Akai has expanded its MPC ‘beat production machine’ range with the announcement today of the new MPC X, MPC Live and new MPC 2.0 production software.
The MPC X is a standalone MPC featuring a full-colour 10.1” multi-touch screen and 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, driven by a multicore processor. Controls include dedicated menu buttons, a large master encoder knob and 16 touch-sensitive 360º assignable pots (Q-Links) with adaptive OLED displays, designed for viewing and automating ‘…individual parameters to deliver expressively nuanced recordings,’ Akai says in its rather breathless press release. The MSRP will be £1,499.99
Also announced is Akai’s MPV Live, designed for mobile production and live performance. At the heart of the new MPC Live is a full-colour 7-inch multi-touch screen, 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, four touch-capacitive Q-Link controls and a large, clickable master encoder knob. Featuring multicore processing technology, 2GB of RAM and an expandable 16GB of on-board storage, Akai says the Live is as powerful as any MPC that has preceded it. Thanks to a ultra-portable lightweight footprint (5.5 lbs) and battery powered operation via the internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, MPC Live provides a full MPC experience for live performance. The MPC Live will have an MSRP of £799.99
Finally, Akai has launched its MPC 2.0 music production software, which will appear at the forthcoming NAMM show. Compatible with Mac and PC, MPC 2.0 works either alone as a main DAW or integrates seamlessly with a user’s current DAW as a VST or AU plug-in. It’s available with Akai Professional’s MPC X, MPC Live, MPC Touch and MPC Studio Black. MPC 2.0 is bundled with Akai Professional MPC hardware, and is available in Q1 2017. It will beavailable separately as an update for existing MPC customers at a later date, price TBD.
Info: www.akaipro.com