MPC 3 (Beta): A Step Forward or Two Steps Back?

 

MPC 3 Beta is now available to the public.

Nice. 👌

 

If you're an avid MPC user (such as myself) then you have undoubtedly been patiently awaiting the (beta) release of Akai's MPC 3 software.

Well, the beta release is finally here now, and...um... its DOPE (well, that really depends on who you ask..). 

Here's a link to the download page in case you haven't tried it out yet.

Akai calls it "The Future of Standalone Workflow" and it does not disappoint.  

The current MPC line is now on another level with new features like disk streaming, a linear arranger and stem separation in stand alone mode just to name a few. 

Akai has really knocked it out of the park with this one if you ask me. 🤯

Now, as much as I'm all about embracing the future by leaving broken things behind, I feel its important to retain core functionality in the process. 

Many long-time users of the classic Akai Sampler series have mixed feelings about the new changes in MPC 3 and I can't say that I blame them.. A core part of the  workflow they are accustomed to, has changed.

 

Here's a few updates that have MPC users talking:

The first (MAJOR) one is: Programs.

 

They are gone.

 

Programs (which have been a staple of the MPC's iconic workflow) have now been removed and replaced by Tracks in an attempt to make beat creation simpler and more intuitive. 

 

Now, lets just stop right here.

 

Just about every legacy MPC user knows that at the core of the iconic MPC workflow, 4 pillars have always remained consistent: Projects, Programs, Tracks and Sequences.  

 

Well, if you update your MPC ~ not anymore.

 

With the MPC 3 update, Akai has now streamlined the workflow to be more of a "one-to-one" style workflow where each (program) track is locked to one track and handled individually.

 

To be honest, I personally don't find this change much of a deal-breaker (or should I say "workflow-breaker") as it does make things a bit cleaner and less confusing, but other legacy users certainly do take issue with it as seen in this video below by the Homie, Preme Wilder.

 

Another one: Track Mutes.

 

Yes, on the original (non-public) Beta release, track mutes were removed  but according to Andy Mac's response to Marlow Dig's YouTube Video below, Andy States that "[Track Mutes] ...is coming to the public beta a few weeks after the first beta download is launched" so it definitely seems that Akai is listening to their user base and taking note.

Right on Akai!

Furthermore, Andy states: "The legacy is far from over…..It’s simply evolving by incorporating more modern day features".

I agree.

 

 

Last but not least: The Linear Arranger. (Arrangement View)

Now, let me first go on record by stating that I'm a little biased here.

I was really looking forward to this feature and am very excited to have it! I love that you now have an aerial (DAW Style) overview of all of the events within a project. 

I say this as someone who works extensively in DAWs and does not mind the workflow ~ but its not for everyone, and I believe that's where the real issue is.  

Allow me to explain.

Its no secret that many MPC users love the "Stand-alone" part of the MPC's specifically, so its safe to say that any attempt to integrate a DAW-style approach to the workflow or design will be met with some resistance by some users.

As you can imagine, MPC users on this side of the argument dislike the Arrangement View and some feel that song mode was faster and more intuitive for song creation..

To each their own, i guess.

The way I see it, any change that allows me more possibilities (regardless of the learning curve) is a good thing and should be embraced. 

But, hey, I get it, workflow changes can stifle (and sometimes kill) the creative process so I take comfort in knowing that if the updated workflow doesn't gel with me ~  there's a downgrade button. 

Yup, you can just roll it back.

Overall, I gotta say I'm diggin this update and can't wait to see where things go from here. 

I guess regardless on which side of the discussion you fall on, classic workflow or the updated version, one fact remains true: 

Change is inevitable.

 

So, I'm gonna leave it there and ask you:

What feature(s) do you like and/or dislike and why?  

What should be added next?

Let me know below in the comments. 👇👇👇

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Peace ~