I currently use a n sp-404 for live gigs, I could try clip mode instead…
1 Like
It’s the SP404mk2 that’s brought me back to the MPC in this way.
I got the SP after buying into the hype (which is justified too IMO, it’s great!) but it didn’t take me long to equate the things I was getting enthusiastic about back to thinking that the MPC does a lot of these things better. Apart from the performative output fx, the SP is great for this… and the Skip Back audio capture.
But, you could easily use a Clip Program to mimic the SP404 workflow and go beyond it… you can load one shot samples into Clip Pads and Sequence them like you would a Drum Prog, so it really is all there.
For lauching and performing clips, it’ll offer a lot over the 404 (quickly jamming on different FX would be an obvious exception, as would the 404’s ability to boot straight up with mutiple banks ready to go). Whether it’s as robust in a live situation I wouldn’t like to say - I feel like there’s less to go wrong with the 404. For clip launching the Blackbox is probably the closest contender - the MPC loses out in terms of portability and connections there, but the FX and mixing options make up for it.
Mpc actually has skip back sampling, I never really used it, so I forgot how it works… but mpc has that too!! Maybe someone here remembers how it works.
Shift+Rec- I thought that was just for midi/things played on the pads…?
3 Likes
As far as I know it’s just for midi - but still incredibly useful. So many times I’ve done something that I really loved while I was just practicing a take.
2 Likes
Yes, midi only. Skip back audio on the 404 is FANTASTIC and justifies all caps.
4 Likes
IT DOES!!!
3 Likes
I just made a feature request on the Akai Beta Forum.
Asking is free…
4 Likes
… but the answer may come in the form of a $300 plugin 
2 Likes
There it is
1 Like
Well, I haven’t paid that much for 2g of RAM and a chunk of beige plastic since 1999.
10 Likes
Haha! Yeah I was thinking of flipping my X beforehand to upgrade but I’m so glad i just held on to it.
I love love the design of the old classics but this just doesn’t do it for me, and the spec bump doesn’t justify and upgrade for me at least.
1 Like
See how you feel in a week when the YouTubers have spammed us to death with it… 
I think it looks great, and I like that they are bringing the retro vibe to the X… it beats the black/red look and looks ‘correct’.
I suppose there are a lot of One/Live/Live 2 owners out there who’ve not used an MPC X before… if you have the space for one, the X is a great upgrade/step up.
2 Likes
Haha!
I think it looks good but the black knobs/oled strips clash with the light grey, but that’s just a personal hangup. Not a fan of the o.g. red sides either but it’s all good hehe. The o.g Live looks beautiful though! So clean.
It’s a beast indeed! If you can find the space for it which I still struggle with 
Yo mpc peeps… I’ve been eyeing the “new gen” mpc range for quite some time now. Ready to take the leap, but I have some questions…
- the Live 2 retro isn’t available in my country anymore… Does the black Live 2 still have the horrible coating that melts over time? Is it like the Maschine mk3 coating?
- Live 2 + a good midi keyboard vs. Mpc Key 61, what’s the difference? The Key doesn’t have the battery nor the speaker, right? Can the Live 2 runs all the latest plugins ?
Especially for a non portable thing.
I mean if I really want to expand the ram and storage used for the MPC X, I just buy a second hand computer with 16GB of ram for 100€, install MPC software on it and use the MPC X as a controller. With the addition of being able to use VSTs and remove the tracks limitation. A new version with so little difference will only have a justification at the same price really.
It is not like anyone is travelling with an MPC X on his vacation holidays.
If you don’t know for certain why you need/want the Key 61 then you are 100% better getting the Live 2 and a good keyboard for when you need it.
Live 2 can run all the latest plugins, yes, but remember that the plugins are a recent addition to the MPC world to give it more ‘synth’ capabilities… strip them away and you still have a ridiculously powerful sampler… drum programs and key groups are still where it shines IMO. The plugins are just convenient to have.
Oh and the black Live 2 doesn’t have an issue with melting covers.
3 Likes
In this case, you are no longer DAWless !!! 
MPC is a DAW. You can’t be DAWLess with MPCs.
On a live or mpc one, it makes sense to use them as standalone as they are a dedicated portable machines. On a studio, an MPC X standalone makes very little sense anyway. I’d rather see the MPC X screen removed for extra stuff and an hdmi port to hook a regular screen behind it anyway.
1 Like