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When it comes to music production equipment, few have a richer history than the MPC manufactured by Akai. The MPC brought sampling and midi sequencing into recording studios and homes throughout the world in the late 1980’s.
From the MPC60 to the current MPC X and all those in between, the instruments main attraction is its ability to store and play recorded samples in a sequence controlled by its user.
So, let’s take a walk down memory lane and discover the evolution of this revolutionary instrument that has given contemporary music some of its greatest sounds for over 30 years.
The definitive history of the Akai MPC
The Akai MPC3000 (eBay) changed the game in 1993. Improvements included 16-bit 44.1 kHz stereo sampling, increased memory, 32 voice polyphony, expandable memory through SCSI, and built-in effects and filters.This legendary machine is still used by some of todays top producers over 25 years after its original release date. Deceased legendary hip-hop producer, J. Dilla, has his Limited Edition MPC3000 in an exhibition at the Smithsonian. The MPC3000LE (Limited Edition) is identical to the MPC3000, except for its black custom design. It was released by Akai in 2000 and limited to 2000 units.
The Akai MPC2000 (eBay) was the first of the series that Roger Linn wasn’t involved in developing as the company didn’t want to continue paying him royalties for using his name. The MPC2000 is a 64-track sampler/sequencer that comes with 2 MB sample memory as standard, and can be expanded to 32 MB. It supports a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz, in 16 bit stereo or mono.
The Akai MPC2000XL (eBay) is another edition of the MPC series that is still widely used today. The MPC2000XL is similar to the MPC2000 but with many newer features; including four independent pad-bank keys, number of samples stored doubled to 256 on the XL. If you wanted to alter sounds to a different bit depth or sampling rate. Time stretching was also added along with other features. In 2004 the 2000XL-MCD version featured a Compact Flash card reader as standard in place of the floppy or zip drives used in the earlier editions.
The Akai MPC4000 (eBay) took us into the 2000’s with its biggest upgrade to date as it introduced this as its flagship product. The most fully featured MPC product incorporated the sampling engine from the latest model in the Akai standalone sampler range, the Z8. By the end of 2003, Akai revealed the MPC4000BL Plus that replaced the original white model in 2004. The upgraded version featured some extra hardware extensions and came in a blue casing.
The MPC1000 (eBay / Amazon) was the first of two releases that Akai gave birth to in 2005. This 64-track sampler/sequencer came with 16 MB sample memory as standard (expandable to 128mb). It supported a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz, in stereo or mono. It also included a USB port, internal CompactFlash card reader, two MIDI inputs and outputs, effects and multiple analog outputs as standard. While there were many issues with the pad sensors on the blue casing model, Akai upgraded this when it released its MPC1000BK-N in 2007.
The Akai MPC2500 (eBay / Amazon) was the second release Akai made in 2005 and is the mid-range of the Akai line of MPCs. It has a 100,000 note, 64 track mixer with 64 assignable MIDI channels. Upgradeable to 128MB RAM, this version also had easy computer connectivity with its USB port. It contained a CompactFlash slot for storage of samples. This also included Chop Shop that was a feature built to chop a sample into as many as 64 pieces. A CD-R/DVD drive could also be added for burning and reading capabilities.
The Akai MPC500 (eBay) was the first ever truly portable MPC as it could be run on 6 AA batteries (also a 12V DC plug). It combined a 48-track MIDI sequencer and a 32-voice stereo digital sampler. This was the only MPC to have just 12 velocity-sensitive rubber pads. Like the rest of its family that was released a year prior, the MPC500 came with a CompactFlash slot, was upgradeable to 128MB RAM, and had a USB port for computer connectivity. With just one stereo output, this was the only MPC that didn’t have assignable outputs.
The Akai MPC5000 (eBay / Amazon) was its last standalone sampler released in the 2000’s (and last until 2017’s MPC Live and MPC X). At the time of its released, it was considered to be the flagship MPC. While it did boast some new enhancements, hip-hop producer Just Blaze ripped the product in his blog for being a downgrade from its previous flagship MPC4000 product when it was first released. While the MPC5000 lacks some of the sample editing capabilities of the older MPC4000, and also some of the hardware specs are lower than the MPC4000 (max. 192 MB RAM vs. the 4000’s 512 MB, and slightly smaller screen), with the updated and more stable operating system OS 2.0, many new features were introduced that gave it a slight edge above the 4000.
The Akai MPC Renaissance (eBay) was the company’s first pivot away from a true standalone sampler/sequencer as its the first MPC to take the power from an external computer (with its own software). The Renaissance could take on the look of the classic MPC 3000, sharing its transport buttons, jog wheel, and arm rest while the LCD screen shared the same look as the MPCs 1000, 2500 and 5000. This was the first MPC to include back lit pads that change colors for velocity, step edit, etc.
