Akai MPC X — VS — Korg Volca Sample 2
Akai MPC X
The MPC X is a powerful music-making machine that works with or without a computer. It has a big touchscreen, colorful pads, and tons of sounds built in. You can plug in microphones, turntables, and instruments, or add even more music with USB drives and SD cards. It's great for making beats, recording songs, and controlling other music gear. The MPC X is made for serious creators who want everything in one place.
Korg Volca Sample 2
The Korg Volca Sample 2 is a small but powerful drum machine that lets you make music with real sounds, called samples. It's easy to carry, fun to use, and perfect for creating beats anywhere. This updated version gives you more memory to hold longer sounds, better connection with your computer using USB, and a fresh set of sounds to play with. You can build patterns with the 16-step sequencer, add effects like reverb, and even connect headphones or play through the built-in speaker. It's a great tool for beatmakers who want hands-on fun without a big setup.
| Spec | Akai MPC X | Korg Volca Sample 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Akai Professional | Korg |
| Year Released | 2017 | 2020 |
| Polyphony | 128 | 16 |
| Sample Rate | 44.1kHz | 44.1kHz |
| Storage | Internal SSD | Internal memory |
| Pads | 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads | No pads, uses buttons |
| Sequencer | Yes | Yes |
| Effects | EQ, Reverb, Delay, Compression | Reverb, Delay |
| I/O | MIDI In/Out, USB, Audio In/Out | MIDI In, Audio Out |
| Screen | 10.1-inch multi-touch display | LED indicators |
| Software Integration | MPC Software | No |
| Build | Standalone | Portable |
| Price | $2500 | $149 |
| More about | Details | Details |
Buy the Akai MPC X on Amazon.com
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Buy Now On AmazonA Short Summary
The Akai MPC X and the Korg Volca Sample 2 are two popular samplers, each with unique features that cater to different needs. The MPC X is a professional-grade sampler with advanced features, while the Volca Sample 2 is a more affordable and portable option. Let’s dive deeper into their features to see which one might be right for you.
Akai MPC X vs. Korg Volca Sample 2: A Tale of Two Samplers
Welcome to our comparison of two exciting samplers: the Akai MPC X and the Korg Volca Sample 2. If you love making music and want to explore new sounds, samplers are your best friend. Today, we’ll explore the features, pros, and cons of these two samplers to help you decide which one is right for you.
A Journey into the World of Samplers
When you think of making music, you might picture guitars, pianos, or drums. But did you know that samplers can make music too? Samplers are like magic boxes that let you record sounds and play them back in different ways. They’re super fun and can help you make all sorts of music. Let’s see what makes the Akai MPC X and Korg Volca Sample 2 special.
The Big Picture: Features and Functions
Akai MPC X
The Akai MPC X is like a spaceship of sound. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s packed with cool stuff. Here’s what it can do:
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Polyphony: The MPC X has 128 voices, which means it can play lots of sounds at the same time. This is great if you want to make complex music with many layers.
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Sample Rate: Both samplers have a sample rate of 44.1kHz, which is the same as a CD. This means the sound quality is really good.
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Storage: The MPC X has an internal SSD, which is a fancy way of saying it can store a lot of music and sounds.
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Pads and Sequencer: It has 16 colorful pads that respond to how hard you press them. You can use these pads to play sounds and make beats. Plus, it has a sequencer, which helps you arrange your sounds into songs.
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Effects: Want to add some flair to your music? The MPC X has EQ, reverb, delay, and compression to spice things up.
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IO and Screen: It comes with MIDI In/Out, USB, and Audio In/Out. Plus, it has a big 10.1-inch touchscreen that lets you see and control everything easily.
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Software Integration: The MPC X works with MPC Software, which means you can connect it to your computer and do even more cool things.
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Build and Price: It’s a standalone device, so you don’t need a computer to use it. But it costs around $2500, so it’s a bit expensive.
Korg Volca Sample 2
The Korg Volca Sample 2 is like a pocket-sized wonder. It’s smaller, simpler, and great for on-the-go music fun. Here’s what it offers:
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Polyphony: It has 16 voices, which is less than the MPC X, but still enough for many fun sounds.
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Sample Rate: Like the MPC X, it has a 44.1kHz sample rate, so the sound quality is also good.
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Storage: It has internal memory to save your sounds and samples, but not as much as the MPC X.
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Pads and Sequencer: Instead of pads, it uses buttons to play sounds. It also has a sequencer to help you make songs.
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Effects: You can add reverb and delay effects to your music, giving it some extra sparkle.
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IO and Screen: It has MIDI In and Audio Out, with LED indicators to show what’s happening.
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Software Integration: It doesn’t have any, so you can’t connect it to a computer for extra features.
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Build and Price: It’s portable, so you can take it anywhere. Plus, it’s much cheaper at about $200.
Pros and Cons of Each Sampler
Akai MPC X
Pros:
- Lots of voices for complex music
- High storage capacity
- Large, colorful, and responsive pads
- Big touchscreen for easy control
- Plenty of effects for sound customization
- Works with computer software
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bigger and less portable
Korg Volca Sample 2
Pros:
- Portable and easy to carry
- Affordable price
- Fun and simple to use
- Good sound quality with basic effects
Cons:
- Fewer voices and storage
- No pads, only buttons
- Limited software integration
Final Verdict: Which Sampler is Right for You?
Choosing between the Akai MPC X and Korg Volca Sample 2 depends on what you need and how you make music.
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For the Pros: If you’re a serious music maker who wants all the fancy features, the Akai MPC X is for you. It’s perfect for those who need big storage, lots of effects, and seamless software integration. It’s like having a full studio at your fingertips.
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For the Beginners and Travelers: If you’re just starting out or want something you can take anywhere, the Korg Volca Sample 2 is your buddy. It’s easy to use, won’t break the bank, and you can make music wherever you go.
In conclusion, both samplers are amazing in their own ways. Whether you choose the spaceship or the pocket wonder, you’re sure to have a blast making music. Happy sampling!