So the maschine + can’t do anything other than 4/4 if I understand correctly.
Can the maschine software with a mk3 do multiple time signatures when used inside a DAW?
Otherwise I might have to settle for an mpc. Which seems a shame considering I already have komplete and a komplete keyboard.
You can make a pattern and the Songmode structure whatever length you like (on a 16th Grid), so you can use whatever timesignature you want, as long as you can break it down to 16th notes.
And because of the structure of the Songmode, you can change timesignatures after every bar, if you like.
2 Likes
Had a couple of hours to explore the tuts in the Quick Start guide, and so far… It’s DOPE! Computer screen still on while I learn the basics, but really, the controller is absolutely awesome.
1 Like
So I’m an MPC user myself, and just found about the Maschine plus, so I wanted to learn some more.
Ran into this video about the Maschine plus, and I have to say it seems like an absolutely terrible experience hitting the CPU brick wall this easily… MPC One vs. Maschine Plus - CPU Usage When Loading Multiple Kits - YouTube
Hi @echo_opera - this maschine+ setup looks neat. Is that Imaginando LK running on the ipad? Would you be so kind as to outline how you set these up running together? Thank you!
There are a lot of things the Maschine+ cannot do that MPCs have been able to do since the 1980s, but it doesn’t mean the Maschine+ is bad, it’s just geared to a different audience, perhaps one that doesn’t want the level of depth on offer from Akai. The latest MPCs have matured into powerful products and are honestly hard to resist at their respective price points. However, one thing the Maschine+ can do (albeit not without a fair amount of technical knowledge and compromise) is host external Reaktor ensembles. Having access to VHS Degradation Suite on a standalone piece of hardware is amazing.
I feel like (and have no proof) the MPC range has matured beyond Maschine. The NI sample and sound library is second to none - but when it comes to how a machine flows and works, the current MPCs are hands down running away from the competition (namely, Maschine).
That’s just my opinion
1 Like
Hi there. I’m a Ableton Live user since 2010.
After a couple of EPs and some remixes released, I took three sabbatical years from making music but now I’m felling it is time for a fresh start. I’m a brand and digital designer in my daytime job so I’m looking for a standalone machine that lets me stay away from my Mac when making music.
I’m really undecided between Maschine+ and Akai Force.
I’ve never used Maschine software but i really really like the design of the hardware and the workflow for putting down new ideas (for what I could see watching YouTube videos).
On the other hand, the Ableton Live like workflow of the Force (clip and scenes) and the fact that you can export projects from the Force to Ableton Live would makes me feel more in my comfort zone with this machine. But I’ve tried the MPC software with a MPK Mini MK3 and its workflow was like a nightmare to me. And for what I could understand the MPC like workflow of the Akai Force should be the same.
I don’t really rely on super cool software synths for my music production (I use them only for pad textures and bass lines) and what I really care is the slicing/chopping samples ease and speed.
Last thing, I don’t pretend to finalize the arrangements on a standalone groovebox. I’d make the final mix (with effects and automations) in Ableton Live in any case. So the ease and speed of exporting stems to the computer daw is another priority to me.
So, in 2022 what machine do you experts recommend me for my music production needs, Maschine+ or Akai Force?
Thank you in advance!
I keep seeing a lot of complaints about Maschine+ crashing and running out of power. I have no such problem with my Maschine MK3 and M1 Air. I really like using the Akai Force but wow that thing is big. I like the workflow but I feel tied to the desk. The MPC Live 2 is a joy. I like being able to grab it and go, using the battery and speakers. For that reason it gets more use than my Maschine or Force. The recliner, the porch, on vacation. It goes where I go and that is important.
2 Likes
you actually sound like you know what you’re doing so I would simply compare the sampling and slicing features of the two and decide, I’d be interested to hear back if your conclusion was that the maschine was better for the job because I sincerely think it’s outclassed for this use case in particular.
1 Like
What I disliked about the M+ was, that you depend on Presets when using Synths, or create them your own at the computer instead of the Maschine itself. I loved the Arranger tho. Sample-Work ist great, but I would prefer Akai here too. Never hit the limits of CPU tho. The Hardware itself feels really really good! Sample-Management was a nightmare back when I had the M+. Dunno if it changed, but you where not really able to browse directories but had to run through all samples in one list.
I loved the big Grid of the Force, for playing notes as well as using as pattern-Launcher like in Ableton. Being able to export Projects to Ableton might be a plus for you too. With the one big update they added tons of possibilities for modulation and using the controls. I liked the Arranger of the M+ more then the Force tho. The MIDI Implementation in the M+ was really really bad for someone who uses external gear, as changing Presets was hacked into the device in a way that is not really useable.
On top of that: The Force isn’t exactly as powerful when sampling and slicing than the MPC series, if that’s okay for you, I think the Force is better than the MPC (at least for me), as its way faster to work with the Pattern-Grid on the Force than on the MPC. What I really dislike about the Akai-Devices is the touch pad. You need to use it a lot, and for myself it is not good enough in response and too small, or at least the UI gets too small for the size of the Display sometimes.
Currently I own a MPC One, but I will get rid of it, as I found out for myself, that there is no “One box for everything” on the market for me 
2 Likes
As a user of Ableton Live since about the same time, I have often felt the desire to go ‘standalone’. Each time I’ve tried I’ve ended up frustrated with the limitations vs what I’m used to. So I sold a bunch of stuff, upgraded my MacBook to an M1 model, got an APC40 Mk2 and haven’t looked back.
1 Like
I have way more fun with hardware, but I am way more productive in bitwig.
Hardware -> Jams
DAW -> finished and arranged Songs
3 Likes
The form factor of the Force and its design is what holds me back from buying it. I mean, Maschine seems to come from the future with respect to it. At the same time your consideration on Maschine crashes is interesting.
1 Like
Exactly in what respects MPCs are superior to Maschine+ in slicing, chopping and manipulating samples? I’m not interested in direct sampling capabilities, just in processing samples files.
I don’t really care about the sound design aspect, I just have to start with the presets to create some bass lines and pads. The problem of browsing samples has been solved with updates, there are many videos on YouTube where you can clearly see that you can browse endless levels of folders on Maschine+. At the same time I would not use external machines to connect to Maschine via midi so it’s not a big deal for me.
In what exactly is Force inferior to MPCs in sampling? Doesn’t it have the same engine as MPCs? I’ve also seen a lot of complaints about the responsiveness of the MPC touch screen.
I use samples in a very basic way, so I never hit any boundaries. I read that sample chopping on the MPC is better/easier than on the force. But again, it’s long ago and might have changed.
I would choose a force over a MPC with todays knowledge.
The touch screen is not as bad as ebook readers, but far away from modern phone and tablet screens.
1 Like
That makes sense 
the formfactor holds me back as well… it’s terrible imo, the personification of clunkiness but there are a lot of people who wouldn’t have it any other way
the sampling and slicing is quicker
the sample slicing options are more plentiful ie: slicing to parameters, audio, destructive/non-destructive etc…
more sample slicing methods - using the touch screen, or qlinks
sample freeze/flatten/FX print per pad … is a beyond powerful sample mangaling feature
explode track feature- also a powerful sample mangaling feature
the looper is another very powerful sample mangaling feature and also super simple to access and quick to use sampling method
auto sampler, many ways to use and abuse
there are more but you get the gist, often overlooked thing about the mpcs is that alot of it’s strongest features are the simplest to use like the sample freezing , looper, auto sampler etc… where native instruments would have made it convoluted to use those features if maschine had them imo…
1 Like