The AKAI MPC Beats DAW is now available for free. | Samplified

The AKAI MPC Beats DAW is now available for free.

by Anders Johanson November 13, 2020 9 min read

AKAI MPC Beats DAW

DAW) to use, you may feel overwhelmed by the numerous options available. However, with a little guidance, you can find the perfect DAW that meets your specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a DAW: 1. Compatibility: Ensure that the DAW you choose is compatible with your operating system. Some DAWs are designed for specific platforms like Windows or Mac, while others are cross-platform. 2. Budget: Determine your budget and explore the pricing options of different DAWs. Some DAWs offer free versions or trial periods, while others require a one-time purchase or offer monthly subscription plans. 3. Features: Consider the features and tools offered by different DAWs. Look for features like audio editing, MIDI support, virtual instruments, effects plugins, and mixing capabilities. Think about the specific tasks you need your DAW to perform and find one that excels in those areas. 4. Workflow: Pay attention to the workflow and user interface of the DAW. It should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Some DAWs have a more traditional hardware console-like layout, while others have a more modern, software-based interface. 5. Community and Support: Research the DAW's user community and support resources. Online forums, tutorials, and user groups can be valuable for learning and troubleshooting. Additionally, check if the DAW has a responsive customer support team that can assist you when needed. Remember, finding the right DAW is a personal choice. While recommendations and reviews can be helpful, ultimately, the best DAW for you is the one that feels comfortable and suits your workflow. So, take your time, experiment with different options, and trust your instincts to make the best decision. DAWIf the price point of the initial investment is a deterrent for you, there are limited options available for free that may make you hesitant to fully immerse yourself in something unfamiliar. Simply reading articles or watching tutorials on YouTube doesn't quite replicate the experience of being in front of a screen with an open template. However, sometimes that's the only option before committing to spending a substantial amount of money. What if it doesn't meet your expectations? What if it doesn't fulfill your needs? What if you end up regretting the investment because you discover another interest? In the past, newcomers were often directed towards Reaper for a digital audio workstation (DAW) or Audacity for basic audio recording (although Audacity is actually a powerful software that is often overlooked, but that's a discussion for another time). However, now there is a new contender in the form of Akai's software developers.

 

Akai, a renowned company famous for their iconic sample pads, has ventured into the realm of portable MIDI and USB keyboards and controllers in the past. However, they have recently caught everyone by surprise with the launch of their revolutionary free DAW - MPC Beats. Known for empowering countless producers with the ability to record and import samples into hardware machines, manipulate them, and transform them into their own tracks, Akai is now offering the same capabilities to a new generation. The game-changing aspect of this move is that instead of investing hundreds of dollars in hardware, all it takes is a simple free download and you're good to go. This bold step could potentially pave the way for other hardware companies like Roland, Yamaha, Dave Smith, or Korg to follow suit and dive into the world of digital audio workstations. By introducing more DAWs with specific functions in mind, it would become even more convenient for both bedroom producers and professionals alike. If other companies take note of Akai's groundbreaking move, the industry could witness an explosion of music production software like never before. However, it should come as no surprise that Akai is the first among its peers to unveil something like this. After all, the company has always been at the forefront of musical innovation since the release of the MPCs in the 1990s. The decision to release a digital audio workstation has the potential to attract a multitude of new customers and foster a strong sense of brand loyalty. It will also boost the sales of their hardware products even further, as the software is designed to seamlessly integrate with anything in the Akai product line. Truly genius.

Akai's entrance into the digital audio workstation (DAW) world could have easily resulted in a chaotic and ineffective piece of software. However, MPC Beats is a fully functional and feature-rich DAW, making it a viable choice for individuals seeking an alternative. It is high time for competitors like Logic, Pro Tools, and others to face a new contender in the arena. This kind of healthy competition drives innovation and advancement, helping companies in the industry to differentiate themselves. To illustrate this point in a broader sense, it is the absence of competition that has allowed EA Sports to release consecutive versions of Madden with only minor tweaks and marketed as significant updates. Only when there is another football game in the market, capturing the attention and wallets of consumers, will development teams be compelled to enhance their own offerings. Similarly, the absence of new challengers in the DAW landscape has left the major players unchallenged for an extended period. Therefore, Akai's arrival will ultimately benefit everyone involved in the long run – trust me.

Is Using Akai MPC Beats a Simple Task?

