MPC for beginners is one of the best technologies derived for musicians to aptly display their talent to the world. The way technology has changed the world is intriguing and how it has created a huge impact on the music industry is unimaginable. This has brought in a revolution in the music industry. You get the VSTs, plugins, software that help you in composing a musical piece in an even better form.
The first MPC machine was created in the year 1988 and then it has evolved to provide better results with a number of extensions and plugins. If you are a newbie, then most of the MPCs presented in this article suits perfect for your need. But if you are an advanced music composer, only a few in the below list will optimally help you. Let’s have a look at what are MPCs and which one are the best in the market.
What are MPCs?
MPC (MIDI Production Centre /Music Production Controller) is a sequences of music workstations. The MPC can merge both sampling and sequencing functions at a time. The MPC played a significant role in the musical field, especially in the advancement of hip-hop music. MPC revolutionized the music composition industry to a greater extent.
The musicians got enough freedom to modify their tracks utilising these sampling techniques without the help of Studio (For an advanced level editing, you can also try out studio one or FL studio). Even people with limited knowledge about music can try their best to create their own tracks very easily. With the advancement of this machine, we could easily overcome technical issues.
Best MPCs For Beginners
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Music Production Controller has inbuilt MPC software and delivers numerous features and effects that help you in composing music. So, it’s very important to search for some of the best and affordable MPC in the market. Akai’s MPCs are top rated among the MPCs available nowadays. Let’s look into each of them.
1. Akai Professional LPD 8 MPC
It is one of the prominent MIDI Controller with compact Drum Pad and Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity. Akai professional LPD8 is driven by AA batteries or by USB connection.
In addition to this, the high compatibility with windows, Mac, and iOS and music creating apps, such as iMPC Pro makes it much more popular. It suits well with Akai Professional LPK25 Wireless keyboard controller. LP8 Comprises of 6 buttons and 8 knobs. It works well in the software and MPC classics modes like Full Level mode, Note Repeat, and NR Config.
The performance of LP8 is enhanced by adding features like Bluetooth MIDI pad Controller. An eight velocity and pressure sensitive MPC style pads takeout you from the wired connections and you don’t need computer desk to create music.
Pros:
- Ultra-portable
- 4 programmable memory banks
- Full Level button ensures that patterns are loud and vivid
Cons:
- A lot of audio apps couldn’t support Bluetooth MIDI
2. Akai Professional MPC Studio
This professional MPC studio software contains a Production suite that links 128 track sequences. It can do real time stretching and sampling and audio editing/recording. It has 16 backlit MPC pads, MPC swing, note repeat, full level controls and touch sensitive knobs.
The design characteristics include black aluminum body with an aluminum data dial. The notable features of this device are the presence of Q-Link control knobs with MPC Note Repeat, Full Level, and 16 Level suited for inspirational workflow.
You can employ LCD screen to create tracks without looking at the computer. Akai Professional’s MPC Studio Black Links real MPC pads, iconic workflow, and the MPC Software.
Pros:
- Improved knobs, scroll wheel that helps you during performances
- Drum pads helps in maintaining drumming flow
- Ultra-light in weight
- More than 7 GB of sounds in the sound library
Cons:
- Device might not suit well with beginners
- It’s quite expensive to afford
3. Akai Professional MPC X
This device has 16 GB of internal storage and 10 GB of pre-installed content, 2GB of RAM, and a huge SD card slot. The professional kit contains power adapter, USB cable, software download card, quick start guide, and safety Manual.
The multi-touch display has revolutionized the operation of the MPC to next Level. The device works well with Windows 8.1, Mac OS X 10.10.5 etc. The two USB-A 3.0 slots works well with external drives.
Akai MPC X has 16 RGB pads which are highly pressure sensitive. The device contains 16 built in gigs too. It syncs perfectly with DAW.
Pros:
- 16 Q-Link GUI knobs
- modular setup with eight CV/Gate outputs
- 8 GHz quad-core processor
- 2.5” SATA power connectors to insert SSD or HDD
Cons:
- There are no built-in speakers
- It’s not easy to output to computer files for editing purposes
4. Akai Professional MPD218
It consists of enormous backlit pads with knobs on side. The device can be powered using USB. Drum pads are also present in this device along with 46 pads and 18 control knobs. Akai professional MPD218 is compatible with Mac as well as Windows.
The device includes a Software Suite that comprises of Ableton Live Lite, Sonivox Big Bang cinematic percussion and Big Bang universal drums. It has MPC Beats Software incorporated with the superb features. The production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series are present in the device. There are 48 assignable pads in them. The design is absolutely simple and lovable.
