Manipulate different hip hop sounds are an amazing thing that every audiophile user loves to do. The most incredible option to perform it adequately is the best MPC that are available with various capabilities in the market. This drum machine and sampler are used for uploading a tremendous level of sounds and even manipulating them in the same way as a percussionist does. It is great equipment that always stays on the bucket list of every audiophile lover.
Another reason for the popularity of this music equipment is the ease of use. It lets a normal individual begin the journey in the world of hip hop production quite conveniently. A common issue with many newbies they don’t know how this equipment actually works. Allow us to talk about MPC in detail using this post first.
What is an MPC?
MPC is fully abbreviated as Music Production Center. It is a perfect mixture of drum machines and samplers allowing you to upload many different types of sounds. It either develops sounds from synthesis or using the pre-recorded samples. Many models are using which a traditional drum set can be replicated. Having an MPC will give you the liberty to sample the music and chopping it up along with modifying the pitch.
On top of that, it allows the users to slow the pitch and putting it on the loop allowing them to create symphonic and experimental music. Let’s have a look at the major benefits of the MPC below:
- Owning this equipment eliminates stubborn delineations and allows the musicians to create beats and selecting samples. No one is going to get surprised if we tell it gives the ability to producer and musician to becoming one.
- The users get the freedom to develop while staying in conjunction with the technical needs of modern music.
- There is no need to have too many instruments for creating music if you have an MPC.
Top 6 Akai MPCs available in the market in 2021
As a buyer, You need to stay cautious because buying MPC isn’t a cheap affair. All the manufacturers don’t create MPC with the same quality that needs to be addressed carefully. We know it is hard for an average buyer to know whether the model is good or not.
To clear doubts, we have created this post about the 6 top-rated MPCs available to shop in 2021 along with some interesting information about this equipment. Check out the list carefully and choose the model you like the most.
1. AKAI Professional MPD218 (editor’s choice)
The list will begin with a brilliantly designed professional MPC that is crafted in a very sleek look using the required configuration. The MPD218 is an ultra-portable and sleekly designed unit that can be useful for things like melodic samples, triggering drums, and many more. AKAI Professional MPD218 is equipped with assignable control that can be controlled using the DAW.
This feature-rich model comes with repeat and full level controls for ensuring excellent performance. The company delivers the unit with a highly impressive suite that consists of Big Bang universal albums, Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic Percussion, and Ableton Live Lite. There is iOS connectivity offered by this unit that results in opening a completely new world of abilities.
It comes with a brilliant MIDI over the USB pad controller that can be useful for a variety of professionals like musicians, producers, DJs, and programmers. AKAI Professional MPD218 can be considered a perfect combination of the latest technologies and brilliant MPC controls.
The manufacturer has added 16 ultra-sensitive & thick fat MPC pad to the unit that helps in the creation of one-shots, bass lines, and melodic samples. Overall, it is an ultimate model that can produce beats you will love for sure. Mixing down tracks will be very easier with the availability of this classic unit.
Pros
- Fully compatible with virtual studio technology
- Mixes down tracks brilliantly
- Perform a variety of music applications
- Capable of bringing the classic beat
- Easy to understand manual
Cons
- Little bit sensitivity issues
- Mapping keys in Beatmaker 3 takes time
2. Akai Professional APC40MKII (best mpc for sampling)
The next one is the Midi controller that delivers to the buyer’s space by Akai. It is well-equipped with Ableton Live having faders, knobs, and pads. We believe it is a streamlined version of the previous model. It has all the functionality of the predecessor, but the design has extra portability and sleekness.
The package also includes a USB cable and a registration card that works for lots of software. It consists of Twist Oft Myths, Ableton Live Lite, and the Hybrid. During the entire testing process, it was hard for us to find a fault in this high-quality & terrific MPC.
There are 40 buttons in this unit divided by five scenes deep and eight tracks wide. Another notable update is its RGB enabled pads that show the same colors on the live tracks. That’s not all; it shows three clip statuses- recording, loading, and playing. This good MPC comes with eight control knobs, nine-channel faders, and eight device controls for convenient operation.
In simple language, we will say that the APC40 is an incredible controller that can work wonderfully with Ableton Live. Its main purpose is to serve the needs of live performances that are done without creating any issues. This easy to use device will make things convenient to use Ableton Live in a live performance.
