MPC LIVE 2 vs MPC ONE ~ 2022 Comparison // Which one should you get?

The Akai MPC Live II and the MPC One each offer distinct advantages. Updates 2.11 and 2.10 could have leveled the playing field, but that's not exactly what happened.

In this 2022 comparison, I'll review the key differences to help you decide which one to buy. I've been using them both and will share some key findings. I'll also describe which one is best for various studio setups and situations.

00:00 Which one should you get?
00:17 Prices for 2022
00:47 Size
01:02 Weight
01:13 Speaker
01:32 Battery
01:53 Pads
02:44 Buttons !!
04:13 Screen
04:47 Audio Ins & Outs
05:52 Other Noteworthy Differences
07:08 Some use cases for each

In the video, I mention the MPC forum post that lists the audio interfaces. Here's that link:

All music is my own, except for those spanish horns sampled off the turntable.

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[smbeetz]

I got the one. Right hand on the buttons,
left hand on the pads. Let´s go.
Nice!

[ksaugbeats]

u dont have to plug internet cable to mpc one, u just have to plug ur phone with ur phone charger ( usb ) thats it, just put ethernet "on" from mpc one, u just have to change "share internet trough usb" from ur phone before do that, ur mpc one go internet without any problem after that :) ( i think today we all have mobile internet )

[forddreamsdofly]

I have both, but I’ve had the MPC one for at least a year. I’ve only had the Live 2 for a week and it’s the truth! Have always preferred the MPC one layout and buttons, but it’s something about the Live 2 workflow that inspires creativity right away. Simple layout, less buttons, portability, WiFi and speaker are just game changers.

[RhymePractice]

MPC Pad Loop function

Main page
Track 01>Transpose set to 1.
Program 001>Warp samples>
Global tab>note on.
Samples tab>pad loop on.

For different drum loops, include them in the same mute group to alternate back and forth.

[muuroonggeooffrey]

This is the most genuine and practical video so far, even until 2024

[dianevrules]

Live II is currently $1299. One has been on sale for $699 since the holiday. So that is probably a better deal right now. Just carry headphones and the power plug with you and you will have mobile portability.

[RobbieNerve]

Interested in getting a live 2 but was curious about the one as well.

The lack of outputs on the one is a total dealbreaker as I plan to use the mpc mostly PC less with a huge mixer and a cozy stack of outboard
(somewhere in the future).

Thanks for the great reciew and comparison!

[Marco-ekwu]

Having owned both, I found the MPC One was the best workflow. Program edit and browse buttons helped for sure. Nice clicky buttons and a smooth finish unlike the rubbery finish on the live 2 which just attracted dust.
Hoping to see a MPC One v2 with a battery and some extra inputs in the future.

[ftlaud]

Great comparison. I had this debate for a while and went back and forth. Eventually settled on a Live II. Main points were more connectivity and battery/speakers for mobility. I did a test playing a song with speakers and got 5hr 20 min till 6%. Plenty of time to make a track or make major progress on one. In real life the abilty to unplug and leave the studio is amazing. Nice to change up the scenery and get inspiration. Even if it's to the couch. Beyond that just using it on my lap with no cabled in the studio leaning back in the chair with my feet up was worth the extra $. Zero regrets!! Take note on two things. The Live II is huge in real life (way bigger than expected). Videos doesn't usually show this. Reviewer did, but even then still tough to see. Also it is surpringly heavy. Way heavier than it looks which again is huge in person. Just wanted to point that out from a new user (better late than never). No deduction in points/stars for my needs. 5 out of 5 if the workflow works for you. Still getting use to the UI/workflow. Completely different which is the case for most hardware devices. Highly recommemded!!

[Kung_Fu_Jesus]

I’ve had the Live for 5 years now and is hands down the better of the One. Loads more connectivity and hard disk with an SSD I stuck a 500 GB in mine and it works beautifully. The portability is also a massive bonus having battery power.

[Drrolfski]

Also, vinyl crate digging becomes so much fun again with the Live 2 and its dedicated phono outputs. The only dedicated button I miss on the Live 2 is the Program Edit btw. But 2.11 allows you now to assign it to a very comfortable on-the-hand Shift + Pad 4 combo, so really not an issue anymore.
This makes the One the only preferred option if you're on a budget IMO. What the Live 2 offers extra is definitely worth the investment.

[perrypecoul]

I've got the 2017 MPC Live and my battery lasts anywhere from 5 to 5and a half hours while in use. The newer batteries must be cheaper made....maybe. I still use mine almost everyday for just over 5 years and it still works fine✌

[hyperion]

Happy owner of a fresh new mpc one here. With a 18% discount, i get it at 655€! The live was at 1100€ (no discount). No regret^^

[BrentODell]

I went with the Live II. I added a 1TB SSD where I save all my stuff, and I like the extra I/O. Not only do I have 4 extra outs, but also 2 USB ports, meaning I don't NEED a hub so often. The speaker and battery are cool, too, for the reasons you outlined: working on an idea outside the studio, and playing things for people.

[lukeimontv]

You could use RCA to 1/4” cables and still connect your turntable to the MPC One

[matthegan]

Thanks for the video. For those watching I bought a One initially and am regretting not getting the Live II. My reasons? Well I fingerdrum live with a full band (minus drums- that’s me). Sometimes unable to soundcheck on different sound systems and I’ve run into trouble with only having the two outputs at the back. The Live II has 6 outputs. The more outputs, the more control the sound desk can have over your sound. I’ve had trouble where a deep 808 drop overpowers everything else. So my only option is to have 808s on one output and the rest of the kit on the other. If I had the Live II (yes or a USB interface) then I could have more outputs and more control for the sound desk over my levels.

I also wish I had a battery and speakers- initially I would use the One on the couch but the cables and set up sometimes are enough to discourage me.

Anyway, best of luck for all those shopping- and remember: buy once, cry once! (Buy what is best for your needs)

[hornstrum]

Thank You! I’m shopping and with my interest in the MPC_One+ i, looked at the Live2. I have Apollo8 and Live2’s 6 out suits me. I like the portability of having battery but I duly acknowledge your opinion regarding the button layout and less keys. Now I’m looking at the XSE.

[xaveryw.]

You sound just like agent smith at 2:54 from the matrix. It’s my favorite movie so it’s a compliment!

[RichardCyberPunk]

I bought the Roland Verselab MV-1 2 weeks ago, and am pondering to buy the MPC One + from Akai. But.. it seems, that Akai MPC One (and +) doe not have much synth sounds inside. Its all samples that you put on the memorycards... The MV-1 has 3000 sounds in rom. and they sound great. Still pondering. . I am not fighting a war among music hardware fans, as the only thing we all love is making music. Wether its Akai, Roland, or any other brand. Have a nice day anybody

[touthowzander]

The MPC live 2 came with 4 screws that I used to mount the hard drive in the compartment.