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Ive had the Live 2 for about a month now and absolutely love it. The one thing I hear in every video is about tis weight and chunkiness. I personally think for what it is (an absolute workhorse) that it isn't too heavy really. I quite enjoy walking around the house holding it as im finger drumming , going to the couch going to the back yard. I was kind of anticipating it to be alot heavier by everyones explanation , I haven't tried to actually take it anywhere yet. But as far as around the house thumbs up from me.
I think you're spot on. If you added the extra bits of kit that would be needed for the MPC One to offer the same facilities as the Live 2 it may end up heavier, plus it would be rather cumbersome to carry and defeat being mobile. Every piece of kit is a compromise and if you made it lighter would that not impact on it's quality, durability and use for gigging? 8lbs doesn't seem too heavy to me and clearly it ain't a problem for you taking it with you round your house. May you continue to enjoy your Live 2.
I'm gonna use a buck/boost converter and power my MPC one from my ebike. I like the privacy of headphones, but can still plug in a boom speaker if I want... Love my MPC one, best bit of kit I've bought in years.
When you are in your menu screen, hold the menu button and tap the pad that corresponds to the function you want i.e. Main or Menu button + pad [13, 14, 4] directs you to [sample edit, program edit, pad color]). See if it works for you :)
Man. The speakers are making me lean twoard the live 2. That is an awesome addition. Using the live 2 without headphones anywhere in public just sounds spiritual
Just bought an MPC One and a battery with the right voltage to attach to it so I can take it anywhere, if I connect my bluetooth box via aux I basically have the same portability as the live 2
If you change your mind on the Live II: the One now has a cable from MyVolts that works with appropriate USB power bricks. I charge mine off a larger Anker and it's perfect for portability. It just takes another minute to connect 2 cables.
Program Edit is the only button I really miss on the MPC Live 2. I wish the firmware would allow you to reassign useless buttons like Plus and Minus for that. Other than that I would argue that the Live 2 has as good of a or even a better workflow vs the MPC One because of the more practical placement of the touchscreen and q-link wheels.
Literally just pressed the "confirm payment" button on a Live 2 Retro after having watched this video (and like 20 others) about 10 times. It was a VERY challenging decision but I just wanted that fucking built in battery for beats in bed. Quite a price jump for a battery but it's the difference of feeling fresh air and inspired while sitting in a sun patch somewhere or being in the synth cave at a desk. To be fair, it's a lovely room, but the desk is too close to making it feel like work sometimes. I imagine that black rubberized coating is a nightmare to keep clean and potentially disgusting and sticky after a few years which is why I went with the Retro. This is my first box outside of the Elektron world so I'm feeling pretty intimidated. I have a an A4, OT, DT and DN, and I really get along with the workflow but Elektron has a sound that I'm just not in love with. It works... I make it work, but I'm trying to get something a bit different and I think branching out could help. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the great videos and in particular this review, it was very helpful.
Hold menu and hit the corresponding pad from your menu page. This is the short cut. So to get to program edit hold menu then hit pad 14. So the sampler would be hold menu then hit pad 9. etc.
Thanks for the review Champ 👍🏾 I have the MPC X and I was torn between purchasing the Live 2 or the MPC One for mobility and my Dj set up. As a result of your review, I’m going to go with the MPC Live MkII.
Zoom H2n works pretty well as a combined mic with preamp. For a mono cardioid use Mid-Side mode with the ratio set to 100% mid or RAW mode. Line out to the MPC. Not a U87 but very usable. The H2n accessory kit includes a "handle" which will fit a stick-mic suspension mount.
For me it's the exact opposite. I first bought an original MPC Live and I didn't really gel with it. At first I tought it was my fault that the pad sometimes are not very responsive, but as I watched others on TH-cam using the MPC Live 1, it occurred to me it might not be. A week ago I bought an MPC One and man, this is a night and day difference. Pads are much more responsive and also the touch screen works much better compared to the Live 1. And to be honest, I like the formfactor more of the MPC One but that's just a personal preference.
Learn the short cuts on live... Hold shift and press the pads to get to any of the menu...the pads take you straight to the looper, mutes etc...I like live because if you play on a club you can see what buttons are😉
Great vid! If you add an AIR channel strip and an AIR compressor to the effects chain of your input, you've made yourself a preamp! Works great with a SM58!
that mpcone is modeled after some of the older mpg units. thats why it has the plastic styled buttons like you said sometimes not a bad thing i have mic live limited gold edition. I'm leaning toward that 2 though i love the speaker addition and you discussion here helped tons
Same. Just sold my one and keeping my pennies for the next hardware release. They are almost there with this range but i still have to move to my pc to get anything finished or flesh out a track. So I decided to ditch the one while the prices are decent. Live 3 with more dedicated buttons or a battery powered MPC One v2 with mic input and the arranger would be what brings me back to Akai.
Do you know that on the live/live2 you can use the pads as shortcut with the menu button? Every pad match the menu "square" on the menu grid if you look at it; so you can get to program edit or any other item on the main menu with the menu + pad
Hey Tefty, thanks for making the comparison video, I hope you get a lot from your new MPC Live 2. I don’t know why the synth community get dismissive about electronic gear and speakers. If gear has inbuilt speakers it says portable to me, not amateur. They’re never going to replace studio monitors, they’re there to give you a guide or feel of how your production is progressing. The OP-1, Volcas, Casiotones like the new CT-S1000V and Pocket Operators have speakers and they’re all portable to facilitate making music wherever you go. I can see the rationale behind the MPC Live 2 which is ideal for gigging. As I don’t gig, investing in an MPC One, its price, facilities, small footprint and the possibility of adding a Tascam Model 12 (as per your excellent demo) in my home studio are a very appealing alternative to relying on my Cubase. Thanks again.
Thanks for your VId's ,the Mpc one I will be getting, Hey! its a vid on youtube that a guy bought a portable camcorder battery pack and it worked, and last for 7 to 8 hours, so that would make the MPC one portable also. Peace!
