Here a list of over 40 Force button shortcuts I could find so far: BUTTON SHORTCUT= FUNCTION Edit + Assign A/B= Crossfader Edit screen. Edit + Knob 1-8= Knobs Macro screen. Edit + Knobs button= Macro page. Edit + Pad= Clip settings: set name, color, launch quantization, Launch mode (Toggle/Trigger) Program Change (From track/clip) Edit + Scene Launch= Edit Row Options: Insert 1 or 8 Rows, Insert & Capture (copies any active clips to a new Scene, Clear, Take Snapshot. Edit + a Track button or Double tap the Track header (the top box on the screen that has the track name & number)= Track Editor Shift + Double tap a Track button= Track setting: name, track/pads colors, transpose, & MIDI settings. Shift + ARP= Arpeggiator & Note Repeat Settings. Shift + Clear Automation (Button under Track 4)= Clears all automation on that track. Shift + Clip /Edit + Track button= Edit Track (like program edit; not available for audio tracks) Shift + Cursor Buttons: Left, Right, Up or Down= Matrix jumps to next 8 tracks. Shift + Data Dial= Fine Adjustments parameters values. Shift + Double (Bottom under Track 3)= Double Clip Length. Shift + Edit + Pad= Convert a drum pad to keygroup program. Shift + Knobs= 1 of the 4 Banks of Pad Grid in the Macro section. Shift + Launch (while in Launch Mode)= Launch Config settings: Default bar length, Empty Slot Off/Dim, Tapping a clip selects it (Play notes on one track while launching clips on another won’t automatically change tracks), Show arrangement in clip matrix Shift + Matrix= Ableton Live Control. Shift + Menu= Open up the last selected Preference Tab. Shift + Metronome (Bottom under Track 5)= Metronome Settings. Shift + Mixer= Open Pad Mixer on Drum. Shift + Mute/Solo/Rec Arm/Clip Stop= Mixer Config settings. Shift + Navigate= XYFX Settings. Shift + Note (while on a Drum Track)= Note Config options: pad Velocity Levels (As played, 12-93%, Half, Full) Shift + Note (while on a Non-Drum Track)= Note Config options: Types; Note Modes, Root Note, Octave, Scale, Velocity Levels, Filter Input, Pads Generate Aftertouch. Shift + Play= Play from where the seq was stopped. Shift +(Oct -/Oct +)= Change Drum Pad Bank/Note octaves. Shift + Rec= Record to Arrangement. Shift + Save= Saves to the Project. Shift + Step Seq= Step Seq Config options: Mode (Drum, Melodic, Lanes, Mono Steps 8x4, 8x8), Velocity, Step Size & Pads Generate Aftertouch. Shift + Tap Tempo= Set BPM/Tempo. Shift + Undo= Redo. Press Step Seq= Cycles thru the different modes: Drum, Melodic, Lanes, Mono Steps 8x4, 8x8. Hold any of these buttons: Clip/Launch/Knobs/Menu/Matrix/Mixer/Note/Rec/Step-Seq/Tap Tempo (release to return to previous view)= Quickly view that button’s window with the ability to edit it. Then jump back to last screen. Delete + Pad(s)= Will deletes the note(s) of that pad(s) as it plays in a seq while on that Track Delete + Mute/Solo/Arm= Popup screen with the option to clear Mute/Sole/Arm on all tracks. You’'ll have to be in Pad view to clear Mutes/Solos for pads. Delete + A/B= Clears A/B Assignments. Hold Assign A/B= Quickly assigns a parameter to the Crossfader. Press and hold an insert FX slot on the mixers insert page.= Quickly add a channel strip. MIDI Learn (while in Track Edit’s Edit-All mode)= Assigns all 128 pads to the Macro: Knob, Crossfader A/B, XYFX, Pad Grid, & ENV Followers with the MIDI Learned parameter. Long press a blank Track select button= Quickly add a track. While in. the browser, select a clip slot or drum pad. while looking at a list of samples, press the + and - buttons to load the next / previous in the list= Load samples/clips, overwritten sample is automatically cleared out of memory.shortcuts Hold Launch + Pads (while in Launch mode)= Move Tracks by 8 sections. The pad under Knob#1 takes you to Tracks 1-8 on row 1. The next pad goes to Tracks 9-16. The last pad under Knob#8 goes to Tracks 57-64. The 8 pads on the next Rows goes to lower Scenes on the Matrix - if you made more than 8. You just to play it this feature to get how it works. It even works while your in other window like Navigate - where you can really see in action if you got a lot of tracks & clips.
The force is the future for Akai. They need a Force 2 with a portable battery, updated clip launch to include better audio events, better looper and software to take it even further!
+1000 the force is amazing imo. I use it as a huge sketch machine for laying down clips into bitwig being it sequenced Synths or force internal stuff. Can even sequence VSTS and daw stuff. Best piece of gear I have ever owned. I also pair it with audient EVO 16 for 32 channels in and out. Works flawlessly. Also I got rid of the X for the force. Heaps better then the mpcs for me. Never looked back.
I just got a force used for a really good price to use as the brain of my setup and for sampling and drums. I was previously using a circuit tracks and circuit rhythm as the drums and sequencers for my hardware setup. Being able to play in parts, adjust them if needed and then arrange those parts into the arrangement screen has been amazing for my workflow. My problem with the circuit was I would come up with 4-8 good bars and have nowhere to go from there. But there isn't really a limit to how many song sections I can put together on the force. At least not a limit I'll ever need to hit. I can fit my starting 8 bars I would have on the circuit in just a single midi clip. I'm not really using the internal plugins. I have a summit, minifreak, K2 and 2600 that I sequence with the force, all just with a single USB cable to each using a small hub. It's definitely intimidating to learn, some stuff is super intuitive and some stuff definitely isn't but I'm having a blast with it so far
I'm waiting for mine now, also a Circuit user. I mainly program loops and perform tracks live in a band, so I'm curious about how this one will work in that scenario.
I originally sold my MPC X (after having it for about 4 years) for a Force. I got attracted to it because the MPC workflow doesnt work well with my brain. I bought the force because of the arranger mode, as I wanted to get away from the MPC's confusing sequencer way of things, as well doing so much in DAW programs that also kill my creativity. But still wanted to work on a linear style sequencer. However, Ive gotten used to the Ableton style 'clip' way of creating. But to be honest, I dont even use the arranger mode on it. I mainly use it to program my drum samples, or use the stock drums on it. I dont use the plugins or synths, as I have a Moog One, Moog Matriarch, Yamaha Montage, Novation Bass Station 2 and Native Instruments latest release of Komplete as my only VSTi (all that I need for a VSTi). And a bunch of top notch outboard gear. I honestly don't even create many clips on it. I'll make one and beef it up with my outboard gear and the SP 404, then record it into Logic Pro. Or file transfer my clip if the midi is not acting right between the Force and Logic Pro (on any given day 😅). I don't sample much, but I know that I have a great MPC style sampler if I ever need or want to. I mainly use it to edit the drum and instrumental samples I already have. I like how you can set up effects via macros on the touch sensitive knobs. It enhances my created drum loops a bunch. And I have the ouputs going into my Roland SP-40= MKII like every other asshole. But I dont create that oversaturated style of Lo-fi lmao. All-in-all I truly believe the Force is way better than the whole lineup of MPCs that started being created in recent years, including the MPC X and Key 61. I would never trade my Force for one. The Force does have some wild learning curves, especially with the button combos you have to do to get to certain settings. I dont really do anything that requires me to edit on the touchscreen (thank God). It is weird to figure out how to record audio at first. But for anything that needs to be learned, a simple RUclips vid has said tutorial covered.
My MPC experience actually made the learning curve steeper, because my muscle and feature memory was useless. I hang in and am glad I did, once you get into the workflow it's so much faster than the MPC and yes that might be my own opinion. The best feature is the one that took me the longest to wrap my head around and that is that the top and bottom of the machine work independently. Once it clicked it clicked hard and Force became what I had hoped it would be a powerful performance device. I love my Force and last year I bought an MPC live 2 only to realize that there is no going back. The MPC workflow is too slow for me and many things I got used to on the Force were not there. I ended up selling the Live2 after giving it a good year. I hope the Force gets more love and maybe sees a MK2 in the near future. Indeed a tilted screen but also polyphonic aftertouch and large midi ins and outs are what are on my wishlist. Software wise I'm sad that Akai decided to give the MPC more and faster love, but I understand it because it remains their best sold product and you can't blame them for putting it on a pedestal.
