# MPC One+ vs volca drum: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MPC One+ (Akai Professional) and volca drum (Korg) among drum machines. volca drum is the cheaper of the two at $129.

## Side by side

| Spec | MPC One+ | volca drum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $699 | $129 |
| Brand | Akai Professional | Korg |
| Released | 2023-05 | 2019-03 |
| Sound engine | Sample-based MPC production engine with bundled plugin instruments (Bassline, Electric, Tubesynth, etc.) | Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator) |
| Voice count | 8 audio tracks / 128 total sequencer tracks | 6 parts x 2 layers |
| Sequencer steps | — | 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences |
| Sample playback | Yes | No |
| Onboard effects | AIR FX mastering processor, plus drum-pad effects including ring mod, bit crush and decimator | Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls |
| Output count | 2 main (1/4in TRS stereo) + 4 stereo CV/Gate pairs | 1 |
| Midi support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery powered | No | Yes |
| Pad count | 16 | 16 |

## Key differences

- Sound engine: MPC One+ Sample-based MPC production engine with bundled plugin instruments (Bassline, Electric, Tubesynth, etc.) vs volca drum Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator)
- Voice count: MPC One+ 8 audio tracks / 128 total sequencer tracks vs volca drum 6 parts x 2 layers
- Sample playback: MPC One+ Yes vs volca drum No
- Onboard effects: MPC One+ AIR FX mastering processor, plus drum-pad effects including ring mod, bit crush and decimator vs volca drum Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls
- Output count: MPC One+ 2 main (1/4in TRS stereo) + 4 stereo CV/Gate pairs vs volca drum 1
- Battery powered: MPC One+ No vs volca drum Yes

## Sources

- MPC One+: https://www.akaipro.com/mpc-one-plus/ (akaipro.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- volca drum: https://www.korg.com/us/products/dj/volca_drum/ (korg.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/akai-mpc-one-plus-vs-korg-volca-drum/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MPC One+ ($699) vs volca drum ($129) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/akai-mpc-one-plus-vs-korg-volca-drum/
License: CC BY 4.0.