Developer Retronyms released this sneak preview of Akai iMPC Pro, promising MIDI Learn, Ableton Link support and more.
Here’s what’s new in iMPC Pro version 1.5:
- MIDI Learn so you can map your controller more easily.
- Slice Loop Auto mode, which automatically detects all transient markers.
- Improvements to MPC Desktop Export. You can now export slice loops as patch phrases, among other things.
- Latest version of the Ableton Link SDK.
- Latest version of AudioCopy (3.2), which improves workflow.
- Bonus feature: Bit-Crusher in the pad effects, which has a digital distortion effect on your sounds, adding some crunch and fuzz.
They’ve also announced a new Public Beta Program, which allows users to participate in pre-release testing of iMPC Pro. Contact [email protected] if you’re interested in applying as a Beta Tester.
iMPC Pro 1.5 is expected to be in review with Apple in the next week.
Embarrassingly long overdue
Great to see, but until it offers both full MIDI in and out, calling it ‘Pro’ is incorrect.
To the haters, though, thus has come a long way and is now better than a hardware MPC in a lot of respects.
The jack of MIDI sequencing, though, I don’t get.
iMPC Pro exports Midi data (and all project data) in a format that’s compatible with MPC desktop
Will chop to pad get an auto mode?
JR
iMPC Pro 1.5 includes auto transient detection when chopping/slicing
This app is still a total buggy joke. I’m waiting for Beatmaker 3.
Yeah, waiting for BM3 since 2011. It’s not coming soon, and I’m not putting a whole lot of hope for getting very fluent workflow from Intua.
I, my self, am rather waiting for Nano Studio 2, but it’s not coming soon either, so I guess I might get this $10 app while waiting.
What are the worst bugs in the iMPC Pro:
-Presently?
-In 1.5?
I’m sorry to hear you have experienced issues. If you contact [email protected] we will try to resolve any issues.
We’ve been working hard with the community to resolve issues. Among other things, we’ve started beta testing with users. iMPC Pro 1.5 has really benefitted from this, and it’s something we want to continue doing with future versions.
The iMPC Pro beta is open to any customers who are interesting in trying the latest stuff and giving feedback. I encourage anyone who’s interested to contact Eric at [email protected].
an oh shit response to ispark…
Still no audiobus support = painful. Prob wouldn’t buy another retronyms app because of there lack of open standards support
I dig iMaschine 2 in comparison.
Do you need Maschine software on your computer to use all features of iMaschine?
imaschine hardly has any features anyway so you’re good to go
Lol. MIDI learn but no midi/stem export?
Also, why are they touting bitcrusher like its some new innovation?
Beatmaker had that since 2012. Pitiful……
iMPC Pro exports the midi sequences (and all the project data like Programs, Patched Phrases, etc) in a format that’s compatible with MPC Desktop software.
Did I tout the bitcrusher? I was trying to make it clear this was a bonus feature 🙂 of course, everything in this update is free.
They will probably charge for a point update . And it won’t work . As usual. Bug ridden pile of shite.
iMPC Pro 1.5 is available now, and it’s a free update.
I mentioned this above, but we’ve been working hard with the community to resolve issues and improve stability. Among other things, we’ve started beta testing with users. iMPC Pro 1.5 has really benefitted from this (seeing a big improvement in crash rate, etc), and it’s something we want to continue doing with future versions.
The iMPC Pro beta is open to any customers who are interesting in trying the latest stuff and giving feedback. I encourage anyone who’s interested to contact Eric at [email protected].
Someone said that this is better then an MPC? The one I have as flashcard reader, ten audio outputs.
Hard drive and its not computer dependant. Really not sure what mpc they are referring to?
I hope to see a new hardware MPC before too long.
Flash card reader < wireless file transfer
Slow MPC hard drive < flash ram drive
Numeric editing < touchscreen visual editing
Apps & iPad not computer dependent, but offer benefits of desktop app compatibility
Hardware MPC is huge, costly to maintain and stuck in the 80s
Playing devil’s advocate – obviously both approaches have there place and pros and cons, but the point is that apps have their strengths!
Well, the hardware MPC has the nice velocity sensitive touch pads that cannot be emulated on a touchscreen. Of course a good controller will have those as well, but then you introduce a bit of latency. Not the case with the hardware version. But use whatever works for you, I would get an app that did everything my MPC does in a heartbeat. Maybe in a couple of years it will be possible.
I’ll keep using my MPC 1000 that, you know, works like it did ten years ago.
Really, this new MPC stuff is pretty garbage; they’re just hoping to shake down somebody looking to make beats, take their cash, and move on. No real support, no real development of the product, and definitely no innovation. I’m sure there’ll be some kid who gets it for their birthday, makes tons of music with it, and is super grateful for it but for most of us who have been around the block won’t find it to be a serious tool.
The 1000/2500 were Akai’s last real breath and lots of people still find those machines to be questionable, they were still far better than that Rhythm Wolf thing they put out. I could fart into a SM57 and get a better snare sound.
There’s no doubt that the old MPC’s were great, and they still are. the iPad/iPhone apps let people get into this style of beatmaking for around $10. I’m always inspired by what iMPC users are creating http://retronyms.com/truth/
Hardware MPC users like yourself can still have fun, and find use in being wireless and portable. I wont’ hold it against you if you don’t convert though. Cheers, JP
JP,
Really, ALL you guys have to do, to stop the hatred from the hardware MPC camp, is provide a way of exporting midi sequence data, and maybe programs if feasible, in such a way that anyone with a hardware MPC (or a PC/Mac DAW program) can just use that midi data to trigger the same samples. If you could export midi sequence data, and sets of 16-64 samples in ordered folders, you would totally legitimise this product as a useable sketchpad for other hardware devices, and for other software. I have no idea WHY this is not something you have done, and can only speculate about some kind of agreement to push people to buy the modern incarnation of the once-good akai products, and try and keep them within the webshop ecosystem for sounds 🙂