When it comes to standalone music production units, two giants stand out in the market: Native Instruments’ Maschine+ and Akai’s MPC One+. Both devices offer a unique approach to creating music without the need for a computer, but they cater to slightly different audiences with varying needs and workflows. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Maschine+ and the MPC One+, breaking down their features, workflow, sound engines, and overall performance to help you choose the right device for your music production setup.
1. Overview
NI Maschine+
- Manufacturer: Native Instruments
- Type: Standalone production unit (no computer required)
- Key Features: Integrated software, deep connection to Native Instruments ecosystem, customizable sound library, extensive sampling capabilities.
MPC One+
- Manufacturer: Akai Professional
- Type: Standalone music production center (no computer required)
- Key Features: Renowned for its powerful sequencer, extensive sampling and manipulation features, integration with the MPC workflow, Ableton Link compatibility, and versatility in production.
2. Design and Build
Both devices are designed to be compact, yet powerful workstations, making them ideal for producers who want to take their music anywhere without needing a laptop or desktop.
- Maschine+:
- Features a sleek, modern design with a color display that offers vibrant feedback for your projects. The interface is built for quick navigation and editing.
- The 8-touch-sensitive pads are responsive and make finger drumming a joy.
- It comes with a solid construction, ideal for on-the-go producers.
- MPC One+:
- Boasts a more rugged, utilitarian design with a larger touch screen. The interface feels more tactile, with an emphasis on physical controls, including pads, knobs, and buttons for hands-on control.
- The 16 velocity-sensitive pads are larger than Maschine’s, offering more space for complex drumming patterns.
- It’s designed for producers who favor a hardware-centric workflow.
Verdict: While both units are well-built, the Maschine+ is sleeker and more suited for producers who prefer a more minimalistic, touchscreen-driven design. The MPC One+ offers a more traditional “hardware” feel with its array of physical controls, ideal for tactile users.
3. Sound Engines & Software Integration
Both units shine in the sound department but differ in their approaches.
- Maschine+:
- Powered by the Maschine software, which is the heart of the system. It integrates well with other Native Instruments products, providing a vast array of sounds, plugins, and effects from the Komplete bundle (sold separately).
- The software is known for its rich library of instruments and loops, ideal for electronic music and sample-based production.
- While Maschine+ offers a powerful set of built-in sounds, it shines in its seamless integration with the NI ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for those already invested in their software.
- MPC One+:
- The MPC One+ leverages the classic MPC workflow with Akai’s MPC 2 software. It comes with a rich suite of sounds, including hip-hop, electronic, and sample-based content.
- The MPC’s sampler is a major highlight, offering powerful sampling capabilities, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and chopping tools that make it perfect for producers who focus heavily on manipulating samples.
- The integration of Ableton Link means that you can sync your MPC One+ with other devices or DAWs in real time.
Verdict: Maschine+ offers a more expansive set of instruments and a sleek workflow for users in the Native Instruments ecosystem, making it ideal for producers who want a ready-to-go suite of sound sources. The MPC One+ excels for those who love working with samples and prefer the iconic MPC workflow, which is all about manipulation and creativity.
4. Sequencing and Performance
Sequencing is where both devices show their distinct personalities. The Maschine+ focuses on its grid-based sequencing and software-driven workflow, while the MPC One+ provides more freedom in terms of performance.
- Maschine+:
- The step sequencer is intuitive, and with its eight touch-sensitive pads, you can quickly program beats, melodies, and rhythms.
- The Patterns mode allows for easy arrangement, and the Groove function provides a natural feel to your beats.
- Maschine+ also offers robust live performance features, including integration with the NI ecosystem and automation.
- MPC One+:
- The MPC One+ is a powerhouse in sequencing, particularly in creating complex drum patterns. It features 16 velocity-sensitive pads that are perfect for finger drumming, and the sequencer has been praised for its responsiveness and flexibility.
- The Clip Launching feature allows you to launch musical phrases on the fly, making it excellent for live performance or remixing. Additionally, the Song Mode lets you arrange your ideas into full tracks in a linear fashion.
- The Grid Edit allows precise control over every element of your sequence.
Verdict: The Maschine+ offers a more intuitive and streamlined workflow for those looking for a deep integration with software and quick beat creation. The MPC One+ gives more versatility in performance and detailed control over sequencing, ideal for producers who favor a more traditional, hands-on approach to music creation.
5. Connectivity and Expansion
- Maschine+:
- Features a USB port for external drives and MIDI controllers, audio inputs/outputs, and CV/Gate output for modular synth integration. It also has a line-in for sampling external audio.
- Offers Wi-Fi connectivity for future updates and expanding sound libraries.
- MPC One+:
- Offers MIDI input/output, CV/Gate outputs, USB ports for additional storage, and a full-size SD card slot for easy storage.
- The device also includes Ableton Link for syncing with other devices, a unique feature that’s not available on the Maschine+.
Verdict: The MPC One+ wins here in terms of versatility with the SD card slot, MIDI integration, and Ableton Link support, making it ideal for users who need more storage and inter-device compatibility.
6. Price & Value
- Maschine+: Generally priced higher, but the bundle includes the ability to access Komplete sounds (sold separately) and integrates deeply with Native Instruments’ ecosystem.
- MPC One+: More affordable compared to the Maschine+, and while it doesn’t come with the same sound library, it offers incredible value for its sampling capabilities, sequencing power, and ease of use.
Verdict: The MPC One+ offers better value for money, especially for those looking for a hands-on music production experience without the need for additional software. The Maschine+ is more of an investment for users already embedded in the Native Instruments ecosystem.
7. Final Verdict
- Choose Maschine+ if:
- You are looking for deep integration with Native Instruments’ software.
- You prefer a more software-driven approach to music production.
- You need access to a large sound library and want a streamlined workflow.
- Choose MPC One+ if:
- You love the classic MPC workflow and want tactile control over your music.
- You need a powerful sampler and sequencer for detailed sound manipulation.
- You want a more affordable standalone unit that still packs a punch.
Ultimately, both the Maschine+ and the MPC One+ are outstanding standalone production devices, and the choice between the two comes down to your workflow preferences and whether you value software integration or hands-on, tactile control over your music creation process.
