Akai Professional has historically been one of the most formative brands for production workstations, specifically their MPC lineup. But many of the recent units introduced in that line have been controllers, requiring a computer to use. Today the company is going back to their roots, announcing two new standalone products – the MPC Live and MPC X. Keep reading for the details.
MPC Live
- Product: MPC Live
- Price: $1,199 (order from DJ Techtools)
- Availability: Now!
When the MPC Touch was announced in October of 2015, this is what every producer was hoping that model would be. This is a completely standalone unit with a full color touch screen, and powered by Akai’s new MPC 2.0 (more on that later).
This is the smaller of the two new MPCs announced today – coming in at just 5.5 pounds and powered off an internal rechargeable battery. It’s a bit more expensive than other portable production units like the Novation Circuit or Teenage Engineering OP-1, but the feature set is more akin to a production computer than either of those.
Here’s the full feature set that Akai has shared with us in their press release:
- Stanalone MPC, no computer required.
- Also acts as a control surface for MPC 2.0 software
- 7-inch full-color multi-touch display
- Internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Turntable (RCA) inputs with ground peg
- 16GB of on-board storage (over 10GB of sound content included)
- User-expandable 2.5” SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD)
- 2 pairs of full-size MIDI inputs and outputs
- 2GB of RAM for sampling
- SD Card slot, 2 USB-A 3.0 slots for thumb drives or MIDI controllers
- Forthcoming support for Ableton Link and WiFiMPC X
- Product: MPC X
- Price: $1,999 (Pre-order from DJ Techtools)
- Availability: Now!
The MPC X is clearly designed to be the more complete studio version of the two MPCs announced today – and it’s a welcome upgrade for many users who want a full-size MPC but never really found the computer-anchored MPC Renaissance to be an attractive option. Beyond a large ten inch screen, it also has dedicated buttons for the menu, master encoder, and 16 touch-sensitive assignable pots with OLED displays.
Studio producers can add their own hard drive with the SATA connector, and take advantage of MIDI I/O ports. Despite a studio-centric feature set, the MPC X does have the same internal rechargeable battery – if you want to use it in the wild, not a problem. Here’s the full feature set:
- Standalone MPC – no computer required
- Also acts as a control surface for MPC 2.0 software
- 10.1” full-color multi-touch display
- Internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- 2 RCA phono inputs with ground peg
- 16GB of on-board storage (over 10GB of sound content included)
- User-expandable 2.5” SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD)
- 4 full-size MIDI inputs, 2 full-size MIDI Outputs
- CV/Gate outputs enabling the analog control of modular gear, such as classic synths
- 2 USB-A 3.0 slots for thumb drives or MIDI controllers
- Forthcoming support for Ableton Link and WiFi
MPC 2.0 Software
With this new lineup of standalone MPCs, Akai has also introduced a new version of their new production software. This is the software that runs on the MPC Live and MPC X, but it also works on its own as a DAW or as a VST/AU plugin.
The MPC 2.0 software is a major overhaul of the previous version, with a brand new graphical interface as well as:
- Audio track recording and real-time audio warping
- Streamlined/more efficient MPC workflow
- Audio and MIDI drag and drop
- Enhanced QLink control
The software is bundled with the Akai Professional MPC hardware – and will first launch in Q1 alongside the new MPC Live and X. It will be available “as an update for existing MPC customers at a later date, price TBD.”
Wondering why there’s so much new gear news on DJTT right now? Companies are rolling out their new products ahead of the NAMM 2017 industry convention. We’re giving DJTT readers the first coverage and insights into what’s coming out: See all of our NAMM 2017 coverage here.