Same. I had a MPC X for years and sold it to get a Force. It just works better with how my brain works. I could barely create anything on the MPC X. Now after getting around the learning curve of the Force, the possibilities and creatio s have been endless.
I agree the touchscreen is fiddly for editing, what helped me was watching Tom Nice Things Force tutorials which show a lot of great workflow tips. Like you I bought it as a DAW alternative but I mainly just use it as a sampler too, I don’t have much use for the plug-in synths, but great machine overall though.
I also got a Force thinking that it would replace Ableton. Like you, I was initially disappointed. However, my change of mindset came when I started to view the Force like an 8 track audio recorder that also has great built-in synths and drum machines. I'm not an electronic musician per se - more a singer songwriter who likes synths and electronic sounds. So if I compare the Force's capabilities to a bog standard digital 8 track recorder for example, the Force wins hands down. I can record guitars and vox as loops or a full song, then I can build out the song arrangement with synths, drums and samples etc. I can do a full demo in stand-alone mode. I think this shows (along with your example) that the Force really is a jack of all trades that could suit lots of different workflows, while at the same time, it's not really the best at any one of the functions it has. In this way, I can see a lot of people being frustrated.
Yeah! I can imagine it being useful for that as well. Whack in a microphone, record some guitar loops directly... add in a bass line. Great point. I haven't ever used it that way, but it definitely could be. Smart.
Thx for this input( pun intended)! I'm also primarily a guitarist but have the opportunity to get one for 500 bucks. I wasn't sure how it would gel with guitar looping arrangements and such.
I have the AKAI Force as well have tried several times to "work it into" my workflow, but that never really seems to get me where I want to go. I have several other sequencers that are connected to my hardware synths and the Force always seems to be in the way, so I haven't been using as much as I should. I have come to the conclusion that I just have to commit to making it the center-piece / brain of my set-up and focus on changing my workflow to make better use of the Force and deal with the good and bad of the unit. Pull out the other sequencers and just simplify my connections to my hardware synths. I am looking forward to seeing how this works out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Force. As always I enjoy your down to earth approach to the content on your channel. Cheers, Bill
Thanks for making this video. I really loved the long term review, and also appreciate your music, opinions and creativity. Your other videos are great too. I especially liked the "Beat Making from Vinyl with the Akai Force" Very nice to watch. Thanks! :)
It was because of your video all that time ago that I went out and purchased a Force.,,look what you did !! …to be honest I love the device albeit there is some frustration involved especially when learning it’s operation and workflow. The 3.1 firmware update has delivered so much to the device including class compliant audio interface (32 inputs),(32 outputs),disk streaming amongst a whole load more too! I’m hopeful that AKAI do indeed introduce Stem separation in which has just been released on MPC,,,that would be a superb addition to Force and very much welcomed. Would love to hear you thoughts and opinion on the Stem Separation feature that has just been released,,maybe a possible video from yourself??🤔 ,,,it’s always good to hear those thoughts and opinion!🙏
Nice! I do love it as well, though it can be frustrating. If you haven't installed 3.3 already, grab that, as there's a bunch of good changes, including the ability to re-order tracks (finally!). Disk streaming was also an awesome addition, so I'm glad that Akai are actually making positive changes. Stem separation in the box would be amazing, though I'm not sure if Force's processor would handle it. I guess we'll have to see! I have RX which I sometimes use to separate stems, but unless you have a good quality WAV it is a bit meh.
At 1:44 if you tap that grey oval tab with the ^ icon at the bottom of the screen you can left it up more & then edit the Arranger seq data easier like in the clip editor - LOL that you still had problem with, but it still better than trying to do it in that first screen. Also, the two inputs gain knob are great (tho a center indentation would be nice) because we can use them to balance an uneven signal, like when I was recording some old cassette tapes of radio show from the 90s where some tapes audio was messed up with the stereo vol balance was going all over the place, but I could just ride those knobs in real-time or just rewind & do it again if it was too unpredictable. They also allow you to record 2 different things at different levels at the same time. Like two singers with very different voices with maybe different mics or 1 singer & a synth. If your in a rush & can't setup ideal levels, you can use them to sample the same mono signal at two different levels as a stereo sample then convert them to separate mono signals later. One could be at the level you may thing is decent the other could be higher/lower (just in case) or maybe you purposely want one signal to be over-saturated. This dude made a tilt screen Mod: ruclips.net/video/wHiX1MHWmk4/видео.htmlsi=hn8ZwDVGjRePHg2q
That's a good tip, though the clip editor is fiddly in of itself. I'm not complaining about there being two individual level inputs. That is useful for a variety of different reasons - but there *should* be some way to lock them, or a centre indentation so you get the actual stereo levels when recording a stereo source.
Thanks for this. The music/composer side of me loves the Potential of the Force; but the practical side of me(who still struggles with the SP404mk2) can see it as another gadget that I will get frustrated with, unless I'm stuck on a desert island and its the only thing I have to use.
The SP 404 MK2 is a dog to work with... OG SP guys love it but coming at it with no prior SP knowledge? its a pig... mines is gathering dust but its ability to sample to and from my iPad means I want to hold onto it... for now..
The latest. Like I said, some of these problems could be fixed at this stage. The point is that I kept running into weirdness like this all over the place.
I swapped my MPC Live II for an Analog RYTM a month ago. This current generation of MPC and Forxe stuff was and remains awesome, it also showed me definitively that I need to spread out the steps in my process or I get nothing done!
@@StephenMcLeod I think it's a bit of that - and maybe getting distracted by everything being available at once too, it's never quite "two hours demoing the perfect kick" but it's fiddling around the edges that never feels like it's been useful. or transformative. (and honestly it's fine - I tried it as a way of working, it didn't work for me, it probably does for plenty of other peeps.)
I had the Force for some months .The Macros where awesome . Assigning tones of parameters on both pads and knobs makes Force on of the best performing tools out there PS. You can rearrange the effects since v3.2.1
@@StephenMcLeod you can assign a single knob to affect multiple parameters , as an example mute a track when touched and tweaking a dry/wet effect on another track and the filter on a different track . Also check the "envelope follower" feature where you can use an audio signal to affect the distortion , also there are LFOs , much potential , I'm sure you'll have fun :)
@@StephenMcLeod Maaaaaan! You haven't been using the macro's on the Force which is like one of the best & powerful things about it. It's too much to break down but I can't post the link here, but I recently helped you on MPC-Forums (I ask if you was that redhead dude on youtube LOL) but on there I made a post with all the best videos I could find on macro's called --> "Force Macros Tips, Tricks & Performances." Gold! If you have Edit-All on & use MIDI-Learn you can assign all pads to that knob/crossfader or whatever macro destination you pick - Beware - these no quick way to delete them so make other than undo, so make sure your sure about it. There gotta be a way to do it... The 16 envelope followers can be used as 16 LFOs - you may like that. The macro's can take forever to set just right, but once you do, save it as a Project-Template(s) & all your new Projects will be good to go!
Does it overall work in a sense of chaining separe patterns to make a song? Is a movement from pattern to pattern flawless and without a glitch/jump in sound?
I agree while it can be frustrating at times it’s still a good machine. I use it for tracking and idea scratches. It has been a great way for me to just sit down and get ideas out and later transfer them to Ableton to further refine the ideas. I am hoping for the ability to explode the drum track audio and midi. I normally have to reprogram all of my drum parts in Ableton because I just don’t want to have to create separate drum part tracks on the force. The use of the drum interface in practice should interface better with abletons drum racks. The continued ignoring that we need to be able to change time signatures a basic musical concept and the manual are disturbing. The arranger for me was something I appreciated until i really dug into it. The screen is just too small to really navigate the features. Then there are the hard bar limitations and the midi bugs. The force is like being in a relationship with a fine ass girl. She looks great even has a great personality, but she also has flaws that make you want to pull out your hair.