My biggest problem with the Live 2 is the double triggering of the pads. No matter how I would adjust the sensitivity settings, I would get random double triggers. This seems to be a generational problem with the MPC's.
I own a MPC One - and i must say im actually interested in getting another sampler for portability as well - but im looking at getting a SP404 MK2 instead, that way i get a portable device that I also can hook up too the MPC One for some FX performance, that said, i really like the Live2
I noticed you have the Elektron Analog Rytm MK2 and so do I. I have been thinking about selling it to get the MPC Live 2. I have never used an MPC, but it seems like the workflow is more intuitive and free flowing than the Analog Rytm. I like the Analog Rytm, but would you sell the Rytm to get the MPC Live 2? I have been debating for a while and I'm stuck in analysis paralysis. I'm leaning towards keeping it and just buying the MPC Live 2. What's your opinion?
Personally, I'd keep the RYTM and grab a used MPC to see if you like the workflow. The RYTM has some unique character and performance abilities that you won't get from the MPC. But the MPC is WAAAYYY better as a studio workhorse for controlling a session/jam.
As a splice user I feel like the WiFi on the live II is a key differentiator, maybe even moreso than the speakers or battery. Really tough decision though and I'm still not sure.
You have a good channel. And you are totally right on the pre amp for connecting a mic. I use the X, but that is not a mobile device. A work around is a usb mic or a little interface that is class compliant. At home I use a Neumann TLM103. But for on the move projects a use a cheap Samson Meteor USB 🎙 . And the results are surprisingly good. Keep on the good work. 💪🏼
@@richardsmithson4453 I use a hybrid setup, and I don't use the MPC's internal FX much, preferring the ones in Ableton or my pedals (especially reverb/ delay and modulation - I do like the MPC's distortion and bitcrushing). It would be amazing to have my kick, snare, hats and other drums all on separate channels, as I loathe doing multiple takes just to isolate individual sounds.
good video...Now which one would you recommend for live DJ work?I mean turntables,CDJ,live percussion,analog synth,efx processor, at one time..MPC One?Live 2?MPC X?
I have an X and the live 2 the way I use them is the X and the Software Stay hand in hand and the live 2 goes anywhere same workflow same work if I do something massive on the live I can finish it up on the X instantly and If I’m heavy in the X and have to leave but still want to continue I can either sample my plug-in tracks or turn them into audio tracks or quick make a keygroup of said plugin (you know third party plugins and such that aren’t in is the MPC) and keep on moving.
i got the mashine mk3 , because i couldnt afford the + version , happy i didnt cause the plus is so bad as a just standalone device , i just recently got my self a live 2 and love it , still use my mk3 in the studio , but i keep my live everywhere with me throughout the streets and my house
Hey Tefty, Great video and thanks for helping me decide which mpc to buy. Also, I would like to know what music keyboard/synthesizer, with all of the red leds that is on the top shelf, behind you?
My favorite thing about the Live 2 retro is that they don’t coat it with that rubberized matte finish that rots in a few years, leaving you with a tacky, scraped hair magnet.
Yeah that’s why I sent my live 2 back and bought the one. That rubber coating was shocking. Complete dust and finger print magnet. Didn’t realise the retro was smooth, might draw me back in.
Are the transpose buttons play record stop etc on the MPC One the same quality as the Akai MPD series pad controllers? They were always very stiff to me. Thank you
@@soundmutant Yes. So I added a 512 GB internal SSD to my live OG. I think it is in the live 2 as well, but not certain. I don't think this is in the one. It's a big deal, especially because the MPC software copies all of the samples that compose your project into it's own folder.
@@HIFI1965 Thanks for the reply and information. I’m definitely leaning towards the live now with extra midi and audio outs plus an internal HD. Seems like the perfect device for sequencing midi and jamming on the go.
Looking to get the Live 2. Mostly for portability. Use an X in the studio. Also tried the Akai Force, real cool sequencer but given the recent update and new plugins. The live would make a more complete production machine.
For live use (I would use Akai to control a microphone and a Roland JDXI) are these better than Force, in your opinion? I hear bout 4/4 limit with the Force...
Great comparison video! Out of curiosity, given that you have accumulated more experience working with the MPC, are you still utilizing/incorporating the Digitakt with it (in reference to your Digitakt/MPC1 video)? Also, do you feel it (the Digitakt) is still a relevant companion, now that you have a more mobile option with the Live 2?
Yup, still use the Digitakt. The way I approach things is modular in nature, so I’ll grab a few pieces of gear and make some music with them. Changing things up sparks new creativity. So when I go to or away from the Digitakt, I’ve got fresh inspiration. That being said, as a DAW’less hub, the Live 2 is nearly perfect.
Yeah mainly the Live 2 has SSD, speakers, battery, more outputs (including phono inputs), bigger pads, more pre-installed samples, WiFi and BT and USB 3.0 vs the MPC one: USB2, no SSD(but has fast SDcard reader) , no speakers, no battery, more buttons, less pre-installed samples, smaller padsize, LAN connector (no wifi or BT) less outputs (but expandable with external soundcard since firmware 2.10). Basicly if you use an MPC in a studio setup the ONE is a great choice. If you wanna hit the road with it you might wanna checkout the Live 2
The 2.10 update for the mpc one Live and X changed all that, its 10 times better now. All do just about the same. The live 2 is cool I started to get that one but the battery in the live 2 is what I had a problem with. Battery life dies out after a while. I don't want to be in the middle of doing an important project while mobile with it not being plugged in and the battery goes out and not to mention going through the hussle of getting the battery replaced.
Used to own two mpc 2000xls I got off ebay for $399 and $450, so mad I sold them. But picked up the MPC One and I love it. Still hurts I got rid of those
I just purchased the Live 2 and probably the main reason over the One was because of Live Control. I won't get into why I want to control Ableton if I am using an MPC, but it fits into my workflow. So just thought I would mention this for anyone considering between the two units, Live Control is something that the Live 2 can do and the One cannot, if it is important to you. If the One had live control I would have went with the One. Also the wifi is nice.
