Akai has just announced the replacement for its MPC Studio, and it's called… the MPC Studio. Paired with Akai's MPC 2 Desktop beatmaking software, it's the latest entryway into the world of MPC production.
This newest MPC Studio will be the third in recent years to take the name. The silver MPC Studio was the first, released in 2012. The MPC Studio in black arrived in 2016.
But this V3 is a proper redesign, with a new ultra-slim rectangular enclosure, the replacement of Q-Link knobs with a Touch Strip, and seamless integration with Akai's MPC 2 Desktop software, which is included for free with the purchase of the hardware controller. Set to retail for $269, it will also be the least expensive version of the MPC Studio yet.
As with all hardware controllers, it's assumed that you have a computer nearby. More than any other previous model, the new MPC Studio's knobs and pads give you direct control over the software and keeps any mouse- or trackpad-clicking to a minimum.
With MPC 2 Desktop, you get virtually the same software that is included on standalone MPCs like the MPC One. Focused on making beats, it offers beloved MPC functions like Akai's unique time-stretching and pitch-shifting of samples. But the software also includes audio track recording, vocal effects plugins, a drum synth, mixing and mastering processors, and other tools you can use to flesh out and finish your productions.
Key specs of the new MPC Studio, according to Akai, include:
- Pads (16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, RGB-backlit (8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons
- Knobs (1) 360° push encoder for display navigation and selection
- Touch Strip (1) multi-function 5.5" (140 mm) touch-capacitive controller with LED indicators
- Buttons (39) LED backlit dedicated function buttons
- Display Full-color LCD
- Connections (1) 1/8" (3.5 mm) MIDI input (1) 1/8" (3.5 mm) MIDI output (1) USB Type-B port
- Power via USB
- Dimensions (width x depth x height) 12.0” x 6.7” x 1.5” 305 x 171 x 37 mm
- Weight 1.8 lbs. 0.83 kg
If you want to ditch the computer and create music with a standalone MPC instead, there are many options to consider: The MPC One is the cheapest standalone unit but is a complete, full-featured MPC (also available in Retro and Gold editions). The recently discontinued MPC Live is a great value on the used market, while the updated MPC Live II is a powerhouse with built-in speakers and expanded connectivity options. All of these standalone MPCs can run Akai's latest software and firmware—which offers a ton of virtual instruments, effects, and sound packs—so the real deciding factors are price and speaker/connectivity options.
Follow the links to find all those MPCs and more on Reverb. The new MPC Studio is available on Reverb now.