#Renaissance mpc 2 software
#Renaissance mpc 2 Pc
#Renaissance mpc 2 plus

The software installation process is frustrating if you prefer to control what goes where on your system. First StepsД®ach pad has up to 4 layers with velocity windows, insert effects, aВ filter and more. Finally, power is supplied by an external 12V adapter, as the 2A requirement is too much to pull over USB. It also has two USB 2 hub connections, suitable for external drives or the direct connection of USB controller keyboards. The Renaissance takes the unusual step of incorporating aВ USB 2 four-channel audio interface. The I/O converters are designed to the same specifications as the MPC3000, although higher sampling rates and bit depths are accepted. There's aВ nod towards the sound of previous machines, courtesy of various 'vintage' emulations in software, the current models being the MPC3000, MPC60 and SP1200. Considering that the Renaissance is focused on working in the software domain, two assignable outputs might be enough.

#Renaissance mpc 2 plus

Further connectivity is present in the form of 24-bit digital I/O, plus phono inputs (complete with preamp) andВ two combined XLR/balanced jack inputs with phantom power.

This is in marked contrast to, say, the MPC5000, which hadВ eight. It means that there's only room for two assignable audio outputs, in addition to the main stereo pair. This maintains the legacy connection with existing MIDI rigs but gobbles up aВ fair proportion of the available space. Unusually, two footswitch sockets also reside at the front, although when you check the rear you can see why: it's chocka!ДЄkai have opted for six MIDI sockets inВ total two In and four Out. Intent on covering every base, Akai have provided front-facing headphone jacks in both regular and miniature versions, capable of monitoring the main mix or individual outputs. Running your eyes and hands over the smooth surface, there's no sign of skimping, from the many dedicated buttons and numeric keypad to the reassuringly balanced data wheel. Weighing in at aВ shade under 5kg and occupying aВ generous 50cm x 33cm x 7cm of desk space, the Renaissance's cold metal base is framed in grey plastic. For some operations, aВ mouse and monitor are far more inviting, but the transport and navigation controls are superb, the solid output of years of MPC evolution. The tilting blue screen is adequate, its 360 x 96-pixel resolution delivering retro small text and basic graphics. It's aВ hefty machine and it looks built for action. I doubt anyone will be seriously disappointed with the Renaissance hardware, from its 16 pert and weighty encoders to the tough grey pads with coloured back-lighting. The Renaissance's back panel is awash with socketry and offers dual combi jack/XLR inputs, the traditional MPC phono inputs, stereo and assignable outputs on quarter-inch jack, and aВ generous four MIDI outs. Due soon, it's aВ trimmed down version that dispenses with the audio capabilities and multiple MIDI ports of the Renaissance.Д¬laiming backwards compatibility with previous MPCs and largely consistent with their workflow, could the Renaissance be the gateway drug to lure more hardware freaks into aВ world inside the box? The Hardware Those who don't need aВ new audio interface, or simply want to save aВ few bob, should check out the MPC Studio. Not content with that, it serves as aВ 24-bit, 96kHz audio interface with multiple MIDI ports, too, while backlit pads, assignable Q-link controls and buttons galore offer maximum tactile gratification.

#Renaissance mpc 2 Pc

The Renaissance has the look and feel of quality stand-alone kit, yet it functions exclusively as aВ controller for aВ software host running on your PC or Mac. If so, maybe the Renaissance marks the moment the empire struck back. IВ don't know if it grated when Native Instruments' Maschine appeared, applying MPC-like control to all those desirable software elements. But after aВ long reign and many hardware generations, not even Akai can resist the vast and constantly shifting world of computer-based production and its DAWs, virtual instruments and gargantuan sample libraries.

It seems like Akai's MPC range has been around forever, revered for solid sequencing, aВ straightforward interface and no-nonsense sampling. The legendary MPC brand is reborn in a form that aims to marry its famous hands-on ethos with the unlimited possibilities of the software world.