Cant' you make a template with those separate drum parts already made & to be copied if more is needed? Or did you mean that you just don't want use the Force for drum at all? What made you stop appreciating the Arranger? What hard bar limitations?
@@Noise-Conductor It would eat up a track that means resources. If I start adding regular tracks those eat more resources. Have you built anything that has more than 8 tracks? Even with the hard limits in place the resources on the machine are affected.
@@Ast3rixMusic I have a Template with 48 MIDI tracks, 8 Audio & 8 plugin tracks & 1 drum track. All empty since it a starting template. But I have 1 Project for when I was moving all my SP-505 beats (about 45) to the Force each on a Drum track with some MIDI & Plugin tracks. How many tracks do you use per project that you need to be concerned about how much resources drum track take up?
I'm curious if you have had a chance to compare the force with the current gen of mpcs? Given the software is almost identical except for the sequencer, and the hardware seems to lend itself more towards sampling, I would think that might suit your use case better?
The MPCs don't have the Arranger, which... while it's annoying to edit, does allow you to effectively put together a 'song' of sorts in the box, which you can then export the stems from. I like having the 64 pads as well. For MPC duties I have the 2500 which is great, so I don't feel the need to switch to a current gen for that. The MPCs have got the 'drum exploder' feature which is cool mind you...
Great summary! I got my Force used (was basically brand new, lol) and i see why it doesn't click right away. Like you said, you have to commit to it and manage your expectations, give it a certain job in your setup. I currently use it with an iConnectivity Audio4c interface alongside an iPad, as a sampler/drum machine and midi sequencer. I love the build quality, it just feels supreme.
Nice one! When did you get yours? I 100% agree on the build quality. Does yours make weird cracking sounds randomly? Mine does. It sounds like it's stretching or something.
@@StephenMcLeod Now that you mention it it does, yes :D but not in an annoying way, sometimes you just press a pad and it seems to "settle". Got mine like 9 months ago, at first i thought of it like an "all in one" music production system, even purchased some synths for it (mistake). Not that they are bad, but the device loses it's appeal when you have to flip between screens / menus all the time. It doesn't have the cpu power to be competitive with synths and effects if you want to do everything on it imo. Just like you said, give it a defined role in the setup and then you'll enjoy it...
Do you have the latest firmware? You can indeed record XY effects on output 1/2 or any outputs or submixes. Also you can re-order the effects on the effect chain as well.
Is it possible to do a live set with the force playing different songs in different tempo’s and keys, without having to stop the music? So one song would blend into another like a continous set?
Finally, got to play with my new Force today. 100% CLUELESS on creating anything. That said, I see amazing potential. I'm glad it isn't my only kit though! As a prior owner of NI's Jam and Maschine Studio, I see it as a combination of an all-in-one beast of those two. Having some concern with clipping on my 990 headset. Not sure if the headset, or I messed up by going with 250omh headset :( I'll had to bring out my headphone amp and see if that helps. At first glance, the user interface sort of stinks! The MPC One plus/Key 61 are so straight forward. Force is like starting over. Patience I guess.
I own an Akai Force. This video was spot on. Akai treated the Force as an experiment. It hardly gets any support and Akai hasnt listened to any feedback. The best they did was release yet another product... The APC 64 which is what the Force should have been only with additional professional live performance features.
See my other comment. But to specifically answer standalone/DAWless isn't really DAWless. It's just a way of saying "a shittier computer in a smaller box" The APC64 stuck to what AKAI was good at... Making hardware.
re 0:12 It's not the hair or the glasses Stephen, it's pretty apparent you just look better overall 2024 compared to 2021. I thought about buying a force and got a MC707 instead around the same time. It's a machine with similar capabilities and on paper it could do anything I'd ever need and even more. I never warmed to the cumbersome workflow and some clunky aspects of the interface and menu diving and solt it eventually. I suspect it'd have gone the same way if I bought a Force. If you don't click with the way the engineers envision music production, or you're gonna fight with the machine ending up constantly trying to find ways to use a drill as hammer so to speak.
This is the rollercoaster piece of kit, from Imma buying it now to I aint touching it with 10ft pole. I see the potential but also a lot of bugs and just pain pain pain from what Ive heard. So after a year of indecision I just went to got a Push 3. Not perfect by any means but intuitive and more importantly fun. Im using it as a controller but once I get to know it better I'll be putting a brain in it.
Possibly. Like I said - they could well have fixed some of the issues, but it's very difficult to keep track of, there are a pile of issues that should never have existed, and it's taken ages to get basics addressed. The effects reordering is just one example of the weird annoyances I kept running into.
100% agree that navigating the midi/piano roll and editing the notes is a total ball ache.. I wish there was a stylus or mouse input (which I know would defeat the purpose of the touch screen but working in that screen is gash!) TBH every time I fire up the Force after a break playing around with other gear I find myself lost in the woods. The workflow isn't intuitive.. simply trying to record a clip will have you pressing the same pad multiple times until you find the right way to arm the clip which isn't obvious... There are many clunky ways to get to where you want to go and each time you fail it pulls you out of the zone, it is a machine that you need to really focus on to get somewhere and I've made music quicker with machines that have a fraction of the pads and buttons and no screen!
Great video..Force rules..sold it bought it back again,repeated this proces for 3 times..owned the mpc x and one too..but the force we'll just love it more every time I use it..steep learning curve..but always interesting..regards..🎉
I hope there's a Force mk2 someday, but the closest to that right now is the Force with the hacked OS called the MockbaMod: ruclips.net/video/XxU1bfDu7g4/видео.htmlsi=dn1ea3zcKspCtHLX
xy effects are only recorded on new mpcs if you set it to the track or program, it will never record if the fx are sent straight to the outs. I do agree that prior mpc knowledge really doesnt help with the learning curve of the force.
I had similar ups and downs but have come to like it, no, love it, like you as a sort of musical sketchpad. Its just crazy fast to bang in some stuff and jam with. Small things like the chord or progression mode gets you going really quickly, even if you end up getting stuck because editing the notes is so fiddly. So, just go as far as it takes you. Do stuff where its easiest.
looking for akai force videos, come across some mad Frankenstein synth geezer, you tube is hilarious. but you gave me the answers I needed, thanks fella.
Great video, when I brought the Akai Force, I was hoping to upload Abelton live Project files into it , to go back and forth. They advertise that it could do it and I’v seen the video of them doing it. I don’t think Aki Force will fix the problem, because Abelton push is there main music gear, Unless I’m wrong .
I use an MPC One, to probably do what your original goal was to the point i'd almost consider an MPC-X Even just for the fold up screen. But my workflow is a bit different, I use alot of the internal synth engines, especially the Jura. I also use a Keystep Pro as an input device, and often only record the midi out into the MPC once i've got it more settled, because as you say re editing Midi on an MPC is a real pain. On the other side an MPC lets you run any class complaint interface instead of the internal IO so I run an Audient Evo 16 with mine, then with ADAT from that I use an Expert Sleepers ES-8, I can send 8 channels of Audio from the MPC to Eurorack for FX and Mixing, then another 4 channels back into the MPC, I do my main mixing in Eurorack and then just send a line level stereo mix back into the MPC. Really i'm moving slowly more into more Eurorack as I have budget because I like the hands on and half the time the MPC is filling the gaps. Also givne Akai is adding stems in a free firmware upgrade I haven't yet given up hope on a tracker mode firmware upgrade, but I suspect i'll get a Polyend Tracker Mini before that ever happens
The whole thing about how you can plug in additional interfaces etc is pretty awesome, and one I need to explore more. I haven't yet... but it definitely seems powerful. I doubt there'll be a tracker inside the Force any time soon as that doesn't feel like Akai's bag. I am curious to see how the stem separation goes!