Man you are bang on with the SHIFT button. Its definitely in an awkward place on the MPC ONE. Just like you I think it should have been placed where the NOTE REPEAT button is currently located and I mistakenly keep pressing the NOTE REPEAT button for SHIFT. Wow I though I was the only one who felt this way.
I sold the mpc one think it has better layout then live but akai idk I liked air flavor pro but they really been messing up updates for me lately. and I’m not feeling the direction the company is going personally, I bought a iPad Pro going to see what I can do on iOS mobile setup. the mpc still real chunky I think Mobile will be the future
I think the One may be the easy choice due to price, but the Live 2 is just hard to pass up due to the internal battery, built-in speakers, and optional internal hard drive expandability... Wi-Fi, too. It's just a little more portable-friendly and expandable out-of-the-box.
I mean if you have wifi hotspot on your phone and get a battery pack and use a portable speakers. The One is still a good and cheaper choice with all those combine. I already have a JBL speaker so all it is for me is to get WIFI hotspot and a portable battery which is about $40-90$
@@TheStellarmanCo. … that’s fine if you don’t think it’s needed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. A lot of things may not be needed to make beats and that includes any Akai MPC… people could choose making beats with their laptop, but even those have a lot of components that someone like yourself would consider not necessary to make beats such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, etc., etc. The upcoming Akai update is rumored to allow checking for the latest firmware updates and can be downloaded and installed, wirelessly. Luckily, Akai is still around making products unlike many others who stayed stagnant and are no longer with us.
Great comparison video. I have the MPC One and its become an essential part of the studio. When I want something mobile I use a mini-iPad and Koala. Cheers!
Just a comment for the algorithm 😉I really like your “just talking about stuff” videos. I am considering buying one of them but still cannot choose 🙈I think I am still fine with ableton and the push2 ... but you know ... gas 🙄
If you are good with Ableton and the Push2 you may want to check out the Akai Live. You can get it used for the price of the One. It is much more portable than the Live 2 as it ditches the speakers and CV outs. I reviewed the specs of all 3 devices and watched reviews on line for about a month. I have had my Live for a few months now and would still make the same choice if I had to do it again today.
@@bryantwalley thanks, I will check it out! The portability would be definitely the main decision for it. I first thought about buying the one with an external camera battery but then you have cable chaos again and I would be at the same situation with the push and my laptop. To many things for one purpose
@@phizzard5549 Just some more info on that. I actually have the Force also and a battery, but using it mobile is a pain. Since buying the Live, it has become my go to device. The portability is unmatched. When you are on the go, you are not using CV. You are also going to be using headphones. You cant ride in a car or travel and use speakers. You cant sit in an airport and use speakers. You cant lay in the bed and use speakers. Speakers disturb other people and limit your time or just add extra size and weight.
While MPCs are very legendary ( I own a live 2 but also have daws and other samplers) I feel like you are comfortable with your current set up you can absolutely achieve the same results. Im not trying to talk you out of a MPC, but maybe more to try it just as expanding as a producer.. I not think it will make your actual beats any better!
awesome review, the price point makes me want to get the mpc one to step out of the dark ages i'm living in with my mpc1000. also, 14:04 - I see you Guardian. ;)
I'm still torn! I like the idea of being able to jam with an acoustic guitar to your beats, but a simple portable speaker with the MPC ONE would do the same thing for half the price. I don't think I'd get enough couch use or need to use it in the great outdoors, so maybe the MPC ONE is a better fit for me after all. I really do like the look of the LIVE II pads over the MPC ONE though!
I have owned many Akai mpc in the past the 2000 the 2000 clip and the 500 and the 2500 but not I can’t make my mind up to get this mpc one or the retro live 2 I think you can record mp3 files also the mpc one comes in gold. Looks great
I’m also a MPC one user. I think they got these models the wrong way around. The MPC One should have the battery, it’s smaller and has fewer connections so it’s easier to be mobile with a pair of headphones. The live2 is larger, more inputs/outputs and has a speaker so would be better suited to sit on a desk with everything hooked up. I also like the layout of the MPC One but I agree with Tefty that the shift would have been better on the left and the live2 should have a program edit button. I also never use the plus and minus buttons under the scroll knob. I find the master record and volume knobs on the back a pain and the headphone jack on the front is cheap (mines already crackling). Usb 2.0 connections can’t charge an iPhone (which I use for sampling or AU3 synths) and it should have a mic input. In fact they should all have mic inputs as standard. They are amazing machines though and I’m waiting for OS3.0 to drop with disk streaming and an arranger, coupled with a higher spec MPC One SE (with battery) hardware release. Now that would be good.
I’ve pasted a review that I said to someone else: I miss the workflow of the One everything made sense, the layout was perfect. The live 2 not having a dedicated program edit button is just annoying. The larger pads double trigger more than the one. You’re right about the pad functions being at the top, your arm gets in the way. It’s also a lot of glancing from left to right. The rubber buttons are just well rubbery - prefer the One buttons. Whats with that horrible rubber finish on the live2 as well - it’s a proper dust and finger print magnet. Those plus and minus buttons are just a waste - I never use them. There is a lot of room for dedicated buttons but it’s just wasted. I’ve even asked akai to allow access to the plus and minus buttons so we can assign our own short cuts such as program edit. I also don’t like the menu button and the the main button. Prefer this to be the same layout as the One so you can jump from one machine to another and it’s the same. But that’s where my gripes about the live 2 end. I love the battery - totally liberating. The built in SSD drive (1TB in mine) is awesome, nice and tidy with no extra cables. The speaker is really handy when I’ve had enough of headphones or just want to quietly map and edit the song or play out some drums. Bluetooth is so handy for my iPhone . I can just hook up Bluetooth midi in AUM and play all my softsynths. Wifi is super useful not only for splice but also for ableton link. The usb 3.0 on the back can charge my phone too. I like the extra ins and outs. Also the sd card slot is neat in the back. The headphone jack is a proper sized 6.3mm. Having the screen closer to the right means it’s easier to use without a stand. It can be laid flat. The larger pads are a pleasure. Having a volume knob on the front is better. The size being more horizontal means it sits on my desk better and allows for more ports on the back. My MPC One started to look like an intensive care ward. Cables everywhere, dongles, usb hubs that also need more power, external usb drives, mixing desks etc etc. When you unplug the live 2 and just sit on the couch, no cables , no headphones, only then do you really appreciate how cool this thing is. Problem is it isn’t perfect and it should have been, especially as it was a second attempt following the original live. No program edit button was unforgivable but it could be saved with a software upgrade to allow access to those plus and minus buttons. Workflow wise - I still miss my One. If Akai have any sense then they will be working on a MPC One XL (retro edition from the start to honour the 2000xl) with battery, usb 3.0, Bluetooth and wifi. Volume and record knobs on the front, maybe a slider and a tilted screen. Dedicated arranger button, shift button moved to the left of the pads and disk streaming. V3.0 os. I would then sell my live 2 in a heartbeat. Note: I bought my live 2 second hand for a good price. I wouldn’t have bought it new at full rrp when the MPC One came to market. Budget wise the One wins hands down.
