AKAI MPC Live II
It doesn’t feel all that long ago since we were endlessly jamming with the inaugural MPC Live, a colourful, balanced unit that managed to be both welcoming and fun for newcomers while boasting the depth of functionality that only products like this can, and which contributed to Akai’s all-in-one ambitions. The original features were robust. There were 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, each encircled by RGB LEDs. There was a seven-inch multitouch display, and an assortment of buttons for transport and other functions, plus it featured a large data knob and four smaller multifunctional Q-Link knobs. These interface elements could be combined in various ways to manage drum kits, software instruments, pattern and song creation, sampling, and audio and MIDI inputs and outputs. It was a versatile and robust system.
What you may have forgotten, though, is the size of the thing. The now discontinued original MPC Live was portable but not what you’d call compact or lightweight at 424 x 69 x 224mm.
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. If you have a dedicated bag, stand or Decksaver-style cover for the original Live, you’ll need to get out the measuring tape. As well
