Amazing video as always. Longtime Maschine user, here. When Maschine+ was announced, it was the catalyst that made me take a chance on an MPC One (open-box) for only $540. I absolutely love it. Just as much as my Maschine MK3. If anyone's on the fence about these two-- go the MK3 route, or the MPC One. Why the MK3? 3rd party plugin support (absolutely none on Maschine+), and all the storage/RAM you need (depending on your computer). I'm using Maschine on a 10-year old quad-core Dell with an SSD system drive, Windows 7, and 8gb ram (initially, now 32gb) and I had no issues whatsoever even with 8gb. It's stable, it runs everything, and it's the same thing. And, if your laptop has decent battery, your MK3 runs on USB power. Close the lid, and it's a Maschine+ for less than half the price. Re: battery-- the Krisdonia battery bank works great with the MPC One, and gives you 6-8 hours of runtime. If you have $1400 to spend, get both, because they're both awesome.
@Catholic Truth Sure, but the Maschine+ is a portable device. It's much more fair to compare it to the MPC One or Live/Live II in terms of hardware specs. The MPC X hardware is definitely in it's own class.
@Catholic Truth Nope! The Casio XW-PD1 TrackFormer was a standalone sampler/groovebox with a speaker made back in 2015.... It did suck, but it's "truly standalone" as well.
I've just bought the MPC One, and for the money it is fantastic. As regards the lack of plug-ins, that is no big deal. The onboard synth is good enough (on the road) to lay down a track, and when you get back into the studio you can hook up your favourite synth and use the midi data to play it back into an audio track. Or, auto sample your favourite synth, and then use the midi data to play that into a midi track. The best thing about the MPC One is is portability and its touchscreen. That puts it head and shoulders above anything else on the market, for me.
Completely unrelated to this video: just wanted to give a 'thank you' for the Patreon book. I feel like this is the bible of synthesis. So well-written and with loads of ideas, that I hadn't thought of. I feel you've sparked creativity back into my workflow :) Thanks!
I feel like the main factor with your setup is gonna be whether you use plug ins or you have analog equipment. Personally the best part of the mpc one is the multiple tracks, sequences and as a general midi master device. I use a lot of analog gear and never found my grove on a traditional daw, using the mpc like a live looper and sampler as well as a midi sequencer is pretty great. There are definitely clock issues but I've found that for myself just having analog equipment the mpc one is a game changer with 2.8 and the portability puts that track to edit generally anywhere as opposed to a pc. Don't get me wrong the machine is a better value if you're looking for just the best range, having a one time price access to all the NI plug in suite with a portable daw is worth it alone but as a lame ass analog purist, I'd have to point out the compatibility of midi ready analog devices that shines on the one to the others out there.
So far this has been the best demonstration MK III+ that I seen. Thanks for getting into the guts of the Maschine + and the comparison to other products.
As a fan of the Yamaha QY series machines, I'm encouraged to see that with Maschine+, Deluge, 1010 BlackBox, etc, there seems to be a trend building toward what I guess could be termed the DAW box, as the next step up from the groovebox.
You seriously have THE best gear review channel on UA-cam. I’ve never felt pushed to buy something I didn’t want and you’re objective and balanced even when units are sent to you free of charge. I’m revisiting this as the Move is out now, and isn’t that much cheaper for only 4 tracks and vastly inferior features. If I can shift my MK3 and Push 2 I’d happily get one of these.
Thanks for taking the time to write - I really appreciate it. Re Move - I'll be reviewing it in a couple of weeks but I agree with you - I think it's for people for whom the utmost importance is portability and simplicity, or that really want a starting point to continue ideas in Ableton Live.
@@loopop Yeah I commented on a post about it just a while ago that personally, I think it's a neat and interesting 'gadget' for people with disposable income to add to their arsenal. But for someone without a computer looking to get into beat creation, an MPC or Maschine+ is just a far more attractive proposition.
I think I've watched this video like 50 times now. So much good info. Ended up going with Maschine Mk3 because I'll be working at my desk near my laptop anyways and the UI on a laptop is always going to be better than a small screen with convoluted menus and functions.
Think I'll be going with the Mk3 too ne honest. I already use the S61 Mk2 which was one of the best purchases I ever made so I think I'll stick with NI for my Drum Machine in the new year.
Being able to load my own custom Reaktor ensembles imakes the difference between wanting this or not for me. This is the first I’ve heard of it. Everything else I saw or read said it wasn’t supported so I had just about written the Maschine + off. NI really should let Reaktor and Kontakt owners know. Thanks for another great video that gets into the important details!
I bought the Mpc Live (original version) when it came out. I didn’t anticipate how big of an impact not being tethered to the PC would make (for me) creatively. I still use it a few days a week. It’s great to see more standalone products. Good job Maschine. The real value to me is the plugins vs what MPC offers.
I love this review! Maschine+ have tons of synths, MPC has now 4 plugins including the latest DrumSynth from version 2.9 firmware. I can make full songs with just basic electric piano, analog modeling synth, and drum kits...I am overwhelemed with the plenty of plugins from Komplete or any expansions from both. I came from Maschine MK3 then sold it to switch to the MPC Live. I realized that Maschine+ is double the price of a Maschine MK3 but without internal battery, touch screen, and internal speakers (compared to the MPC Live II) which I found to be less practical to spend 1,200 to 1,400 dollars. I think a valid reason to get a Maschine+ if you do not have a decent computer to produce music or if your current computer keeps crashing when using a DAW or music softwares, but then the MPC One is still the practical choice. :)
The issue is you can get a decent enough laptop + a Maschine MK3 for less money in total. Especially if you don't care about getting a brandnew MK3. Or even better, get a Mikro MK2 used and a great laptop and you'd get even more for your money's worth. Even worse, Maschine+ DOES NOT support all available plug-ins, meaning you're SOL in some cases which is just 100% unacceptable for a $1200-1400 device.
This will be solved with new actulizacions is all ready on the table of ni so no worry's about it I own a Maschine plus and have a MacBook pro i7 and I have Maschine MK3 also but I decided to upgrade because the standalone mode and that is a beast Maschine the materials are really cool and I don't care about touchscreens because if is broken you're fucked up have to pay a lot for the screen plus the installation so I'm very comfortable with the plus i recommended highly and works with link with Traktor and Ableton or logic Pro X flawlessly the link option is great I recommend Maschine Plus over Akai MPC one but far away I had both and I sell the Akai i like the workflow of Ni Maschine and I have integrated the jam with the plus and I use them in control or standalone mode and works great is a perfect combo for the ones that are owners of the Jam or if you find one at good price because they are going up the prices instead of go down NI is making the Homework very good and comes a lot of super actualitations for Maschine and Maschine plus the flagship Equipment of Ni with the Sl49 MK2 that is beautiful controller and keyboard
I remember when the mpc touch and live came out people were screaming about how pointless the touch screen was and how they didn't need it. With the maschine everyone seems to love touch screens all of a sudden.
