ChipMusic.org - Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-28T13:43:45Z

Yeah I was kinda also hoping that the MPX8 could replace my SU-10. The SU-10 is much smaller, can run on batteries and can sample. But it only has 314kb memory and I'm always afraid of the battery running dry just before a show. With the MPX8 and electribes you can at least have a backup on a memory card. With the SU-10 it is possible afaik with backing up via sysex, but it's a bit of a pain in the ass (super slow, and not reliable), and you most likely have to bring a computer with you. Atm I'm using a SP-404sx which can read directly from SD card, but it's a bit heavy (micromusicians are pretty spoiled I know)

I'll probably pick up the MPX8 anyway though.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-25T02:07:28Z

TSC wrote:

Different strokes, etc.

haha yeah pretty much. it fits a specific want that i have therefor i think it's awesome.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-25T00:36:36Z

That looks like fun.

It also further reinforces my confusion on why this is preferred over say an ES-1, especially with the unsatisfactory load times of the MPX. If performance is a factor, wouldn't on-board effects be worth the extra $50? I never really found the SU-10 to be a PITA, but I suppose that is a matter of taste! Different strokes, etc.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T23:45:21Z

Here's how I'm using it at the moment. Noise like a muthafuka!

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T19:00:54Z

TSC wrote:

My immediate thought was a yamaha su-10/roland sp series/psp sample trigger program/pad controller to iphone or even a arduino or raspi solution if one exists.

I get where you're coming from but the su10 and most of the sp series are more headache than they're worth (mostly because of very limited or inefficient storage). iphone or some other touchscreen device could do all the same stuff for sure. I'm sure there's good options on raspi too but probably not piggy. One thing piggy can't do is be played like an instrument in real time.

So I'm still saying that the standalone and playability of this little guy are worth the hundred bucks.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:57:38Z

Don't get me wrong, I initially had the "oooooh" factor when I saw this thing. Perhaps it's not for me! I'd probably put the $99 toward an iconnectmidi or something. I just wasn't sure if there's a main selling point I'm not understanding here.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:51:28Z

My immediate thought was a yamaha su-10/roland sp series/psp sample trigger program/pad controller to iphone or even a arduino or raspi solution if one exists.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:47:48Z

it just uses usb power to save having another connection. You can use it with an included usb power adapter on mains standalone, or it can be powered by a computer i assume and used as a pad control.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:46:23Z

The main point for me is not needing to be connected to a computer, "playability", and of course size. And it's cheap. What are some other mpc-style sample players at this size/price point?

Edit: being battery powered isn't important to me, if i were using this live i wouldn't rely on batteries anyway

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:45:11Z

So no answer?

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:33:44Z

TSC wrote:

I'm really trying to figure this out: if this is powered via USB, why not just use a pad controller if you're connecting to a computer for power anyway? Sure you can power via an adapter/power socket, but why not just buy a battery powered sampler at that point?

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:07:10Z

I'm really trying to figure this out: if this is powered via USB, why not just use a pad controller if you're connecting to a computer for power anyway? Sure you can power via an adapter/power socket, but why not just buy a battery powered sampler at that point?

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T18:01:10Z

In my opinion, if it can't support any of the typical metadata associated with a filetype - does it really support said filetype?

If the editor stripped/prepared the samples I'd be less annoyed.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T17:54:46Z

Looks like ill be waiting for some firmware updates to roll out.

Re: Akai MPX8 - simple hardware sample player

2013-09-24T17:48:38Z

quick update: loading a max size kit of 30 mb takes so long i didn't bother to time it, 2 or 3 minutes maybe? that's a worst case scenario, typical kits liad in a matter of seconds