Pros
- Very sleeker and compact design
- Equipped with a reorganized layout
- RGB LEDs for better display
- Super easy set-up process
- Delivered with production software
Cons
- Slight issues about crossfader
- Missing USB cable in a few packages
3. Akai Professional MPC X
We have selected this flagship model from the Akai brand that is a hugely powerful and impressive option to buy. The MPC X can works brilliantly as a controller and capable enough to replace the DAW both in the studio and live environment. This unit runs on its own embedded OS through the integrated multi-core processor. It has 2GB RAM and a 16 GB internal drive that very few products have in the market.
Our team believes that it is an excellent solution for operating the latest MPC 2.0 software natively. This imposing machine has a very solid throughout with a metal body and sleek plastic side. The front side is equipped with a superbly cushioned armrest for increasing the comfort of the users.
There are 16 thick velocity and pressure-sensitive rubber pads added to the unit for performing various tasks. The sounds can be mapped chromatically by decay, filter, etc. Furthermore, you can sequence the samples located internally using the MIDI interface. That’s not all; it can perform things like clip launching, beat matching, and audio warping.
The presence of this top-class machine gives liberty to the users for recording external audio and saving it directly on the hard drive with the help of a 4-in/8-out audio interface. Also, you will get samples from top sound design organizations like MVP Loops, CR2 Records, CAPSUN Pro Audio, Tool Room, and Loop Masters among others.
Pros
- Causes very low bugs & crashes
- Excellent audio engine
- Delivered with infinite sounds
- A standalone studio features
- High-resolution & multi-touch display
Cons
- Lacks battery power
- Limited stereo audio tracks ability in standalone mode
4. Akai Professional MPD226 (best sampler for beginners)
If you are up an easy to use sampler for beat making, then we suggest buyers to not looking anywhere further than the Akai MPD 226. It is an excellent unit that even beginners can easily use thanks to the excellent combination of controls and the latest technologies. You can quickly connect the sampling drum machine pads to the DAW using the USB connectivity.
It is the best Samplersfor beginners helping their workflow fun and smoother. This unit has a series of 64 assignable pads that one can access using different banks. Users can switch between them while playing in the live environment. Additionally, accessing these controls during track creation is super easy due to its incredible construction.
The pads are crafted using high-quality material resulting in giving comfort and stability to the system. You are going to get a vintage level MPC to feel and flow after investing in this unit without paying too much money. It has an iOS-compatible controller that you need to shop separately for having a better experience.
If we talk about its software bundle, then you won’t have to get disappointed in any manner. The buyers will get Cinematic Percussion and Sonivox Big Bang Universal Drums straight to use from the box. In our opinion, it is one of the most incredible pad controllers thinking about quality and performance.
Pros
- Equipped with sensitivity adjusted pads
- Light changeable backlights
- Give perfect value for the money
- Solid control over the DAW
- Easy to access dedicated controls
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the standalone option
- Smaller controls might be an issue for few buyers
5. PreSonus Atom Production and Performance Pad Controller (best MPC for beginners)
Individuals who are just entering the music world and looking for a quality model can think about buying the PreSonus Atom. It is a highly compact and sturdy pad controller that can be useful for a variety of studio applications. It can be integrated with Studio One straightly from the box quite easily.
The users can enjoy a very deeper experience with the instruments and edit with this equipment. Despite being available at an affordable price, this unit is delivered with a USB cable and a Quick Start Guide for a better experience. It is a brilliant USB powered mode having 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pad in the center.
There are four endless rotaries added across the upper portion of the unit. Additionally, you will find many different buttons on the left & right side for selecting different options. On the other hand, the pads are capable of triggering sound at the topmost volume. Another thing that we can’t miss mentioning about this unit is its universal control that creates a bridge between DAW and computer set-up.
The installation process is quite simple and doesn’t take too much time. All you need to do is removing a few labels and creating a connection to the system using USB. There are few chances you may have to upgrade the firmware, but it isn’t compulsory in all cases.
Pros
- Capable of browsing virtual instruments
- Edits and changes song tempo adequately
- Fully compact & lovely built
- Super easy integration with software
- Available at an affordable price
Cons
- Navigation issues about knob
- Everyone may not like smaller construction
6. Akai Professional MPC Studio Black
The last option is a wonderful model to buy due to its slim figure and top-class performance. It is a clear winner that comes with improved software and an awesome price. The company has provided it a brushed aluminum look that always gives a wonderful feeling while working.