In comparing the MPC Live 2 to the Maschine +, another difference in regards to using either as a centerpiece is the Live has extra MIDI ins, outs and audio outs. I think the deciding factor is whether or not you're using whichever device mostly on its own or along with other hardware. I've used MPCs since 1992, so I always had the intention of using it with several synths at once. In my personal studio and on records I produced, I used 4. Plus I'm planning on using a modular synthesizer in the future.
As an Mpc One owner, the Maschine+ certainly seems to have a better workflow and freedom with clips. Quite often I get to a point on the MPC one and think ‘I should have just written this in FL Studio or Ableton’, even though I prefer the interaction of using hardware.
eek! i'm considering an mpc one and that's exactly what is concerning me, the arranger / song mode is something which is there in every DAW, yet in hardware it seems a rare luxury :-s
NI can really compete with Akai if there will be a Maschine standalone that has touch screen, expandable internal storage (for SSD), internal speakers, and of course internal battery. I feel that the current Maschine+ is not enough to call it a standalone, because it is the price of two Maschine MK3 or two MPC One.
Here's my 2 cents after owning the MPC LIVE Gen 1, Maschine MK3 and Jam. I use the MK3 and Jam as my centre piece in my studio. I use the MPC standalone and when I'm out of the studio. 1. Browser Functionality- The browser to me is worlds better on the Maschine. You can tag and organise your samples i maschine saving time and helping my creative process. MPC is rather more manual and cumbersome to find your sounds (I am highly organised with my folders too). NI have just made finding particular sounds such a breeze. 2. NKS System: Another workflow advantage of NI is the NKS system you can browse presets on 3rd party plugins as thought they came stock with the maschine. Check out more on this. I don't use outboard gear/synths so cant speak to that integration. But have to say I do enjoy the workflow on the maschine especially paired with my jam. The MPC is just amazing as well, while my missus is doing her retail therapy, I opt to remain in the car and without any fuss can start sampling off my phone or downloading sounds from splice and get to work.
Outstanding video here, second to none, incredibly helpful even if you made up your mind or have invested into one or both systems already. Thanks for putting this up.
Great job LP! Looks very promising... i think they really need to fix the interface so that we can see the macros clearly on their instruments. Now it’s your turn... Ableton....
Listen folks,good content..As soon as something comes out,some one is swearing the last thing is slower,worse,different,outdated,blah,blah,blah.In the meantime,there's folks out here using Stuff like Portastudios,AkaiS612/Ensoniq EPS16+s,and a home desktop from CostCo,and they are making music/money.Take your time,unless you are getting $500,000 to finish an LP in a week,learn the gear you have,manage your time,learn how to compose,and make some great music.If you need a computer,invest heavily in RAM,storage,and find some great open source to go along with your commercial software.
Kind music people, if you are like me and watching your 11th Maschine + video, I urge you to utilize the 1.25 or 1.5 speed setting. Actually, most of youtube is better this way. It's youtube's built in warp setting. Have a nice day.
Great vid as always, thanks! Pricing is still a huge deal I think, is M+ really worth double? Hmmmm Not so sure. $999 maybe..... but $1400 is a steep jump that requires a lot of justification, and I'm not sure NI has provided that.
Mk3 bundled with komplete 13 sounds like a much better deal if I had that budget available for ni products only but as many of us now often we just want to have the latest hyped toys instead of what really makes sense for us. But I agree. If I didn't have a mpc from the current line allrdy I think I'd grab the live mk2 over the m+. Still I think the Maschine looks great so far but the price seems a bit off
I have a home studio which I'm still using Maschine MK2 with Logic but I also just purchased the Maschine Plus for when I want to go on my patio, when I'm on lunch break at work, whenever I'm flying out of town or taking road trips it works plus I'm not a sample type guy but the MPC live 2 is something I definitely like and would of bought if I sample music either way the way you utilize your art/talent you cant go wrong with either.... much love everybody keep creating no matter what you have blessings good luck 2021!!! Blessings!!!
Great review! Here's a rant. I really wanted to love these standalone units but I just can't. Coming from an electronics background there really is no reason for the Maschine+ and the AKAI MPC range packing as little punch as they do. Where's the battery on this one, NI ? Speaking of batteries, on a real world scenario you get about 3 hours of use before you're scrambling for a charger on an MPC touch. Their OS has so much potential but as it stands it's rough around the edges to say the least. Where's pinch to zoom? I can buy a 300 quid iPad that comes standard with GarageBand that fares way better in any touchscreen use scenario. And I hate some of GarageBand's work flows... Also, the battery lasts way longer and, you know, it's a full blown computer rather than a glorified standalone app. You're paying a premium for having a dedicated piece of hardware that fares worse in any real life use scenario than its computer controller counterparts. I'll wait till competition heats up and these companies bring their hardware to the 21st century. Until then, I'll stick to my mikro mk3 and old school hardware synths and samplers.
You gotta be kidding if you think garage band on a iPad can hold up to a MpC. The midi capabilities alone with blow an iPad out of the water. As in controlling other pieces of hardware. I use my MpC to control sounds in my iPad. Not the other way around. Also, the sampling capabilities on a iPad can’t compare to a MpC. . I can keep going down a long list of technicals but it all boils down to the type of sound you like and what you are trying to achieve sonically. Some people also want to get away from sitting in front of a computer/iPad screen all day as they may do it for other areas in the lives. There is a benefit to having less tempting distractions when creating... that is also to be considered. I think you’re in a DAW mindset. Stand alone is another level of creating. .. but it’s not for everyone.
Agree completely. I bought an MPC Live so I could spend some time away from the computer but after losing patience with their poor UI choices I'm going right back to Ableton. Makes me wish AKAI would open source the OS so the community could fix their product.
Heathcliff Some producers like to create certain tasks away from the computer. Like on a sofa, in bed, in a park or backyard. Some perform live at a show. The battery is very handy for those that like to create in different environments that can affect their sound and creativity.
If you started on software, believe me when I tell you, no piece of hardware will ever compete. You might wait for ever tbh. The reason people buy these machines is for the fact they have limitations and for the tactile control. That's it. I have an MPC One and while I love it, I realize it will never compete with Logic plus a bunch of plugins. Just understand the purpose of these. Don't expect the end all be all because it may never come. We already have it in our computer..
I got the MK3 because I produce in the Box with Ableton Live and I use anyway the MAC. The MK3 needs only a USB Cable and not necessary to use a power supply like a Maschine + and the most benefit of the MK3 is, when using Massive or any Plugin, you can edit easily on the computer screen and you have access of all parameters. If you use Maschine + you don't have access to all Parameters and is hard to change any setting on the Synth!
