Chris_Laps dives deep into the world of the MPC Live 3, revealing whether this all-in-one music production powerhouse is worth the investment. With a sharp eye for both seasoned pros and overwhelmed beginners, Chris_Laps delivers the lowdown on specs, touch pads, and all the juicy details in between.
The Beat-Making Beast Unleashed
Chris_Laps introduces us to the MPC Live 3, tagging it as possibly the most fun he’s ever had with music production. Now, that’s one heck of an endorsement! He emphasizes that while it’s a blast and a half to use, the price tag is steeper than a Chicago deep-dish pizza. Retailing at $1,700 in the U.S., it’s sitting at the high end of the market for samplers and music-making devices. Still, Chris is quick to point out that it’s worth every penny if you’re already on the hunt for an all-in-one device to churn out any music genre you fancy no laptop required. Right off the bat, he identifies two kinds of folks who’d find this a no-brainer: those eager for an all-in-one music box and those who just want a whole lotta fun without sweating the price. If you’ve ever wished for a sampler that does more genres than your average Spotify playlist, Chris_Laps assures you, this is it.
""And one other specific group of people who I would say is probably not worth it, but I've got a really good alternative recommendation for those folks.""
© Screenshot/Quote: Chris Laps (YouTube)
Specs with Swagger
""And it is very quick and snappy when you're pulling up plugins, when you're pulling up arrangements, and when you're switching between different things.""
© Screenshot/Quote: Chris Laps (YouTube)
Chris_Laps takes us on a tour of the MPC Live 3’s hardware upgrades, and boy, did they boost this baby under the hood. Starting with a speedier CPU and expanded memory, the upgrades mean smoother performances, like swapping floppy disks for SSDs. It’s all zippier and more responsive whether you’re pulling up plugins or rearranging beats. And let’s not forget about the built-in rechargeable battery, giving you a solid four hours of music-making freedom. ‘Cause let’s be real, who’s cranking out tracks longer than that without a break? Plus, those built-in speakers pump surprisingly good audio for when you’re in sketch mode, and hey, they even brought in a built-in mic for those not-so-main vocals. With its enhanced internals, Chris assures us: this is one device that keeps pace with your creative flow without putting up those annoying speed bumps.
Jack-of-All-Inputs
Diving into the connectivity jungle, the MPC Live 3 is decked out like a Swiss army knife for audio. Chris_Laps highlights the main outputs, axillary ports, and an array of inputs tailor-made for virtually any accessory you’d want to hook up. Got a guitar, mic, or bass? No problem. The MIDI capabilities are robust, akin to giving every musician their own personal control center. Plus, there’s the whole shebang of ports: traditional USB, modern USB-C, and even SD and hard drive slots. It’s like this unit is giving you a back-pat, whispering, ‘Go on, add another gizmo; I’ve got room!’ Chris appreciates that Akai thought of everything with this model, ensuring that the abundance of input and output options supports a plethora of creative connections.
In-Tune with Touch
Now, let’s talk touch pads—because according to Chris_Laps, they’re more than just fun to slap around. These new touch pads roar with expressiveness and sensitivity. The nifty design allows you to set different articulations or samples at each corner of a pad—64 different sounds at your fingertips without a bank swap! As if that wasn’t enough, these pads come dressed with assignable XY parameters, making them a musical instrument unto themselves. Imagine playing with pitch or volume, like a DJ slicing through a crowd with sharp, thudding beats. It’s as close to a tactile jam session as you’ll ever get from digital music. This setup injects a burst of human touch into the cold, electronic world, reminding you why you picked up the instrument in the first place.
Sampling Superpowers
Chris_Laps goes in depth about the MPC’s sampling prowess. Known for being the holy grail of samplers, the MPC Live 3 doesn’t just meet expectations but shatters them. You can sample from anywhere: USB, built-in mic, or that spicy WiFi Splice integration. This modern sampler isn’t just about snares and hi-hats; it throws pianos, synths, and a full orchestra at you. It’s a virtual band in a box. And together with all the tweakable parameters, you can cook up any sound dish you’ve got a craving for. Chris shows us that with the fusion of these tools, there are no limits to the genres you can sculpt, leaving us inspired by the versatility on offer.
""You can really create almost any genre of music; you really have no limitations as far as sounds go on this device.""
© Screenshot/Quote: Chris Laps (YouTube)
Mix and Match Mastery
Mixing and effects are where the MPC Live 3 really lets you color outside the lines. Chris_Laps unfolds how this device boasts a robust mixer complete with installs for any track. The routing options are mind-bendingly flexible—you can do submixes, send delays, stack reverbs, you name it. Each feature is ready to let you tailor your sound with micrometer precision. Don’t sleep on the effects; we’re talking EQs to touch effects that make the floor drop out when you’re least expecting. The device can simulate sweet analog magic, like throwing a vinyl vibe into your sterile digital track. Chris shows how you’re handed the brushes to paint your own soundscape or slap on a whole new texture to your beats, making it a playground for those who thrive on creativity.
The Verdict: Experienced Only
""And even if you don't already own a computer, you could essentially buy a relatively decent computer along with a MIDI keyboard and even some decent headphones for about the same price or maybe even less than this.""
© Screenshot/Quote: Chris Laps (YouTube)
As Chris_Laps wraps it up, a clear message emerges: seasoned beatmakers will find the MPC Live 3 a slice of heaven on earth, but novices beware. Though it offers a ‘fantasy land’ of features, this might turn into a minefield for beginners who may find themselves overwhelmed by the learning curve. Chris suggests that for those just dipping their toes into music production, starting with a DAW like FL Studio or Ableton might be a better route. Lower entry barriers and more visual feedback make software a friendlier option for the uninitiated. Chris_Laps is candid—the initial learning curve is steep, but for those who master it, the MPC Live 3 is a game-changer. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right gear for where you’re at in your music production journey.
This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/chris_laps-setzt-beim-mpc-live-3-alles-auf-eine-karte/