I really wish akai hurry with the software 2.0 update.Check out my video were i am using Gross Beat by Image Line with MPC Software.I think they need to add it in the new 2.0 it works fine in 1.9.7. You just cant make audio strips or side chain in its current software but when 2.0 come out i can make it work glitch free.For now you cant save your Gross Beat presets in your project but Gross Beat can be bounced with your track session currently.Can some one point me in the direction for Beta testing for Akai? because i have tons of short cuts for MPC being ive used them for almost 20 years.Here is a video were i make an Atlanta style Trap Beat using Gross Beat on the MPC Software along with 32 bit plugins.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9Gg7lrJUwU THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR WATCHING AND LETTING ME SHARE MY CONTENT
[…] released and promoted by Ableton as a response to the industry’s current momentum. The standalone MPC Live / X units will soon be on the market and Maschine continues to show a strong interest in the the more hip hop […]
[…] released and promoted by Ableton as a response to the industry’s current momentum. The standalone MPC Live / X units will soon be on the market and Maschine continues to show a strong interest in the the more hip hop […]
[…] and promoted by Ableton as a response to the industry’s current momentum. The standalone MPC Live / X units will soon be on the market and Maschine continues to show a strong interest in the the more hip hop […]
MPCX is quite Impressive but MPC Live is also great for travel…
will it sound like a 500 tho? real question i’m not very knowledgable
It should flow like a classic. The MPC Touch does..the MPC Renaissance did but the sound quality will be improved and the functionality will probably be their best yet. I couldn’t say that about the Renaissance… i started with an MPC3000LE back in 2000, moved through several MPCs including the 4000, 2500 and abandoned Akai back in 2008 for Maschine. I came back to using MPCs in 2013 with the Ren, broke-in two due to studio bookings and road loans but now I use the MPC Touch and am still interested in that MPCX because it gives me back what I was looking for and wanted all along. I’m sold. Kinda excited to have it there instead of the MPC Touch which replaced this one.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/66a9ce0de6fa3431ce507479f9edf12c6b0af6d0d52b490038f81fba449747e4.jpg
Excellent setup!
What kind of mixer and turntables are those? Not too knowledgeable on those.
Mixer is a unflawed (1st production serialized – American built) Rane MP-2015.
Decks are upgraded Technics SL-1200 MK3D-5 also known as the Stokyoworld branded, MCC designed MCC-SL-1200MKS model.
https://www.gearogs.com/gear/52958-Stokyo-MCC-SL-1200MKS
My setup has changed since then but I still have the same key players there.. I’ve also moved countries so here’s just a light update while I’m waiting for the rest of my stuff and arranging an updated setup.
That previous image was from 2005. This one with the MPC-4000 is my oldest hybrid setup from 2003 in London. I posted that just to show I wasn’t talking nonsense…surprisingly, the same kinds of tools are connected. I almost skipped showing the period with the MPC Touch but it’s in here. Toraiz SP-16 and Touch are gone now (good). I’m starting to add the boutiques so interestingly, it’s changing and growing rapidly. Most of it migrates back to a permanent desk job in the studio but it’s interesting to try worlking live…not there yet, but interesting https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/57df382daa0a89e907ebf4f302e80d374addebc7e85f71c1222b7c5fdc0e9c28.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b30ce2f586b3133854afd428f8e167a253cddba987162b90d68fe47f00b3f4a7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5046b55961fe19728b32a9560724508594b141da70a00576fc53c9f1bd791d6b.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3663df8d0e6ad88a4ceeb1e9d09c5bda87b50b9dfbdf24a8278c0fce3756e09c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f4e27eeab22fa86eb5e1e41d57e1b0f1f7e967e303afecb970be133ec64e6c76.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ef24fd433358351fa983c79bf67bd078ee0ee4b0b50a5be6ae5ff9866fdec207.jpg
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It doesn’t sound like the 500, 60 nor the 3000. It has top notch conveters to give a pristine sound @ 24 bit/44.1
So there you have it.
No it will not SOUND like the 500 or any other classic machine. It has different converters and its pristine clear.
I just want them to update the mac OS drivers for the EIE Pro. It doesn’t make any sense.
4 full-size MIDI inputs, 2 full-size MIDI Outputs and not the other way round?
[…] post Akai Introduces MPC Live + MPC X: Back To Standalone! appeared first on DJ […]
I’m watching this with the loop mode on in the youtube player, probably the only thing I’m gonna watch for the rest of the night, lol
Looks most excellent!
inMusic sure will bring a tsunami of new gear for this year’s NAMM, head 2 head with pioneer. their inMusic member, denon already teased their prime line up, akai started with their standalone mpc’s.. how about numark & rane? this will be great many choices & upgrades 🙂
Xone (Allen & Heath) are their own company – part of D&M Holdings.
We *might* see something new from Rane, InMusic’s most recent purchase… but I expect that transition is still happening.
(0_0) FINALLY *tons of fist pumps and backflips*. I’m glad I didn’t cave and buy a Toraiz. Can’t wait to see this in action. I wasn’t hoping for a battery, but that’s a REAL nice addition for myself. I can’t wait to see some breakdown videos that dive into the differences. My eyes jump to the MPX while my wallet repeals in an almost violent manner against it. Q1 to boot, so within the next couple few months.