Pros:
- The device has three pad banks
- We can easily access 46 pads and 18 control knobs using these three pad banks
- No need to install any drivers
- It has USB power connection
Cons:
- This device includes unwanted sounds that can go with the continuous music
5. Akai professional MPC 1000 Drum Machine
The drum machine consists of portable Mini keyboard and MIDI controller with 10 drum kits, 128 sounds etc. The Software Suite contains ProTools, Akai Pro MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Wobble etc. The action keys comprise of 25 velocity sensitive synthesizers.
The drum machine includes Built in speaker, 1/8-inch headphone output too. The MPC Beats Software is awesome with the nicest features and production tools incorporated in it. The 4-way joystick also helps in tactile control, modulation and pitch control.
Computer can be connected to USB port also. MIDI drum pads contain note repeat and full level functions for music composition and production. We can use the mini-audio output jack to connect the headphones, external speaker, amplifier or mixer.
Pros:
- 10 hard-hitting drum kits for beats production
- Contains EQ, filter, reverb and chorus controls.
- Enhanced performance
Cons:
- Built in sounds are available in standalone mode
6. Akai Professional MPK Mini
It consists of USB MIDI keyboard controller with 25 velocity-sensitive keys and octave up / down buttons. We can easily control the virtual synthesizers too. A 4-way thumb stick is used for pitch and modulating MIDI control.
It also has an inbuilt arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes. We didn’t require any drivers for this device. It is highly portable too. The Production software package is present in Mac and PC. It comprises of AKAI Pro MPC Beats, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech.
MPC drum pads are of 8 in number and are backlit velocity-sensitive in nature. It can used for Note programming drums, sample triggering, DAW controls etc. The MPC beats software has amazing features and production tools. Q link knobs can also be used for mixing plug -ins
Pros:
- Sustain pedal inputs
- 8 backlit pads
- Dedicated Octave Up and Down buttons
Cons:
- Driver installation process is so tedious
7. Akai Professional MPD 226
This device greatly helps in Pro Beat Production. It is highly portable and has pad controller with 16 Thick Fat RGB pressure sensitive MPC pads. In total, there are 64 assignable pads in 4 pad banks.
Along with that, there are 4 assignable faders, Q-Link knobs, Q-Link buttons are present. Performances can be made superb with advanced features like Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level, Tap Tempo controls etc.
The software includes Software Suite Included – Ableton Live Lite, Sonivox Big Bang cinematic percussion and Big Bang universal drums. You can also get iOS connectivity. MPC software can edit samples and mix tracks. It has the ability to host VST pins (like serum or sylenth). It works well based on MPC workflow. Control plugs can play in perfect manner. The 16 pad USB contains production controls.
Pros:
- USB pad controller for producers
- Production ready controls
Cons:
- Double triggering issues are there
Best MPC for Beginners – Buying Guide
It’s important to choose the best MPC for beginners’ level after analysing the features of all MPCs. You should consider features like USB pad controls, tempo controls, backlit pads, MIDI keyboard controls etc before buying an MPC. It is difficult to say which is the right choice for you. The choice greatly depends on the budget, requirements that you prefer.
1. Sound Tone Requirements
Akai MPC provides vintage, warm sound. The advanced sound features help in producing solid sounds. Some of the Akai MPC has these sound features absolutely suitable for hip hop. You should select the Adequate MPC according to the type of sound you want to produce, even its hip hop or vintage music.
2. How Much is the Use?
MPC has a lot of uses today as it came with advanced features. You can create music at any time without staring at the computer screen. The usage depends on the characteristics that you require to work in each of the MPCs. The hip hop production units have high demand nowadays.
3. Budget
Akai professional MPC studio is expensive. So, it’s difficult to afford. You can choose any other options mentioned here if you have very low budget. Akai professional LPD8 is one of the cheapest drum machines that you can opt for. You can easily get some of the MPCs with best features and less price.
Also Read: Best Beginner Accordion
Conclusion
After conducting a thorough analysis of the various MPC and their specifications, you can easily choose whatever you want. It’s important to choose the one with less price and good quality. Akai professional LPD8 is one of the affordable drum machines that you can adopt.
The selection exactly depends on the type of work you are doing. The hip hop units require different specifications compared to other units. If you want a vintage sound, then it’s good to use Akai MPC. Some of them are tedious to install. If you need a quick setup, then you should avoid such MPCs that requires more time to function.
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