@@Marco-ek8wu So the big question is, if money was not an issue and you had the choice to buy them both again which one would you choose? The One Or Live 2? i am trying to decide between the MPC one Retor or the MPC live 2 Gold
True. but chances are, if you're making beats almost anywhere in public...you will more than likely need to wear headphones.... or risk being a noisy nuisance to other people! Lol
I love the ONE but does anyone else really hate the tap tempo button on it?? It like clicks weird and doesn't register well....I wish you could just play a tempo on the pads instead....
Our first sample pack Phrases Vol 1 is officially out! Get 25% off now until the end of September teftyandmeems.com/discount/PHRASES
Thank you for the support! ❤❤❤
Ive had the Live 2 for about a month now and absolutely love it. The one thing I hear in every video is about tis weight and chunkiness. I personally think for what it is (an absolute workhorse) that it isn't too heavy really. I quite enjoy walking around the house holding it as im finger drumming , going to the couch going to the back yard. I was kind of anticipating it to be alot heavier by everyones explanation , I haven't tried to actually take it anywhere yet. But as far as around the house thumbs up from me.
I had the same feeling. Everyone said 7-8 pounds and heavy. Seems pretty reasonable and portable in real life with it
I think you're spot on. If you added the extra bits of kit that would be needed for the MPC One to offer the same facilities as the Live 2 it may end up heavier, plus it would be rather cumbersome to carry and defeat being mobile. Every piece of kit is a compromise and if you made it lighter would that not impact on it's quality, durability and use for gigging? 8lbs doesn't seem too heavy to me and clearly it ain't a problem for you taking it with you round your house. May you continue to enjoy your Live 2.
@@apislapis absolutely , it’s almost reassuring that it’s a little chunky! It’s a serious machine!
MPC one also operates from external battery, so it is mobile with headphones.
out of curiosity what battery have you used?
@@psynautic build one myself, using 4 Li-ion in series.
@@MasterIvo isn't that undervolting?
@@psynautic yes, slightly, but it has been reported to even work fine with 8,4V
I'm gonna use a buck/boost converter and power my MPC one from my ebike. I like the privacy of headphones, but can still plug in a boom speaker if I want... Love my MPC one, best bit of kit I've bought in years.
When you are in your menu screen, hold the menu button and tap the pad that corresponds to the function you want i.e. Main or Menu button + pad [13, 14, 4] directs you to [sample edit, program edit, pad color]). See if it works for you :)
Thanks for the tip!
All of this just to pay an extra 800 bucks 👌...
@@asavagehandproductions186 Lol!!! good point!
Man. The speakers are making me lean twoard the live 2. That is an awesome addition. Using the live 2 without headphones anywhere in public just sounds spiritual
Live 2 user here, just get a Bluetooth for Mpc one- the speakers aren’t work 6-700$ difference
@@bliss3174 that's a great point and money saver!!!
Lmao sounds great for everyone who want to produce music in your town bro. That shit will get you jumped immediately bruh
Best MPC comparison I found on YT ! 👍
Just bought an MPC One and a battery with the right voltage to attach to it so I can take it anywhere, if I connect my bluetooth box via aux I basically have the same portability as the live 2
& via powered usb hub which can go in the powerbank as well I could expand to more usb devices
Which one did you purchase,
I’ve been on the hunt for a power solution
If you change your mind on the Live II: the One now has a cable from MyVolts that works with appropriate USB power bricks. I charge mine off a larger Anker and it's perfect for portability. It just takes another minute to connect 2 cables.
can you post a link to the cable and brick you use please?
@@scifctn Here's the cable: www.amazon.com/myVolts-Ripcord-Power-Compatible-Controller/dp/B08PDCQL5T
Best justification of GAS I’ve heard lol
Good video man enjoying your channel
Haha thank you!!
Program Edit is the only button I really miss on the MPC Live 2. I wish the firmware would allow you to reassign useless buttons like Plus and Minus for that. Other than that I would argue that the Live 2 has as good of a or even a better workflow vs the MPC One because of the more practical placement of the touchscreen and q-link wheels.
The pads work as shortcuts if you hold the menu button
@@hdslave Yes, but Program Edit really deserves its own dedicated button.
Literally just pressed the "confirm payment" button on a Live 2 Retro after having watched this video (and like 20 others) about 10 times. It was a VERY challenging decision but I just wanted that fucking built in battery for beats in bed. Quite a price jump for a battery but it's the difference of feeling fresh air and inspired while sitting in a sun patch somewhere or being in the synth cave at a desk. To be fair, it's a lovely room, but the desk is too close to making it feel like work sometimes. I imagine that black rubberized coating is a nightmare to keep clean and potentially disgusting and sticky after a few years which is why I went with the Retro. This is my first box outside of the Elektron world so I'm feeling pretty intimidated. I have a an A4, OT, DT and DN, and I really get along with the workflow but Elektron has a sound that I'm just not in love with. It works... I make it work, but I'm trying to get something a bit different and I think branching out could help. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the great videos and in particular this review, it was very helpful.
