The touch-sensitive drum pads are a good size. The internal speakers are very convenient. (The included sounds are ok, however, my Yamaha Montage is much better.) If I want to pimp sounds later it's easy enough to connect it to another device and let the recorded MIDI use external sounds. I take mine all over the place to sketch out ideas using the internal instruments and audio. Battery-powered you can take this anywhere e.g., around the house, park, cafe, etc. You can concentrate exclusively on using the device!

the news, internet, email, Facebook, Youtube, whatever. In Standalone mode, there are NO POP-UP DISTRACTIONS e.g. I have many situations where the gear quantity and weight must be minimal. Ableton Push2, a large keyboard/synth, audio interface, laptop, drum machine, cables, etc.

I use it mostly when I can't be bothered with Ableton Live, or carrying around lots of additional hardware items, e.g. I use it together with an AKAI MPK mini mk3 four to five times a week in 'standalone mode' primarily as a sequencer, to compose songs & loops, and make backing tracks for use in band settings or solo performances.

Before buying it I was relatively unskilled with this type of device. I've owned MPC Live 2 for about 6 months.

Akai professional mpc live 2