The MPC software is the same across all current MPC hardware models, differences only arising in terms of hardware specifics, and they can all use the 2. If the MPC was in Play while you were noodling, the notes drop in in time with where you were (though you have to stop first). I'm Editor-in-Chief of Music Technology, working with Future Music, Computer Music, Electronic Musician and MusicRadar. For producers looking to add a personal touch to their production, MPC Live II Retro features a built-in SD Card slot, a user-expandable 2. You may notice some differences depending on your work style, though the main difference will be with VST support.

Under the hood, MPC Live II Retro includes the same multi-core processor as the MPC X, with every mainstay you demand from a modern MPC. I noticed this Mpc Live Retro boots faster then the Mpc Live ll black model and faster then the Mpc X, the pads feel a bit thicker then the previous models, I could be wrong. Plus, with a wide range of inputs and outputs, you can connect to a computer or a multitude of other devices for limitless production potential. This trio of top-notch plugins gives you the ability to achieve professional-sounding vocals within your MPC. This allows connection to class-compliant MIDI devices via USB, advanced MIDI routing to any compatible gear, and even multitrack recording capabilities.

slots on the rear panel, your MIDI controller can be plugged directly into MPC Live for playing built-in instruments from The Vault 2. MusicRadar verdict: A truly go-anywhere music production experience – and now better equipped than ever. A HUGE selection of effects that cover all your needs and be applied at any level of your sounds chain. If the MPC is in standalone mode, any connected thumb drives or storage devices will operate at USB 2.

You can connect your standalone MPC with your USB audio interface by navigating through the preferences menu and finding your sound card. The MPCs have seen numerous software updates, and now feature on-board synth plug‑ins and Ableton Live control. For music production that pushes the boundaries of genre and style, you need more than just sounds and drum samples.Link works over wifi but there’s also support for Bluetooth MIDI in/out, as well as for devices such as computer keyboards, so you don’t have to keep tapping at the touch display to enter project names. We have a few issues trying to get the Akai Force and MPC Live II to sync via Link but, as soon as Ableton Live was running, they synced perfectly to that. A specific input device can be set up as the main keyboard or controller, whatever track is selected, and MIDI can now be routed between tracks, so that different instrument sounds can be stacked.

In all, it doesn’t feel like too much of a compromise in exchange for truly self-contained, portable music-making. Shift-Rec then punches them in at the current timeline cursor position (though they'll probably be out of time!

Additionally, sounds can be accessed and added to the library using the built-in SD Card slot or the USB thumb drive. There are some restrictions when using the software in standalone mode, compared with the desktop version, primarily a limit of eight audio tracks and no access to third-party plugins. of radio-ready sounds from the world’s top sound design companies as well as our own signature samples. Only one set of inputs can be used at a time In summary, the AKAI MPC Live II is a feature-packed DJ gear device that offers intuitive control with its numerous pads and knobs.

The Akai MPC Live II Retro gives you the standalone, rechargeable battery powered MPC workflow of the MPC Live II -- in a limited-edition classic color scheme that brings a familiar aesthetic to your music production arsenal. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the MPC Live can run up to 6 hours without plugging into a power source. The MkII has the same internal workings as the original but refines the externals, with an expanded panel layout and CV connections to match the other models. brings a new Q-Link-mapped Amp and Cabinet Simulator to the MPC platform for adding sweet harmonic distortion to samples, vocals, drums, synths, bass, and yes—guitars.This plugin transforms your audio into “grains”, which you can loop, pitch and manipulate in a variety of exciting ways. There are a lot of significant improvements here, with some workflow unblockers that disarm gripes from our recent MPC One review. This excellent update sees the inclusion of the wonderful DrumSynth addon to your production tools, adding unparalleled rythmic power to your already impressive toolset. As well as the more familiar Input, Auto, and Off modes, there's Merge, which give you both playback and input monitoring at the same time.