Great video! Love your channel!!
Hey Ave! Love your channel too bro!
Hold menu and hit the corresponding pad from your menu page. This is the short cut. So to get to program edit hold menu then hit pad 14. So the sampler would be hold menu then hit pad 9. etc.
Thanks for the review Champ 👍🏾
I have the MPC X and I was torn between purchasing the Live 2 or the MPC One for mobility and my Dj set up. As a result of your review, I’m going to go with the MPC Live MkII.
Zoom H2n works pretty well as a combined mic with preamp. For a mono cardioid use Mid-Side mode with the ratio set to 100% mid or RAW mode. Line out to the MPC. Not a U87 but very usable. The H2n accessory kit includes a "handle" which will fit a stick-mic suspension mount.
For me it's the exact opposite. I first bought an original MPC Live and I didn't really gel with it. At first I tought it was my fault that the pad sometimes are not very responsive, but as I watched others on TH-cam using the MPC Live 1, it occurred to me it might not be. A week ago I bought an MPC One and man, this is a night and day difference. Pads are much more responsive and also the touch screen works much better compared to the Live 1. And to be honest, I like the formfactor more of the MPC One but that's just a personal preference.
MPC Lives are showing up on the second hand market now. Buy used and you can spend only a bit more than a new MPC One. I think its worth it.
For me, the MPC Studio is probably the best mobile option. I have my laptop with me anyway (and currently use it with an MPD226).
Was thinking the same, I have the silver and Black edition
this was really, REALLY helpful. thanks so much!!
Learn the short cuts on live...
Hold shift and press the pads to get to any of the menu...the pads take you straight to the looper, mutes etc...I like live because if you play on a club you can see what buttons are😉
Hey, I have a USB mic with its own interface built in, would this work on the Live 2?
Great vid!
If you add an AIR channel strip and an AIR compressor to the effects chain of your input, you've made yourself a preamp! Works great with a SM58!
I gotta test this out 🤔 I feel like the noise floor is gonna get pretty high
that mpcone is modeled after some of the older mpg units. thats why it has the plastic styled buttons like you said sometimes not a bad thing i have mic live limited gold edition. I'm leaning toward that 2 though i love the speaker addition and you discussion here helped tons
I am waiting for the MPC LIVE 3. Akai! make sure you include the pre amplifier and more dedicated buttons on the MPC LIVE 3
Same. Just sold my one and keeping my pennies for the next hardware release. They are almost there with this range but i still have to move to my pc to get anything finished or flesh out a track. So I decided to ditch the one while the prices are decent. Live 3 with more dedicated buttons or a battery powered MPC One v2 with mic input and the arranger would be what brings me back to Akai.
I got the Live 2 Retro. The SSD was the major selling point for me. I like the MPC One....but now that I have the Live 2....Im good.
Do you know that on the live/live2 you can use the pads as shortcut with the menu button? Every pad match the menu "square" on the menu grid if you look at it; so you can get to program edit or any other item on the main menu with the menu + pad
Love the relaxed background ambient music! Where can I buy it? :)
Thank you! It’s our own tracks. Some of them might be on our Bandcamp, but not the instrumentals. We don’t have those for sale anywhere currently.
Hey Tefty, thanks for making the comparison video, I hope you get a lot from your new MPC Live 2. I don’t know why the synth community get dismissive about electronic gear and speakers. If gear has inbuilt speakers it says portable to me, not amateur. They’re never going to replace studio monitors, they’re there to give you a guide or feel of how your production is progressing. The OP-1, Volcas, Casiotones like the new CT-S1000V and Pocket Operators have speakers and they’re all portable to facilitate making music wherever you go. I can see the rationale behind the MPC Live 2 which is ideal for gigging. As I don’t gig, investing in an MPC One, its price, facilities, small footprint and the possibility of adding a Tascam Model 12 (as per your excellent demo) in my home studio are a very appealing alternative to relying on my Cubase. Thanks again.
Thanks for your VId's ,the Mpc one I will be getting, Hey! its a vid on youtube that a guy bought a portable camcorder battery pack and it worked, and last for 7 to 8 hours, so that would make the MPC one portable also. Peace!
Be sure to get a battery with the right levels. The one in that video could damage the mpc over time.
My biggest problem with the Live 2 is the double triggering of the pads. No matter how I would adjust the sensitivity settings, I would get random double triggers. This seems to be a generational problem with the MPC's.
My X does the same thing and did since new. I feel ya.
did you get it fixed somehow....
it happens on the maschine when the full velocity is on..but goes away with out it on...
I own a MPC One - and i must say im actually interested in getting another sampler for portability as well - but im looking at getting a SP404 MK2 instead, that way i get a portable device that I also can hook up too the MPC One for some FX performance, that said, i really like the Live2
I noticed you have the Elektron Analog Rytm MK2 and so do I. I have been thinking about selling it to get the MPC Live 2. I have never used an MPC, but it seems like the workflow is more intuitive and free flowing than the Analog Rytm. I like the Analog Rytm, but would you sell the Rytm to get the MPC Live 2? I have been debating for a while and I'm stuck in analysis paralysis. I'm leaning towards keeping it and just buying the MPC Live 2. What's your opinion?
Personally, I'd keep the RYTM and grab a used MPC to see if you like the workflow. The RYTM has some unique character and performance abilities that you won't get from the MPC. But the MPC is WAAAYYY better as a studio workhorse for controlling a session/jam.
@@TeftyMeems Thanks for that man. I'm really interested in getting my hands on the MPC. I'll be pulling the trigger on it soon.
As a splice user I feel like the WiFi on the live II is a key differentiator, maybe even moreso than the speakers or battery. Really tough decision though and I'm still not sure.
UPDATE: I CAN CONFIRM THE MPC LIVE II IS F-ING AMAZING
That beat in the background kept my soul alive 🤣👍
Mpc live 2 is awesome
Just got the retro, my first mpc ever. Wanted the 2000xl as a kid so bad. The built in speakers sound decent too.
