Closed systems have many plus points — they allow focus on features, maximum compatibility, speed of implementation, and minimal support issues. But sometimes, that closed ecosystem is begging to be opened up to the outside world. And with the release of Akai Professional’s MPC 2.2 update, the software becomes fully MIDI mappable to all those controllers that have long wished to be more than they are.
First the words:
AKAI PROFESSIONAL® OPENS UP POWERFUL MPC PLATFORM TO ALL HARDWARE OWNERS WITH RELEASE OF MPC 2.2 UPDATE
New update enables owners of non-MPC hardware to control MPC 2 Software, introduces other creative workflow features including Generate Random Events, Humanize.
Cumberland, RI USA (April 16, 2018) — Akai Professional today announced the release of MPC Software 2.2. This major software and firmware update for MPC 2 introduces a number of user-requested features and functionality enhancements. As a result, this update is highly recommended for all current MPC X, MPC Live and MPC Software 2 owners.
NEW FEATURES INCLUDE:
- MIDI Learn (Global): MPC Software can now be controlled by external MIDI surfaces other than the MPC, such as keyboards and pad controllers. This includes 3rd-party products.
- MIDI Learn (Project): Automatable parameters (volume, pan, etc.) can now be controlled by external surfaces such the faders on a MIDI mixer or rotary knobs on keyboard controllers.
- Humanize: Users can now add randomization to the timing or velocity of MIDI events. This is great for grooves that are slightly “out-of-the pocket.”
- Generate Random Events: MPC can generate random melodic and drum patterns across the timeline
- Many more workflow and stability enhancements
“MPC 2.2 advances the user experience in amazing new ways,” said Dan Gill, Akai Pro Product Manager. “The MIDI Learn and MIDI Control features are now available in both standalone and controller modes, introducing all sorts of new workflow and creative possibilities.”
This update is free for existing MPC 2 Software owners. Upgrades from MPC Software version 1 start at $99.99, new purchases from $199.99.
For complete details on new features found in 2.2, visit: http://www.akaipro.com/pages/mpc-2.2-desktop-software-firmware-update
For more information, visit akaipro.com.
You should definitely read the above MPC specific page, but these are the controllers that are pre-mapped:
AKAI Professional:
Advance 25, Advance 49, Advance 61, APC Key 25, LPD8 Wireless, MPD218, MPD226, MPD232, MPK Mini (mkII), MPK225, MPK249, MPK261Alesis:
V25, V49, V61, Vmini, VI25, VI49, VI61, VX49M-Audio:
Axiom AIR Mini 32, Code 25, Code 49, Code 61, CTRL49, Keystation 49 II, Oxygen 25, Oxygen 49, Oxygen 61Native Instruments:
Kontrol S49, Maschine Jam, Maschine Mikro MKI, Maschine MK1, Maschine MK3, Maschine Studio, Traktor Kontrol F1Novation:
Impulse 25, Impulse 49, Impulse 61, Launchkey 25, Launchkey 49, Launchkey 61, Launchkey Mini, Launchpad MK2
NOW EVERYTHING CAN BE AN MPC
OK, so it’s stretching the truth a little, because an MPC is so much more than the workflow. You only have to look at the way the JJ OS was embraced by the community. But now that the brain of the MPC is on the outside, Akai Pro has solidly reasoned that they can open up the MPC world to everyone, and generate a performer and producer focussed revenue stream from just about anyone who owns a controller with buttons. I notice that Ableton’s Push 1 and 2 are missing from that list though, but I imagine that they’ll be added.
MY GUT TWITCHES
It often does, and I trust it implicitly. And something is telling me that there’s more to come here. You don’t just open up an ecosystem and all the potential support issues to make a few quid. It’s not like inMusic will even feel the income that this will bring in. Games are afoot — mark my words.
SUMMING UP
MPC v2.2 is available now. At £199 (£99 upgrade from v1), it’s not a casual purchase, but for those wanting the MPC workflow with their preferred controllers, it’s the perfect way to get the MPC world in their lives. There is however a 7 day trial available for Mac and PC, that will help you decide.
But will they keep up with controller changes current and updated. They aren’t famous for keeping things up to date.
I’ve seen a marked change from Akai after the launch of the new standalone MPCs regarding this. Seems like they are really trying now, and the standalone MPCs have already gotten quite alot of updates.
I dont know what to think about this new opening of the platform.. The MPC workflow is quite a specific one, not sure if Ableton or maschine users see anything they’d want to change the platform for.. Only thing which the current MPC ecosystem has over the competition is the ability to export all your work from the software to a standalone MPC for gigs etc
Yeah, I’ve done the opposite. I use my MPC Studio to control Ableton’s drum rack. You keep all the functions of an MPC, Note Repeat, 16 step etc. But get all the flexibility and warping functions of Ableton.
Just launched a bunch more maps :) Including Push, other NI models ,Korg ect, Since launching 2.0 we have released a number of updates and have a clear and lengthy roadmap of cool new stuff and improvements.
Re-renaissence? RenaissenceX? Mmmm I don’t get the point but let’s hope your gut is right and it brings something unnexpected…
just buy a real MPC… much more value than software
one could argue that, but not everyone has almost 2 grand to spare for an MPC ;)
my mpc500 cost me only 200 Euro yet im able to complete entire tracks.
the new MPC Live isnt 2k what planet are you from?
the MPC live is 1600 Canadian Dollars, plus tax brings close to 2k.
Odd to see Maschine mk I, Maschine mk III, and Maschine Jam, but no mention of Maschine mk II, or Maschine Micro mk II.
It’s definitely an interesting development though, because now it’s a case of buy the software and you can use more than one type of software with the hardware you already have…
Yeah but who’s ready to do this and change his workflow now ? If we were noobs, that would make sense but the market is saturated. What’s the point of using this new software when we’ve seen the MPC Renaissance fiasco a few years back ? Who will trust Akai when we know they didn’t support and trust their own customers ? I’m not a hater, i love gear but respect to end users is a must, whether they’re Professional or hobbyists…
I personally look at it as the option to give a product you haven’t tried before a chance… With less risk involved, since it’s only $200 USD, instead of whatever a Renaissance (or one of the older, standalone APC’s) costs. AND for those who already have gear, it’s nice to get to test out the waters before making a jump, or, if you like it, you’re able to use both workflows and play their strengths together.
One would hope a novice wouldn’t go “oh hey, let’s get two/three/four pieces of production software” and then try to mash it all up, I would usually expect that they’ll get just one or two (in the case of my example, I’ll use Maschine alongside Ableton Live, since the two kind of more or less coexist, and they’re fairly popular) as learning even just two at once is enough of a learning curve.
While I do agree with you that Akai doesn’t necessarily have the best of track records for support and reputation over the past few years, I ask in return: who DOES have a perfectly clean record AND was willing to try something different, even to them? Did they succeed, or did they wind up having bumps along the path, some of them small, while others being notably large? What did they do to fix things, and did they make those changes to keep EVERYONE happy, including those who’d purchased (and not just those chomping at the bit saying if x were changed, they’d buy)?
(I know little to nothing about the “fiasco” with the Renaissance, other than it being a tethered piece of gear that was rather expensive, and on launch only had 32 bit software, when most of the industry had already switched to 64 bit for software, and that their software wasn’t the stablest on launch… I barely even looked at it, because the price tag drove me away from going any further than initial curiosity)
VirtualDJ offers this almost by default for you can map any connected device ( even the keyboad ) in any direction you want
That’s true, but it’s not MPC software, not does it offer any kind of MPC like workflow. That’s the point of this release — any controller can now work with MPC software. This post has nothing to do with VIrtualDJ.