Akai MPC5000 —  VS  — Korg Volca Sample

Summary

When it comes to samplers, the Korg Volca Sample and the Akai MPC5000 both offer unique features that cater to different music-making needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking for portability or a seasoned producer needing advanced functionality, one of these might just be perfect for you.

Dive into the World of Sampling: Korg Volca Sample vs. Akai MPC5000

Sampling has revolutionized the way music is created, allowing artists to use snippets of sound to build entire tracks. Today, we’ll explore two popular samplers: the Korg Volca Sample and the Akai MPC5000. Each of these devices offers its own set of features, strengths, and weaknesses. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned producer, this guide will help you choose the right sampler for your needs.

Meet the Contenders

First, let’s meet our two samplers:

• Korg Volca Sample: Released in 2014 by Korg, this compact sampler is known for its portability and ease of use, making it ideal for live performances.

• Akai MPC5000: This high-end sampler was released in 2006 by Akai Professional. It is renowned for its advanced features and extensive sampling capabilities.

Key Features Analysis

Polyphony and Sound Quality

The first feature we’ll look at is polyphony, which refers to the number of sounds a sampler can play at once.

• Korg Volca Sample has a polyphony of 16. This means it can play up to 16 different sounds at the same time. While this is sufficient for many applications, it may not be enough for complex compositions.

• Akai MPC5000 boasts a much higher polyphony of 128. This allows for more intricate layering of sounds, making it perfect for producing complex tracks.

Both samplers operate at a sample rate of 44.1kHz, ensuring high-quality audio playback.

Storage and Memory

When it comes to storage:

• The Korg Volca Sample uses internal memory. While this means you won’t need any extra storage devices, it also limits the number of samples you can store.

• On the other hand, the Akai MPC5000 offers more flexibility with its internal hard drive and CompactFlash capabilities. This allows for extensive storage of samples, making it suitable for large projects.

Pads and Sequencers

The way you interact with a sampler can greatly affect your workflow:

• The Korg Volca Sample does not have pads but uses buttons for sample triggering. Its step sequencer is great for hands-on music creation, especially in a live setting.

• The Akai MPC5000 features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, providing a responsive and tactile experience. This is complemented by a powerful sequencer, ideal for detailed beat-making.

Effects and Sound Processing

Effects can add depth and interest to your sounds:

• The Korg Volca Sample comes with reverb and delay effects. These are sufficient for adding some spatial effects to your samples.

• The Akai MPC5000 takes things further with EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and filtering. These advanced effects allow for in-depth sound shaping directly on the device.

Integration and Connectivity

Connectivity can determine how well a sampler fits into your existing setup:

• The Korg Volca Sample has MIDI In and Audio Out. However, it lacks software integration, which can limit its use in a studio environment.

• The Akai MPC5000 offers comprehensive connectivity with MIDI In/Out and Audio In/Out. It also integrates with MPC Software, making it a powerful tool in both live and studio settings.

Build and Portability

• The Korg Volca Sample is highly portable, making it a great choice for musicians who are always on the go. Its compact design allows it to fit easily into any setup.

• The Akai MPC5000 is a standalone unit, which is larger and less portable. However, its robust build provides a studio-quality feel.

Price Considerations

Price is often an important factor:

• The Korg Volca Sample is budget-friendly at $180, making it accessible to beginners and those on a tight budget.

• The Akai MPC5000 is more expensive, with a used price of around $1200. This reflects its advanced features and capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Korg Volca Sample

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Highly portable
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Limited storage
• No pads
• Basic effects

Akai MPC5000

Pros:

• Extensive polyphony
• Advanced effects
• Large storage capacity

Cons:

• Expensive
• Less portable
• Older model

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

In summary, the Korg Volca Sample is perfect for musicians who need something portable and easy to use, especially for live performances. Its affordability and simplicity make it accessible to beginners.

On the other hand, the Akai MPC5000 is ideal for experienced producers who need advanced features and extensive sampling capabilities. Its comprehensive connectivity and effects make it a powerful tool for studio use.

Whether you choose the compact and budget-friendly Korg Volca Sample or the feature-rich Akai MPC5000, both samplers have the potential to elevate your music production to new heights.