AKAI MPC ONE: Review and full workflow tutorial // Comparison to MPC Live

Here are answers to over 200 questions, plus a full workflow tutorial in this review of Akai's MPC One (a lot of which is relevant to the MPC Live as well)

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Other gear in the video:

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My music:

THE METRONOME HACK:
I get asked this a lot: No, you cannot send the metronome out the headphone output on the MPC One, however, you could create an audible click track using one of the CV outputs by automating a LOW voltage level every beat - and just route that as audio to your headphones. Get cheap headphones with level control in case you send it too much voltage by accident and you ruin them... be careful with your ears on this too and please don't hold me responsible if you damage either ears or gear...

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Overview
2:25 Connectivity
4:20 Is it worth it?
4:45 vs MPC Live
5:55 Terminology
6:55 Track overview
8:55 Sample pool
9:50 Drum programs
15:20 Plugins
18:50 Keygroups
20:40 Auto sample
22:35 Clip programs
25:05 MIDI programs
26:50 CV programs
28:05 Audio tracks
30:10 Sampling
33:40 Looper
34:30 Resampling
35:45 Timing correct
35:55 Recording live
36:30 Step sequencing
37:40 Automation
41:00 Q-LINK knobs
43:45 Performance controls
46:20 Song options
49:35 Effects
52:40 Pros & cons

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NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[mixchief]

loopop is such a grand maestro of product reviews... Can't imagine how much time and planning goes into making these.

[braintraxmusic]

You dont know how long I've wanted and waited for a video like this! Super in depth, organized and detailed review. Other reviewers I've come across merely scrape the surface and give you just a basic overview of the item being reviewed....but the content and info you provided is phenomenal!!!

[kukulkan]

dude, your channel is my netflix! thank you so much for doin this work <3

[typhoolin]

Fantastic product review! Man - you've covered A LOT of ground in this review! Thorough and complete! Saves users a lot of time searching through the manual! Very much appreciate this!

[thelantern]

If you’re looking for “ yes, please” on the sound design video, my vote is in. 👍

[GOASTWRITTER]

Yes! The loopop One review. I don't know about everyone else. But I would like to see a sound design video.

[Halfsour]

I was really hoping you'd review this. Your reviews are so well done.

[rpulley]

Legend! I bought an MPC Live 2 a year ago. Amazed at the capabilities but couldn't get my head around the workflow. Now I understand. I think watching your review will be my start point for any new gear from now on.

[jezza]

I get excited like a kid at christmas when I see a new loopop vid pop up!

[stevemountford]

One of the best review videos I’ve seen on YouTube - excellent work. Love the structured approach and times down the side.
The unit itself looks great, amazing power and functionality in a fairly compact unit. I prefer the look of this over the higher range models - particularly the hard buttons like the original mpcs.
Would be interested to see how it works with network and splice?
Keep up the good work!

[mity]

Wow, insanely thorough and the best onboarding workflow tutorial I've seen, by far. Thank you!

[MrBlappy]

As always great overview of this machine, would love to see a deep dive into sound design. This video has really helped me unlock the potential of my MPC One!

[marcthomas]

This is hands down the best review possible. Amazing. I know so much about the device without even owning one. Yet. 👍

[LukaszBieliz]

Finally review which gives an idea how much of potential this akai os has regarding style I'm into which is this glitchy / idm type stuff. Automation record, track mutes automation, sample edit options look very promising. Cannot wait until it's available in EU. Kind of worried about what happens with my digitakt, machinedrum, mpc1000 then...
Totally agree with your q-link suggestions. Hope they add macro knob functionality and metronome into headphones feature.

[VinylWave]

I love my MPC One. It is exactly what I wanted. I love the size and the layout of the pads and buttons. Yet the MPC X might be in the future for me, but the MPC One does everything. I have loaded new expansion packs, sampled with it and made music. It is really a great instrument.

After watching this video again, I am realizing what a beast this is. There are so many options. Any real instrument has limitations. So if you are looking for limitations you will find some. But if you are looking for an instrument with a great workflow and that really does so much, the MPC One is very awesome.

[Artek]

Best review of One so far! Yes, I'd be definitely interested in at least a walk through of the synths. Also, if possible, I'd love to see comparison of touchscreen sensitivity here vs. Live - One seems very smooth and quick, unlike most of videos I've seen for Live.

[BobMcCarroll]

I love your in-depth videos on all of the products you've reviewed and tutorial'd. Best on the web. Thanks for these. Yes, on a MPC One sound design video.

[VestanPance]

I’ve been using a Live for about a year now and I know my way around it pretty good. However, after watching your demo of the one I realise I’ve still got a lot to learn. Outstanding review which makes me realise even more what awesome machines these are 👍🏻

[waninho]

As many others this made me go for the MPC One after being hesitant for a long time. A big thank you for this incredible content !

[mtb_alan]

Thanks for this in depth look. I've got one order and am just waiting for them to get back in stock. Stoked!