MPC Beats is highly intuitive and user-friendly, offering the option to choose between Simple or Advanced mode from the get-go. This allows you to customize the interface according to your level of experience with other DAWs. Whether you prefer a more simplified layout or advanced features, MPC Beats caters to your familiarity and needs. music productionIn general, there is the option to change everything later, but if you are a beginner just starting out, it might be easier to go with the Simple mode. This mode will guide you through the process of creating a track and help to avoid any clutter on the screen. On the other hand, the Advanced mode will give you complete control from the beginning. Akai provides pre-programmed templates based on different music styles, allowing you to quickly set up instruments, tempo, and sample packs. This saves you time from searching through your library for the perfect kick and hi-hat for your lo-fi deep house track. The main project screen is similar to other music production software, but Akai adds their signature touch by placing the familiar four-by-four MPC grid at the center. When using an Akai genre and style template, the pads on the grid will already be loaded with drum samples for your track. All you need to do is play them the way you want. Having an external keyboard with pressure-sensitive pads can be useful here, although you can also trigger the samples using the keys on your computer keyboard.

AbletonTherefore, it should be emphasized that while MPC Beats cannot completely replace Ableton, if you do not have access to any discounts through your profession or workplace, it may be wise to consider the free option for a temporary period.

What Are the Constraints of Akai MPC Beats? How Does It Limit Your Creativity?

When it comes to audio tracks, MPC Beats can be somewhat restrictive. Despite being a free DAW with impressive features, it only allows for two stereo audio tracks and eight. MIDIThere are limitations when it comes to using only two stereo audio tracks in this digital audio workstation for a single project. However, these limitations can potentially push your creativity in unexpected ways or discourage you from using this DAW altogether. Both reactions are understandable. To overcome these limitations and make the most of what is available, I recommend downloading MPC Beats and exploring its features. Although working with just two audio tracks may be challenging, you can always export and bounce your recordings, reimport them, and continue progressing with your project. The other capabilities of MPC Beats outweigh this one drawback.

MPC Beats grants you the freedom to completely personalize your MPC Beats grants you the freedom to completely personalize your drum kit samplesMPC Beats offers a convenient and streamlined way to manipulate your samples directly from the main project menu. Unlike other DAWs that require multiple layers of processing and navigating through menus, MPC Beats simplifies the process from the start. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners in beat making and track production. With its clean design and intuitive drag-and-drop feature for sample packs, Akai has truly revolutionized music production. And the best part? It's all for free. In addition to the ability to purchase sample packs within the software, you can also preview different drum kit sounds to get an idea of what you're getting. If you're not interested in buying anything new, MPC Beats already includes samples from various producers and hundreds of effects for sample manipulation. Upon installation, you'll have access to two gigabytes of samples, loops, and instrument plugins to jumpstart your creative process.

MPC Beats Academy

How Can I Enhance my Music Production Skills and Expertise? How Can I Polish my Music Production Abilities?

If you require additional assistance in getting started with MPC Beats, Akai offers a complementary video series called MPC Beats Academy, which provides a step-by-step guide encompassing various aspects such as layout, menus, drum programming, and integration of effects. Comprising of 20 videos, this series caters to specific genres, mixing and production techniques, arrangement, and even the final step of exporting and sharing your tracks through social media. The consistent theme throughout is Akai's commitment to facilitating a seamless experience within a top-notch DAW, enabling you to create the tracks you've always envisioned. With the user-friendly interface, the comprehensive video academy, as well as the vast resources available on YouTube and the internet, you'll be crafting tracks in no time using a DAW designed specifically with you in mind. To access all the MPC Beats Academy videos and the MPC Beats software itself, visit Akai's official website. or you can instantly access it by clicking on this link

Whether you have years of experience under your belt or you are just starting out, Akai's MPC Beats has got you covered. digital audio workstationAkai has an exciting offer just for you. For beginners, there is a complete DAW from a reputable company, where you can delve into the world of music production and master its intricacies. On the other hand, experienced individuals can access a streamlined solution for creating tracks effortlessly. Regardless of where you stand on the spectrum, Akai has something that will help you learn and achieve your goals. Gone are the days of spending a fortune on software only to struggle with its complexity. Akai has simplified the process by allowing easy software downloads, enabling you to start working right away. Within just a couple of hours, after exploring the software and watching tutorials from their academy, you will be well on your way to creating professional-sounding tracks - tracks that are uniquely yours. You can then upload these tracks to platforms like Soundcloud, Bandcamp, or any other platform, building a remarkable portfolio for yourself.

Gone are the days of making excuses about being unable to create the music of your dreams or telling others that you're a musician without any publically accessible content. I understand that struggle, we all do. It can be disheartening and challenging to feel confident and enthusiastic about being a musician when all you have is a collection of demos stored on a hard drive with no online presence. But not anymore. Akai has come to the rescue by offering a free solution to transform those demos into something you can proudly share with your loved ones, friends, and music enthusiasts all around the globe. Who knows where this opportunity may lead you? It just takes one standout song to open doors you never imagined.

Anders Johanson
Anders Johanson



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