All user reviews of 5/5 for the Akai Professional MPC Renaissance

I've had 2 days.

I had the MPC 2000, 2000XL, 500, 2500 and 5000

When I plugged the bike and started to realize the opportunities, I thought: "Big killing". After two days of intensive taf on the machine, I think it's huge potential. You can do everything without taking the mouse, AU plugins and instruments turn out well (I remain suspicious) and automatically assign to 16 pots. The step sequencer is quite handy for touch-ups. Everything is well thought out to make room for creation. Everything is changeable, improvable, interchangeable at will, as the old but with technological improvements that were needed. A CGPA of modern times.

For negative criticism, and yes ... I met my first bugs tonight retouching few sequences. Machine freezée once in rehearsal, cold morning. And again tonight from the "FULL" mode from the "step sequencing". Since I no longer hear the pads with a "track" mutated when I type it, then I do not mute the pad but the slopes. I think the backup is corrupt, I have encountered this problem on Reason and another model of MPC.

All that to say that the app is not encor very stable and I hope it will not let me live ... The MPC 5000 encountered similar problems. Unable to make a scene with a chance of planting a title. AKAI and never solved the problem ... € 1500 machine ...

I hope the programmers are doing to improve code just because it could, if it was reliable, to turn pale concurence smoothly. Sequencing System is the best I've seen, a cinch with endless possibility!

For once, I can not say if I would do this choice or not, I regretted the acquisition of 5000. The bugs I encountered on the Renaissance reminded me bad memories ... waiting for updates.

I work with and I had a reason in 2500 and 1000 MPC, and I wanted an alternative to meet the hard and soft.
but it is always difficult to integrate vts my prods.
and for me the big plus of this mpc is that the may have to integrate VST instruments and effects vst vsti to.

this is more than just even for a novice, it is possible to use the mouse, and the boss of the mpc mpc use only.
with the display on the Mac screen, nothing more simple the waveform are easy to cut and specific options for truly effective mpc!
I downloaded the manual online, but there is a help section on the mpc software.

it is oriented electro, but they are a ton of sounds, even after 2 months of use I have not been around;
effects are giant, and the use of huge vst effects.

it is expensive because it is an empty shell, and hit mpc is not that of a true hard mpc (regarding the groove)!
but it is a killer!
I think she's going to follow me for a while

For connectivity, I let you see here on the Akai website or in any good dealer

In terms of sound, the Renaissance comes with 4 DVD (The Bank, The Wub, The 809 and The Noise)

The Bank is 7GB of sounds

To be quite honest, I have the REN for too little time to judge the sounds provided and VSTs, I can just say that it is good and not so good as in many of his bank and instruments virtual. From what little I tried, I found sounds that me and convinced.

It still remains very suggestive and strongly linked to tastes 

Absolutely, the REN has a complete effects section. I had the opportunity to test a few, they are quite useful and you can tell they are not transparent! (At the same time, is not what is required of effects!)

Regarding the sequencer, it is simply amazing (although sure, this is a sequencer loop oriented, so do not expect a general sequencer (such as Logic, Cubase or other )). Simply put it is an MPC sequencer "classic" to boobs computing environment. As a version! super-on-vitamin! allowing you the use of plugs VSTs, internal routing, sampling, mixing, inserting effects, etc, etc ...


The general configuration is simple, it installs apps, one after the other (which classic), the updates are done and lets go!

Regarding features, Akai is very very strong! Everything is on the MPC, is fast, clear and precise. Easy access, I have not used the manual, but did some research on YouTube and watched videos of Young Guru (MPC University). Everything falls to hand, the ergonomics are excellent! (This is also my method, I prefer fun to try the functions to see what happens than go for ages on a manual, and honestly, as long as you have used an computer music (or machines), all makes sense, everything is very intuitive (The workflow must be the legendary MPC's ) and if a function escapes me, that's when I look at the manual.

For anyone who is included in the kit, Akai is provided a quick start guide and the French version of the manual is available here on AF. (This limit does not provide full manual, but for me, I worry that soon)


Regarding the sound of the REN, there's no denying she has a potato. It mailings! For sounds provided, from what I've heard they are good bills like effects, etc. ..

Concerning the expression of the pads, it's all good, excellent reactivity, velocity also nothing to say on this side. The pads are properly placed, the screen allows you to quickly make sense (for the function buttons). The screen displays the correct information (some should take a leaf ..).