@@Noise-Conductor well compared to the amount i've put into the ecosystem $10 is close enough to free, especially given I was considering going to some form of DJ setup for running vocal loops. although I probably still need another controller anyway for launching them even if its via midi on the MPC because in my current setup the MPC is still doing too much to be able to easily do it all from the MPC interface live
I had one, bought it to amuse myself in lockdown. When i first had it, it was quite buggy. I sold it last year, but mainly because I prefer my ipad and macbook. I think I would be very tempted if a Force Mkii comes along. I think initially, Akai didn’t know where they were going with it. Such as some of the buttons are in wrong places or none existing (to page through sequencer bars as an example needs a push and hold combi). Its clunky and unintuitive in use. But it’s certainly the most powerful sampling workstation money can buy… its 64 pads beats the MPC. The macro update really did make it next level though… roll on the mkii.
While the Mpc workflow and I got along like a non alcoholic drink, I can appreciate the message. Sometimes gear doesn’t click at first. Instead of selling it, hang on. Let my knowledge grow. Sometimes it then clicks and you feel like you got a new device again. I’ll drink to that. Maybes I should revisit Mpc again. Do they have it in the alcohol version?
I hear you. People are always in a rush to move stuff on if it doesn't immediately click. Sometimes it takes a while to bed in and find its place. I never used to chop samples until I started using the MPC, but it's perfect for that kind of thing. I like the Force for drum rhythms/patterns as well.
I have an MPC One running the IAMFORCE firmware so it looks like a crippled force right now. I’m in love and was lusting mightily for an akai force. Thanks for helping to manage my GAS. As for the observation that you can’t reorder effects I could have sworn I saw wee arrows that enable just this a few days ago. Maybe AKAI heard you complaining? 😂
Oh nice, I didn't know that existed! Re-ordering effects was a big complaint from folks for ages. There was a recent firmware update that implemeted a few bits and bobs, but not sure if effects were included in it. They did add the ability to reorder tracks (finally!!).
I really wanted a mpc one or force before just for the piano roll stuff..... its immensely irritating that we are still limited to 64 or 128 steps as a norm for most built in sequencers. Im fine for now but I think a Squarp Hapax or Pyramid might be in my future thoughts to combat the 8 bar loop lmao
Thanks for this video. I've been on the fence about buying the Force for a while. I've been very tempted since the firmware update that introduced a load of stuff that should have been there from the start (disk streaming etc). I'm still undecided though because if I did buy it, I'd want it to be a DAW replacement, and it still sounds like it's not up to the job for that
That depends. I think teenagers are often more determined and knowledgeable than they get credit for. I am sure they could work it out... But it is a bit more convoluted to get working than it should be.
I had a similar experience with my Machine+, I wanted something to record stems that wasn't a daw, but the reality is it's maidenly fiddly and unintuitive. To be fair if you used its workflow as intended it's probably very good but not for me.
I’m going to watch your video because I just about to sell my Akai force just open my force out of the box right now and I was gonna sell it so I’m looking at your video 1st
The Force could be well.... A force... IF it integrated with MPC Beats Pro on the desktop and was a control interface similar to how the Push is with Ableton. Either that or do what the Reliq is going to provide and be an all in one hun for external gear with easy routing like Flock Audio systems. Overall, its an all in one printer that tried to be many things, but ended up subpar with each ... print, copy, scan, and fax.
Wish they would just add follow actions or chaining to the matrix scenes. For me the arranger is just not useful as it should be a way to arrange scenes/clips from the matrix view with the addition of full length clips. After all this time to not include these just frustrates the hell out of me. Also wanted to open Ableton als files (as they advertise) but hardly of these open properly. It is powerful but for live playing for my use case pretty useless.
With all do respect I feel like you haven't given Akai Force a real effort cause I have only been producing music for a month and I have practically made my force my B.... And in just this short time of thinking outside the box I have figured out how to produce songs in under an hour and reading to play live with exceptional quality! Macro dials pad parameters
The Force seems better for live composing rather than editing in the arranger. It blows my mind how Akai seems to not be in business of giving out common sense features for the Force.
The sad thing is there is nothing better than the force for stand alone work stations. I have been suffering with this thing for years and just caved and started back with ableton. I think going back and forth and using force for live is the answer. This thing didn't even have the ability to insert a track or move tracks around for years after release. What a joke.
Yeah, some of the early limitations were outrageous. I'm glad they've fixed them eventually, but it's trying to be a jack of all trades, and ending up as a master of none.
![Honest Akai Force Review after four years of intensive use [next big update, discontinuation, etc.]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KS2FV9ft7wk/mqdefault.jpg)
![Honest Akai Force Review after four years of intensive use [next big update, discontinuation, etc.]](/img/tr.png)
Here a list of over 40 Force button shortcuts I could find so far:
BUTTON SHORTCUT= FUNCTION
Edit + Assign A/B= Crossfader Edit screen.
Edit + Knob 1-8= Knobs Macro screen.
Edit + Knobs button= Macro page.
Edit + Pad= Clip settings: set name, color, launch quantization, Launch mode (Toggle/Trigger) Program Change (From track/clip)
Edit + Scene Launch= Edit Row Options: Insert 1 or 8 Rows, Insert & Capture (copies any active clips to a new Scene, Clear, Take Snapshot.
Edit + a Track button or Double tap the Track header (the top box on the screen that has the track name & number)= Track Editor
Shift + Double tap a Track button= Track setting: name, track/pads colors, transpose, & MIDI settings.
Shift + ARP= Arpeggiator & Note Repeat Settings.
Shift + Clear Automation (Button under Track 4)= Clears all automation on that track.
Shift + Clip /Edit + Track button= Edit Track (like program edit; not available for audio tracks)
Shift + Cursor Buttons: Left, Right, Up or Down= Matrix jumps to next 8 tracks.
Shift + Data Dial= Fine Adjustments parameters values.
Shift + Double (Bottom under Track 3)= Double Clip Length.
Shift + Edit + Pad= Convert a drum pad to keygroup program.
Shift + Knobs= 1 of the 4 Banks of Pad Grid in the Macro section.
Shift + Launch (while in Launch Mode)= Launch Config settings: Default bar length, Empty Slot Off/Dim, Tapping a clip selects it (Play notes on one track while launching clips on another won’t automatically change tracks), Show arrangement in clip matrix
Shift + Matrix= Ableton Live Control.
Shift + Menu= Open up the last selected Preference Tab.
Shift + Metronome (Bottom under Track 5)= Metronome Settings.
Shift + Mixer= Open Pad Mixer on Drum.
Shift + Mute/Solo/Rec Arm/Clip Stop= Mixer Config settings.
Shift + Navigate= XYFX Settings.
Shift + Note (while on a Drum Track)= Note Config options: pad Velocity Levels (As played, 12-93%, Half, Full)
Shift + Note (while on a Non-Drum Track)= Note Config options: Types; Note Modes, Root Note, Octave, Scale, Velocity Levels, Filter Input, Pads Generate Aftertouch.
Shift + Play= Play from where the seq was stopped.
Shift +(Oct -/Oct +)= Change Drum Pad Bank/Note octaves.
Shift + Rec= Record to Arrangement.
Shift + Save= Saves to the Project.
Shift + Step Seq= Step Seq Config options: Mode (Drum, Melodic, Lanes, Mono Steps 8x4, 8x8), Velocity, Step Size & Pads Generate Aftertouch.
Shift + Tap Tempo= Set BPM/Tempo.
Shift + Undo= Redo.
Press Step Seq= Cycles thru the different modes: Drum, Melodic, Lanes, Mono Steps 8x4, 8x8.
Hold any of these buttons: Clip/Launch/Knobs/Menu/Matrix/Mixer/Note/Rec/Step-Seq/Tap Tempo (release to return to previous view)= Quickly view that button’s window with the ability to edit it. Then jump back to last screen.
Delete + Pad(s)= Will deletes the note(s) of that pad(s) as it plays in a seq while on that Track
Delete + Mute/Solo/Arm= Popup screen with the option to clear Mute/Sole/Arm on all tracks. You’'ll have to be in Pad view to clear Mutes/Solos for pads.
Delete + A/B= Clears A/B Assignments.
Hold Assign A/B= Quickly assigns a parameter to the Crossfader.
Press and hold an insert FX slot on the mixers insert page.= Quickly add a channel strip.
