Akai Professional has added some new features and a hot red finish to its MPC One, itself a compact version of the company's MPC Live model. The result: The MPC One+. This flexible, high-performance sampler is designed for stand-alone operation, and its features include 16 backlit drum pads, five infinitely adjustable rotary controls, and a full-colour 7" display with touch interface. The integrated MPC software can be used to record audio tracks and arrange notes and also features three integrated synth engines, in addition to which the AIR FX section gives the user access to a range of mixing and mastering functions. New features in this version include the option of wireless data transmission via WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity to allow external controllers to be integrated into the setup, and compatibility with Ableton Link. All of this together makes the Akai Professional MPC One+ the perfect toolbox for DJs and music producers who want to be able to programme beats without needing a computer.
Like its predecessor, the Akai MPC One+ features 64 stereo voices. A project comprises multiple sequences - also referred to as "scenes" - and each sequence contains various tracks with instruments such as synths, drum kits, bass, and vocals. The user has six types of MIDI tracks at their disposal here, and a variety of samples can be triggered via the drum tracks using the pads. A selection of instrument plug-ins are also available, which can be integrated using the dedicated tracks, while the instrument tracks can be used to play samples melodically and also offer a multi-sample function. Samples can be assigned to and played via specific pads using the clip tracks, and these can also be looped and, by means of the time-stretching function, adjusted to match the tempo of the composition. An additional MIDI track is also provided, as is a CV track for supplying control voltage for modular synthesizers.
The simplified operating concept of the AKAI Professional MPC One+ allows users to programme beats in an uncomplicated fashion, whether in their home studio or during live performances. Its software can also be used on a computer, in which case the MPC One+ serves as a controller. This is a particularly practical option for producers who wish to use their own favourite plug-ins via the MPC One+. However, this high-performance workstation with its 2GB of RAM and 4GB memory - which can also be expanded via SD card - will also aquit itself admirably in stand-alone operation, and it gives the user an ideal basis for any type of music production. What is more, 10GB of sample content are available, and users with a Splice account can access it via the Ethernet interface in order to integrate even more samples and plug-ins, and Ableton Link can also be used via the same interface.
Akai Professional has its origins in the long-established Japanese company Akai, founded in 1929, which initially manufactured electric motors, soon to be followed by high-quality tape recorders and hi-fi products. Since 1988, Akai has also become a household name like no other on the Hip-Hop scene. With the development of its first MIDI Production Centre (MPC for short), created in collaboration with Roger Linn, Akai wrote history by decisively influencing the sound of hip-hop and electronic music, which it continues to do to this very day. Famous exponents of the MPC series include DJ Shadow, Eminem, and Kanye West. Today, Akai is also well known for its robust and versatile USB MIDI controllers, not least of which is the bulletproof APC range of Ableton controllers.
The Akai Professional MPC One+ is an ideal solution for composers who want to get their ideas down quickly. Users can manually set the tempo of individual sequences using the tap tempo feature, while the Q-Link function (found at the upper right of the unser interface) can be used to assign parameters to the individual rotary controls and thus to record automations by means of the read/write mode. If users aren't happy with the results after all, they can undo up to 512 working steps. The MPC One+ can also receive MIDI data via its MIDI input, and external MIDI controllers can be connected to the USB-A port to allow the user to play in melodies or integrate storage media with additional sound content.