That's been a week that I have acquired the Renaissance. It is a real pleasure to deal with this machine. Everything is perfectly thought out ergonomics, we make music, we love to make music, and create music, forget the computer (while enjoying its possibilities), the mouse becomes almost a decorative accessory, the sampling section could not be more effective (chop, slice, time stretch, etc ...) and extremely easy to handle. Everything happens on the MPC (I watch almost even the computer screen), the mouse is fast, very fast forgotten. The workflow could not be more effective. Our sequences we arrange the easiest and fastest in the world, is edited, erased, test the effects without taking the head, in short is immersed in the music that we do not think the computer to add track, etc. ..

Akai is listening to its customers and works hard (that's what it seems to me anyway) to improve the system. For a long time I did not take much pleasure in composing "beatmaker". This is why I highly recommend. I had acquired in the past NI Maschine, I was not at all attached to the workflow, it was sloppy and not intuitive. Well I have trouble with the NI apps in general, I find them often poorly thought out and not ergonomic (although despite this, I used a lot Kontakt and Massive), and although it must be said, they are powerful . My feelings between the two is that NI has made the idea of ​​a merger between the "MPC" and the software and Akai has materialized.

Not having had the opportunity to test the Renaissance before purchase, I was a little scared to find myself once again facing a much improved controller (type NI Maschine) and not a real integration of the MPC in the world computer. My fear is quite clear! I no longer have doubts, it's a killer!

So obviously, you have to guess, I would do this choice without hesitation. And for those who are wondering between NI and AKAI, in my opinion, there are no photos, akais was really strong and surpasses NI Loint (maybe not in terms of functionality, which are all very close), but the ergonomics, accessibility, playability, which to me is the primary "Having fun to make a" I put all my downline on MPC Renaissance.

What connections (audio, MIDI ...)?
It has everything we need or should! even a small sound card! (Very handy for re-sampling)
He has an effects section?
So much!
How sounds, styles available?
Enormously too! of GiGA and GiGA!
Are they edited?
Yes!

Etc. .... View akai site or wait a test on AF for more details!

The general configuration is it simple?

Yes very and more if you have already used an MPC! We can do as the old version of MPC I mean by just worked on the controller without much use of the screen! Or for more comfort we can do everything from the computer! I confess to prepare good program that is much faster and no bug or other non-imported file! So I used a can of both Mcf / screen.

The manual is clear and sufficient?

Little less for the little booklet that comes with have to do a ten page while KC! Luckily someone put the real doc on the forum AF French! I say that we should have with the MPC not the quick Bootup to furnish! (Pdf not find the cd version a scandal lol)

The usual functions are they easily accessible?

Yes everything is accessible from the front either directly or by double action key (shift-hold pressed) the worst is the screen right next to the computer!

AH yes little less for the weight too! I understand better the importance of Studio shot!

The sounds they suit your style of music?

Yes they are people really for all the taste of the start! Following is a sampler so ...
The effect is correct and y 'really!
The pads are the same as a 1000/2500 I believe much more sensitive as well! and even more sensitive to the MPC Studio! I've never seen it so sensitive I think it's crazy! (Not the same pads at all really liked the end ...)
The big surprise of the Akai MPC suporte all plug-in (well I do not have any test but we will say it supports a lot of plug in) and it is a true novelty for MPC!
It also comes with a plug but there is also much better as well! but started its going very well.

How long have you use it?

I had a Studio Mpc since December that I just sold me to take the Renaissance because the ergonomics of the 2500 I missed a little more sound card and much much more button on the Renaissance!

Have you tried many other models before buying it?

MPC1000/2500
Many BAR otherwise.

What is the particular feature you like best and least?

Bin Frankly I love MPC but always with a screen more aware of luxury in luxury.
The ability to open plug in the sequencer on how to create MPC

Cons:
Weight, form, I would have told you that the software bug but would be lying! knows much more stable with 1.3 and akai already announced 1.4!

How would you rate the quality / price? With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Very good value for money.
Without hesitation I can take directly instead of rebirth began with the Studio

Here is a Akai MPC Renaissance!

