Developed by Akai in tandem with the well-known electronic engineer Roger Linn, the MPC (Music Production Center) is in essence a powerful drum machine with an interactive interface of signature rubber squares. The units are also marked by the incorporation of extensive sampling abilities and MIDI sequencing, which became more powerful in newer iterations. The MPCs are some of the most popular production tools for old-school and modern hip-hop and rap.

The MPC2000 is a streamlined, pared back rendition of the MPC3000 featuring a floppy disk drive and capable of 64-track sequencing as opposed to 99-track sequencing.

Years of production: 1997-2000

Product specs: 16 touch pads, 2 MB sampling memory, 16 bit 44.1 kHz sampling rate, two MIDI inputs and two MIDI outputs

Associated artists: Trent Reznor, The xx, DiViNCi