Akai MPC Live —  VS  — Korg Volca Sample 2

Quick Summary

The Akai MPC Live and Korg Volca Sample 2 are two popular samplers, each with its own unique features and capabilities. While the MPC Live is a powerhouse for serious music production, the Volca Sample 2 is a fun and affordable option for beginners and those who love portability.

Introduction

Hey there, music gear enthusiasts! Are you diving into the world of samplers and drum machines? If so, you’ve probably heard of the Akai MPC Live and the Korg Volca Sample 2. These two devices are both fantastic in their own ways, but they serve different purposes. Today, we’ll explore what makes each one special, compare their features, and figure out which one might be perfect for you. Let’s get started!

Feature Comparisons

Design and Build

The Akai MPC Live is a sleek and powerful machine that looks like it means business. It’s built to be a standalone device, meaning you can use it without needing a computer. It has a sturdy design with a 7-inch multi-touch display that makes it super easy to navigate through menus and options. Plus, it comes with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads that light up in all sorts of colors, making it not only functional but also fun to play with.

On the other hand, the Korg Volca Sample 2 is all about portability. It’s much smaller and lighter than the MPC Live, making it easy to carry around. Unlike the MPC Live, it doesn’t have pads. Instead, it uses buttons to trigger sounds. This makes it less tactile for those who love drumming on pads, but it’s still very intuitive and easy to use. It has LED indicators instead of a screen, which keeps things simple and straightforward.

Sound and Polyphony

When it comes to sound, the Akai MPC Live is a beast. It offers 128-note polyphony, which means you can play a lot of sounds at once without any issues. This is great for creating complex beats and music productions. It also includes a variety of effects like EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Compression, allowing you to shape your sound in many different ways.

In comparison, the Korg Volca Sample 2 is more limited with 16-note polyphony. This means you can play fewer sounds at once, which might be a downside for some music creators. However, it still offers essential effects like Reverb and Delay, giving you some room to experiment with your sound.

Storage and Connectivity

Storage is another area where these two samplers differ significantly. The Akai MPC Live comes with an internal SSD, providing plenty of space for your samples and projects. It features a variety of connectivity options, including MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out, making it a versatile tool for any studio setup.

The Korg Volca Sample 2, on the other hand, has internal memory for storing samples. Its connectivity options are more limited, with only MIDI In and Audio Out. This makes it less flexible than the MPC Live for those who want to integrate it into a larger studio setup.

Software Integration

If you’re someone who loves using software to make music, the Akai MPC Live is a dream come true. It integrates seamlessly with MPC Software, giving you access to a powerful digital audio workstation right on your device. You can easily transfer projects between your computer and the MPC Live, making it a great choice for serious producers.

The Korg Volca Sample 2 doesn’t offer software integration, which might be a downside for those who like to use digital tools in their music-making process. However, its simplicity is part of its charm, and it encourages you to focus on the basics of sound and rhythm.

Pros and Cons

Akai MPC Live

Pros:

• Standalone Functionality: No need for a computer.
• High-Quality Display: 7-inch multi-touch screen for easy navigation.
• Rich Sound Capabilities: 128-note polyphony and a variety of effects.
• Extensive Connectivity: MIDI, USB, and Audio In/Out.
• Software Integration: Comes with MPC Software.

Cons:

• Pricey: At $1200, it’s a significant investment.
• Complexity: Might be overwhelming for beginners.

Korg Volca Sample 2

Pros:

• Affordable: Priced at $200, it’s budget-friendly.
• Portable: Easy to carry around and use anywhere.
• Simple Interface: LED indicators make it easy to use.
• Basic Effects: Includes Reverb and Delay for sound shaping.

Cons:

• Limited Polyphony: Only 16-note polyphony.
• No Pads: Uses buttons instead.
• Limited Connectivity: Only MIDI In and Audio Out.

Final Verdict

So, which sampler is right for you? If you’re a serious music producer looking for a powerful and versatile tool, the Akai MPC Live is an excellent choice. Its standalone functionality, rich sound capabilities, and extensive connectivity options make it a top-tier device for creating complex music productions.

However, if you’re just starting out, or if you love making music on the go, the Korg Volca Sample 2 might be the perfect fit. It’s affordable, portable, and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners and those who want to keep things simple.

Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a newcomer to the world of samplers, both the Akai MPC Live and the Korg Volca Sample 2 have something unique to offer. Happy music-making!