Akai Professional MPC Live II
- 16 pads, 7 inch touch screen
- 5 hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Built-in stereo speakers, dual tweeter-woofer
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus USB
- 4 capacitive-touch knobs, 5 new buttons
- Splice built in, Ableton Link over Wi-Fi
- Power adapter, USB cable and software card included
- 1 year manufacturer warranty
Updated 2 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A standalone battery powered drum machine, sampler and beat maker with built-in speakers, a touch display and Wi-Fi, for producers who want to work without a computer. The platform fields list Mac in one place and PC or Mac in another.
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ASIN: B086YW3PKMModel: MPC Live 2Category: Drum Machines
Overview
A beatmaker who wants to produce away from a desk gets a self-contained unit with its own speakers, rechargeable battery and touch display. It sequences, edits and chops samples on a sixteen pad layout.
The reason to look at it is the standalone workflow, with monitors, battery and Splice browsing all on board. The limitation is that wired Ethernet needs a USB adapter and the battery runs for a limited session.
Who it's for
Producers who like working on dedicated hardware, at home or on the move, will use the pads, screen and battery together. Buyers who need wired networking out of the box, or a long unplugged session, should plan around the adapter and the battery length.
Pros and cons
- Standalone with built-in speakers
- Touch screen display
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Splice library access
- Ethernet needs a USB adapter
- Platform fields conflict
- Battery lasts a limited session
Performance notes
A multi-core processor runs the standalone engine, so sequencing and sampling do not depend on a computer. The built-in monitors let the producer hear the work without studio speakers, and the battery decides how long a session can run. Wi-Fi opens the Splice library and Ableton Link control.
Where it stands among drum machines
- #6 most-searched brand and model of the 25 drum machines lines we track (by search demand, not sales).
From the specs of the 15 drum machines we list; not a test result.
Specifications
| Brand | Akai Professional |
|---|---|
| Model | MPC Live 2 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Weight | 4 kg |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion, 5 hour |
| Construction & materials | |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Plastic |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Compatible devices | Laptop, PC |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | MPC Live II, power adapter, USB cable, software download card, quickstart guide, safety and warranty manual |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer |
| Supported software | Ableton Live, Splice |
| Other details | |
| Controls | 4 capacitive-touch knobs, 5 new buttons, dial, touch pad |
| Speakers | Built-in stereo, dual tweeter-woofer |
| Pads | 16 |
| Platform | Mac (also listed as PC/Mac) |
| Display | 7 inch touch screen |
Closest rivals on specs
Arturia DrumBrute Impact Analog Drum Machine- Item Weight 8.82 vs 5.29 pounds (+67%)
Roland TR-06 Boutique Rhythm Machine Bundle with MIDI Cable and 4 AA Batteries- Item Weight 8.82 vs 4.4 pounds (+100%)
BOSS DR-01S Rhythm Partner- Item Weight 8.82 vs 2.93 pounds (+201%)
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up the Akai MPC Live II?
The box includes a power adapter, a USB cable, a software download card and a quickstart guide. Wi-Fi gives access to Splice and Ableton Link, and Ethernet needs a USB to Ethernet adapter.
Does the Akai MPC Live II work without a computer?
Yes. It is listed as standalone with built-in speakers and a rechargeable battery.
Is the Akai MPC Live II Mac only?
One platform field says Mac and another says PC/Mac, and compatible devices list laptop and PC, so confirm with the seller.
What comes with the Akai MPC Live II?
The unit, a power adapter, a USB cable, a software download card, a quickstart guide and a safety and warranty manual.