14 Best laptops for Akai Pro MPC 2 in 2023

As an avid music producer and user of the Akai Pro MPC 2 software, I know firsthand that finding the best laptop for MPC 2 can be quite the task. The software is powerful and versatile, and it requires a laptop that can keep up with the demands of running such a sophisticated program. To help you find the ideal machine for your music production needs, I've gone through an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews, and narrowed down the top laptops based on MPC 2-specific requirements and price ranges.

When looking for the best laptop for MPC 2, there are a few crucial factors to keep in mind. You'll want a device that can handle the software's high CPU and RAM requirements, as well as a dedicated graphics card for smooth performance during intense sessions. Additionally, a high-quality display with accurate color reproduction is essential for monitoring your work and making precise adjustments.

As a music producer, you need a reliable machine that can handle the workload and deliver excellent performance while running the Akai Pro MPC 2 software. Whether you're working on projects in your home studio or taking your setup on the road for live performances, having the best laptop for MPC 2 is a critical component in achieving your creative vision. With my experience in the field and deep knowledge of laptops, you can be confident that the selections in this guide will provide the perfect balance of power, portability, and price for your MPC 2 needs.

Table of Contents

The Heart of Your MPC 2: Finding the Perfect Processor

As a producer, deciding on the right laptop processor for your Akai Pro MPC 2 setup is crucial. While there are many processors to choose from, not all of them are well-suited for music production. In this section, I'll break down the most important processor specs to look at and provide a list of recommended processors grouped by price bracket.

Why the latest generation of laptops are not a good choice for MPC producers

While the latest generation of laptops from Apple, AMD, and Intel offer exceptional performance and battery life, they may not be the best choice for MPC producers. First, Apple's chip offerings in the laptop space are limited to a few options, and MacBooks have less upgradability than Windows laptops. Second, while Ryzen models are best if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop, their performance may not be ideal for music production. Finally, Intel chips struggle to keep the power consumption low enough, which puts a lot of strain on the battery.

The most important processor specs to look at when buying an MPC laptop

When choosing a processor for your MPC laptop, there are several important specs to consider. These include single-core performance, efficiency, and core count. Single-core performance is essential for running music production software smoothly. Efficiency is critical for maintaining battery life, especially during long recording or production sessions. Core count is essential for multitasking and running multiple plugins simultaneously.

How much do you need to spend on a processor?

The amount you need to spend on a processor depends on your budget and requirements. While high-end processors offer better performance, they are also more expensive. In general, you should aim to spend at least $500 on a laptop with a good processor for music production.

What other specs are relevant for MPC producers?

Besides the processor, other specs are relevant for MPC producers. These include RAM, storage, and connectivity. RAM is essential for running music production software smoothly, and you should aim for at least 8GB of RAM. Storage is also crucial, and you should look for a laptop with an M2 or PCIe SSD slot for easy upgrades. Connectivity is essential for recording, and you should look for a laptop with USB-C and Thunderbolt ports.

List of recommended processors grouped by price bracket and what to expect at each price point

Here's a list of recommended processors grouped by price bracket:

Minimum: i3-1115G4 (Expect basic performance but enough for basic music production)
Recommended: i5-1135G7 (Expect good performance, suitable for most music production tasks)
High-end: i7-11370H (Expect top-notch performance and sufficient for heavy multitasking and running multiple plugins simultaneously)

Remember that the processor is only one part of the equation, and you should also consider other specs when choosing an MPC laptop. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be able to choose a laptop that meets your requirements and budget.

Power up your beats with the right graphics card

When it comes to choosing the right graphics card for your Akai Pro MPC 2 laptop, there are a few things to consider. First, let's take a look at what's new in the graphics market.

Nvidia currently dominates the laptop GPU market with its RTX 40 series cards hitting the shelves. However, the RTX 30 series cards still make up the majority of the current notebook GPU market. On the other hand, AMD's latest processors offer competitive performance at a more affordable price point.

For MPC 2 users, the GPU is not as crucial as the CPU or RAM. Still, it can be helpful if you work with video or 3D models. However, if you're looking for a laptop for gaming, then the latest generation of Nvidia RTX graphics chips is the way to go.

When it comes to determining whether a dedicated graphics card is necessary for your music production needs, you'll want to consider the complexity of your projects. If you're working on basic projects, then an integrated GPU should suffice. However, if you're dealing with multiple external displays, then a high-end graphics card may be necessary.

To determine if a laptop has a high-end graphics chip, I use 3DMark scores to compare different models from different manufacturers. These scores give a good indication of a laptop's overall performance.

Here are our recommended GPUs for various budget constraints:

Minimum: GeForce GTX 1650
Recommended: GeForce RTX 3050
High-end: GeForce RTX 2060

Ultimately, the decision on the right graphics card for your Akai Pro MPC 2 laptop will depend on your specific needs and budget. By considering the factors mentioned above and our recommended GPUs, you'll be able to make an informed decision on which graphics card is right for you.

Upgrade your RAM game for ultimate MPC experience

If you're a music producer, the RAM on your laptop can significantly impact the speed and performance of your digital audio workstation (DAW), such as the Akai Pro MPC 2. In this section, we'll discuss how much RAM you need for sampling and help you decide on the right RAM for your Akai Pro MPC 2 laptop.

What's new in the MPC 2 generation?

The latest Akai Pro MPC 2 generation has improved its sampling capabilities and added more features for music producers. The new generation is designed to handle larger projects and higher quality audio files, making it an ideal choice for professional music producers.

