For any work with multiple Groups (or Tracks in MPC2 speak), and as a plugin host I think Maschine is much better. In Regards to MPC 2 not working nice with REX files Recycle 2 actually exports REX files as MPC chopped files, and I own that, but it's not somehow better than just drag and dropping REX files into a track. Maschine works just fine if you set it up to export MIDI to your DAW, not glitches in carrying tie signatures, but it's a lot of work if you start wanting to change the pattern etc. This feature in Maschine has been busted and worked depending on updates, and the level of metre change, 9/8 kills it for instance. Maschine only allows one time signature per 'song' and although you can create varying length patterns they will glitch if Scenes are fired from a DAWs timeline while it changes metre. I'm still new to the MPC2 software, but it has time signatures tied to Sequences (Patterns in Maschine), so it's likely my main beef with Maschine is not an issue with MPC2, and I should be able to assign Program Change messages to a section of a sequence in a DAW and have MPC2 change time signatures without glitching. Both allow two instals, both are annoying but painless IMO.īoth use a lot of CPU as plug ins, 32% roughly for Live 10.īoth have a hefty learning curve at first before it all makes sense. Native Access for Maschine and ILok software for MPC 2 must be on your computer. REX files, seems they used to import, not right now with this version. For some reason as a VSTi MPC2 software loses it's ability to mix down pads? (could be wrong about this, I'm new to MPC2) VIP is not integrated into MPC2 the way NKS is integrated into Maschine from what I can tell. You can't from what I can tell address Maschine as a multitimbral VSTi in a DAW, it only allows one plug in at a time to receive MIDI from an exterior source like a MIDI keyboard or track in a DAW. This wouldn't be a big deal in Maschine because Maschine is multitimbral on MIDI input, MPC is not. Only one instance of MPC allowed as a plug in. Arguably better initial sounds, and groove. Input quantize is ever present, not a Preference dive.
The ability to jam out Sequences into a song. Actual time signature changes in the song.
Of course feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, add things I miss etc. Obviously the MPC X for instance is very well integrated into MPC 2 software. To their credit AKAI developed a pretty decent Controller Editor template for the MPC 2, but like you would expect the native software is a much higher level of integration than what AKAI developed, which makes minimal use of the LED screens. I'm staying with a software comparison since I only own Maschine Studio as hardware. So I can't say I'm a 'master' at either bits of software, but there are very few flat comparisons between these two.