So many thoughts I have on this, but possible the most slept on feature is that this is basically competing with Behringer and Arturia for massive (pun intended) synth power. It's basically a stand alone Massive synth with 56+ channels of MIDI (if you want to think about it replacing 56 actual synths). And also a stand alone Monarch, which quite directly competes with even Moog, especially since you have shown here that you can load at least 8 Monarchs and keep that same CPU suck. My computer with almost exact speed as in this video cannot do that without CPU shooting to 400% and going into heat stress. And yes, the drum synths are pretty sick, people and this also competes with all those hardware drum machines that Roland and Behringer are coming with that give you one single set of drums. REPEAT: PLEASE USE DRUM SYNTHS IN YOUR MASCHINE AND ADD SOME PLUG INS, TRUST ME. This thing (and all Maschines) has instant knob control over all your drum synth parameters and if you use the macros on a group level to assign your favs, it can start to get to Jeff Mills 909 knob twisting fun level. And again, you can have more than one group of these things, while an RD-8 is just an RD-8, without even going into the level of sound shaping you can do with effects in Maschine vs any modern 808/909 clone. And trust me, I am not hating on those other drum machines and I want all of them, LOL! But when you consider the power of one drum synth group, another straight sample group (maybe resampled to save CPU, gasp, like every great drum machine of all time), and then like 4 Massive patches and 4 Monarchs... that kinda seems like enough and if you can't make musical vibes with that, you aren't good at music at all. And guys and gals; this should be stated in every video: In my humble and somewhat expert opinion, they should not even be allowing these demos yet, since basically everyone is still in BETA mode. My guess is performance will increase by maybe 5% by release and in the coming year(s) with future updates it could be even better, which doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're already running 60 Massive patches you might notice, LOL. Have a nice day finger bangers, and don't forget to spend half your time on synths or you are really missing the boat. God dammit, NI just needs to ship me mine already so I can do my own review, UGH! LOLOLOL! Kindest regards, Loopop! You've got the best demos in the game, I've watched many during these last months and greatly appreciate and learn from your fine work. NI was smart to send you one first:) A few of these other guys, WTF?! LOLOL. Have a nice day, finger bangers!
Thanks very much for the thoughtful comment and kind words. By the way, while I never accept any direction from companies on what should or shouldn't be in my videos, because I did get early access to a beta, before I made the stress test I asked NI if from a performance perspective what we have now is what can be expected from the first version of + and the answer was yes (otherwise I agree there would be no point in the whole thing). Indeed of course they may improve performance in the future...
Along with making people that already have NI stuff pay for it again. MK3 and a cheap Windows tablet/touch lappy would cost less, be more accessible and do more.
You not gonna be able to run maschine software properly on a cheap laptop. Your gonna at least need one with a i5 and 8 gigs of RAM and that's pushing it. Trust me I tried. Maschine software is a CPU hog. Also I would like to add this comment depends on what you consider cheap, lol.
@@Digiphex nah dog, would it work, yes. But once you start a project and start adding effects and plugins like you're gonna do in ever project. Your cpu will max out very quickly. Then you are subject to doing work arounds, which gets old real quick. I don't what it is but maschine software is murder on a cpu.
So basically: If you have outboard gear to sequence you are better off with the MPC One. If you are working in the box then Maschine Plus has better on board sounds. If you are working in the box and you don't mind connecting to a computer than Maschine mark 3 is the best option. Newbie just starting off and only has a computer? Maschine mk3 Musician who wants to go completely DAWless with their outboard gear? MPC One Maschine user who has always wanted the standalone option? Maschine Plus. Is that correct?
I don't think it's that simple with regards to sequencing outboard gear-it seems like the main difference there is that the MPC has CV/Gate outs, but you only need that if you have modular gear and no other way to convert MIDI to CV. If you want to multisample outboard gear to create software instruments, the MPC probably wins due to the autosample feature.
Great comparison Loopop! I wish we could swap the CPU of the Maschine+ to boost it (like any other computer) if we are unhappy with the native CPU. Maybe they will add variations of the Maschine+ in the future!? Great video!
Really helpful video showing that the Maschine+ has not really been designed for DAWless, you still need a computer to use it, unliked the Roland MC-707 for example.
only thing I'm missing is sampling quality comparison! maybe you could make a small vid about that. MPC's tend to sound nicer with hot signals, so it'd be interesting to see how machine+ stacks up
Any issues with latency when using Maschine+ to trigger and automate cc’s for external gear like drum machines? Does CPU stress cause the latency to increase or is there latency compensation / buffer settings to trade latency for CPU capacity?
Totally agree with the Mk+ GUI's ... surely we should have envelopes on the screens instead of mini plugin gui's???? What about an assignable lfo in effects section and waveform gui's? Like a midi clip import folder on the SD Card.. Keep up the great work @ loopop.... Much appreciated dude ❤️
I don't know, but MPC One is not the directly challenger to M+. I think that MPC live 2 would be an opponent whether we consider the price. Nice vídeo.
Just got my Plus Friday Love it I’ve owned every Maschine made💪🏾🚀🚀🚀 I also Own the MPC Live II but the NI workflow is 🔥 and 80% of the features at the making of this video now work or you can do.
One thing to keep in mind about the CPU and RAM in Maschine+ is it's not running a full desktop OS like macOS or Windows. All of the resources are dedicated to Maschine; it doesn't have to compete with a bunch of other apps and background processes. They also had to make this work without a fan, so Atom was really the only option (or move to ARM, which I think is where this road eventually leads). Given the size and thermal constraints, it seems like the specs are pretty decent. I imagine NI will eventually make more and more of their first-party plugins available, and even allow third-party NKS plugins, at which point it will make sense to offer a more powerful version, but IMO this is a good first step.
Well it's actually only in devices like these that are "limitless". Many other instruments limit you to a certain number of plugins / tracks. This is a more open approach
You are 100% right on Q-links. I think the problem is that there are so many screens, pages and parameters where they could be useful, that designers have just put it on a user shoulders to arrange (program) them. And programming them is headache for me to tell the truth. BTW if anyone has useful tips on programming Q-links the better way, please let me know.
I Love that mpc one. I just have a soft spot for Akai 😁 I can't figure out why one would get maschine+🤔 All those things you still have to go to the computer for, and when you turn off the mkiii controller..... You still have a computer 😄
Also: Try to locate someone who has actually adopted one of these boxes as an ongoing setup, and ask them what they like and don't like - and especially: Ask them how _solid_ the firmware is - like, are there any frustrating issues that never get fixed.
so for me personally the only thing that makes me jelly as a akai mpc live user was the ability to use the external audio interface for more audio ins and outs. That was pretty nifty! I own all the NI instruments already and they are cool. But I went standalone to integrate external analog synths.
I've been trolling the forums where people try hacks on the Akai machines, and apparently in older versions of the firmware there was *accidental* support for external audio interfaces that was then "patched out" in later versions. Because the Akai machines just run Akai software on a Linux OS, it did this automatically with class compliant USB interfaces. If Maschine+ supports this, it may force Akai's hand to support class compliant external audio in the future. If they are forced to do that to compete, then the mpc line and the Force will become insanely powerful. I've come to love having automated effects on the inputs, then running out of the alternate outputs. Having 4 more of each would be so incredible! IMO they also just need a handful of better plugins for most users to choose Akai, but I already compliment the Force with keygroup programs of analog synths and a couple pieces of hardware to expand the capabilities, so it doesn't matter that much to me.
