Akai MPC One —  VS  — Akai MPC One+

Akai MPC One vs. Akai MPC One+: A Comprehensive Comparison

Summary: The Akai MPC One and Akai MPC One+ are two powerful music production tools designed for musicians who want to create beats and full tracks on-the-go. While both share many similarities, the MPC One+ offers a few enhanced features over its predecessor. This blog post will delve into the differences and help you decide which one suits your music production needs.

Introduction

Hello, music gear enthusiasts! If you’re here, you’re probably interested in making some awesome beats and tracks. Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two popular samplers from Akai Professional: the Akai MPC One and Akai MPC One+. These devices are like magic boxes for music makers, allowing you to create, edit, and perform music without needing a computer. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned producer, understanding the differences between these two can help you make the best choice for your music-making journey.

Features Comparison

Let’s take a closer look at what each of these devices brings to the table.

Design and Build

Both the Akai MPC One and the MPC One+ are standalone devices, meaning you don’t need a computer to make music. They both come with a sturdy build that’s perfect for taking on the road or setting up in your home studio. Each device features a sleek design with a 7-inch multi-touch display that makes navigating through menus and editing tracks a breeze.

Pads and Controls

The MPC One and MPC One+ each feature 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads. These pads are where the magic happens! You can tap out drum beats, play melodies, or trigger samples with just a touch. The pads respond to how hard or soft you hit them, allowing for expressive performances.

Internal Components

Inside both machines, you’ll find an internal SSD for storage, providing ample space to save your projects and samples. They both support a sample rate of 44.1kHz, ensuring high-quality audio production.

Polyphony and Effects

With a polyphony of 128 voices, both the MPC One and MPC One+ allow you to layer sounds and create complex compositions without running into performance issues. They also come equipped with essential effects like EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Compression, giving you the tools to polish your tracks to perfection.

Connectivity

Both devices offer plenty of ways to connect to other gear. With MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out, you can easily integrate these MPCs into your existing setup or use them as the centerpiece of your music-making rig.

Software Integration

Integration with the MPC Software is seamless for both devices, allowing you to take your projects from the standalone device and continue working on them on your computer if you choose.

Price

One of the differences between the two models is the price. The Akai MPC One is priced at $700, while the MPC One+ costs slightly more at $750. This price difference reflects some of the enhanced features and updates found in the MPC One+.

Pros and Cons

Akai MPC One

Pros:

• Affordable standalone device
• High-quality 7-inch multi-touch display
• Comprehensive effects and MIDI connectivity

Cons:

• No significant hardware updates since its release
• Lacks some of the software improvements found in newer models

Akai MPC One+

Pros:

• Latest software and hardware enhancements
• Same beloved features as the original with improvements
• Still an affordable option with additional value

Cons:

• Slightly higher price point than the original MPC One

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Akai MPC One and the Akai MPC One+ depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable, standalone music production device at a lower cost, the original MPC One is a great choice. However, if you want the latest updates and improvements, the MPC One+ offers additional value for just a bit more money.

Whether you’re creating beats at home or performing live, both machines offer fantastic capabilities for music production. Happy music making!