You have a good channel. And you are totally right on the pre amp for connecting a mic. I use the X, but that is not a mobile device. A work around is a usb mic or a little interface that is class compliant. At home I use a Neumann TLM103. But for on the move projects a use a cheap Samson Meteor USB 🎙 . And the results are surprisingly good. Keep on the good work. 💪🏼
I've got the One, and I love it, but the extra outputs on the Live seem like such a huge improvement that I consider upgrading periodically.
Yeah if you multitrack a lot, it’s a big selling feature.
You still feel that way after 2.10?
Psst it’s not
Wouldn't more inputs be more useful? What is the advantage of more outputs? Genuine question 😃👍
@@richardsmithson4453 I use a hybrid setup, and I don't use the MPC's internal FX much, preferring the ones in Ableton or my pedals (especially reverb/ delay and modulation - I do like the MPC's distortion and bitcrushing). It would be amazing to have my kick, snare, hats and other drums all on separate channels, as I loathe doing multiple takes just to isolate individual sounds.
Important difference is if you use Ableton link, live links via wifi
Cheers for the video 🎉Old mpc user here , just ordered a new gen mpc. Anyone know why they're lefthanded these days ? 🍻
holding menu and hitting corresponding pad on screen menu should provide that quick access
good video...Now which one would you recommend for live DJ work?I mean turntables,CDJ,live percussion,analog synth,efx processor, at one time..MPC One?Live 2?MPC X?
Probably the One to keep the size down. But the Live 2 is basically the same functionality.
I have an X and the live 2 the way I use them is the X and the Software Stay hand in hand and the live 2 goes anywhere same workflow same work if I do something massive on the live I can finish it up on the X instantly and If I’m heavy in the X and have to leave but still want to continue I can either sample my plug-in tracks or turn them into audio tracks or quick make a keygroup of said plugin (you know third party plugins and such that aren’t in is the MPC) and keep on moving.
Love this workflow 🙌
Great info! Thank u!
i got the mashine mk3 , because i couldnt afford the + version , happy i didnt cause the plus is so bad as a just standalone device , i just recently got my self a live 2 and love it , still use my mk3 in the studio , but i keep my live everywhere with me throughout the streets and my house
The live has short cuts on pads, press menu and hit the pad that corrisponds to where the icon would be...so program edit is top left one in😉
In MPC LIVE II Can you send a sound to multiple outputs at the same time? Thank you!
Good question. I am commenting to follow this thread cuz I'm curious now too
I think you'd have to approach it like an effects send and then route that 'send' to an additional output. I haven't tried it before, though!
@@TeftyMeems Cool, Thank You!
Can MPC One support multiple midi ports via USB MIDI HUB 4 Ports 64x Channels sequencer?
Would be interesting to see them re-compared after the 2.10 update. Live USB mixing on the one makes it closer imho.
Yeah expanding the outputs with an external soundcard on the One is a great feature
Hey Tefty,
Great video and thanks for helping me decide which mpc to buy. Also, I would like to know what music keyboard/synthesizer, with all of the red leds that is on the top shelf, behind you?
Hi Jeff, that’s a Pro3 from Sequential 👍
My favorite thing about the Live 2 retro is that they don’t coat it with that rubberized matte finish that rots in a few years, leaving you with a tacky, scraped hair magnet.
Just got it and absolutely love how it looks.
good point.
Yeah that’s why I sent my live 2 back and bought the one. That rubber coating was shocking. Complete dust and finger print magnet. Didn’t realise the retro was smooth, might draw me back in.
Are the transpose buttons play record stop etc on the MPC One the same quality as the Akai MPD series pad controllers? They were always very stiff to me. Thank you
do the mp1 have the same amount of sounds as the x or 1?
Also the live let’s you add an ssd
Is it an Internal ssd drive ?
@@soundmutant Yes. So I added a 512 GB internal SSD to my live OG. I think it is in the live 2 as well, but not certain. I don't think this is in the one. It's a big deal, especially because the MPC software copies all of the samples that compose your project into it's own folder.
@@HIFI1965 any tips on installing it? Is it pretty easy?
You will need four M3 x5 screws as well. (I used some eurorack screws, I think)
@@HIFI1965 Thanks for the reply and information.
I’m definitely leaning towards the live now with extra midi and audio outs plus an internal HD.
Seems like the perfect device for sequencing midi and jamming on the go.
Is it possible to map a midi controller on a Akai MPC Live without a computer?
Mpc one is incredible just need to learn it more
now that more time has gone by which one do you find yourself using more?
Honestly, still use both of them. The Live 2 is usually the "mobile" rig even though the One is smaller and lighter.
Looking to get the Live 2. Mostly for portability. Use an X in the studio. Also tried the Akai Force, real cool sequencer but given the recent update and new plugins. The live would make a more complete production machine.
MPC manufacture “Now there are two of them!”
I like the layout of the MPC one better, feels like an older MPC. also I got a battery from amazon and use the MPC one mobil!
Does the MPC Live II and MPC One handle USB the same way for Audio and Midi over USB?
Which one is better for sampling, the Live 2 or the MPC ONE?
Both are basically the same at sampling 👍
Other than the size of the pads, do you find any difference in the sensitivity or "up down" characteristics of the pads on the One vs. the Live?
Honestly, they are pretty much the same aside from the One having smaller pads
I was surprised how good the Live speakers sound.
For live use (I would use Akai to control a microphone and a Roland JDXI) are these better than Force, in your opinion? I hear bout 4/4 limit with the Force...
Where do I grab the beat in the background ? Dope track
Thanks a ton for this well made and thought out video! I was really on the fence between the two and you really helped me make an informed buy!
That’s awesome! Glad it could help in some way 🙌
Which one did you get?
Great comparison video! Out of curiosity, given that you have accumulated more experience working with the MPC, are you still utilizing/incorporating the Digitakt with it (in reference to your Digitakt/MPC1 video)? Also, do you feel it (the Digitakt) is still a relevant companion, now that you have a more mobile option with the Live 2?