@@inthefade yea, well said and I agree completely. Might open a feature request just to get it on Akai supports radar (if not) and I have been eyeing up the Force for a few months now. That update the beta community has now is going to make the Force super awesome and resisting every day picking up someone's force they are selling like new lol Yes, the plugins are kind of lacking honestly on akai side. I tried the ableton sync and just used some of ableton plug ins for testing and found a lot of them sounded super clean. Like you said not really a big deal when you could build an fx chain off if mpc/mixer/audio interface or use external gear and effects.
@@inthefade Oh 1 thing Akai really needs to fit in on the Force though is the ability to launch Midi clips. It would really be the optimal workflow instead of what is being done in the Beta.
If we're talking about cpu usuage, what allot of people even those on pc and fl studio etc do is render out the melodies into waves to create less cpu stress and to allow for additional melody modification...
Great review. I have the maschine but I'm gonna shift to Akai's Live 2 since I'm still frustrated that NI has not yet implemented userdefined chordset. -it's ridiculous. This should be quite simple to implement but unfortunately it's not something that's has a high prioprity at NI. And also the lack of a touchscreen make the maschine workflow must slower and tends to somehow making you less creative when it comes to instrument composing...Also AKAI's Live2 Ableton Live control feature is awsome!!
I own a Maschine Plus and I can tell you that with the new actulizacion is possible and is coming more cool things to Maschine software and Hardware for the MK3 and the plus and the Sl49 MK2 and the touch screen is nice but I prefer the buttons the knobs that should me exactly what I'm twisting in the moment not like the akai as you can see on this video so it have it's pros but I think is more cons than pros with this screen maybe more in future when they work better but now is when the first smartphones tactile came out I love Maschine Plus and the plug ins the order how is make ir how to find the sound is perfect and it's integrated with the link with Traktor Pro perfectly and Ableton or logic that I use so I recommend you actulizate your Maschine plus and see the updates that you have on the same Maschine and actualízate also from native access everything and you will note the difference Bro 😉💪🏻🤘🏻✌🏻good luck and Maschine is the Maschine don't doubt about it Akai is fine but NI is going up again and very fast and they are making the Homework because they start to eat them other brands but they are the pioneers, enjoy your Maschine plus and if you can get the jam second hand and you will flip out is a kick on the balls for Akai and I was user of Akai but also i don't like the software (Daw) jajaja 😂 Actualize and enjoy the power of Maschine 🤘🏻✌🏻🙋🏼♂️
Biggest gripe for me between the two is the MK3 has a “mic in gain” and the + has an “input gain” knob. Which owners know with the MK3 to get a decent sample recording from the inputs you needed an extra Audio I/O to get a good level unless you were comfortable using the normalize feature every time you sample external sources which I found very limiting for me vs. the MPC lineup which all units have a gain stage knob for sampling. That and the limited 4 GB of Ram in the + vs. a laptop with up to 16GB attached to the MK3.
Great work as allways! If I understand this right, It's possible to transfer my +4000 Massive-presets to the PLUS? That would be a big bump in the instabuy direction!
All in all Machine + is still developing and hopefully will be even better, especially taking into consideration it's price. I was really surprised that CPU is overloaded sometimes - hope those limitations are fixable and just a matter of time. Thanks for the video!
I think CPU overload will never be fixed because you can always load more stuff. They only can make restrictions, like in the MPCs were only 8 synth tracks are aloud. To keep it open and let every user find his own limits I think is much better.
I think stand alone is a nice option and sets it apart from other devices. It's an absolute game changer. I'm excited to see how they develop and improve upon stand alone devices. A maschine , a headset , and im good to go to the park or beach. A beautiful setting can inspire beautiful music.
Amazing video as always. Longtime Maschine user, here. When Maschine+ was announced, it was the catalyst that made me take a chance on an MPC One (open-box) for only $540. I absolutely love it. Just as much as my Maschine MK3. If anyone's on the fence about these two-- go the MK3 route, or the MPC One. Why the MK3? 3rd party plugin support (absolutely none on Maschine+), and all the storage/RAM you need (depending on your computer). I'm using Maschine on a 10-year old quad-core Dell with an SSD system drive, Windows 7, and 8gb ram (initially, now 32gb) and I had no issues whatsoever even with 8gb. It's stable, it runs everything, and it's the same thing. And, if your laptop has decent battery, your MK3 runs on USB power. Close the lid, and it's a Maschine+ for less than half the price. Re: battery-- the Krisdonia battery bank works great with the MPC One, and gives you 6-8 hours of runtime. If you have $1400 to spend, get both, because they're both awesome.
This is unbelievably helpful. Thanks for your hard work on this video!
🙌🏻🙏🏻
Hello Jeremy 👋
OMG it's "Rer Merns Rerording!"
Did u buy the m+?
My sentiments
I think the Maschine+ is good news for MPC users! The competition should motivate Akai to improve their platform and continue to add features.
@Catholic Truth Sure, but the Maschine+ is a portable device. It's much more fair to compare it to the MPC One or Live/Live II in terms of hardware specs. The MPC X hardware is definitely in it's own class.
@Catholic Truth Nope! The Casio XW-PD1 TrackFormer was a standalone sampler/groovebox with a speaker made back in 2015.... It did suck, but it's "truly standalone" as well.
If I was a Maschine user it wouldn't make much sense to me to spend money on this. Thats a mk3 and a laptop or mk3 and komplete 13.
At the one's price point, it is obliterating N.I right now tho
@@drizzl8899 imo that's its biggest downfall. pay double the price of an MK3 just to go computerless?
I've just bought the MPC One, and for the money it is fantastic. As regards the lack of plug-ins, that is no big deal. The onboard synth is good enough (on the road) to lay down a track, and when you get back into the studio you can hook up your favourite synth and use the midi data to play it back into an audio track. Or, auto sample your favourite synth, and then use the midi data to play that into a midi track. The best thing about the MPC One is is portability and its touchscreen. That puts it head and shoulders above anything else on the market, for me.
This is review is simply phenomenal and answers all the questions I had about the unit.
Completely unrelated to this video: just wanted to give a 'thank you' for the Patreon book. I feel like this is the bible of synthesis. So well-written and with loads of ideas, that I hadn't thought of. I feel you've sparked creativity back into my workflow :) Thanks!
Thanks very much both for the comment and your support - totally my pleasure!
I feel like the main factor with your setup is gonna be whether you use plug ins or you have analog equipment. Personally the best part of the mpc one is the multiple tracks, sequences and as a general midi master device. I use a lot of analog gear and never found my grove on a traditional daw, using the mpc like a live looper and sampler as well as a midi sequencer is pretty great. There are definitely clock issues but I've found that for myself just having analog equipment the mpc one is a game changer with 2.8 and the portability puts that track to edit generally anywhere as opposed to a pc. Don't get me wrong the machine is a better value if you're looking for just the best range, having a one time price access to all the NI plug in suite with a portable daw is worth it alone but as a lame ass analog purist, I'd have to point out the compatibility of midi ready analog devices that shines on the one to the others out there.
The effort put into this review and its quality are phenomenal, great job!
So far this has been the best demonstration MK III+ that I seen. Thanks for getting into the guts of the Maschine + and the comparison to other products.