Why do you need a lot of RAM for sampling?

Sampling is a process that involves recording and manipulating audio samples. It requires a lot of RAM to store and manipulate these samples effectively. When you're working on a project with multiple tracks and high-quality audio files, you'll need more RAM to keep everything running smoothly.

Is DDR5 worth the money?

DDR5 is the latest RAM technology, offering higher transfer speeds and lower power consumption than DDR4. However, it's still a relatively new technology, and it comes at a premium price. If you're on a budget, DDR4 RAM will suffice. However, if you're looking for a laptop that will last you for years to come, investing in DDR5 RAM is worth considering.

How much memory is needed for sampling?

The Akai Pro MPC 2, like most other DAWs, does not require a lot of memory. 16 GB should be enough for most producers, though 32 GB is recommended if you're working with high-quality audio files and you're dealing with large projects. If you're a professional music producer and plan on working on large projects with many tracks and high-quality audio files, you may want to consider 64 GB or more.

List of recommended RAM configurations (and why)

Minimum: 16 GB – This is enough for most music producers who work with small to medium-sized projects and don't require a lot of memory.
Recommended: 32 GB – This is ideal for music producers who work with high-quality audio files and larger projects.
High-end: 64 GB or more – This is suitable for professional music producers who work on large-scale projects with many tracks and high-quality audio files.

In conclusion, the amount of RAM you need for your Akai Pro MPC 2 laptop depends on the type of projects you'll be working on. For most music producers, 16 GB to 32 GB of RAM should be enough. However, if you're a professional music producer, investing in 64 GB or more may be worthwhile.

Unpacking the Top Akai Pro MPC 2 Laptop Questions

Q: What are the laptop requirements for Akai Pro MPC 2?

The minimum laptop requirements for Akai Pro MPC 2 are an i3-1115G4 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.

What is the best laptop for Akai Pro MPC 2?

The best laptop for Akai Pro MPC 2 would be the MSI Summit E13, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro, or the GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4. These laptops have high-end specifications that surpass the minimum requirements and are optimized for running demanding applications like Akai Pro MPC 2.

How much RAM do I need for Akai Pro MPC 2?

For running Akai Pro MPC 2 smoothly, you need at least 16 GB of RAM. However, for better performance and multitasking, it is recommended to go for 32 GB or even 64 GB if your budget allows.

Can you run Akai Pro MPC 2 on a laptop?

Yes, Akai Pro MPC 2 can be run on a laptop. However, it is essential to ensure that your laptop meets the minimum requirements, including the processor, memory, and graphics card.

What kind of graphics card is required for Akai Pro MPC 2?

For running Akai Pro MPC 2, you need a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM. The minimum requirement is a GeForce GTX 1650, but it is recommended to go for a GeForce RTX 3050 or higher for better performance.

What is the minimum processor speed required for Akai Pro MPC 2?

The minimum processor speed required for Akai Pro MPC 2 is an i3-1115G4. However, it is recommended to go for an i5-1135G7 or i7-11370H processor for better performance.

Is SSD necessary for running Akai Pro MPC 2 on a laptop?

No, SSD is not necessary for running Akai Pro MPC 2, but it is recommended for better performance. An SSD will allow for faster loading and saving times, which can be especially helpful when working on large projects.

Can I run Akai Pro MPC 2 on a Windows laptop?

Yes, Akai Pro MPC 2 is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

What should I look for when buying a laptop for Akai Pro MPC 2?

When buying a laptop for Akai Pro MPC 2, you should look for high-end specifications that meet the recommended requirements, including a fast processor, sufficient memory, and a dedicated graphics card. It is also essential to consider other factors like battery life, storage capacity, and screen size, depending on your specific needs.

Is Intel Core i5 good enough for running Akai Pro MPC 2?

Yes, an Intel Core i5 processor is good enough for running Akai Pro MPC 2, but an i7 or higher would be better for improved performance. It is recommended to go for an i5-1135G7 or higher.

7 Best Laptops for Akai Pro MPC 2

$640

1.ASUS Zenbook

Powerful yet portable ASUS Zenbook with excellent battery life and sleek design

Pros

Excellent battery life
Compact and lightweight design
Fast and powerful 8-core Ryzen CPU
Sleek and stylish design

Cons

Limited ports
Soldered RAM that cant be expanded
Fan behavior can be annoying at times
Weak Wi-Fi connectivity

View on Amazon

Summary

The ASUS Zenbook 14 UM425QA is a lightweight and slim laptop that packs a powerful 8-core Ryzen CPU for demanding tasks. It boasts an excellent battery life, fast processor, and bright display, but comes with a few downsides such as limited ports and unexpandable RAM.

Reviews

Notebookcheck

83%/100

Asus ZenBook 14 UM425U [5700U version]

Ultrabookreview

4.5/5

Asus ZenBook 14 UM425QA [5800H version]

Alternatives

$710

HP Victus 15

Pros

Strong entry-level gaming
Solid productivity performance

Cons

Display and webcam could be better
Too much pre-installed software

$880

2.HP Victus 15

HP Victus 15: An affordable gaming laptop that gets the job done

Pros

Affordable price
Good gaming performance
Can be used for work-related tasks
Offers different color and CPU options

Cons

Short battery life
Plain design with non-RGB keyboard
Weak GPU may not handle high-end games smoothly
Screen quality not top-notch

View on Amazon