Yup, still use the Digitakt. The way I approach things is modular in nature, so I’ll grab a few pieces of gear and make some music with them. Changing things up sparks new creativity. So when I go to or away from the Digitakt, I’ve got fresh inspiration. That being said, as a DAW’less hub, the Live 2 is nearly perfect.
Hello from Tallinn 🤚Could you advice the battery to mpc one!
There's a cable by myvolts that allows one to connect to a USB battery pack: www.amazon.com/myVolts-Ripcord-Power-Compatible-Controller/dp/B08PDCQL5T
You failed to mention that the live has a built in sata bay for increased data SSD space
Yeah mainly the Live 2 has SSD, speakers, battery, more outputs (including phono inputs), bigger pads, more pre-installed samples, WiFi and BT and USB 3.0
vs
the MPC one: USB2, no SSD(but has fast SDcard reader) , no speakers, no battery, more buttons, less pre-installed samples, smaller padsize, LAN connector (no wifi or BT) less outputs (but expandable with external soundcard since firmware 2.10).
Basicly if you use an MPC in a studio setup the ONE is a great choice. If you wanna hit the road with it you might wanna checkout the Live 2
@@TheTerracide nailed it!!
I could fit this in my RUCKSACK!
I was really considering this but ended up getting the Akai force instead. That new arranger update sold me on it
Yes...what if the arranger finds its way to the MPC's?
Live is super portable. No need to hunt for an electrical socket. Just kick back and enjoy creating!
Awesome
One question, how old is your beard in this video?
I'm getting the MPC One
The 2.10 update for the mpc one Live and X changed all that, its 10 times better now. All do just about the same. The live 2 is cool I started to get that one but the battery in the live 2 is what I had a problem with. Battery life dies out after a while. I don't want to be in the middle of doing an important project while mobile with it not being plugged in and the battery goes out and not to mention going through the hussle of getting the battery replaced.
Used to own two mpc 2000xls I got off ebay for $399 and $450, so mad I sold them. But picked up the MPC One and I love it. Still hurts I got rid of those
Bro I sold my 3000 for like 1100, hope you feel better stay blessed
I just purchased the Live 2 and probably the main reason over the One was because of Live Control. I won't get into why I want to control Ableton if I am using an MPC, but it fits into my workflow. So just thought I would mention this for anyone considering between the two units, Live Control is something that the Live 2 can do and the One cannot, if it is important to you. If the One had live control I would have went with the One. Also the wifi is nice.
Live control works on my mpc one
Hello. But Mpc Live has many many storage of sample of cool genres (16gb?)
great vid!
can i connect it to Cubase on my computer
Man you are bang on with the SHIFT button. Its definitely in an awkward place on the MPC ONE. Just like you I think it should have been placed where the NOTE REPEAT button is currently located and I mistakenly keep pressing the NOTE REPEAT button for SHIFT. Wow I though I was the only one who felt this way.
What’s wrong with the Live 1? I notice people don’t do any review videos on it.
I feel like I’ve seen Live 1 reviews 🤔 Since Live 2 came out, most content ends up focusing on the latest.
@@TeftyMeems So is the Live 1 not good or something?
The battery of Litium has some obsolescence embedded on it in the long haul the battery crashes down and then it'll turn out to be a kaput
MPC one all the way for me.
I sold the mpc one think it has better layout then live but akai idk I liked air flavor pro but they really been messing up updates for me lately. and I’m not feeling the direction the company is going personally, I bought a iPad Pro going to see what I can do on iOS mobile setup. the mpc still real chunky I think Mobile will be the future
I think the One may be the easy choice due to price, but the Live 2 is just hard to pass up due to the internal battery, built-in speakers, and optional internal hard drive expandability... Wi-Fi, too. It's just a little more portable-friendly and expandable out-of-the-box.
I mean if you have wifi hotspot on your phone and get a battery pack and use a portable speakers. The One is still a good and cheaper choice with all those combine. I already have a JBL speaker so all it is for me is to get WIFI hotspot and a portable battery which is about $40-90$
I have the One and the internal SSD is a big draw of the Live 2, especially since the One does not have USB 3 ports like the Live 2.
Wtf would you nees wifi to make beats?
MPC jas been around for years no Wif, don't think it's needed, Wifi isn't going to make you a better producer
@@TheStellarmanCo. … that’s fine if you don’t think it’s needed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. A lot of things may not be needed to make beats and that includes any Akai MPC… people could choose making beats with their laptop, but even those have a lot of components that someone like yourself would consider not necessary to make beats such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, etc., etc.
The upcoming Akai update is rumored to allow checking for the latest firmware updates and can be downloaded and installed, wirelessly. Luckily, Akai is still around making products unlike many others who stayed stagnant and are no longer with us.
Great comparison video. I have the MPC One and its become an essential part of the studio. When I want something mobile I use a mini-iPad and Koala. Cheers!
Just a comment for the algorithm 😉I really like your “just talking about stuff” videos. I am considering buying one of them but still cannot choose 🙈I think I am still fine with ableton and the push2 ... but you know ... gas 🙄
If you are good with Ableton and the Push2 you may want to check out the Akai Live. You can get it used for the price of the One. It is much more portable than the Live 2 as it ditches the speakers and CV outs. I reviewed the specs of all 3 devices and watched reviews on line for about a month. I have had my Live for a few months now and would still make the same choice if I had to do it again today.
@@bryantwalley thanks, I will check it out! The portability would be definitely the main decision for it. I first thought about buying the one with an external camera battery but then you have cable chaos again and I would be at the same situation with the push and my laptop. To many things for one purpose
@@phizzard5549 Just some more info on that. I actually have the Force also and a battery, but using it mobile is a pain. Since buying the Live, it has become my go to device. The portability is unmatched. When you are on the go, you are not using CV. You are also going to be using headphones. You cant ride in a car or travel and use speakers. You cant sit in an airport and use speakers. You cant lay in the bed and use speakers. Speakers disturb other people and limit your time or just add extra size and weight.
