But just keep in mind folks: a new X + all plugins and I mean ALL is still cheaper than an SE with half the plugins. I use the X with samples, Midi and plugins and I have yet to max the 2G out. Hope they get innovative with 3.0 whenever it comes out.
I want akai force OS on this hardware . asap
I know people have hacked the MPC to run Force OS but I've never tried it myself, obviously you'd have to say goodbye to your warranty!
MPC X SE looks like MPC RENAISSANCE, isn't ? 🤔
Its all the same, its the CPU board from the Key61 with the rest from the X
And no TC button on the X meh
Not interested. For that price it should have 32GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and disk streaming. I will stick with my Live II and Force.
Not worth the almost $50.00 more then MPC X and I am sure that AKAI from their past performances is just about ready to release an all new MPC soon. Just like LIVE ll which happened not to long into the LIVE l release. No thanks I got screwed on the last one. It was just 2 months after my purchase of LIVE l. Surprise out came the LIVE ll with more control buttons and MIDI Ports. Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me. So no thanks not being fooled twice. Anyway who wants to go backwards in looks and size. I think the black looks much better then the old IBM Computer Creamy White ugly color and the new slim profile was sharp looking. Big mistake AKAI. Why not just buy the MPC Keys for $1499.00 same hardware and and ram it also has a keyboard bonus. More with even better savings of $1100.00 can't beat that. Think before you jump into this expensive weird retro machine. You can never bring back the past Machines that were amazing for the time. It's not the MPC 60 oh yes I remember now the MPC 60 ll came out a short time later sound familiar. Just my thoughts on this one. Great Demo as always, Thanks.
It’s not a premium charge it’s CALLED INFLATION!!!!!!!!!
This is a cash grab this color should have came out at the same time of the original x ridiculous
Garbage update to this device. Phones have had 4gb of ram since 2015 and a 64gb SSD is $15 retail. At this price point these upgrades were an insult.
BASICALLY ITS NOT WORTH IT...THANKS AKAI
Gonna need that 4gb for the new o.s3.0