The Akai MPC Studio (eBay) was its second sampler/sequencer released in 2012 and came in a more compact size built to fit easily in a laptop bag or backpack. It’s USB-powered with low-profile knobs and brushed aluminum body, and includes MPC Software for Mac and PC with 128-track sequencing capability. With 16 backlit genuine MPC pads, legendary MPC workflow, MPC Swing, plus four touch-sensitive knobs providing enhanced MPC software control. Its large LCD screen (360 x 96 dot graphic LCD) allows you to make tracks without having to look at your computer.
In 2013, the iMPC iOS application was also made available on the iPhone and iPod touch.
The MPC was made even more portable with the Element (eBay). MPC Element’s low-profile design is just 14mm thin and includes an integrated cover to protect the brushed aluminum control surface when you’re on the move. The included USB cable connects to your computer and provides all the power you need, illuminating MPC Element’s multi-color pads and buttons.
The Akai MPC Touch (eBay / Amazon) was a redesign of the legendary sampler. Boasting an ultra fast and super intuitive workflow because of its 7″ color multi-touch display. One can grab and pinch waveforms, draw midi events, adjust envelopes, chop samples, add effects and precisely set your controls using your fingertips. Combined with the classic MPC feel, sound and vastly improved pads, the Touch embodies the best elements of our past while taking music production tech into the future.
2012’s MPC Studio got refreshed with the MPC Studio Black (eBay / Amazon) in 2016. Aside from its sleek and stylish black brushed-aluminum body, the master encoder wheel as well as the Q-Link knobs have been raised and made larger. The 16 RGB MPC pads are now thicker and more responsive, inspiring greater expression in performance and programming.
The Akai MPC Live (Amazon / zZsounds / eBay) is a true standalone and portable MPC with a full color 7” multi-touch screen, four touch-capacitive Q-Link controls, a clickable master encoder knob and 16 amazingly responsive, velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads. Weighing in at less than 6 pounds, the MPC Live ushers in a new era of ultra-portable production. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and packing 16 gigs of on-board storage, the MPC Live features numerous ways to take your beloved sample library and MPC sessions anywhere. Files can be accessed and transferred to an inserted SD Card and/or an external drive attached to the USB hub on the back. If that’s not enough storage, the MPC Live also features a 2.5” SATA drive connector providing additional storage via installation of a fixed hard drive – SSD or HDD (sold separately). The same USB hub can also be used for MIDI controller connectivity.
Akai’s latest flagship MPC is the MPC X (Amazon / zZsounds / eBay). The X is a standalone MPC with a full color, adjustable 10.1” multi-touch screen, 16 amazingly responsive, velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads and 16 gigs of internal storage. To make it a truly untethered, computer-free experience, the X also features two USB slots that can be used for MIDI controller connectivity. Powering the X is our stellar MPC 2.0 Software, which runs natively in standalone mode. For more expressive performances, there are 16 touch-sensitive 360-degree assignable pots—perfect for precisely automating individual QLink parameters. Above each of those QLink pots is a high-resolution OLED display, detailing info for the individual parameter. The MPC X has a number of additional features that make it the most powerful standalone music production tool to date. The X has a high quality audio interface engineered for recording, sampling and transmitting pristine sound. The back panel is equipped with 2 XLR + 1/4” TRS inputs for recording microphones – including those needing 48V phantom power. There are two additional 1/4” TRS line inputs on the back panel and the front panel also features two more 1/4” line inputs. Onboard CV/Gate outputs enable the analog control of modular gear such as classic synths and drum machines. For vinyl junkies, we include two RCA phono inputs with RIAA preamp to ensure the right levels are coming into the X from your turntable.
MPC One is a total music production solution to take your ideas from concept to finalized radio-ready beats. The MPC One packs a lot of features and workflow tools into ONE powerful punch. Beat programming, editing, mixing FX and instruments and so much more means an uncompromised creative experience. The MPC One packs a lot of features and workflow tools into ONE powerful punch. Beat programming, editing, mixing FX and instruments and so much more means an uncompromised creative experience.
Meet MPC Live II, the full MPC experience in its most portable configuration yet. Everything you need to make music, anywhere, right at your fingertips. There’s no need to compromise for portability. MPC Live II is the complete MPC experience without missing a step. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery means you can work anywhere for hours. Full-size MPC pads give you the ultimate in drum performance and the expanded function buttons allow for quick editing on-the-fly so you never miss a beat. For the first time ever, you now have studio-grade monitors built-in directly to your MPC. No need to waste precious time looking for your headphones, untangling cables or powering up external monitors. These full range stereo monitors deliver low end thump along with tight top end to make portable beat-making the sonic experience you need to feel your music. MPC Live II will super charge you production. With MIDI performance to tap in to as many devices as you need, an intuitive and streamlined layout not to mention the MPC workflow features you need; 16 Levels, Note Repeat, Auto Sample, Chords & Notes More and so much more. Get ready to level up to the MPC Live II.
Do you use an MPC for your music production? Many producers who do are implementing our system to get their music placed into television and film.
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