Specifications:
- Combine the production of the iconic MPC and the power of your computer
- Vintage Mode which gives your sound the character of an MPC3000, MPC60, etc ...
- 16 backlit MPC pads, 16 Q-Link controllers and adjustable LCD
- Typical functions of MPC Note Repeat, Swing and transport keys
- MPC SOFTWARE for Mac or PC with 64-track sequencer
- 2 tickets Combo XLR / jack + 2 RCA inputs with phono preamp
- 4 channels USB2 audio interface with integrated USB2 Hub 2 ports
- 8 pad banks (more than any other MPC)
- 2 MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs
- Stereo output, assignable stereo output jack 6.35 mm and input / output S / PDIF

MPC SOFTWARE
- Sequencer 64 tracks
- Sound library of more than 6 GB of sounds including all the MPC3000
- Instant mapping and real-time adjustment of VST plug-ins
- Each track recordable mode Drum Program, Keygroup or VST plug-in
- Use in standalone mode or as a plug-in VST, AU or RTAS
- Compatible with WAV, MP3, AIFF, REX and SND
- Supports samples and sequences from all previous MPC
- Compatible with Mac and PC

Easy to use good connection between the mac and mpc

Analog sound of the mpc 60.3000, or other
good seed effects on a typical sample are mpc

uttiliser with the mpc 200 xl 2500Le and for years I used the Renaissance to rework the pieces already made on other machines ... this is a very good tool ..

For all characteristics I refer you to the site AKAI

The general configuration is simple.
The usual functions are easily accessible, some keys have a dual function (indicated in red on the mpc) to access it you have to press shift at the same time to the desired function
The manual is poor and empty ... But the net is full of good tutorial and once the logic of the beast's lies are more composed.

the samples delivered with the REN is effective, there are all kinds. Are they realistic? I would say yes but it would still be sad not to use the sound library provided with ... REN is a sampler and it must sound neutral after the treatments are applied to samples that provide heat or otherwise will give her cold.
Effects included in the MPC are effective and sufficient. Icing on the cake can even use our usual vst Congratulations on this full Akai.
Reaction velocity with aftertouch etc. Nothing to say ... This is an MPC!

I use it for one month and a half. The feature I like the most: the perfect integration into my DAW (cubase). The one I like least: not able to use the beast without a PC.
I tried the mpc 500 portable machine on his side I liked. the Ren is a solid machine, well built and has the attention of Akai (updates software and drivers many tutorial ...) its price is high but justified, with the experience I would do this choice probably . I recommend the REN once tasted you can not go without, gain speed work and feeling mpc ...

See technical details of the machine on the net.La connection is the same as his sisters recent (mpc 5000, 2500 is ......).

I find effective for certain effects (decimator, vca comp, vintage, mpc 3000 low pass filter is a treat .......). Anyway I use much effects on mpc renaissance that I did it on the 5000, I find them much more "musical" of the Renaissance.

Supplied with the machine a lot of drums kits of all styles and really quality I think.
Akai vst's are not bad but it's not a Spectrasonics Omnisphere ....... I not just using.
It goes without saying that all sounds are editable.

Who knows how the mpc not need manual, except perhaps for the new features, but those above are easy to understand with a little practice.

It is a pleasure to light and composer / sampler above, I find the hardware real quality, beautiful design and solid (mixture of MPC 60/3000).

The app is obviously very young and therefore still room for improvement, but I've never had to worry about major sofware, 2 or 3 crashes because of vst that have been resolved with the latest update.
I find it much more inspiring than the 5000 I sold everything is clearer, faster to make a truly intuitive workflow productivity.

This is a sampler, thus you make it sound!
I think she has a certain heat output, the sound is not as cold as the 5000 I think.

The vintage fashion of the moment is more gimmick than anything else I find no real difference with and without, apart mpc mode 60 which is the most obvious to the ear.

I use it for almost 2 months and I do not regret my purchase, nor have sold 5000.
Some said that work with mpc it was back to the middle ages face ableton live, cubase, reason bein ..... the mpc is the future!

I had the 3000 and 5000, 2500se tried, and for me this is really the best of all to all the views!

What I like most: sound, design, interface, ease of doing anything groover

What I like least: the immaturity of the software, some minor beugs from time to time.

I find the fair price for the machine it is and I would do this choice without hesitation!

PS: I do not have shares in akai.

Unlike any other MPC, the Renaissance is more geared to work with your computer set up better than the other models that have come out. You will get the real MPC pads on the Renaissance which are what all MPC enthusiast love and have to have. You will also get all of your basic MPC functions like MPC Swing. But the main place where the Renaissance sticks out is that it can synch with your computer in ways that the other MPC’s just cannot do.