MIDI Learn (while in Track Edit’s Edit-All mode)= Assigns all 128 pads to the Macro: Knob, Crossfader A/B, XYFX, Pad Grid, & ENV Followers with the MIDI Learned parameter.
Long press a blank Track select button= Quickly add a track.
While in. the browser, select a clip slot or drum pad. while looking at a list of samples, press the + and - buttons to load the next / previous in the list= Load samples/clips, overwritten sample is automatically cleared out of memory.shortcuts
Hold Launch + Pads (while in Launch mode)= Move Tracks by 8 sections. The pad under Knob#1 takes you to Tracks 1-8 on row 1. The next pad goes to Tracks 9-16. The last pad under Knob#8 goes to Tracks 57-64. The 8 pads on the next Rows goes to lower Scenes on the Matrix - if you made more than 8. You just to play it this feature to get how it works. It even works while your in other window like Navigate - where you can really see in action if you got a lot of tracks & clips.
Too many shortcuts.
@@StephenMcLeod Never!
You can always to do it the old people way LOL
Thank you for this. Many I didnt know.
is this written anywhere it can be COPIED ?
Thank you very much!
The force is the future for Akai. They need a Force 2 with a portable battery, updated clip launch to include better audio events, better looper and software to take it even further!
Flippy screen would be top of my list!!
+1000 the force is amazing imo. I use it as a huge sketch machine for laying down clips into bitwig being it sequenced Synths or force internal stuff. Can even sequence VSTS and daw stuff. Best piece of gear I have ever owned. I also pair it with audient EVO 16 for 32 channels in and out. Works flawlessly. Also I got rid of the X for the force. Heaps better then the mpcs for me. Never looked back.
so they need Ableton
I just got a force used for a really good price to use as the brain of my setup and for sampling and drums. I was previously using a circuit tracks and circuit rhythm as the drums and sequencers for my hardware setup.
Being able to play in parts, adjust them if needed and then arrange those parts into the arrangement screen has been amazing for my workflow. My problem with the circuit was I would come up with 4-8 good bars and have nowhere to go from there. But there isn't really a limit to how many song sections I can put together on the force. At least not a limit I'll ever need to hit. I can fit my starting 8 bars I would have on the circuit in just a single midi clip.
I'm not really using the internal plugins. I have a summit, minifreak, K2 and 2600 that I sequence with the force, all just with a single USB cable to each using a small hub. It's definitely intimidating to learn, some stuff is super intuitive and some stuff definitely isn't but I'm having a blast with it so far
Nice one!! I'm glad you're liking it. It's a bargain at RRP, so if you got it cheaper than that then you're 100% onto a winner. :)
I'm waiting for mine now, also a Circuit user. I mainly program loops and perform tracks live in a band, so I'm curious about how this one will work in that scenario.
I originally sold my MPC X (after having it for about 4 years) for a Force. I got attracted to it because the MPC workflow doesnt work well with my brain. I bought the force because of the arranger mode, as I wanted to get away from the MPC's confusing sequencer way of things, as well doing so much in DAW programs that also kill my creativity. But still wanted to work on a linear style sequencer. However, Ive gotten used to the Ableton style 'clip' way of creating.
But to be honest, I dont even use the arranger mode on it. I mainly use it to program my drum samples, or use the stock drums on it. I dont use the plugins or synths, as I have a Moog One, Moog Matriarch, Yamaha Montage, Novation Bass Station 2 and Native Instruments latest release of Komplete as my only VSTi (all that I need for a VSTi). And a bunch of top notch outboard gear. I honestly don't even create many clips on it. I'll make one and beef it up with my outboard gear and the SP 404, then record it into Logic Pro. Or file transfer my clip if the midi is not acting right between the Force and Logic Pro (on any given day 😅). I don't sample much, but I know that I have a great MPC style sampler if I ever need or want to. I mainly use it to edit the drum and instrumental samples I already have.
I like how you can set up effects via macros on the touch sensitive knobs. It enhances my created drum loops a bunch. And I have the ouputs going into my Roland SP-40= MKII like every other asshole. But I dont create that oversaturated style of Lo-fi lmao.
All-in-all I truly believe the Force is way better than the whole lineup of MPCs that started being created in recent years, including the MPC X and Key 61. I would never trade my Force for one.
The Force does have some wild learning curves, especially with the button combos you have to do to get to certain settings. I dont really do anything that requires me to edit on the touchscreen (thank God). It is weird to figure out how to record audio at first. But for anything that needs to be learned, a simple RUclips vid has said tutorial covered.
"SP404 like ever other asshole" 🤣🤣🤣
Enjoy it!
My MPC experience actually made the learning curve steeper, because my muscle and feature memory was useless. I hang in and am glad I did, once you get into the workflow it's so much faster than the MPC and yes that might be my own opinion. The best feature is the one that took me the longest to wrap my head around and that is that the top and bottom of the machine work independently. Once it clicked it clicked hard and Force became what I had hoped it would be a powerful performance device. I love my Force and last year I bought an MPC live 2 only to realize that there is no going back. The MPC workflow is too slow for me and many things I got used to on the Force were not there. I ended up selling the Live2 after giving it a good year. I hope the Force gets more love and maybe sees a MK2 in the near future. Indeed a tilted screen but also polyphonic aftertouch and large midi ins and outs are what are on my wishlist. Software wise I'm sad that Akai decided to give the MPC more and faster love, but I understand it because it remains their best sold product and you can't blame them for putting it on a pedestal.
Same. I had a MPC X for years and sold it to get a Force. It just works better with how my brain works. I could barely create anything on the MPC X. Now after getting around the learning curve of the Force, the possibilities and creatio s have been endless.
I agree the touchscreen is fiddly for editing, what helped me was watching Tom Nice Things Force tutorials which show a lot of great workflow tips. Like you I bought it as a DAW alternative but I mainly just use it as a sampler too, I don’t have much use for the plug-in synths, but great machine overall though.
@nicethings is that fucking dude!
He made all those great Force videos & got hired by Akai.
TNT is the OG GOAT Force dude... I was well chuffed when he got snapped up by Akai.
@DJCJ999 If you're talking about Nick Trikakis, he's cool too, but he doesn't have as many tutorials like nicethings. I prefer Nick over Andy, though.
I also got a Force thinking that it would replace Ableton. Like you, I was initially disappointed.
However, my change of mindset came when I started to view the Force like an 8 track audio recorder that also has great built-in synths and drum machines. I'm not an electronic musician per se - more a singer songwriter who likes synths and electronic sounds. So if I compare the Force's capabilities to a bog standard digital 8 track recorder for example, the Force wins hands down. I can record guitars and vox as loops or a full song, then I can build out the song arrangement with synths, drums and samples etc. I can do a full demo in stand-alone mode.
I think this shows (along with your example) that the Force really is a jack of all trades that could suit lots of different workflows, while at the same time, it's not really the best at any one of the functions it has. In this way, I can see a lot of people being frustrated.
Yeah! I can imagine it being useful for that as well. Whack in a microphone, record some guitar loops directly... add in a bass line. Great point. I haven't ever used it that way, but it definitely could be. Smart.
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Love synths and drum machines but am a guitarist mainly. This may be the device for me.
Thx for this input( pun intended)! I'm also primarily a guitarist but have the opportunity to get one for 500 bucks. I wasn't sure how it would gel with guitar looping arrangements and such.
I have the AKAI Force as well have tried several times to "work it into" my workflow, but that never really seems to get me where I want to go. I have several other sequencers that are connected to my hardware synths and the Force always seems to be in the way, so I haven't been using as much as I should. I have come to the conclusion that I just have to commit to making it the center-piece / brain of my set-up and focus on changing my workflow to make better use of the Force and deal with the good and bad of the unit. Pull out the other sequencers and just simplify my connections to my hardware synths. I am looking forward to seeing how this works out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Force. As always I enjoy your down to earth approach to the content on your channel. Cheers, Bill
Thanks for making this video. I really loved the long term review, and also appreciate your music, opinions and creativity. Your other videos are great too. I especially liked the "Beat Making from Vinyl with the Akai Force" Very nice to watch. Thanks! :)
Hey thanks for watching! I appreciate it.
