Studio Workhorse, Money No Object Option: If you crave those 16 Q-links, the complete array of robust buttons, the dedicated mic inputs, the additional I/O, that bigger tilting touchscreen and have no desire to take your MPC anywhere, then the MPC X SE might be the one to look at… if you can afford it. Just remember that those additional MIDI ports can easily be replaced with a USB MIDI interface. The following issues have been confirmed by Akai Professional to be present in this and previous versions of MPC firmware. We are actively working on a resolution to these issues. It even has a built-in stereo monitoring system so you can listen to your music right from the device itself.

MPC standalone hardware with WIFI functionality (MPC X, MPC Live, MPC Live II, and MPC Key 61) or MPC standalone hardware with a wired internet connection (MPC X, MPC Live, MPC Live II, MPC One, and MPC Key 61). Creativity UnleashedCreate wherever and whenever you're feeling creative. Don't hang around waiting for that spark, empower yourself with everything you need to find inspiration wherever it is. Fusing a robust, road-tested and compact build with an on-board rechargeable 6-hour lithium-ION battery, MPC Live II Retro revolutionizes the create anywhere philosophy. Most models our powered with a19v, 3.4A PSU, but the One+ uses a 12v 3A PSU. I’m not sure why it needs less juice compared to the original MPC One, but if you are looking for an external battery unit for the One+, make sure it meets the 12v, 3.0A spec, as running 19v through the One+ is likely to fry it. Software Extras With the option for battery operation and everything you need to create music contained within the Akai MPC Live 2, this music production centre allows you to create music whenever and wherever you want. Option to plug USB class-compliant interfaces directly in for DAW-less recording of vocals and instrumentsAt the time of writing no other MPC has any premium plugins pre-installed, although the MPC One Plus is advertised as including one free premium plugin of your choice, but this is apparently a time limited offer. Price The MPC Live II sits somewhere in the middle, maybe a little overpriced especially considering it’s ultimately running the same 2GB ram as the MPC One Plus. But it is unique with its internal battery and speaker as well as it’s decent I/O. Standalone MPC Buyer’s Guide: Conclusion New 2023 update! In this article I’ll compare the features of all the currently produced standalone MPC models so you can hopefully make an informed decision on which model will suit your specific needs. At the time of writing, the current Akai MPC line up now consists of four distinct MPCs; the entry-level MPC One Plus, the mid-range MPC Live II, the workstation style MPC Key 61, and the MPC X SE (‘special edition’). So… which MPC is right for you? The MPC Firmware/Software Finally there’s also the ‘beats on the go’ factor – whether it’s banging out a tune on the train or in the park, or lounging around chopping breaks on your couch, these smaller MPCs again have the MPC X nailed. But with its internal battery and built in speaker, the MPC Live II is of course the ‘out of the box’ winner here – just pull it out, turn it on and make beats anywhere (but you might want to use headphones if you’re sitting on a train!). pre-installed content including 3 MPC instrument plugins, multi sampled keygroup instruments and drum expansion libraries

As you can see, each of these MPCs is a powerful, modern sampling groovebox, all of which are also more than capable of acting as a centrepiece for a sample and MIDI-based studio, so I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. You can connect your standalone MPC with your USB audio interface by navigating through the preferences menu and finding your sound card. You can also up to 32 inputs/outputs (but beware of the CPU usage!) New plugin Instruments If you don't want to work in front of a computer with mouse/keyboard, this is what you need. Not everyone has a powerful / decent modern computer to use DAWs. This can serve as a decent standalone machine to replace a DAWs. And you can always export the project into Ableton live if you need more refinement. Enjoy over 100 plugins from award-winning AIR Music Tech., including the AIR Vocal Insert Effects Suite, delivering the power to record and mix the perfect vocals. In addition to its stable of standard dynamic audio processors, MPC2 features numerous time-based Insert Effects for creative remixing and production like Half Speed and Stutter.MPC 2.9 Firmware Update: now includes 8 all-new synth engines, powering 9 incredible DrymSynth plugins I find it hard to justify paying roughly the same price as a brand new fully warrantied ONE for a used Live but I do like the idea of the battery and phono inputs. The Live II can be the centrepiece of any music production studio or hardware rig as well as a fully-equipped production station that enables you to create music wherever you take it, with up to five hours of on-the-go use thanks to its onboard rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. It’s also handy if you’re using it a gig and someone accidentally unplugs the power cable! Whenever inspiration strikes, the Live II can be there to realise your ideas. On top of all this functionality, the MPC Live II features native support for Splice and tight integration with Ableton Live - it comes pre-mapped to Live and can also control the DAW wirelessly via Wi-Fi - in addition to expandable memory options (SD Card, USB thumb drive and a 2.5 inch SATA bay) that give you the ability upload your own sample libraries. It also features a large data knob and four smaller multifunctional Q-Link knobs. These interface elements were combined in various ways to manage drum kits, software instruments, pattern and song creation, sampling, and audio and MIDI inputs and outputs.