Loopop’s Deep Dive: MPC Live III vs. Live II

Welcome to a new era where the MPC Live III is making waves in the beatmaking ocean. Loopop kicks things off by introducing three major updates, starting with the hardware evolution. The latest MPCs have been pumped up with new expressive pads that double as XY controllers. This change is not just cosmetic—it’s practical, giving beatmakers a new way to interact with their music. The pads aren’t just touch-sensitive anymore; they’re XY pads allowing for more dynamic playing. So, if you’re dreaming of morphing between samples with a surreal touch, your wish has come true. More hands-on controls and step sequencing take the setup from simple to an all-in-one music workstation, reminiscent of a broken subwoofer finally being reconnected to the heart of the sound system. And naturally, all these tweaks ensure that this baby slaps harder than my grandma’s well-honed spoon!

When Loopop tackles the hardware, it’s like unfolding a new track in the neighborhood mixtape. The MPC Live III extends its body slightly—about a centimeter deeper and an inch wider—to give those fingers more space to dance. It’s got more buttons than an arcade game, all shimmering with shift functionality that invites you to double-tap like a classic beat repeat. Loopop points out that the simplicity is gone, replaced by a panel that’s as busy as a street fair, loaded with functions like automation and track muting that feel as essential as hotdogs at a baseball game. Of course, the touch strip is a bonus round, adding layer after layer of creative potential, from pitch bends to crossfades. Keeping everything in this tight-knit package means faster navigation and sequencing. This ain’t your grandma’s sewing machine—it’s a powerhouse that keeps pace with the bustling streets of modern beatmaking.

The big kahuna of the MPC Live III reveal? Those redesigned 16 pads. Not only are they pressure and velocity sensitive like any respectable pad should be, but Loopop shows us how they morph into full-fledged XY pads. It’s like finding crispy tacos at your local food truck; unexpected but oh so satisfying! You can jam out with expressive control over drum programs, using the modulation matrix to its fullest. This means morphing between samples seamlessly and turning a single pad into a multi-sample trigger zone that just screams creativity. It’s like having a festival’s worth of sounds at your fingertips, poised to unleash a perfect storm on unsuspecting ears. Loopop guides us through this jungle of sound, demonstrating various articulations that make the Live III a formidable ally in any studio setup. Built to inspire, these pads turn your beatmaking adventures into epic tales of sonic conquest.

Naturally, new hardware calls for fresh software features, and the MPC Live III doesn’t disappoint. Loopop highlights the Pro Pack, a paid upgrade, like snagging VIP tickets to the hottest gig in town. The Pro Pack opens up the clip launcher, new effects, CV features, and time-stretching—a smorgasbord of creativity. The connectivity section reads like a hardware buffet, with new USB-C options and Wi-Fi capabilities adding the cherry on top. Though the ethernet port bows out of this version, Loopop assures us there’s plenty of firepower to keep everything synced and wireless elegance that would make James Bond’s Q jealous. The MPC Live III’s connectivity rivals that of a busy tech start-up hub, allowing smooth integration into any existing rig. Loopop covers all these details with a precision that keeps you hooked, never feeling bogged down by the tech talk.