@@StephenMcLeod You're very welcome. My pleasure! :)
It was because of your video all that time ago that I went out and purchased a Force.,,look what you did !!
…to be honest I love the device albeit there is some frustration involved especially when learning it’s operation and workflow.
The 3.1 firmware update has delivered so much to the device including class compliant audio interface (32 inputs),(32 outputs),disk streaming amongst a whole load more too!
I’m hopeful that AKAI do indeed introduce Stem separation in which has just been released on MPC,,,that would be a superb addition to Force and very much welcomed.
Would love to hear you thoughts and opinion on the Stem Separation feature that has just been released,,maybe a possible video from yourself??🤔
,,,it’s always good to hear those thoughts and opinion!🙏
Nice! I do love it as well, though it can be frustrating. If you haven't installed 3.3 already, grab that, as there's a bunch of good changes, including the ability to re-order tracks (finally!). Disk streaming was also an awesome addition, so I'm glad that Akai are actually making positive changes.
Stem separation in the box would be amazing, though I'm not sure if Force's processor would handle it. I guess we'll have to see! I have RX which I sometimes use to separate stems, but unless you have a good quality WAV it is a bit meh.
At 1:44 if you tap that grey oval tab with the ^ icon at the bottom of the screen you can left it up more & then edit the Arranger seq data easier like in the clip editor - LOL that you still had problem with, but it still better than trying to do it in that first screen.
Also, the two inputs gain knob are great (tho a center indentation would be nice) because we can use them to balance an uneven signal, like when I was recording some old cassette tapes of radio show from the 90s where some tapes audio was messed up with the stereo vol balance was going all over the place, but I could just ride those knobs in real-time or just rewind & do it again if it was too unpredictable.
They also allow you to record 2 different things at different levels at the same time. Like two singers with very different voices with maybe different mics or 1 singer & a synth. If your in a rush & can't setup ideal levels, you can use them to sample the same mono signal at two different levels as a stereo sample then convert them to separate mono signals later. One could be at the level you may thing is decent the other could be higher/lower (just in case) or maybe you purposely want one signal to be over-saturated.
This dude made a tilt screen Mod: ruclips.net/video/wHiX1MHWmk4/видео.htmlsi=hn8ZwDVGjRePHg2q
That's a good tip, though the clip editor is fiddly in of itself. I'm not complaining about there being two individual level inputs. That is useful for a variety of different reasons - but there *should* be some way to lock them, or a centre indentation so you get the actual stereo levels when recording a stereo source.
Thanks for this. The music/composer side of me loves the Potential of the Force; but the practical side of me(who still struggles with the SP404mk2) can see it as another gadget that I will get frustrated with, unless I'm stuck on a desert island and its the only thing I have to use.
The SP 404 MK2 is a dog to work with... OG SP guys love it but coming at it with no prior SP knowledge? its a pig... mines is gathering dust but its ability to sample to and from my iPad means I want to hold onto it... for now..
I am able to record automation on the xy pad and reorganize effects. What firmware are you using?
The latest. Like I said, some of these problems could be fixed at this stage. The point is that I kept running into weirdness like this all over the place.
I swapped my MPC Live II for an Analog RYTM a month ago. This current generation of MPC and Forxe stuff was and remains awesome, it also showed me definitively that I need to spread out the steps in my process or I get nothing done!
That's an interesting idea. Spreading out the steps. You mean you get too stuck in a single box?
@@StephenMcLeod I think it's a bit of that - and maybe getting distracted by everything being available at once too, it's never quite "two hours demoing the perfect kick" but it's fiddling around the edges that never feels like it's been useful. or transformative. (and honestly it's fine - I tried it as a way of working, it didn't work for me, it probably does for plenty of other peeps.)
How are you finding the AR?
Scottish tongue twister: "frequently frustrated"
It is a doozy, no gonnae lie
spoken so deliberately, I was convinced we were hearing Take 12 or so
That's the autocue
"purple burglar alarm"
I had the Force for some months .The Macros where awesome . Assigning tones of parameters on both pads and knobs makes Force on of the best performing tools out there
PS. You can rearrange the effects since v3.2.1
What are the Macros?! And nice. I am glad they finally fixed that.
@@StephenMcLeod you can assign a single knob to affect multiple parameters , as an example mute a track when touched and tweaking a dry/wet effect on another track and the filter on a different track . Also check the "envelope follower" feature where you can use an audio signal to affect the distortion , also there are LFOs , much potential , I'm sure you'll have fun :)
@@StephenMcLeod
Maaaaaan! You haven't been using the macro's on the Force which is like one of the best & powerful things about it. It's too much to break down but I can't post the link here, but I recently helped you on MPC-Forums (I ask if you was that redhead dude on youtube LOL) but on there I made a post with all the best videos I could find on macro's called --> "Force Macros Tips, Tricks & Performances." Gold!
If you have Edit-All on & use MIDI-Learn you can assign all pads to that knob/crossfader or whatever macro destination you pick - Beware - these no quick way to delete them so make other than undo, so make sure your sure about it. There gotta be a way to do it...
The 16 envelope followers can be used as 16 LFOs - you may like that.
The macro's can take forever to set just right, but once you do, save it as a Project-Template(s) & all your new Projects will be good to go!
Does it overall work in a sense of chaining separe patterns to make a song? Is a movement from pattern to pattern flawless and without a glitch/jump in sound?
I agree while it can be frustrating at times it’s still a good machine. I use it for tracking and idea scratches. It has been a great way for me to just sit down and get ideas out and later transfer them to Ableton to further refine the ideas. I am hoping for the ability to explode the drum track audio and midi. I normally have to reprogram all of my drum parts in Ableton because I just don’t want to have to create separate drum part tracks on the force. The use of the drum interface in practice should interface better with abletons drum racks. The continued ignoring that we need to be able to change time signatures a basic musical concept and the manual are disturbing. The arranger for me was something I appreciated until i really dug into it. The screen is just too small to really navigate the features. Then there are the hard bar limitations and the midi bugs. The force is like being in a relationship with a fine ass girl. She looks great even has a great personality, but she also has flaws that make you want to pull out your hair.
Yeah, a lot of this echoes my feelings. I wish they would add drum explorer into Force! I'm not sure why they haven't. :/
At the risk of sounding stupid, what is drum explorer? A quick google search gives me nothing
Cant' you make a template with those separate drum parts already made & to be copied if more is needed? Or did you mean that you just don't want use the Force for drum at all?
What made you stop appreciating the Arranger?
What hard bar limitations?
@@Noise-Conductor It would eat up a track that means resources. If I start adding regular tracks those eat more resources. Have you built anything that has more than 8 tracks? Even with the hard limits in place the resources on the machine are affected.
@@Ast3rixMusic I have a Template with 48 MIDI tracks, 8 Audio & 8 plugin tracks & 1 drum track. All empty since it a starting template. But I have 1 Project for when I was moving all my SP-505 beats (about 45) to the Force each on a Drum track with some MIDI & Plugin tracks.
How many tracks do you use per project that you need to be concerned about how much resources drum track take up?
I'm curious if you have had a chance to compare the force with the current gen of mpcs? Given the software is almost identical except for the sequencer, and the hardware seems to lend itself more towards sampling, I would think that might suit your use case better?
The MPCs don't have the Arranger, which... while it's annoying to edit, does allow you to effectively put together a 'song' of sorts in the box, which you can then export the stems from. I like having the 64 pads as well. For MPC duties I have the 2500 which is great, so I don't feel the need to switch to a current gen for that. The MPCs have got the 'drum exploder' feature which is cool mind you...
Great summary! I got my Force used (was basically brand new, lol) and i see why it doesn't click right away. Like you said, you have to commit to it and manage your expectations, give it a certain job in your setup. I currently use it with an iConnectivity Audio4c interface alongside an iPad, as a sampler/drum machine and midi sequencer. I love the build quality, it just feels supreme.
Nice one! When did you get yours? I 100% agree on the build quality. Does yours make weird cracking sounds randomly? Mine does. It sounds like it's stretching or something.