While MPCs are very legendary ( I own a live 2 but also have daws and other samplers) I feel like you are comfortable with your current set up you can absolutely achieve the same results. Im not trying to talk you out of a MPC, but maybe more to try it just as expanding as a producer.. I not think it will make your actual beats any better!
awesome review, the price point makes me want to get the mpc one to step out of the dark ages i'm living in with my mpc1000.
also, 14:04 - I see you Guardian. ;)
I'm still torn! I like the idea of being able to jam with an acoustic guitar to your beats, but a simple portable speaker with the MPC ONE would do the same thing for half the price. I don't think I'd get enough couch use or need to use it in the great outdoors, so maybe the MPC ONE is a better fit for me after all. I really do like the look of the LIVE II pads over the MPC ONE though!
Live 2 is great! But if I didn’t need the extra features, the One is FANTASTIC!
@@TeftyMeems Thank again!
I have owned many Akai mpc in the past the 2000 the 2000 clip and the 500 and the 2500 but not I can’t make my mind up to get this mpc one or the retro live 2 I think you can record mp3 files also the mpc one comes in gold. Looks great
Is it worth buying both i have the one already??
Not really. I bought my Live 2 after buying the MPC One and ended up selling my One.
@@JEFFMAN90 how bout a stationary and a mobile one???
I’m also a MPC one user. I think they got these models the wrong way around. The MPC One should have the battery, it’s smaller and has fewer connections so it’s easier to be mobile with a pair of headphones. The live2 is larger, more inputs/outputs and has a speaker so would be better suited to sit on a desk with everything hooked up. I also like the layout of the MPC One but I agree with Tefty that the shift would have been better on the left and the live2 should have a program edit button. I also never use the plus and minus buttons under the scroll knob. I find the master record and volume knobs on the back a pain and the headphone jack on the front is cheap (mines already crackling). Usb 2.0 connections can’t charge an iPhone (which I use for sampling or AU3 synths) and it should have a mic input. In fact they should all have mic inputs as standard. They are amazing machines though and I’m waiting for OS3.0 to drop with disk streaming and an arranger, coupled with a higher spec MPC One SE (with battery) hardware release. Now that would be good.
Edit: just sold my One and bought a used live 2.
@@Marco-ek8wu hmmmm I’m pondering the same move. What’s your thoughts after selling the One and playing with the Live?
I’ve pasted a review that I said to someone else:
I miss the workflow of the One everything made sense, the layout was perfect.
The live 2 not having a dedicated program edit button is just annoying. The larger pads double trigger more than the one. You’re right about the pad functions being at the top, your arm gets in the way. It’s also a lot of glancing from left to right. The rubber buttons are just well rubbery - prefer the One buttons. Whats with that horrible rubber finish on the live2 as well - it’s a proper dust and finger print magnet.
Those plus and minus buttons are just a waste - I never use them. There is a lot of room for dedicated buttons but it’s just wasted. I’ve even asked akai to allow access to the plus and minus buttons so we can assign our own short cuts such as program edit. I also don’t like the menu button and the the main button. Prefer this to be the same layout as the One so you can jump from one machine to another and it’s the same.
But that’s where my gripes about the live 2 end.
I love the battery - totally liberating.
The built in SSD drive (1TB in mine) is awesome, nice and tidy with no extra cables.
The speaker is really handy when I’ve had enough of headphones or just want to quietly map and edit the song or play out some drums.
Bluetooth is so handy for my iPhone . I can just hook up Bluetooth midi in AUM and play all my softsynths.
Wifi is super useful not only for splice but also for ableton link.
The usb 3.0 on the back can charge my phone too.
I like the extra ins and outs. Also the sd card slot is neat in the back.
The headphone jack is a proper sized 6.3mm.
Having the screen closer to the right means it’s easier to use without a stand. It can be laid flat.
The larger pads are a pleasure.
Having a volume knob on the front is better.
The size being more horizontal means it sits on my desk better and allows for more ports on the back.
My MPC One started to look like an intensive care ward. Cables everywhere, dongles, usb hubs that also need more power, external usb drives, mixing desks etc etc.
When you unplug the live 2 and just sit on the couch, no cables , no headphones, only then do you really appreciate how cool this thing is. Problem is it isn’t perfect and it should have been, especially as it was a second attempt following the original live. No program edit button was unforgivable but it could be saved with a software upgrade to allow access to those plus and minus buttons.
Workflow wise - I still miss my One.
If Akai have any sense then they will be working on a MPC One XL (retro edition from the start to honour the 2000xl) with battery, usb 3.0, Bluetooth and wifi. Volume and record knobs on the front, maybe a slider and a tilted screen. Dedicated arranger button, shift button moved to the left of the pads and disk streaming. V3.0 os.
I would then sell my live 2 in a heartbeat.
Note: I bought my live 2 second hand for a good price. I wouldn’t have bought it new at full rrp when the MPC One came to market. Budget wise the One wins hands down.
@@Marco-ek8wu thanks! 👍🏽
@@Marco-ek8wu So the big question is, if money was not an issue and you had the choice to buy them both again which one would you choose? The One Or Live 2? i am trying to decide between the MPC one Retor or the MPC live 2 Gold
Hey if you dont like the speakers you could put grip tape on it and make it a great palm rest since you can turn it off
Hey Tefty you can press menu and pad for no menu diving. All menu have shortcut on pads, btw yours chanel is fantastic.
True. but chances are, if you're making beats almost anywhere in public...you will more than likely need to wear headphones.... or risk being a noisy nuisance to other people! Lol
A second hand MPC Live V1 is however better than a new MPC One; expecially if you have already other groovoboxes with cv and midi connections .
Live 1 doesn't have CV. But the one has it. I have both, actually prefer the One with a 19V battery.
Can you use the MPC One with a Battery Pack?
I personally haven’t, but it seems people have been successful with a battery pack that lasts for hours 👍
so basically Mpc one and Live 2 are the same ??
I love the ONE but does anyone else really hate the tap tempo button on it?? It like clicks weird and doesn't register well....I wish you could just play a tempo on the pads instead....