More pre-NAMM announcements, this time from Akai who have introduced the MPC Renaissance. From initial info, the Renaissance appears to be something akin to Native Instruments' Maschine, fusing a hardware control surface with software that runs on your computer. Here are the details:"Hardware:
- Fuses legendary MPC production with the processing power of your computer
- Vintage Mode changes output sound character to MPC3000, MPC60 and more
- 16 backlit genuine MPC pads, 16 Q-Link controls, and adjustable backlit LCD screen
- Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and MPC transport controls
- MPC SOFTWARE for Mac or PC with 64-track sequencing capability
- Two XLR-1/4” combo inputs and dedicated turntable input
- Four-channel US B 2.0 audio interface and two-port US B 2.0 hub built in
- Up to eight pad banks―more than any other MPC ever
- Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs
- Stereo 1/4” out, stereo assignable mix 1/4” out & S/PDIF I/O
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1 comment:
I’ve never been a hardware user, I’ve been using FL Studio since version 6 (I’m on version 10 now). Honestly, the MPC Renaissance hardware itself looks amazing, and I have no doubt that it is a quality piece of gear, however, I fully expect that it will debut somewhere in the $1200-$1500 price range, if not higher, and at that price its just not worth it simply for aesthetic appeal, which in my opinion is what Akai is going for here. Its obvious that Akai is targeting HARDCORE MPC fans and users who have been slightly disappointed by their last few machines and have moved on to software and other hardware such as Roland’s MV series and Native Instrument’s Maschine. Alot of people have voiced concerns about the software, which in my opinion is a few years behind the competition according to the official specs from Akai’s website. I mean, only 64 tracks c’mon! However, I’m certain that since Akai has claimed that this is going to to be their new “flagship” product the software will function just fine. I think the price is what will make or break it. Its hard to imagine why anybody who’s already committed to software such as Ableton’s Live, FL Studio or Reason and already have several midi controllers such as one of the various drumpad contollers or a keyboard would spend upwards to $2000 for basically the same technology only made by Akai. Like I said before, I think the price will make or break this new line of MPCs.
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