- #How to use maschine expansion in mpc upgrade
- #How to use maschine expansion in mpc software
- #How to use maschine expansion in mpc Bluetooth
From a workflow standpoint, I didn’t find it intuitive, especially when it comes to thinking about the bigger picture for your track. Within this is potentially more flexibility, but it’s also easy to change the wrong thing or forget which section was which. From there you’ll allocate that track a program number. When you jump in to make a new sequence, you’ll assign the sequence a number, then choose whether that track is audio or a plug-in part, MIDI track and so on. For me, it’s more about how it wants you to build these parts. If you’ve used Ableton Live’s “session” view, then this will sound familiar. That’s selling it short somewhat, but it’s the easiest way to describe it. With the MPC, you build several small “sequences” and then either “play” them in the order you want, or line them up as you see fit. In a typical DAW, like Logic, for example, you might well have different tools to compose sections of a song, but ultimately it all comes back to a linear timeline.
#How to use maschine expansion in mpc software
It’s once you dip under that main menu that things start to get a little more complicated.Ī large part of this friction, for me at least, is that Akai takes a slightly different approach than most desktop software when it comes to the building blocks of your tracks. Jumping around the top-level menu options couldn’t be easier. That’s not to say that it’s bad, in many regards it’s actually very straightforward. I’ll come right out and say it: I am not a huge fan. To drive this point home, version 2.9 was released today which includes a new drum synthesizer, adding to the list of built-in sound engines that come with the MPC Live II.īefore we get to the good stuff like onboard plugins, though, it’s worth talking about the general user interface. The MPC platform appears to be very well maintained, with regular updates and new features. Fortunately, Akai has so many years in the game, that there’s little to worry about here. SoftwareĪll the buttons, knobs and pads in the world can’t help if the software running the show isn’t up to snuff. Wireless connections are often considered inferior to their cabled counterparts (mostly due to latency) but it’s definitely a perk here, given how many things you can connect to it, the freedom of adding something wirelessly is at least one less cable to fidget with around the back of your desk.
#How to use maschine expansion in mpc Bluetooth
The latter lets you use Bluetooth MIDI keyboards to control the Live II itself. The former allows for wireless connectivity with Ableton Live (via Ableton’s “Link” software) along with other perks (such as hassle-free firmware updates). If all that’s not enough, the MPC Live also boasts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It’s not the first in the MPC family to add CV ports (both the MPC One and X have them also), but it does round out its credentials. The addition of the CV outputs just makes it even more appealing. With plenty of MIDI connectivity, the original Live was already a great hub. What really leaps out of me, compared to the Maschine for example, is how easy it would be to make the MPC Live II the center of your outboard setup. It’s what you’ll spy just above the MIDI ports that’s new: the four CV/Gate ports, giving the MPC Live II the ability to play nice with a host of analog gear, too. Along with the same USB connections (two type-A and one type-B for connecting to the desktop). Much like the original MPC Live, you’ll find six audio outputs, four MIDI ports (two in and two out) and four audio inputs.
#How to use maschine expansion in mpc upgrade
This is a great feature, and makes the non-touchscreen letterbox display on Native Instruments’ Maschine MK3 or Plus seem quaint.īeyond the new speakers, the other notable hardware upgrade is around the back. Then there’s the 7-inch touchscreen where you’ll find all your menus, modes and music-making tools. They are still a delight to use, feel nice and responsive and make it easy to tap out “human-feeling” beats and melodies. First of all, there are the 16 velocity-sensitive sample/trigger pads. That’s to say, the hardware features that carry over from the original. But is it worth the $1,119 price tag? Hardware
I’ve had one on my desk for a while now, and it’s creatively invigorating the bright lights and large touchscreen almost beg you to use it. The pitch is straightforward: It’s the same all-in-one music production device, just this time with built-in speakers, more connectivity and a slew of other tweaks. The MPC Live II is the latest member of the family, and as the name suggests, it replaces the original MPC Live in the lineup. But it also means picking the right one for you can be a challenge.
To be clear, It’s a good problem, as there’s basically an MPC for every type of electronic musician.
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