AKAI MPC Studio vs MASCHINE Mikro MK3

[Fornicras]

Hi all,

I am in search of a good drum pad, I currently use Presonus Atom because of its Studio One integration because I use Studio One but I'm tired of its double triggering and pad sensitivity.

So AKAI MPC and Maschine Mikro MK3 are what I think are the best options for an OK price.
But I don't know about their integration with Studio One and which one has the best pads overall.

In summary, I want:
- Integration with Studio One, while I don't expect Atom level integration but I still want the controller's functions to work inside Studio One
- Good pad feel and sensitivity
- A working note-repeat function (for hi-hat rolls, etc.)

I couldn't find a video of someone using them with S1, so wanted to create a thread here.

Thanks.

[apoclypse]

Hi all,

I am in search of a good drum pad, I currently use Presonus Atom because of its Studio One integration because I use Studio One but I'm tired of its double triggering and pad sensitivity.

So AKAI MPC and Maschine Mikro MK3 are what I think are the best options for an OK price.
But I don't know about their integration with Studio One and which one has the best pads overall.

In summary, I want:
- Integration with Studio One, while I don't expect Atom level integration but I still want the controller's functions to work inside Studio One
- Good pad feel and sensitivity
- A working note-repeat function (for hi-hat rolls, etc.)

I couldn't find a video of someone using them with S1, so wanted to create a thread here.

Thanks.

If integration with S1 is your main goal then neither the MPC or Maschine is that great. Maschine has a controller mode that you can use that has some level of integration with DAWs and I remember there being a template for S1 for the Maschine Studio so there may be something out there for the MK3.

The MPC has a controller mode but it requires that the software be open or an instance of the MPC plug-in be inside of the project if I remember correctly, it’s not as robust as Maschine’s controller mode imo. You can use the standalone mode to send a midi track to S1 as well, a little more complex but it mostly works. If DAW integration is your primary concern vs standalone I would get the MPC Studio mk2.

Pads.
This is subjective. MPC pads are meant to be banged on they are not as sensitive as the Maschine pads some prefer the robust, less hollow feel of the MPC pads. The MPC One pads are also a bit smaller than regular pads.

Maschine’s pads are pretty sensitive however you lose a bit of sensitivity in controller mode compared to when it’s in native mode. The pads are pretty big and almost all zones on the pad are responsive in native mode.

In-terms of pads alone I prefer Maschine as it fits my playing style more, but only in native mode. The MPC pads are good but require more precision and effort imo.

Final note:

Both the MPC and Maschine controller mode are “dumb” so note repeat etc especially for the Maschine in controller mode doesn’t do note repeat etc if I’m not mistaken. I believe the MPC if you have the software instanced does do note repeat but I’m not near the thing right now to test.

Atom. I haven’t used an Atom but I’ve heard good things and if integration with S1 is your goal it’s really the best option as there aren’t a lot of controller makers focusing on S1. If you are experiencing double triggering etc it could be that you need to adjust the way you play the device. Some controllers are pretty sensitive and require a tap and immediate release versus a tap and hold. Even on the MPC and Maschine I was getting double triggering until I adjust to how each instruments pads behave. Moving from Maschine to the MPC Live I had to readjust to the pads as I was getting a lot of double triggering initially. Now it’s not an issue.

[Fornicras]

Thanks for the reply, I forgot to look for the replies.
I think I will get Maschine because I learned that there is a script for it for S1. I'm not sure how it's working though.
Atom's note repeat function is dependent on S1's note repeat function but I can't get any other controller to work the same way. I might be able to do it with Maschine, I don't know.
There is not much information/video about the integration of it with S1 but I think it is worth a try.

Regarding the double triggering, I tried every way and I am getting less and less double triggering every day, by adjusting the way I play the pads but overall I want to have a better (more luxurious) pad feeling.

[Spin Boyz]

I agree with apoc. Neither has great integration with S1 and I have them all but no atom. I have been down your road. The controllers work best with their own “daw like” software.

[fedexnman]

I have the Atom as well as an old M-Audio trigger finger. Never had a problem with the Atom wish the controller was a tad bigger . I had a double trigger problem on the trigger finger but it didn't happen that often to make me rule it out , the Atom has been great and it works great with studio1 . Maybe try and loosen the screws on it just a tad might do the trick .