Differences between the MPC Live and the AKAI Force
Take a closer look at the MPC Live vs AKAI Force. Review the newer additions to the AKAI family of products and review the differences between eachother.
- The force is the more expensive of the two
- MPC Live has midi controller capablitliy while the Force does not.
- MPC Live chops samples directly onto the pads while Force uses the screen.
- The Akai Force is proabably more suitable for finger drumming with its smaller 64 pads opposed to the Live’s larger 16 pads.
- Force has mic pre’s with phantom power while the live does not
- The Force has better standalone time stretch.
- The Force menu is more minimal compared to the Live
- Force has splittable work areas on the pads to help workflow
- Force has oled strips and 8 knobs
- Note mode on the Force is extremely good
- Force has Hype synth and the Live does not
- Force can use legato mode on vocals
- Live is mobile while the much larger Force does not support standalone battery mode
- Live has lazy chop while the Force does not
- Live has more 16 pad modes
- Force isn’t as good as Live with drum rolls
- Force doesn’t have keygroups
- Force doesn’t use software while the MPC can be used with the MPC software
- MPC Live can be used as a plugin while the force will not
- Force is not meant to be used with a computer
MPC Live overview
The MPC Live is Akai’s return to their familiar home of standalone drum machines and groove boxes. While it has lots of features, it still boasts the power of mobility with its battery standalone power. The MPC Live can be used with the MPC Software to deliver even more usability. Connect via USB to a computer and the Live can be used as a midi controller for your DAW. The display screen is a touch screen which is celebrated by a lot of classic MPC users, giving the ability to cut some workflow time down while adding more hands-on feel when scrolling and zooming. The pads are extremely responsive and users seem to love them.
Release Date: 2017
MPC Live Specs
16 RGB-backlit velocity and pressure sensitive pads
4 360 degree touch-sensitive Q-Link Knobs
4 Q-Link Knob columns accessible via Q-Link buttons
1 360 degree encoder for display navigation and selection via push
22 dedicated function buttons, backlit
6.9″ Display, Full LED-backlit with touch interface
2 GB of memory
16 GB of storage
2 1/4” TRS inputs
6 1/4” TRS outputs (3 stereo pairs)
1 1/8” stereo headphone output
2 RCA inputs (1 stereo pair)
2 5-pin MIDI inputs
2 5-pin MIDI outputs
2 USB Type-A ports
1 USB Type-B port
2 SD card slot
2 power adapter input
Runs standalone on battery power up to 4 hours
16.7” x 8.8” x 2.7”
5.9 lbs
Midi Controller? Yes
Buy: MPC Live
Akai Force Overview
The Akai Force is Akai’s answer to the Ableton Push and offers the similar workflow of the MPC but with a modern clip launching workflow style. The Force is also a standalone and does not need computer software to run. The Force offers 64 Velocity sensitive pads that are more sensitive than the MPC’s pads, ideal for finger drummers. You can hook up midi instruments to use with force to provide additional soundscapes and functionality. The Force does not work as a Midi controller, but supports use with Ableton Link for Ableton functionality. Another cool feature of the Force is the ability to analyze the tempo of samples and apply it to the project. It also works with the use of external hard drives for using your own sounds. USB hard drives, USB flash drives in addition to SD cards can be used for storage. The Akai Force even has a slot for an optional install of an internall 2.5″ sata hard drive up to 2TB. Its also compatible for use with MPC expansion content.
Release Date: 2019
Akai Force Specs
64 x Velocity-sensitive, Pressure-sensitive RGB Pads
4 x Synth Engines
6.9″ Full-color LED Touch Display
10GB Force Sounds; 248 Kits, 2500+ Loops, 500+ Patterns, 16 Demo Projects
2 x XLR-1/4″ combo (mic/line/instrument)
2 x 1/4″ TRS (master out), 2 x 1/4″ TRS
1 x 1/4″ headphone
3 x 1/8″ Midi (In/Out/Thru)
4 x CV/Gate out, 1 x Ethernet (link)
2 x USB Type A, 1 x Type B
16GB On-board Storage, SD Card Slot, 2.5″ SATA connector (user expansion SSD/HDD)
Ableton Link compatible
Height: 2.85″
Width: 13.8″
Depth: 15.3″
Weight: 8.53 lbs.
Midi controller? No. (but will work with ableton via Link)
Buy: AKAI Force
“Which one should I buy?”
The Force is more expensive but it seems the MPC Live is more feature rich. The Force is probably better for finger drummers with its 64 pads that are smaller and more easily accessible to your fingers. But it will depend on person to person and what you are going for in each machine.