Akai now make MPC samplers perfect for iPad music making:
Let us take a look at the product:
And here is the new MPC Fly advert:
The Akai MPC Fly
*Please remember that this new tool is for iPad 2’s not iPad 1’s.
Back in the days when I used to make a few beats myself, the talk was that the Akai series of MPC’s were the “bomb” for making “dope” beats, mainly due to their grainy low bit rate sampling capabilities and also their easy to use method of assigning samples to each pad, with a basic sequencer allowing you to stitch parts together and interact at the same time meaning that you have a virtual instrument at your disposal with only your imagination limiting your output.
Indeed I used to listen to so much music that was made pretty much completely on these devices I actually do not know why I never bought one, but I had my own pretty sweet set up that worked for me at the time.
Now many will know that I sing the praise of Apple more than most, and the reason I do this is mainly because had I gone down the slightly cheaper Windows PC route while I was learning the ropes of being a music producer and engineer then I can tell you right now I would never have made it past rookie stage such is the crap nature of Windows based PC’s then and today, I would have torn my hair out at the thought of all the issues of malware, spyware, slow processing, conflicts with software, accessories etc etc…the list goes on.
So I took advice from a fellow engineer who had been working for a long time on Macs and got myself a first edition G4, with iOS 9.2….and thank the lord I did…..fast forward 10 + years…
Coming back to the point of the article, Apple make products that do stuff well, their competitors usually make products that confuse people and quite often never really “get there”…Apple products also tend to work much better with third parties for obvious reasons.
I think that this device really does show how cool the iPad really is over its competitors, they just come no where near to this kind of fun and functionality.
Akai MPC Fly Review
The Akai MPC Fly houses your iPad and gives it access to an application that allows you to seamlessly integrate the Akai interface with virtual instruments and effects on the iPad screen, a very portable solution to beat making on the go.
With 16 velocity sensitive pads, this truly is a device I may well be looking to invest in myself.
You can sequence four tracks simultaneously and it comes packed with a library of sounds to which you can obviously add more (this is the point of the MPC series) it is the daddy of portable production controllers and samplers.
The device has no need for extra wires unless you are playing to an audience.
Adding samples is done via the 3.5 mm socket as well as having an ability to bring in tunes from an iPod.
With the hinged case providing protection to your iPad, you can also set it up just as you like giving a much more personal touch to the user experience and making it a real lap music making device whoever you have it positioned, flat or as a screen.
With a weight of just over 0.9 kg it is reasonably light and comes with a rechargeable battery.
In the US this device is selling for $299 but the UK sees it actually come in at a decent price of £159.
Now go hit those rhythm stick pads, but not too hard now!
Full spec is here, and remember this is for iPad 2’s not version 1’s sorry!
MPC FLY Hardware:
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- The first MPC designed specifically for iPad 2
- 16 backlit genuine MPC pads with MPC Note Repeat & MPC Swing
- Fitted compartment for iPad 2 provides fully integrated portable MPC solution
- Create beats on the go and transfer to a Mac or PC for further mastering
- Works seamlessly with the MPC App: sequence & sample editing, effects, EQ and more
- Charges iPad when plugged into wall power
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Compatible with virtually any Core MIDI app
- Double-hinged case sits upright, lies flat or closes for transport
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MPC FLY iPad APP
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- Built-in effects: delay, bit crusher, master compressor/limiter
- Record and overdub sequences and create and edit your own Programs
- Sequence four tracks simultaneously: four-track mixer built in
- Note variation slider allows you to manipulate attack, velocity, length, and tuning as you play
- Built in sound library of samples and drum kits
- 16-Levels mode: play one sample at 16 levels of attack, velocity, length, and tuning
- Sample using internal mic or line-in and trim and categorize samples
- Note Repeat: 1/8 note – 1/32T timing
- Time correct: 1/8 note – 1/32T with variable Swing setting
- Sample from your iPod library with turntable interface”
- Supports WIST, Wireless Sync Start protocol from Korg
- Share on SoundCloud, Facebook or twitter
- Supports AudioPaste
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Now let us see what an original Akai MPC can do:
Anthony Munns