Great work as always!
Thanks - much appreciated!
Best reviewer in the game! 👊🏽
As a fan of the Yamaha QY series machines, I'm encouraged to see that with Maschine+, Deluge, 1010 BlackBox, etc, there seems to be a trend building toward what I guess could be termed the DAW box, as the next step up from the groovebox.
You seriously have THE best gear review channel on UA-cam. I’ve never felt pushed to buy something I didn’t want and you’re objective and balanced even when units are sent to you free of charge.
I’m revisiting this as the Move is out now, and isn’t that much cheaper for only 4 tracks and vastly inferior features. If I can shift my MK3 and Push 2 I’d happily get one of these.
Thanks for taking the time to write - I really appreciate it. Re Move - I'll be reviewing it in a couple of weeks but I agree with you - I think it's for people for whom the utmost importance is portability and simplicity, or that really want a starting point to continue ideas in Ableton Live.
@@loopop Yeah I commented on a post about it just a while ago that personally, I think it's a neat and interesting 'gadget' for people with disposable income to add to their arsenal. But for someone without a computer looking to get into beat creation, an MPC or Maschine+ is just a far more attractive proposition.
This needs to be updated. The firmware update and price of the MPC One vs. Machine + IMHO makes the MPC One amazing value.
Now even more since 2.11 (or 3.2 on the Force)
NOTHING beats those beasts right now.
I think I've watched this video like 50 times now. So much good info. Ended up going with Maschine Mk3 because I'll be working at my desk near my laptop anyways and the UI on a laptop is always going to be better than a small screen with convoluted menus and functions.
Think I'll be going with the Mk3 too ne honest. I already use the S61 Mk2 which was one of the best purchases I ever made so I think I'll stick with NI for my Drum Machine in the new year.
@@Re-bl5sr Me too 👍🏻
Makes so much sense to go for the MK3. When the +PLUS doesn't offer any benefits worth considering. Still needs a power supply haha
Amazing work brother. Honestly, i can't think of anything you DIDN'T cover.
Would love to see this revisited with the new update on the mpc 😁😁
MPC one for sure. Easiest and most straight forward way to make beats.
Your opinión Made me make a good decision , Mpc one easier
@@eddmtz4028 glad I could help.
"That's what I do for science."👍
Being able to load my own custom Reaktor ensembles imakes the difference between wanting this or not for me. This is the first I’ve heard of it. Everything else I saw or read said it wasn’t supported so I had just about written the Maschine + off. NI really should let Reaktor and Kontakt owners know. Thanks for another great video that gets into the important details!
So Kontakt and Reaktor are compatible?
I bought the Mpc Live (original version) when it came out. I didn’t anticipate how big of an impact not being tethered to the PC would make (for me) creatively. I still use it a few days a week. It’s great to see more standalone products. Good job Maschine. The real value to me is the plugins vs what MPC offers.
Give Akai few days ;)
i had this experience when i bought the octatrack. extreme creativity boost!
@@Artek604 make that years
Pc laptops kill creativity i agree
@@boimesa8190 All points to days, actually. 1 in best case scenario :)
I love this review! Maschine+ have tons of synths, MPC has now 4 plugins including the latest DrumSynth from version 2.9 firmware. I can make full songs with just basic electric piano, analog modeling synth, and drum kits...I am overwhelemed with the plenty of plugins from Komplete or any expansions from both. I came from Maschine MK3 then sold it to switch to the MPC Live. I realized that Maschine+ is double the price of a Maschine MK3 but without internal battery, touch screen, and internal speakers (compared to the MPC Live II) which I found to be less practical to spend 1,200 to 1,400 dollars. I think a valid reason to get a Maschine+ if you do not have a decent computer to produce music or if your current computer keeps crashing when using a DAW or music softwares, but then the MPC One is still the practical choice. :)
The issue is you can get a decent enough laptop + a Maschine MK3 for less money in total. Especially if you don't care about getting a brandnew MK3. Or even better, get a Mikro MK2 used and a great laptop and you'd get even more for your money's worth. Even worse, Maschine+ DOES NOT support all available plug-ins, meaning you're SOL in some cases which is just 100% unacceptable for a $1200-1400 device.
This will be solved with new actulizacions is all ready on the table of ni so no worry's about it I own a Maschine plus and have a MacBook pro i7 and I have Maschine MK3 also but I decided to upgrade because the standalone mode and that is a beast Maschine the materials are really cool and I don't care about touchscreens because if is broken you're fucked up have to pay a lot for the screen plus the installation so I'm very comfortable with the plus i recommended highly and works with link with Traktor and Ableton or logic Pro X flawlessly the link option is great I recommend Maschine Plus over Akai MPC one but far away I had both and I sell the Akai i like the workflow of Ni Maschine and I have integrated the jam with the plus and I use them in control or standalone mode and works great is a perfect combo for the ones that are owners of the Jam or if you find one at good price because they are going up the prices instead of go down NI is making the Homework very good and comes a lot of super actualitations for Maschine and Maschine plus the flagship Equipment of Ni with the Sl49 MK2 that is beautiful controller and keyboard
Well, this is a lovely way to start a sunday. Thanks.
I remember when the mpc touch and live came out people were screaming about how pointless the touch screen was and how they didn't need it. With the maschine everyone seems to love touch screens all of a sudden.
MPC heads shit on everything. Seen people knocking the 4GB of ram but their MPC has half that.
I'm firmly in that camp and not budging at all. Hate touch screens, and anything that involves cell phone integration.
Good point!
Maschine does not have touch screen :/
@@txbrown_ we know, that was the whole point of his comment 😂
In comparing the MPC Live 2 to the Maschine +, another difference in regards to using either as a centerpiece is the Live has extra MIDI ins, outs and audio outs. I think the deciding factor is whether or not you're using whichever device mostly on its own or along with other hardware. I've used MPCs since 1992, so I always had the intention of using it with several synths at once. In my personal studio and on records I produced, I used 4. Plus I'm planning on using a modular synthesizer in the future.
Thank you Loopop, as always you put a lot of hard work into teaching the masses so they can make an educated purchase decision.
Absolutely excellent breakdown. Thanks always loopop.
As an Mpc One owner, the Maschine+ certainly seems to have a better workflow and freedom with clips. Quite often I get to a point on the MPC one and think ‘I should have just written this in FL Studio or Ableton’, even though I prefer the interaction of using hardware.
eek! i'm considering an mpc one and that's exactly what is concerning me, the arranger / song mode is something which is there in every DAW, yet in hardware it seems a rare luxury :-s
my first video from you.... EXCELLENT JOB on all!!!!!! thanks so much!!
Yes! Nothing like some good competition, to get Akai back in the game!
NI can really compete with Akai if there will be a Maschine standalone that has touch screen, expandable internal storage (for SSD), internal speakers, and of course internal battery. I feel that the current Maschine+ is not enough to call it a standalone, because it is the price of two Maschine MK3 or two MPC One.
Here's my 2 cents after owning the MPC LIVE Gen 1, Maschine MK3 and Jam.
