Akai Professional
MPC One+
$699
Released 2023-05
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
MPC One+ vs RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer is cheaper at $229. Every spec and price links to its source.
Behringer
RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer
$229Cheaper
Released 2022-03
Which is better: the MPC One+ or RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer is the cheaper at $229.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | MPC One+ | RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $699 US MSRP at launch (May 2023) | $229 |
| Brand | Akai Professional | Behringer |
| Released | 2023-05 | 2022-03 |
| Sound engine | Sample-based MPC production engine with bundled plugin instruments (Bassline, Electric, Tubesynth, etc.) | Analog 808-style synthesis with a custom-cloned BA662/V662 VCA chip |
| Voice count | 8 audio tracks / 128 total sequencer tracks | 16 |
| Sequencer steps | — | 64 |
| Sample playback | Yes | No |
| Onboard effects | AIR FX mastering processor, plus drum-pad effects including ring mod, bit crush and decimator | Automatable dual-mode filter, Wave Designer sound-shaping |
| Output count | 2 main (1/4in TRS stereo) + 4 stereo CV/Gate pairs | 11 |
| Midi support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery powered | No | No |
| Pad count | 16 | 0 |
Sources — MPC One+: akaipro.com (verified 2026-08-01). RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer: thomannmusic.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the MPC One+ and RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 9). Matching specs are omitted.
- Sound engine: MPC One+ Sample-based MPC production engine with bundled plugin instruments (Bassline, Electric, Tubesynth, etc.) vs RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer Analog 808-style synthesis with a custom-cloned BA662/V662 VCA chip
- Voice count: MPC One+ 8 audio tracks / 128 total sequencer tracks vs RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer 16
- Sample playback: MPC One+ true vs RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer false
- Onboard effects: MPC One+ AIR FX mastering processor, plus drum-pad effects including ring mod, bit crush and decimator vs RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer Automatable dual-mode filter, Wave Designer sound-shaping
- Output count: MPC One+ 2 main (1/4in TRS stereo) + 4 stereo CV/Gate pairs vs RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer 11
- Pad count: MPC One+ 16 vs RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer 0