For those that have tried both: portable, standalone MPC v. iMPC Pro 2 w/Element controller

Littlewoodg

I have the later and now frequently browse the new and used iterations of the former. (If I’m not mistaken, MPC Live and Live 2 are the only portable MPC solutions...)

I don’t know much so educate me,
I’m tempted by the portables but I’ve got the 10.5 and (whats now $250 worth of) an Akai Element, so...

One consideration is the synth access possible on the iPad. Another for me is that I’ve bought many (many) of the Akai sample packs (at AudioCopy IAP prices, which I assume are much less than those for loading onto the MPC hardware)

Side note I tried the Beat software on a PC, and found it cramped, fiddly and limited compared with iMPC Pro 2, in terms of track count at least. The integration of the Element was strangely off, where the integration with iMPC Pro 2 is spot on. Not to mention the PC solution isn’t really portable the way I want it to be.

It’s interesting that all the new MPCs are using touch screen for the onboard software.

Strizbiz

I have the MPC Live 2 and I love it, yes it’s portable having an internal battery and a built in speaker that actually sounds pretty good, but not the most portable in size tbh. Definitely has a bit of weight to it, but it’s a whole other animal than any IMPC app. It doesn’t come with a lot of internal hd space, only 16 gigs but you can easily install a second internal hard drive, I installed a 1tb ssd in mine.
It’s great as a stand alone but you can also use it as a controller for the desktop app and have access to all your vst’s or au’s if you’re on a Mac, and it’s also an audio interface for your computer, and at times I use my IPad as a sound module with it.

The free MPC software is definitely more limited than the full version which comes free with the MPC Live, and I doubt you’ll be using your mouse much using the Live as a controller. I love the Live 2 so much I bought 2 of them, one stays in the studio wired up to everything and one by my bed as my portable setup.

Littlewoodg

@Strizbiz said:
I have the MPC Live 2 and I love it, yes it’s portable having an internal battery and a built in speaker that actually sounds pretty good, but not the most portable in size tbh. Definitely has a bit of weight to it, but it’s a whole other animal than any IMPC app. It doesn’t come with a lot of internal hd space, only 16 gigs but you can easily install a second internal hard drive, I installed a 1tb ssd in mine.
It’s great as a stand alone but you can also use it as a controller for the desktop app and have access to all your vst’s or au’s if you’re on a Mac, and it’s also an audio interface for your computer, and at times I use my IPad as a sound module with it.

The free MPC software is definitely more limited than the full version which comes free with the MPC Live, and I doubt you’ll be using your mouse much using the Live as a controller. I love the Live 2 so much I bought 2 of them, one stays in the studio wired up to everything and one by my bed as my portable setup.

Thanks for this!
The photo, and your note (unfortunately for my wallet) push me closer me toward getting my hands on the Live or Live 2.

My intent is strictly towards using the unit standalone, and I’m curious how the full software, used in the standalone unit, differs from the iOS software. YouTube time I reckon.

CyberLuke

The MPC Live II have wrong speaker angle by design. I always need to rotate it by 45 degrees to make the highs more clear.

symianbeatz

@CyberLuke said:
The MPC Live II have wrong speaker angle by design. I always need to rotate it by 45 degrees to make the highs more clear.

To be fair to it though the speakers aren't really intended for critical listening tasks, just for jamming and having fun..