Akai MPC Live II —  VS  — Akai MPC One

Akai MPC Live II vs. Akai MPC One: Which is Right for You?

Summary: If you’re into making music, you might be looking at the Akai MPC Live II and the Akai MPC One. Both are great at helping you create beats and songs, but they have some differences you should know about. Let’s dive in and see what makes each one special!

Introduction

Hey future music stars! Are you ready to make some amazing beats and tunes? If so, you might have heard of the Akai MPC series. These machines are super cool because they let you create music without needing a computer. Today, we’re going to talk about two popular models: the Akai MPC Live II and the Akai MPC One. Both came out in 2020 and are made by Akai Professional, a big name in the music world. Let’s find out which one might be your new best friend!

Features Comparison

Design and Portability

When it comes to design, the Akai MPC Live II and the Akai MPC One look similar but also have some differences. Both have 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads that light up, making it super fun to tap out beats. They also both have a 7-inch multi-touch display, which is like a mini tablet where you can see what you’re doing.

The big difference here is size and portability. The Akai MPC Live II is a bit bigger and heftier because it includes built-in speakers and has a longer battery life. This makes it great if you want to jam out without plugging into anything else. You can take it to a friend’s house or the park and still have everything you need to make music.

On the other hand, the Akai MPC One is more compact and easier to carry around if you’re going from place to place. But, it doesn’t have built-in speakers, so you’ll need headphones or external speakers to hear your music.

Sound and Effects

Both the MPC Live II and MPC One have the same sound capabilities with 128-note polyphony and a sample rate of 44.1kHz. This means they can play a lot of sounds at the same time and at a quality that sounds nice and clear.

For effects, you’re in for a treat with both models. They offer EQ, reverb, delay, and compression. These effects help you tweak sounds to get them just right. Whether you want your beat to echo like in a big hall or sound super clear, these effects got you covered.

Connectivity and Integration

Connectivity is where the MPC Live II shines a bit brighter. Both models have MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out. But what makes the Akai MPC Live II special is its ability to connect wirelessly, giving you more freedom to integrate with other devices. This can be useful if you’re in a studio with lots of gear.

The Akai MPC One doesn’t have this wireless feature, which might be a downside if you’re looking to connect without cables. However, it still works great within its own setup and can be just what you need for a simple, straightforward setup.

Price

Price is a big factor for many people. The Akai MPC Live II is priced at around $1400, which might seem a bit high but includes those built-in speakers and extra features. Meanwhile, the Akai MPC One is more budget-friendly at around $700. If you’re just starting out or don’t need all the bells and whistles, the MPC One might be the better choice.

Pros and Cons

Akai MPC Live II

Pros:

• Built-in speakers for on-the-go music making
• Longer battery life for extended sessions
• Wireless connectivity for more flexible integration

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Larger and heavier, making it less portable

Akai MPC One

Pros:

• More affordable, great for beginners
• Compact and easy to carry
• Full production capabilities in a smaller package

Cons:

• No built-in speakers
• Lacks wireless connectivity

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Akai MPC Live II and the Akai MPC One really depends on what you need as a music maker.

If you want something that’s ready to go without needing extra gear, and you’re okay with spending more, the Akai MPC Live II could be perfect for you. It’s great for those who want to make music anywhere, anytime, thanks to its built-in speakers and long battery life.

However, if you’re just starting out or looking for something simpler and cheaper, the Akai MPC One is a fantastic choice. It’s compact, easy to use, and still has all the power you need to create amazing music. Just remember to have headphones or speakers handy!

In the end, both of these fantastic devices can help you make the music of your dreams. Whether you’re a budding musician or a seasoned pro, there’s an Akai MPC that’s just right for you. Happy music making!