I use the MK3 and Jam as my centre piece in my studio. I use the MPC standalone and when I'm out of the studio.
1. Browser Functionality- The browser to me is worlds better on the Maschine. You can tag and organise your samples i maschine saving time and helping my creative process. MPC is rather more manual and cumbersome to find your sounds (I am highly organised with my folders too). NI have just made finding particular sounds such a breeze.
2. NKS System: Another workflow advantage of NI is the NKS system you can browse presets on 3rd party plugins as thought they came stock with the maschine. Check out more on this.
I don't use outboard gear/synths so cant speak to that integration. But have to say I do enjoy the workflow on the maschine especially paired with my jam.
The MPC is just amazing as well, while my missus is doing her retail therapy, I opt to remain in the car and without any fuss can start sampling off my phone or downloading sounds from splice and get to work.
Always a pleasure to hear your reviews
33:48 The superpower we all wish we had.
Naaah.. I dont want it.
Wow. I literally had this dream last night and look at what you did here. Thanks for this. 🙏🏼
Great review. Soon or later Maschine Plus with 8 cores cpu, single touchscreen display, 16GB ram, 1TB ssd, tb4, 192Khz.
$3k
Outstanding video here, second to none, incredibly helpful even if you made up your mind or have invested into one or both systems already. Thanks for putting this up.
Great job LP! Looks very promising... i think they really need to fix the interface so that we can see the macros clearly on their instruments. Now it’s your turn... Ableton....
It would be really fun if you could run special version of Traktor on this with the two screens
Imagine
Listen folks,good content..As soon as something comes out,some one is swearing the last thing is slower,worse,different,outdated,blah,blah,blah.In the meantime,there's folks out here using Stuff like Portastudios,AkaiS612/Ensoniq EPS16+s,and a home desktop from CostCo,and they are making music/money.Take your time,unless you are getting $500,000 to finish an LP in a week,learn the gear you have,manage your time,learn how to compose,and make some great music.If you need a computer,invest heavily in RAM,storage,and find some great open source to go along with your commercial software.
Kind music people, if you are like me and watching your 11th Maschine + video, I urge you to utilize the 1.25 or 1.5 speed setting. Actually, most of youtube is better this way. It's youtube's built in warp setting. Have a nice day.
I’d be offended if I didn’t edit this in 2x
Lifesaver 😂 I’m on my 13th by the way 😢
Great vid as always, thanks! Pricing is still a huge deal I think, is M+ really worth double? Hmmmm Not so sure. $999 maybe..... but $1400 is a steep jump that requires a lot of justification, and I'm not sure NI has provided that.
Mk3 bundled with komplete 13 sounds like a much better deal if I had that budget available for ni products only but as many of us now often we just want to have the latest hyped toys instead of what really makes sense for us. But I agree. If I didn't have a mpc from the current line allrdy I think I'd grab the live mk2 over the m+. Still I think the Maschine looks great so far but the price seems a bit off
Thank you very much for this detailed review loopop.
And thank you all the good people you support this channel on Patreon 👍
I have a home studio which I'm still using Maschine MK2 with Logic but I also just purchased the Maschine Plus for when I want to go on my patio, when I'm on lunch break at work, whenever I'm flying out of town or taking road trips it works plus I'm not a sample type guy but the MPC live 2 is something I definitely like and would of bought if I sample music either way the way you utilize your art/talent you cant go wrong with either.... much love everybody keep creating no matter what you have blessings good luck 2021!!! Blessings!!!
Another great vid, Helping the community!
Thanks for your service :)
Would make more sense a comparison between Maschine+ vs Akai Force.
Damn, this video explained so much and gave such a clear representation of the pro’s and cons. Thanks a lot man! You’re a great instructor!
Thanks for the comparision and this very informative video
Can everyone just pause and admire his amazing production, LOL
Top video as usual been looking forwards to this and didn’t disappoint!! Thanks
Great review! Here's a rant. I really wanted to love these standalone units but I just can't. Coming from an electronics background there really is no reason for the Maschine+ and the AKAI MPC range packing as little punch as they do. Where's the battery on this one, NI ?
Speaking of batteries, on a real world scenario you get about 3 hours of use before you're scrambling for a charger on an MPC touch. Their OS has so much potential but as it stands it's rough around the edges to say the least. Where's pinch to zoom? I can buy a 300 quid iPad that comes standard with GarageBand that fares way better in any touchscreen use scenario. And I hate some of GarageBand's work flows... Also, the battery lasts way longer and, you know, it's a full blown computer rather than a glorified standalone app.
You're paying a premium for having a dedicated piece of hardware that fares worse in any real life use scenario than its computer controller counterparts.
I'll wait till competition heats up and these companies bring their hardware to the 21st century. Until then, I'll stick to my mikro mk3 and old school hardware synths and samplers.
You gotta be kidding if you think garage band on a iPad can hold up to a MpC. The midi capabilities alone with blow an iPad out of the water. As in controlling other pieces of hardware. I use my MpC to control sounds in my iPad. Not the other way around.
Also, the sampling capabilities on a iPad can’t compare to a MpC. . I can keep going down a long list of technicals but it all boils down to the type of sound you like and what you are trying to achieve sonically.
Some people also want to get away from sitting in front of a computer/iPad screen all day as they may do it for other areas in the lives. There is a benefit to having less tempting distractions when creating... that is also to be considered.
I think you’re in a DAW mindset. Stand alone is another level of creating. .. but it’s not for everyone.
Agree completely. I bought an MPC Live so I could spend some time away from the computer but after losing patience with their poor UI choices I'm going right back to Ableton. Makes me wish AKAI would open source the OS so the community could fix their product.
Why do you need a battery so bad? How often are you away from electricity?
Heathcliff Some producers like to create certain tasks away from the computer. Like on a sofa, in bed, in a park or backyard. Some perform live at a show. The battery is very handy for those that like to create in different environments that can affect their sound and creativity.
If you started on software, believe me when I tell you, no piece of hardware will ever compete. You might wait for ever tbh. The reason people buy these machines is for the fact they have limitations and for the tactile control. That's it. I have an MPC One and while I love it, I realize it will never compete with Logic plus a bunch of plugins. Just understand the purpose of these. Don't expect the end all be all because it may never come. We already have it in our computer..
Awesome and very extensive review/comparison, thanks a bunch!
Loopop, do you think you could go over in detail using Clips with the upcoming Maschine 2.12? We're all dying to know! Thanks!
I can't guarantee it soon, they're going to update it further soon and if I cover it I want to whole thing...
got the Akai Force , and not interested of buying Machine, but was watching your review with the pleasure ! thanks for your work !
Loopop strikes again! Thanks again for yet another perfect video.
I got the MK3 because I produce in the Box with Ableton Live and I use anyway the MAC. The MK3 needs only a USB Cable and not necessary to use a power supply like a Maschine + and the most benefit of the MK3 is, when using Massive or any Plugin, you can edit easily on the computer screen and you have access of all parameters. If you use Maschine + you don't have access to all Parameters and is hard to change any setting on the Synth!