@@StephenMcLeod Now that you mention it it does, yes :D but not in an annoying way, sometimes you just press a pad and it seems to "settle". Got mine like 9 months ago, at first i thought of it like an "all in one" music production system, even purchased some synths for it (mistake). Not that they are bad, but the device loses it's appeal when you have to flip between screens / menus all the time. It doesn't have the cpu power to be competitive with synths and effects if you want to do everything on it imo. Just like you said, give it a defined role in the setup and then you'll enjoy it...
love the haircut!
haha, that's an old cut now, but thx
Do you have the latest firmware? You can indeed record XY effects on output 1/2 or any outputs or submixes. Also you can re-order the effects on the effect chain as well.
Yes. As I mentioned, some of the problems have been fixed now, but it took ages for them to address the basics!
Is it possible to do a live set with the force playing different songs in different tempo’s and keys, without having to stop the music? So one song would blend into another like a continous set?
In theory, yeah - though it would depend on the music you're making. You'd need to be pretty creative with how you set the tracks up.
what are those studio monitors you have krk rocket 5s that have been sprayed ?
They are just regular krk rokits. They made a white version at some point that I got cheap
Finally, got to play with my new Force today. 100% CLUELESS on creating anything. That said, I see amazing potential. I'm glad it isn't my only kit though! As a prior owner of NI's Jam and Maschine Studio, I see it as a combination of an all-in-one beast of those two. Having some concern with clipping on my 990 headset. Not sure if the headset, or I messed up by going with 250omh headset :( I'll had to bring out my headphone amp and see if that helps. At first glance, the user interface sort of stinks! The MPC One plus/Key 61 are so straight forward. Force is like starting over. Patience I guess.
Oh dang, you should be fine with a 250ohm set. If it's clipping I'd expect that to happen on lower ohmage cans. Weird :/
I own an Akai Force. This video was spot on.
Akai treated the Force as an experiment. It hardly gets any support and Akai hasnt listened to any feedback. The best they did was release yet another product... The APC 64 which is what the Force should have been only with additional professional live performance features.
'Should have been' ? a usb controller dependent on a PC or other device ? .. what is it about the APC64 that charmed you ?
See my other comment.
But to specifically answer standalone/DAWless isn't really DAWless. It's just a way of saying "a shittier computer in a smaller box"
The APC64 stuck to what AKAI was good at... Making hardware.
0:12 oh my!! How long have I been following your channel?? I remember that like it was yesterday, haha.
I definitely had to triple check the date!!
re 0:12 It's not the hair or the glasses Stephen, it's pretty apparent you just look better overall 2024 compared to 2021.
I thought about buying a force and got a MC707 instead around the same time. It's a machine with similar capabilities and on paper it could do anything I'd ever need and even more. I never warmed to the cumbersome workflow and some clunky aspects of the interface and menu diving and solt it eventually. I suspect it'd have gone the same way if I bought a Force. If you don't click with the way the engineers envision music production, or you're gonna fight with the machine ending up constantly trying to find ways to use a drill as hammer so to speak.
I blame the lockdown.
great video, mate. thanks for covering the topic. I've been lately interested in an MPC again and you've forced me to look at my options. ;)
Uhoh. What are you thinking about going for!?
I was considering another MPC, saw the FORCE.. got hot for it.. Then decided to just play with this APC64 for now. GAS. ;)@@StephenMcLeod
This is the rollercoaster piece of kit, from Imma buying it now to I aint touching it with 10ft pole. I see the potential but also a lot of bugs and just pain pain pain from what Ive heard. So after a year of indecision I just went to got a Push 3. Not perfect by any means but intuitive and more importantly fun. Im using it as a controller but once I get to know it better I'll be putting a brain in it.
Didnt they add reordering effects in some of the recent updates?
Possibly. Like I said - they could well have fixed some of the issues, but it's very difficult to keep track of, there are a pile of issues that should never have existed, and it's taken ages to get basics addressed. The effects reordering is just one example of the weird annoyances I kept running into.
Thank you. I share a lot of your thoughts about the Force.
I'm glad I am not alone!!
How do you hear all those gears from those monitors? Beg pardon :D
With my earses
100% agree that navigating the midi/piano roll and editing the notes is a total ball ache.. I wish there was a stylus or mouse input (which I know would defeat the purpose of the touch screen but working in that screen is gash!)
TBH every time I fire up the Force after a break playing around with other gear I find myself lost in the woods. The workflow isn't intuitive.. simply trying to record a clip will have you pressing the same pad multiple times until you find the right way to arm the clip which isn't obvious... There are many clunky ways to get to where you want to go and each time you fail it pulls you out of the zone, it is a machine that you need to really focus on to get somewhere and I've made music quicker with machines that have a fraction of the pads and buttons and no screen!
Great video..Force rules..sold it bought it back again,repeated this proces for 3 times..owned the mpc x and one too..but the force we'll just love it more every time I use it..steep learning curve..but always interesting..regards..🎉
Thanks for watching!
I have an MPC One but am thinking I need a Force. Wonder if they have a Force 2 in the works?
I hope there's a Force mk2 someday, but the closest to that right now is the Force with the hacked OS called the MockbaMod: ruclips.net/video/XxU1bfDu7g4/видео.htmlsi=dn1ea3zcKspCtHLX
They better not!! ha.
You can reorder effects chains now
So I hear! Took them long enough
Great review
xy effects are only recorded on new mpcs if you set it to the track or program, it will never record if the fx are sent straight to the outs. I do agree that prior mpc knowledge really doesnt help with the learning curve of the force.
It is possible to rearrange the effects. Press the insert button above the track and you will see arrows up and down 😁
It never used to be, but I'm glad they fixed it!!
@@StephenMcLeod Me too! Hope that this will also be implemented for scenes/rows 😁
I had similar ups and downs but have come to like it, no, love it, like you as a sort of musical sketchpad. Its just crazy fast to bang in some stuff and jam with. Small things like the chord or progression mode gets you going really quickly, even if you end up getting stuck because editing the notes is so fiddly. So, just go as far as it takes you. Do stuff where its easiest.
Do stuff where it's easiest. I like that a lot.
How deep is randomization in terms of generative stuff?
And it's so easy to make your own progressions for that mode when you know how.
What’s that Akai device on ur back left but back right on the screen?? Is that a new device ur testing??
The thing with the orange pads?
The white box in front of ur white krk monitors that say akai on it with the big screen lol
Ah that's probably the detachable display unit for the Akai S6000. It's an old rack mount sampler.
Cool! Thx for your response!! I appreciate the hard work and dedication!!! 💪😉🙌💯
looking for akai force videos, come across some mad Frankenstein synth geezer, you tube is hilarious. but you gave me the answers I needed, thanks fella.
Yasss. Some Mad Frankenstein Synth Geezer should be my channel name.
Great video, when I brought the Akai Force, I was hoping to upload Abelton live Project files into it , to go back and forth. They advertise that it could do it and I’v seen the video of them doing it. I don’t think Aki Force will fix the problem, because Abelton push is there main music gear, Unless I’m wrong .
There is a tracker on there. It's called the list edit mode though.
Not quite a tracker but I can see the similarity!
@@StephenMcLeod ah fair play 🤘
I slave mine to my Hapax and use it as a loop launcher for samples and the onboard VSTs I find the Force on board sequencer a pain in the butt
I've had a similar experience with MPC X.....hated trying to edit midi on the screen....switched to just layering samples on it and it's way more fun
Nice! I thought I spotted one of them in yer vids.
I use an MPC One, to probably do what your original goal was to the point i'd almost consider an MPC-X Even just for the fold up screen. But my workflow is a bit different, I use alot of the internal synth engines, especially the Jura. I also use a Keystep Pro as an input device, and often only record the midi out into the MPC once i've got it more settled, because as you say re editing Midi on an MPC is a real pain.
On the other side an MPC lets you run any class complaint interface instead of the internal IO so I run an Audient Evo 16 with mine, then with ADAT from that I use an Expert Sleepers ES-8, I can send 8 channels of Audio from the MPC to Eurorack for FX and Mixing, then another 4 channels back into the MPC, I do my main mixing in Eurorack and then just send a line level stereo mix back into the MPC.
