![]() How well the speakers work for you will depend on your expectations and your environment. You could argue that Akai has missed a trick here by not equipping the MPC Live II with a tiny microphone too, to provide the full standalone sampling experience. We even took it outside, to a local park, to remove the model from the studio context, and it proved easily loud enough to irritate passers-by. Most of our time with this review model was conducted cable-free, and it’s an enormously enjoyable way to work. If the battery is fully charged, you don’t need a mains plug either. You don’t need cables and you don’t need headphones. The convenience of the MPC Live II really is irresistible. Their inclusion on a professionally built MPC unit is certainly novel – and we couldn’t wait to try them. ![]() Aside from the Korg Volcas and the Novation Circuit, there are few other hardware synths with built-in speakers. They’re hard to miss, and have proven somewhat controversial among MPC users on forums and social media. The most notable addition to the MPC Live unit, though, is the speakers. The metal grille at the front and top edges covers a set of surprisingly robust speakers that are easily loud enough for table-top jams Speaker’s corner The MPC Live II also includes the updated 2.8 software, a weighty library of demo songs, and 10GB of loop/sample content. Alongside these, there are four inputs, two pairs of MIDI in/out, and two USB-A and one USB-B ports, plus a full-size headphone jack, a speaker on/off switch, and an ethernet port for Ableton Link. Round the back, there are eight outputs, including four TRS CV/gate jacks, essential for users of boutique and modular synths. The master volume knob is now more accessible too, now sitting on the top panel. The Live II now boasts a step sequencer, mix, timing correct, mute, and next sequence controls, making fine use of its available space without feeling crampedĪs well as being significantly lighter, the revamped button layout of the MPC Live II includes new buttons for step-sequencer access (probably the most-used button), mixer, timing correction, mute, and next-sequence selection. If you have a dedicated bag, stand or Decksaver-style cover for the original Live, you’ll need to get out the measuring tape. This smaller second iteration comes in at 411.5 x 45.7 x 243.8mm, with the new in-built speakers adding 19.8mm to unit’s depth. The now discontinued original MPC Live was portable but certainly not what you’d call compact or lightweight at 424 x 69 x 224mm. What you may have forgotten, though, is the size of the thing. These interface elements were combined in various ways to manage drum kits, software instruments, pattern and song creation, sampling, and audio and MIDI inputs and outputs. It also features a large data knob and four smaller multifunctional Q-Link knobs.
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