Thank You for Answering our questions!!! Awesome review!!! Thanks
So many thoughts I have on this, but possible the most slept on feature is that this is basically competing with Behringer and Arturia for massive (pun intended) synth power. It's basically a stand alone Massive synth with 56+ channels of MIDI (if you want to think about it replacing 56 actual synths). And also a stand alone Monarch, which quite directly competes with even Moog, especially since you have shown here that you can load at least 8 Monarchs and keep that same CPU suck. My computer with almost exact speed as in this video cannot do that without CPU shooting to 400% and going into heat stress.
And yes, the drum synths are pretty sick, people and this also competes with all those hardware drum machines that Roland and Behringer are coming with that give you one single set of drums. REPEAT: PLEASE USE DRUM SYNTHS IN YOUR MASCHINE AND ADD SOME PLUG INS, TRUST ME. This thing (and all Maschines) has instant knob control over all your drum synth parameters and if you use the macros on a group level to assign your favs, it can start to get to Jeff Mills 909 knob twisting fun level. And again, you can have more than one group of these things, while an RD-8 is just an RD-8, without even going into the level of sound shaping you can do with effects in Maschine vs any modern 808/909 clone. And trust me, I am not hating on those other drum machines and I want all of them, LOL! But when you consider the power of one drum synth group, another straight sample group (maybe resampled to save CPU, gasp, like every great drum machine of all time), and then like 4 Massive patches and 4 Monarchs... that kinda seems like enough and if you can't make musical vibes with that, you aren't good at music at all.
And guys and gals; this should be stated in every video: In my humble and somewhat expert opinion, they should not even be allowing these demos yet, since basically everyone is still in BETA mode. My guess is performance will increase by maybe 5% by release and in the coming year(s) with future updates it could be even better, which doesn't sound like a lot, but when you're already running 60 Massive patches you might notice, LOL. Have a nice day finger bangers, and don't forget to spend half your time on synths or you are really missing the boat.
God dammit, NI just needs to ship me mine already so I can do my own review, UGH! LOLOLOL! Kindest regards, Loopop! You've got the best demos in the game, I've watched many during these last months and greatly appreciate and learn from your fine work. NI was smart to send you one first:) A few of these other guys, WTF?! LOLOL. Have a nice day, finger bangers!
Thanks very much for the thoughtful comment and kind words. By the way, while I never accept any direction from companies on what should or shouldn't be in my videos, because I did get early access to a beta, before I made the stress test I asked NI if from a performance perspective what we have now is what can be expected from the first version of + and the answer was yes (otherwise I agree there would be no point in the whole thing). Indeed of course they may improve performance in the future...
Thanks for your videos. These are the best for me to understand good. Good job Sir! 🧐 Machine Plus I have never realized ...
Really great Video, specially with Maschine + now around £850 in price!
Tanks, simply the best music hardware channel.
Some cheap laptop parts including the battery and some CV connections and it would have won the game. As it is, most will stick with MK3.
your so right!
Along with making people that already have NI stuff pay for it again.
MK3 and a cheap Windows tablet/touch lappy would cost less, be more accessible and do more.
You not gonna be able to run maschine software properly on a cheap laptop. Your gonna at least need one with a i5 and 8 gigs of RAM and that's pushing it. Trust me I tried. Maschine software is a CPU hog. Also I would like to add this comment depends on what you consider cheap, lol.
@@jsutton241 No. All you need is the laptop motherboard in bulk and a battery. Very inexpensive in the quantity NI would need.
@@Digiphex nah dog, would it work, yes. But once you start a project and start adding effects and plugins like you're gonna do in ever project. Your cpu will max out very quickly. Then you are subject to doing work arounds, which gets old real quick. I don't what it is but maschine software is murder on a cpu.
So basically:
If you have outboard gear to sequence you are better off with the MPC One.
If you are working in the box then Maschine Plus has better on board sounds.
If you are working in the box and you don't mind connecting to a computer than Maschine mark 3 is the best option.
Newbie just starting off and only has a computer? Maschine mk3
Musician who wants to go completely DAWless with their outboard gear? MPC One
Maschine user who has always wanted the standalone option? Maschine Plus.
Is that correct?
That is correct!
Yes
Why the MPC is better with outboard gear? Maschine+ and MK3 as well seems to very capable of controlling them.
I don't think it's that simple with regards to sequencing outboard gear-it seems like the main difference there is that the MPC has CV/Gate outs, but you only need that if you have modular gear and no other way to convert MIDI to CV. If you want to multisample outboard gear to create software instruments, the MPC probably wins due to the autosample feature.
@@gffg387 MPC has multi-MIDI (I/O connectivity for up to 32 midi devices thru USB hubs). Maschine + / Mk3 don't.
Great comparison Loopop! I wish we could swap the CPU of the Maschine+ to boost it (like any other computer) if we are unhappy with the native CPU. Maybe they will add variations of the Maschine+ in the future!? Great video!
Finally! Been waiting for this.
You answered the key question in first 60 seconds!
if maschine plus had touch screens ..i would see the $1400 value but until then i'll stick with mk3
Really helpful video showing that the Maschine+ has not really been designed for DAWless, you still need a computer to use it, unliked the Roland MC-707 for example.
only thing I'm missing is sampling quality comparison! maybe you could make a small vid about that. MPC's tend to sound nicer with hot signals, so it'd be interesting to see how machine+ stacks up
simply the best reviews you can get
Any issues with latency when using Maschine+ to trigger and automate cc’s for external gear like drum machines? Does CPU stress cause the latency to increase or is there latency compensation / buffer settings to trade latency for CPU capacity?
stfu the guy did a 54min video
@@drwalka10 brah
@@drwalka10 it's just a question dickwad
On the MPC if you hold down the Q-LINK page button it shows all of the current assignments on the screen for all 4 banks.
Indeed, it's still quite slow compared to just seeing the parameters on screen
This is so great and useful review, unbelievable, thanks a lot!
Maschine+ vs MPC Live 2
Totally agree with the Mk+ GUI's ... surely we should have envelopes on the screens instead of mini plugin gui's???? What about an assignable lfo in effects section and waveform gui's? Like a midi clip import folder on the SD Card.. Keep up the great work @ loopop.... Much appreciated dude ❤️
Soo 3 gbs for sample ram on maschine?
And thank you so much for this review
I don't know, but MPC One is not the directly challenger to M+.
I think that MPC live 2 would be an opponent whether we consider the price.
Nice vídeo.
Just got my Plus Friday Love it I’ve owned every Maschine made💪🏾🚀🚀🚀 I also Own the MPC Live II but the NI workflow is 🔥 and 80% of the features at the making of this video now work or you can do.
I just might have to pick one of these up 💯
Your videos are always incredible man! Love it
One thing to keep in mind about the CPU and RAM in Maschine+ is it's not running a full desktop OS like macOS or Windows. All of the resources are dedicated to Maschine; it doesn't have to compete with a bunch of other apps and background processes. They also had to make this work without a fan, so Atom was really the only option (or move to ARM, which I think is where this road eventually leads). Given the size and thermal constraints, it seems like the specs are pretty decent. I imagine NI will eventually make more and more of their first-party plugins available, and even allow third-party NKS plugins, at which point it will make sense to offer a more powerful version, but IMO this is a good first step.
