Akai MPC Live —  VS  — Akai MPC One+

Akai MPC Live vs Akai MPC One+: Which Sampler Should You Choose?

If you’re a music enthusiast, you might have heard about the Akai MPC series. Today, we’re going to compare two popular models: the Akai MPC Live and the Akai MPC One+. Both are amazing tools for making beats and music, but they have some differences that might make one better for you than the other.

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Akai Professional! Akai is known for creating some of the best music production gear out there. Their MPC series is especially popular among musicians and producers. Today, we’re diving into two standout models: the Akai MPC Live and the new Akai MPC One+. Whether you’re a budding producer or a seasoned beatmaker, understanding the similarities and differences between these two devices will help you make the right choice.

What’s Similar?

Before we dive into the differences, let’s look at what these two samplers have in common. Both the Akai MPC Live and the Akai MPC One+ are standalone devices. This means you don’t need a computer to use them, which is great if you want to make music on the go. They both have a 7-inch multi-touch display, which makes it easy to navigate and control your music. Plus, they have the same internal SSD storage and 44.1kHz sample rate, so your music will sound amazing on both devices!

Core Features

• Polyphony: Both devices offer 128-voice polyphony. This means they can play 128 different sounds at the same time, perfect for complex music production.

• Pads and Sequencer: Each device features 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads and a built-in sequencer, making beat-making and sequencing a breeze.

• Effects: You’ll find EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Compression on both, providing you with essential effects to enhance your tracks.

• MPC Software Integration: Both devices seamlessly integrate with Akai’s MPC Software, providing additional production capabilities when connected to a computer.

Comparing the Akai MPC Live and MPC One+

Now that we know what they have in common, let’s explore what sets them apart.

Year of Release and Price

The Akai MPC Live was released in 2017, while the MPC One+ is a fresh face from 2023. This difference in release years means that the MPC One+ benefits from newer technology and software improvements. However, this doesn’t necessarily make it better in every way.

One of the most noticeable differences is the price. The MPC Live comes with a price tag of $1200, whereas the MPC One+ is priced at a more affordable $750. This price difference can be a big deciding factor for many people.

Build and Design

Both devices have a sleek and sturdy standalone build. However, the MPC Live is slightly more geared towards portability, making it a fantastic choice for producers on the go. It’s designed to be a comprehensive studio you can carry around easily. On the other hand, the MPC One+ is more compact, which can be an advantage if you’re working in a small studio space.

Software and Features

The MPC One+ is the latest update to the MPC One, boasting improved software and hardware features over the older models. While the MPC Live is still a powerhouse, the newer software enhancements in the MPC One+ can make a significant difference, especially if you’re looking for the latest in music production technology.

Connectivity

Both samplers come with MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out options, ensuring you can connect them to other gear in your studio. This feature is vital for any music producer who wants to integrate the sampler into a larger setup.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each device to help you decide which one might be right for you.

Akai MPC Live

Pros:

• Great for portable music production
• Larger price tag often indicates premium features
• Suitable for professional studio environments

Cons:

• More expensive, which might not fit everyone’s budget
• Older model, potentially missing newer tech advancements

Akai MPC One+

Pros:

• More affordable price, making it accessible for beginners
• Latest software and hardware features
• Compact design, perfect for smaller spaces

Cons:

• May lack some of the high-end features found in the MPC Live
• Newer model, which might mean less user-generated resources available online

Final Verdict

Both the Akai MPC Live and the Akai MPC One+ are excellent choices for music production. However, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

• Best for Professionals on the Go: The Akai MPC Live is perfect if you’re a professional looking for a portable yet powerful music production tool. Its higher price reflects its advanced features, making it ideal for serious producers.

• Best for Beginners and Budget-Conscious Producers: The Akai MPC One+ is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone on a budget. It’s packed with the latest features, offering great value for money without sacrificing performance.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and budget. Both devices will serve you well in creating amazing music. Happy beat-making!

For more details, visit the Akai MPC Live and Akai MPC One+ pages.