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.

Mpc one midi keyboard