The production suite gives the liberty to try lots of things like 128 track sequencing, VST compatibility, advanced sampling, and many more. It comes with an improved level of knobs and a better scroll wheel for giving a better feel during the performance. The availability of a large LCD screen allows the users to create tracks without any need to look at the computer.
It has 16 backlit MPC pads that make the workflow smoother and better. The package is delivered with the MPC software having a library of more than 7 GB of sounds. Additionally, you will get two MPC expansion packs with the unit for better reproduction.
It is one of the nicest models that you can find out in the market. One tremendous job is done by the Akai brand for making things convenient for audiophile users. The look and feel that you can enjoy with this MPC is hard to match for the majority of options available out there.
Pros
- Very light and portable construction
- Equipped with MIDI I/O
- Give an enhanced level of control over the software
- Delivered with superb MPC software
- Superb warranty system
Cons
- The screen is not moveable
- Missing hard disk drivers might be an issue for some
How have we tested the MPCs Buying Guide
There is a long list of things that you need to address before deciding to purchase MPCs or not. The issue is most of the buyers don’t know much about these factors that bother them dearly later on. Unlike other platforms, we explained all of the major factors while selecting a product to the readers. The things affecting the purchase of MPC are mentioned below:
- Connection
The first thing that we suggest the buyers check in the MPC is how the device will get connected. Some work with the help of computer support, while others can work wirelessly using WiFi and Bluetooth. You should choose the model that is convenient to use for you.
At this platform, our experts have mentioned the top models with different connection settings making sure you can easily make the right choice.
- Features
The features one needed in the MPC varies from one individual to another. However, an quality model will always be the one that comes with a proper set of features allowing the users to work adequately. Many will look for RCA inputs while other people’s main requirement will be MIDI inputs.
Have an eagle look at the features present in the MPC before finally selecting the model and buying it.
- Budget
The third most convincing factor that you need to care about while selecting the MPC is its budget. As you can see, several manufacturers are selling this unit in different price ranges. It generally begins at the price of US$ 100 and surpasses more than US$ 1,000, depending on the number of features.
We suggest buyers make purchases without putting any pressure on their pockets. Go for a quality model within your budget.
- Durability
Another critical thing to take care of is how strong this drum machine is. Investing money in a model that doesn’t have the required quality is a complete waste thing to do. Knowing about the durability without checking it, in reality, is a pretty difficult task.
To avoid confusion, our team has found out MPCs that are only not durable, but also capable of serving your need for years.
- Sound Type
You won’t be able to enjoy the full benefits of an MPC if it doesn’t work on the sound type you want. Please keep in mind that there are different types of sound produced by various MPC machines. The thing needed to assure is the model should be capable of working with the sounds you want.
It will ensure you succeeded in enjoying the experience for which you have paid the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is MPC still used by producers?
Although MPC hasn’t remained the same game changer when compared with the vintage days, you can easily find lots of producers who use this audio equipment. The reason behind that is there was no ready-made software during those days.
2.Can MPC work without using a computer?
Yes, it is possible to use MPC without plugging any outer hardware. There are many models available in the market that can work even wirelessly using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
3.What is MPC Software?
For those who don’t know, MPC Software is a product suite that comes with a variety of features like real-time stretching, advanced MIDI editing ability, clip-launch functionality, and VST compatibility among others.
4.What is the cost of an average MPC?
The exact cost of an MPC depends on what kind of features it has. An average model costs nearly $ 100 to $120 according to its build, ability, etc. However, you can easily find models that you can buy at a price of more than US$ 1,000.
5.Is MPC worthy of buying in 2021?
It all depends on what kind of music lover you are. If you are one of those people who love mixing hip hop beats, then it is ideal to buy the MPC without waiting further.
6.What are the best drum machine apps out there?
There are tons of drum machines that you can download on your phone or computer system. Some of the most amazing apps are Elastic Drums, Funk Box Drum Machine, Patterning 2, Beat Hawk, BeatMaker 3, and Impaktor.
Conclusion
MPC is a wonderful investment that music lovers can make for having a wonderful experience. Getting the right model is the most important thing to do if you are a true music lover. It is quite obvious that you will see tons of advertisements where the buyer claims to be better, but the performance doesn’t stay according to the expectations.
Our team has presented the proper list to ensure you select the best MPC that performs brilliantly. We believe that you have selected the right option that will help you have a solid experience. If there is a query regarding the MPC in your mind, then write about it in the comment section so our team can answer them properly.
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