The Renaissance supports all of your standard audio file formats like WAV, MPC3 and it can even host VST plug-ins. It comes loaded with a ton of sounds, over 6 gigs of sounds. You will be able to use the Renaissance on a Mac or a PC and whichever one you use it on. You do not have to worry about problems syncing them up. It is pretty much automatic and can be done in seconds.

You will also get a vintage mode that will give you the sound of the MPC3000. It would have been nice to get the sound of the original MPC 2000 but we will settle for the 3000. The Renaissance gives you a 64 bit sequencer and sampler but the area where I feel that it lacks is with how easy it was to find what you were looking for in the original MPC’s. For some reason they have changed some things up, to some people they might be minor things. But for people that have used MPC’s for a decade, then they come out with this one and some of the Menu options are different and sub menus are a little different (mainly just switched around) it can become very frustrating and felt like I had to learn the whole system over again.

But overall, you will love the new things you can do with this MPC over how the older ones used to be. I you are still using a previous model MPC; I do not think it is worth the upgrade to the Renaissance. Just stick with what you have and what you know. But if you are new to the MPC and getting your first one, then this will be a great start toward the new direction that Akai is going.

I invite you to see the listing on the website builder!

Since this is a common question, the encounter does not work without the software and must be necessarily connected to a computer.

Note that I use a MacBook Pro 2.3 Ghz, 4GB of ram with mac os 10.6.8.

The installation and configuration is very simple.

To optimize the use of the renaissance in a DAW (sync, export separate tracks ...) he will spend a few minutes but video tutorials already exist.

I did not read the manual because I already knew the MPC but he seemed pretty light. The videos are also many, including those of AKAI university.

Functions are easily accessible, like an MPC "classic", but with more soft for visual comfort on the computer.

The sound is transparent, similar to recent MPC. Do not expect a "grain", the sound is simply true.

The vintage fashion is more of a gimmick for now, and it is not configurable. Modes MPC 3000 and SP1200 does not really change much. MPC60 mode is the one that stands out the most because it adds a little "potato" and roundness in the bass, but nothing extraordinary.

The hardware is excellent and good quality pads. It is far from MPD, there is solid. After it will see if it is the length.

Effects are average, but I use my DAW especially so they have little interest for me.

For 1 month.

I tested maschine and I owned two MPC before (1000 and 2000XL). I also tested each model MPC.

What I like most is the quality of the hardware and integration with DAW (I'm using logic 9) which clearly facilitates the work and can go much faster. Found the pleasure of the sound hardware, while having the comfort of the computer screen in addition to certain functions (cutting sample etc.).

What I like least is the app that is not yet fully optimized (version 1.1). To put it simply it is not yet ready for "all standalone", mainly because management VST. Following in my DAW it is his job perfectly and I never had a crash.

The value for money is good and I think in my opinion even better after a few updates of the software.

With hindsight I remake this choice without problem.

The MPC Renaissance is a production hardware system that can also act as a audio interface. It comes loaded with over 6GB of sounds and it does support VST plug-ins. The Renaissance is better than just the original MPC line. I have been using MPC’s for over 10 years for many different applications and they have finally come out with one that has everything that I have been looking for. The Renaissance is geared more to work with your software set up then the previous MPC’s are.

The Renaissance has 16 MPC pads (we all know how good they are) and all of them are back lit, it also has 16 Q-Link controls. All of the basic MPC functions from previous models have are still here like, Swing, and all of the transport controls. The Renaissance gives you 8 banks, and each bank has 16 pads.

This MPC has an audio interface that connects to your computer Mac or PC through USB. It even has an option for “vintage mode”, which will allow you to simulate the older MPC’s. The size of the Renaissance reminds me more of the size of the MPC 2500 but it is a lot better than the 2500 and has more options and features.

The Renaissance is like taking all of the previous MPC products and putting them into one unit and adding better computer and VST support that he other MPC’s just didn’t have in the past. It has a 64 track sequencer and a few thousand stock presets. The MIDI is 2 in and 4 out, with 2 XLR in and 1 RCS stereo. The MPC Renaissance is not easy to understand especially if you are not use to the workflow of the older MPC’s. It will take some time for you to get the hang of it, but once you do you will be amazed with the things you can do. It does come with a manual which can be difficult to learn from. I suggest learning from the MPC forums. You will learn a lot more there and it is easy to understand when someone is explaining how to do it rather than fishing through a manual to figure something out.