Akai's Latest 'Mpc Xl' Is a Self-Sufficient Music Production Powerhouse

Intended to function as a central element for some studios and a comprehensive substitute for others.

Akai

Building on the recently introduced MPC Live III, Akai has revealed its newest essential studio instrument — the MPC XL. The business characterises its new flagship as a “powerful studio centerpiece,” having engineered the XL to provide professional-grade DAW-level performance in a singular, totally autonomous format—eliminating the necessity for a computer. The Akai MPC XL features a Gen 2 8-core processor and 16GB of RAM, providing quadruple the processing capability of earlier MPC versions. It operates on the newest MPC3 OS and accommodates up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 simultaneous voices, specifications that position the device firmly into the domain usually designated for high-end computer-based systems.

The device is equipped with a 10.1-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen located in the front and centre, which has adjustable tilt controls. The display is luminous, distinct, and vibrant, providing real-time visual input in conjunction with dedicated function buttons for swift, seamless processes. Located beneath this are 16 touch-sensitive Q-Link knobs, each featuring a distinct OLED display, alongside a dedicated step sequencer equipped with RGB buttons, an assignable performance touch strip, and an innovative XL Channel Command system for expedited access to mixing and recording parameters.

Akai

The most significant enhancement of the MPC XL is its interface. Akai has launched new MPCe pads featuring 3D-sensing technology, providing the most haptic and responsive experience yet achieved on an MPC. In contrast to the velocity-sensitive pads of earlier models, the upgraded MPCe pads are segmented into four quadrants, establishing four expressive zones that enable producers to morph, layer, and control sounds with more depth and nuance, contingent upon their touch on the pad.

The MPC XL is engineered to support both hybrid and DAWless studios, featuring several connectivity options like as XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power, dedicated instrument inputs, phono inputs for turntables, and eight assignable line outputs. For modular aficionados, 16 CV outputs convert the unit into a command hub for synthesizer-centric configurations, while USB-C offers comprehensive audio and MIDI input/output capabilities.

The MPC XL is pre-installed with plugins, samples, and effects, including Native Instruments’ MPC Edition Play Series Analogue Dreams and the Lone Forest Expansion. Akai has integrated sophisticated capabilities like as professional stem separation, time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, plugin layering, and a DAW-like arrangement view, collectively establishing the MPC XL as a whole production ecosystem. “The MPC XL embodies the culmination of our decades of advancements in music production,” stated Andy Mac, Akai Professional’s Creative Global Marketing and Artist Relations Manager. “It provides DAW-level capabilities in a standalone format, eliminating all obstacles between inspiration and creation.”

The Akai Professional MPC XL is currently available via Akai and its retail partners, priced at £2,499.99 GBP / €2,899.99 EUR / $2,899 USD.