Really i'm moving slowly more into more Eurorack as I have budget because I like the hands on and half the time the MPC is filling the gaps. Also givne Akai is adding stems in a free firmware upgrade I haven't yet given up hope on a tracker mode firmware upgrade, but I suspect i'll get a Polyend Tracker Mini before that ever happens
Stems ain't free, $10 is the fee.
The whole thing about how you can plug in additional interfaces etc is pretty awesome, and one I need to explore more. I haven't yet... but it definitely seems powerful. I doubt there'll be a tracker inside the Force any time soon as that doesn't feel like Akai's bag. I am curious to see how the stem separation goes!
@StephenMcLeod I don't know much about trackers, but I think the closest thing to 1 is the List Editor.
@@Noise-Conductor well compared to the amount i've put into the ecosystem $10 is close enough to free, especially given I was considering going to some form of DJ setup for running vocal loops. although I probably still need another controller anyway for launching them even if its via midi on the MPC because in my current setup the MPC is still doing too much to be able to easily do it all from the MPC interface live
@simonlees2848 I just can't wait for stems to come to the Force!
I had one, bought it to amuse myself in lockdown. When i first had it, it was quite buggy. I sold it last year, but mainly because I prefer my ipad and macbook. I think I would be very tempted if a Force Mkii comes along.
I think initially, Akai didn’t know where they were going with it. Such as some of the buttons are in wrong places or none existing (to page through sequencer bars as an example needs a push and hold combi). Its clunky and unintuitive in use. But it’s certainly the most powerful sampling workstation money can buy… its 64 pads beats the MPC.
The macro update really did make it next level though… roll on the mkii.
Can you say purple burglar alarm?
Anybody that cannae is a chump!
Too right, that screen is a bastard.
It definitely is. Whyyy no flippy screeeen damnit
use the live 2 and hate the touchscreen too but you should try a styluspen its a gamechanger
Ohhh that might be a good shout for the Arranger actually.
While the Mpc workflow and I got along like a non alcoholic drink, I can appreciate the message. Sometimes gear doesn’t click at first. Instead of selling it, hang on. Let my knowledge grow. Sometimes it then clicks and you feel like you got a new device again.
I’ll drink to that. Maybes I should revisit Mpc again. Do they have it in the alcohol version?
I hear you. People are always in a rush to move stuff on if it doesn't immediately click. Sometimes it takes a while to bed in and find its place. I never used to chop samples until I started using the MPC, but it's perfect for that kind of thing. I like the Force for drum rhythms/patterns as well.
Check out the Akai Mpc 37 keyz bro
how come? I'm not that interested in it tbh!
I have an MPC One running the IAMFORCE firmware so it looks like a crippled force right now. I’m in love and was lusting mightily for an akai force. Thanks for helping to manage my GAS.
As for the observation that you can’t reorder effects I could have sworn I saw wee arrows that enable just this a few days ago. Maybe AKAI heard you complaining? 😂
Oh nice, I didn't know that existed! Re-ordering effects was a big complaint from folks for ages. There was a recent firmware update that implemeted a few bits and bobs, but not sure if effects were included in it. They did add the ability to reorder tracks (finally!!).
I really wanted a mpc one or force before just for the piano roll stuff..... its immensely irritating that we are still limited to 64 or 128 steps as a norm for most built in sequencers. Im fine for now but I think a Squarp Hapax or Pyramid might be in my future thoughts to combat the 8 bar loop lmao
The Hapax is awesome. The Oxi One is another alternative to look into as well.
You can do step fx😉
Tell me more!!
I hope Akai hears you!!! 😁🐀
They better be listening!
Thanks for this video. I've been on the fence about buying the Force for a while. I've been very tempted since the firmware update that introduced a load of stuff that should have been there from the start (disk streaming etc). I'm still undecided though because if I did buy it, I'd want it to be a DAW replacement, and it still sounds like it's not up to the job for that
Yeah, for me anyway it's definitely not a DAW replacement. It'll depend on your use case though!
Take a look at the roland mv8800, the original daw in a box
,,,I had the mv 8800 back in the day and it was an absolute bitch to program ,the menu diving to get to certain features was ridiculous too!
I was going to buy one of these for my daughter to make rap and techno on but I'm guessing this isn't going to be user friendly at all for a teenager?
That depends. I think teenagers are often more determined and knowledgeable than they get credit for. I am sure they could work it out... But it is a bit more convoluted to get working than it should be.
@@StephenMcLeod Thank you , I've decided to get her one . I think it will be good for her on a lot of levels . Great channel 👍
@pauljones4060 thanks!!
I had a similar experience with my Machine+, I wanted something to record stems that wasn't a daw, but the reality is it's maidenly fiddly and unintuitive. To be fair if you used its workflow as intended it's probably very good but not for me.
The Force never really appealed to Me, I did think hard at one point about getting a MPC Live2 but decided not to.
What made you decide not to go with the MPC LIve?
Weird, I just sold my Force on eBay two days ago.
Loved it but I want something more portable, too big for me.
Definitely not the most portable!
I’m going to watch your video because I just about to sell my Akai force just open my force out of the box right now and I was gonna sell it so I’m looking at your video 1st
So what did you decide?!
The Force could be well.... A force... IF it integrated with MPC Beats Pro on the desktop and was a control interface similar to how the Push is with Ableton. Either that or do what the Reliq is going to provide and be an all in one hun for external gear with easy routing like Flock Audio systems.
Overall, its an all in one printer that tried to be many things, but ended up subpar with each ... print, copy, scan, and fax.
What’s that accent?
Are you from New Jersey or something?
😂
🤘🏽
Scotland
I’m just being a smart add over the pond, brother. 😂🤘🏽
The MPC ONE has the same crappy touchscreen dysfunction.
What dysfunction again? It's been a while since I made this...
Wish they would just add follow actions or chaining to the matrix scenes. For me the arranger is just not useful as it should be a way to arrange scenes/clips from the matrix view with the addition of full length clips. After all this time to not include these just frustrates the hell out of me. Also wanted to open Ableton als files (as they advertise) but hardly of these open properly. It is powerful but for live playing for my use case pretty useless.
No bro , the force is super dynamic, I DJ for a living
The force is amazing for production!
It is great. That's why I kept it!!
i have a push and it took me years to figure outbest to use it for me. now i just need the force to play live without the nonsense
Good luck!!
With all do respect I feel like you haven't given Akai Force a real effort cause I have only been producing music for a month and I have practically made my force my B.... And in just this short time of thinking outside the box I have figured out how to produce songs in under an hour and reading to play live with exceptional quality! Macro dials pad parameters
That's great!
Learning the Force is like getting used to the rules of cricket when all you know is baseball.
and I hate cricket, damnit
Akai Force users were probably long life beta testers for the new MPC v3 😆 I do love my force though.
I am curious what a Force 2 would look like!
The arranger is mostly useless. That's why the MockbaMod firmware added row automation: ruclips.net/video/KOV_PBQQOtQ/видео.html
Oh that's interesting!
@@StephenMcLeod have you seen my video from last month going over all the features of the MockbaMod Force firmware? It is a powerhouse.
The Force seems better for live composing rather than editing in the arranger. It blows my mind how Akai seems to not be in business of giving out common sense features for the Force.
100%
The sad thing is there is nothing better than the force for stand alone work stations. I have been suffering with this thing for years and just caved and started back with ableton. I think going back and forth and using force for live is the answer. This thing didn't even have the ability to insert a track or move tracks around for years after release. What a joke.
Yeah, some of the early limitations were outrageous. I'm glad they've fixed them eventually, but it's trying to be a jack of all trades, and ending up as a master of none.
Yeah realising its just an MPC and NOT a push is a big aha moment.
That's a good way to put it!
I don't like what the present MPC's are made of, you just touch them and they mark, like a plasticky, i prefer the MPC 1000 metal.
Yeah, the pads on the newer MPCs are sticky. The Force doesn't really have that thankfully - at least not on the pads themselves.
Admittedly, it took me quite some time to understand that you've said " _built-in_ sounds" and not " _bellend_ sounds" 😂
maybe I did...
I see you trying to throw witchcraft fking spells at me with your tattoo palm but I have drank an antidote potion already.
None can resist.
1st
congrats, Fartbass.