Akai Professional
MPC One+
$699
Released 2023-05
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
MPC One+ vs volca drum
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. volca drum is cheaper at $129. Every spec and price links to its source.
Korg
volca drum
$129Cheaper
Released 2019-03
Which is better: the MPC One+ or volca drum?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The volca drum is the cheaper at $129.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | MPC One+ | volca drum |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $699 US MSRP at launch (May 2023) | $129 US MSRP |
| 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 |
Sources — MPC One+: akaipro.com (verified 2026-08-01). volca drum: korg.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the MPC One+ and volca drum?
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 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+ true vs volca drum false
- 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+ false vs volca drum true