SSDs aren't very big (physically), much greater capacity, and are much faster than SD cards, why not just include support for them?
if i could load my own reaktor ENS (which are very large and involved) in these boxes...I would buy two right now.
My biggest takeaway is that the further you go dawless the more you have to keep an eye on the CPU ;-)
Great video as always!
Well it's actually only in devices like these that are "limitless". Many other instruments limit you to a certain number of plugins / tracks. This is a more open approach
@@loopop Agreed, that makes sense, thank you.
Loved this massive comparison... I'll stick with my MPC but excited for more updates and future standalone features between AKAI and Maschine!!
You are 100% right on Q-links. I think the problem is that there are so many screens, pages and parameters where they could be useful, that designers have just put it on a user shoulders to arrange (program) them. And programming them is headache for me to tell the truth. BTW if anyone has useful tips on programming Q-links the better way, please let me know.
I Love that mpc one. I just have a soft spot for Akai 😁 I can't figure out why one would get maschine+🤔 All those things you still have to go to the computer for, and when you turn off the mkiii controller..... You still have a computer 😄
All what things id have to go to the computer for exactly?
Also: Try to locate someone who has actually adopted one of these boxes as an ongoing setup, and ask them what they like and don't like - and especially: Ask them how _solid_ the firmware is - like, are there any frustrating issues that never get fixed.
Maybe this is what you are looking for. I’ve been looking as well. - ua-cam.com/video/UuGuQHuvQiM/v-deo.html
so for me personally the only thing that makes me jelly as a akai mpc live user was the ability to use the external audio interface for more audio ins and outs. That was pretty nifty! I own all the NI instruments already and they are cool. But I went standalone to integrate external analog synths.
I've been trolling the forums where people try hacks on the Akai machines, and apparently in older versions of the firmware there was *accidental* support for external audio interfaces that was then "patched out" in later versions. Because the Akai machines just run Akai software on a Linux OS, it did this automatically with class compliant USB interfaces.
If Maschine+ supports this, it may force Akai's hand to support class compliant external audio in the future. If they are forced to do that to compete, then the mpc line and the Force will become insanely powerful. I've come to love having automated effects on the inputs, then running out of the alternate outputs. Having 4 more of each would be so incredible!
IMO they also just need a handful of better plugins for most users to choose Akai, but I already compliment the Force with keygroup programs of analog synths and a couple pieces of hardware to expand the capabilities, so it doesn't matter that much to me.
@@inthefade yea, well said and I agree completely. Might open a feature request just to get it on Akai supports radar (if not) and I have been eyeing up the Force for a few months now. That update the beta community has now is going to make the Force super awesome and resisting every day picking up someone's force they are selling like new lol
Yes, the plugins are kind of lacking honestly on akai side. I tried the ableton sync and just used some of ableton plug ins for testing and found a lot of them sounded super clean. Like you said not really a big deal when you could build an fx chain off if mpc/mixer/audio interface or use external gear and effects.
@@inthefade Oh 1 thing Akai really needs to fit in on the Force though is the ability to launch Midi clips. It would really be the optimal workflow instead of what is being done in the Beta.
If we're talking about cpu usuage, what allot of people even those on pc and fl studio etc do is render out the melodies into waves to create less cpu stress and to allow for additional melody modification...
Great review. I have the maschine but I'm gonna shift to Akai's Live 2 since I'm still frustrated that NI has not yet implemented userdefined chordset. -it's ridiculous. This should be quite simple to implement but unfortunately it's not something that's has a high prioprity at NI. And also the lack of a touchscreen make the maschine workflow must slower and tends to somehow making you less creative when it comes to instrument composing...Also AKAI's Live2 Ableton Live control feature is awsome!!
I own a Maschine Plus and I can tell you that with the new actulizacion is possible and is coming more cool things to Maschine software and Hardware for the MK3 and the plus and the Sl49 MK2 and the touch screen is nice but I prefer the buttons the knobs that should me exactly what I'm twisting in the moment not like the akai as you can see on this video so it have it's pros but I think is more cons than pros with this screen maybe more in future when they work better but now is when the first smartphones tactile came out I love Maschine Plus and the plug ins the order how is make ir how to find the sound is perfect and it's integrated with the link with Traktor Pro perfectly and Ableton or logic that I use so I recommend you actulizate your Maschine plus and see the updates that you have on the same Maschine and actualízate also from native access everything and you will note the difference Bro 😉💪🏻🤘🏻✌🏻good luck and Maschine is the Maschine don't doubt about it Akai is fine but NI is going up again and very fast and they are making the Homework because they start to eat them other brands but they are the pioneers, enjoy your Maschine plus and if you can get the jam second hand and you will flip out is a kick on the balls for Akai and I was user of Akai but also i don't like the software (Daw) jajaja 😂 Actualize and enjoy the power of Maschine 🤘🏻✌🏻🙋🏼♂️
@@josejuanvelardesevil8379 it’s a matter of taste. I use Hardware synths a lot of the time so Akai is where it’s at for me.
Biggest gripe for me between the two is the MK3 has a “mic in gain” and the + has an “input gain” knob. Which owners know with the MK3 to get a decent sample recording from the inputs you needed an extra Audio I/O to get a good level unless you were comfortable using the normalize feature every time you sample external sources which I found very limiting for me vs. the MPC lineup which all units have a gain stage knob for sampling. That and the limited 4 GB of Ram in the + vs. a laptop with up to 16GB attached to the MK3.
Amazing video. Thanks a lot!
Even tho I'm happy with my mpc live classic its nice to see how the mashine+ works!! Thanks i love your vidz there always crazy informative.
Thanks! Bottom line is both are a ton of fun :)
Great work as allways! If I understand this right, It's possible to transfer my +4000 Massive-presets to the PLUS? That would be a big bump in the instabuy direction!
Thanks and yes it should work. Feel free to email me some good ones - happy to try ;)
All in all Machine + is still developing and hopefully will be even better, especially taking into consideration it's price. I was really surprised that CPU is overloaded sometimes - hope those limitations are fixable and just a matter of time. Thanks for the video!
I think CPU overload will never be fixed because you can always load more stuff. They only can make restrictions, like in the MPCs were only 8 synth tracks are aloud. To keep it open and let every user find his own limits I think is much better.
@@wiederwissen6124 Right, let it be limitless. Actually I meant better hardware/software integration. But who knows how far they can make it better...
@@ildarkinildarkin you're probably correct, I can see how as they polish SW and FW the box will get more lean and swift
Again thanks for a great video - very informative
I think stand alone is a nice option and sets it apart from other devices. It's an absolute game changer.
I'm excited to see how they develop and improve upon stand alone devices.
A maschine , a headset , and im good to go to the park or beach.
A beautiful setting can inspire beautiful music.
Thanks for the informative review ^__^ This is great!
Get both Maschine MK3 for laptop and MPC Live II for stand alone jams.