Akai MPC Live —  VS  — Akai MPC Live II

Akai MPC Live vs. Akai MPC Live II: Which One Should You Choose?

Summary: The Akai MPC Live and the Akai MPC Live II are powerful tools for music producers. While they share many features, the MPC Live II adds built-in speakers and improved battery life, making it a great choice for those who want to create music anywhere without extra gear.

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of music production, where creativity meets technology! Today, we’re going to explore two amazing music-making machines from Akai Professional: the Akai MPC Live and the Akai MPC Live II. Both of these devices are popular standalone samplers, but which one is the right fit for you? Let’s dive in and compare their features, pros, and cons to help you make the best choice.

Meet the Akai MPC Live

The Akai MPC Live, released in 2017, is a versatile music production center. It’s a standalone device, which means you don’t need a computer to use it. This sampler is like a Swiss Army knife for musicians, packing a lot of features into a small package.

Features of the Akai MPC Live

Pads and Display

The MPC Live has 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads. This means they light up in different colors and respond to how hard you hit them. It’s perfect for playing beats and melodies. The device also has a 7-inch multi-touch display, making it easy to navigate and control your music.

Sounds and Effects

With a sample rate of 44.1kHz, the MPC Live gives you high-quality sound. It has a variety of effects like EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Compression, which help you shape your music.

Connectivity and Integration

The device offers MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out ports, allowing you to connect other instruments and gear. Plus, it integrates with MPC Software, providing even more options for music production.

Storage and Build

The MPC Live comes with an internal SSD for storing your sounds. It’s built to be portable, so you can make music on the go. Priced at $1200, it’s a solid investment for aspiring producers.

Pros and Cons of the Akai MPC Live

Pros:

• Portable and standalone
• High-quality sound with 128-note polyphony
• Easy-to-use multi-touch display
• Wide range of effects

Cons:

• No built-in speakers
• Battery life could be better

Introducing the Akai MPC Live II

Three years after the original, Akai released the Akai MPC Live II in 2020. It’s an updated version of the MPC Live, adding some exciting new features.

Features of the Akai MPC Live II

Built-in Speakers

One of the biggest changes in the MPC Live II is the addition of built-in speakers. This means you don’t need headphones or external speakers to hear your music, making it even easier to create beats anywhere.

Improved Battery Life

The MPC Live II also boasts an extended battery life. So, if you’re working on the go, you can keep making music for longer without needing to recharge.

Pads, Display, and Sound Quality

Like its predecessor, the MPC Live II has 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads and a 7-inch multi-touch display. It offers the same high-quality sound with a sample rate of 44.1kHz and 128-note polyphony.

Connectivity and Effects

With MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out ports, the MPC Live II connects easily with other gear. It also integrates with MPC Software and offers the same great effects: EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Compression.

Storage and Build

This device also has an internal SSD for storage and is standalone. It’s priced slightly higher at $1400, reflecting its additional features.

Pros and Cons of the Akai MPC Live II

Pros:

• Built-in speakers for easy listening
• Improved battery life for extended use
• Portable and standalone
• High-quality sound with 128-note polyphony

Cons:

• Higher price compared to the original MPC Live

Feature Comparison: Head-to-Head

Sound and Effects

Both the Akai MPC Live and MPC Live II offer the same sound quality with a 44.1kHz sample rate and a wide range of effects like EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Compression. This means whichever you choose, you’ll have access to professional-level sound and effects.

Pads and Display

The two samplers feature 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads and a 7-inch multi-touch display. These features make both devices user-friendly and great for live performances.

Portability and Build

Both devices are standalone, meaning they can be used without a computer. They also come with internal SSD storage, making them portable and suitable for music production on the move.

New Additions in the MPC Live II

The main differences lie in the new features added to the MPC Live II. The built-in speakers are a major benefit if you want to produce music without carrying extra gear. Plus, the improved battery life means you can work longer without needing to recharge.

Price Consideration

While the MPC Live II offers more features, it comes at a higher price of $1400 compared to the MPC Live’s $1200. This might be a deciding factor if you’re on a budget.

Who Should Choose the Akai MPC Live?

The Akai MPC Live is perfect for those who need a portable, standalone music production device. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a powerful sampler without breaking the bank. If you don’t mind using headphones or external speakers, the MPC Live is a great choice.

Who Should Choose the Akai MPC Live II?

The Akai MPC Live II is best for musicians who want more convenience. The built-in speakers and better battery life make it perfect for those who like to produce music anywhere, without extra gear. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for these added features, the MPC Live II is the way to go.

Final Verdict

Both the Akai MPC Live and MPC Live II are excellent choices for music producers. They offer high-quality sound, a user-friendly interface, and a wide range of effects. Your choice depends on your needs and budget. If you want built-in speakers and longer battery life, go for the MPC Live II. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the original MPC Live is a fantastic pick.

Happy music-making!