"Discover the groundbreaking integration of Native Instruments with Akai Pro MPC hardware. This overview highlights how seamless workflows and expanded sound libraries redefine music creation for producers and performers alike.
Available today are three signature instruments — Analog Dreams, Cloud Supply, and Nacht — each crafted to inspire unique creative expressions. Additional instruments, including Homage and Sway, are set to launch later in February. Complementing these are five genre-specific Expansion sound packs: Faded Reels which is available now, with Lone Forest, Global Shake, Hazy Days, and Rare Vibrations to follow. All are expertly tailored for seamless integration with the MPC platform.
With this landmark collaboration, Akai Professional’s iconic MPC platform takes center stage, seamlessly integrating with Native Instruments’ creative tools to deliver an unprecedented toolkit for musicians, producers, and audio creators."
Zaytoven Creates on the Akai MPC with new Native Instruments Integration
Native Instruments expands partnerships to empower millions of music creators
Expansion of the NKS ecosystem connects Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg and M-Audio and ignites new creative possibilities for musicians and producers worldwide
Anaheim, CA – January 22, 2025: Native Instruments is making it easier than ever for music producers to explore new sounds on their favorite controllers by launching its Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Hardware Partner Program, announced today at NAMM 2025. Industry leaders Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio are adopting the NKS ecosystem to power seamless integration with Native Instruments software. This connects music makers to over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects from more than 250 brands.
“This expansion highlights the impact of collaboration,” says Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments. “It marks an important milestone in our mission to provide musicians with an open, connected platform, making professional-grade tools, instruments, and technology more accessible to creators everywhere.”
Native Kontrol Standard: An inspiring experience for every music maker
"An ambient cover of the song Heal from the game ICO.
I use the excellent @HologramElectronics Microcosm and the @EricaSynths Nightverb to make an awesome cover of ICO- heal. I used the @AkaiProVideo MPC one + for the piano and @SequentialLLC Teo-5 for the flute.
I used the arrangement made by @SebastienSkaf and modified it to fit my time signature and intent for this song. Find the sheet music at • Heal | Ico Piano arrangement"
loopop overview further below. Click on the "CLICK FOR MORE »" link below if you are coming off the home page.
"The Future of Standalone Workflow is HERE: Sign up for the MPC3 Public Beta Launch: https://www.akaipro.com/mpc3
0:00 Intro 1:15 Welcome 1:50 Main Mode 3:00 Audio Tracks 3:25 Plug-ins 3:34 Creating Tracks 4:04 Sample to Pad 4:36 One to One Track Workflow 5:00 Edit Tracks & Sequences 5:23 Menu Enhancements
"Originating in the vibrant dance halls of Jamaica, the iconic Dub Siren - a creation born from a simple oscillator - has been the heartbeat of ska, dub, and reggae music.
'Ring The Alarm' resurrects this tradition, offering you an intuitive yet powerful plugin to infuse your tracks with sirens, synth rises, and mashed-up effects.
"Introducing the MPC Key 37, the dynamic standalone music production keyboard perfect for any creative studio workspace featuring 37 full-size synth-action keys, 16 RGB MPC pads, 32GB of internal storage, support for the upcoming MPC Stems, and much more. Discover the keys to inspiration with MPC Key 37."
Chopsquad Dj On the MPC Key 37 | Akai Professional
"Meet Grammy-nominated multi-platinum record producer Chopsquad DJ as he breaks down why MPC Key 37 is the fastest and most inspirational way to go from idea to completed beat. Learn about his story from his early interest in music, to his extensive catalog of successful hit records, and much more. MPC Key 37, the Keys to Inspiration."
AKAI MPC KEY 37 vs other MPCs, Force // How it competes as a synth and workstation // Review
TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 1:10 Overview 2:55 Keybed 4:25 Buttons 6:55 No strip 7:20 Connectivity 8:00 New USB MIDI 9:20 Storage 10:40 Content 11:05 Portability 11:20 Pad size 11:40 Q-links 12:00 Pros & cons 15:55 Outro
Introducing the MPC Key 37, bringing the legendary MPC workflow to a compact keyboard. MPC Key 37 has everything you need to produce beats, bass and synth lines, chop-up samples and build complete tracks – without your computer.
MPC Key 37 comes with a collection of Akai plug-ins as standard along with over 100 onboard effects, and wireless integration with Splice, all controlled by 16 iconic MPC pads, a 37-note synth action keyboard, 7” touch screen and 4 real-time Q-link encoders.
The MPC Key 37 features:
► 37 full-size synth action keys
► 16 velocity-sensitive RGB MPC Pads
► Brilliant 7" multi-gesture touch screen
► 32GB of internal storage (22GB of user storage)
► Over 8GB of bundled software
► Voucher for (1) free premium MPC plugin instrument or insert effect
"For four decades, Akai Pro has stood at the forefront of sampling technology, from the legendary S950 to the iconic MPC platform that laid the foundation for some of the most impactful music genres in our industry. This art of sampling from vinyl evolved into a craft, enabling producers to extract sections of records, chopped and re-pitched into slices, creating an entirely new composition. Renowned producers such as The Alchemist to DJ Premier have become pioneers in this sampling art form known as Crate Digging.
With MPC Stems, Akai Pro opens Pandora's box, seamlessly integrating stems separation into the Iconic MPC workflow. This innovation not only delivers superior sound quality but also enhances the speed of the sampling process, ushering producers and beat makers into a new era of sampling creativity.
"Add exciting rhythmic effects patterns to your beats and productions with Flex Beat for MPC standalone. Add stutter, glitch, scratches, and more with one touch to add modern vibe & feel to your songs and arrangements.
Join Andy as he walks through Flex Beat standalone for MPC. Hit the link to get Flex Beat for your MPC hardware today. https://www.thempcstore.com/mpc-plugi..."
"Touch the Future and discover new musical possibilities with APC64. With 64 vibrant RGB pads featuring poly-aftertouch, 8 assignable Touch Strips, and a standalone Step Sequencer, APC64 is the revolutionary Ableton Live hardware controller that will unveil a new world of musical inspiration for next-level production and performance.
Watch prolific finger drumming performer Carl Rag display a masterful exhibition of APC64 now.
"The brand new APC64, switches things up with a deeply integrated 64 RGB pad type surface, that Push users will feel right at home with. But with the APC64, you also get 8 assignable Touch Strips, with multiple modes of usage - you can control, the mixer, FX sends Devices and generic MIDI CCs, as well as the 64 RGB, pressure and velocity sensitive pads for clip launching or sequencing.
The other big news is that APC64 also has a standalone mode with 8 sequencers, up to 32 steps each that can send note data over MIDI via the two minijack outputs (there's also a MIDI input) and 8 assignable CV or Gate 1/8th inch jack outs to control your external synths, or modular.
Power is supplied over USB-C, with a dedicated power switch, and there's a small but useful AMOLED display and rotary encoder for parameter access, although you can access most via the pads themselves in setup mode.
There are also dedicated Project memories for storing setups and sequences - these can be chained for more song type structures.
The on board sequencer can be used as a standalone device, or integrated into the Live setup with patterns that can be sent back to Live and auto create clips.
We had a visit from Tom Robinson (@duncan_thomas_music) to give us the low down in this first look at the unit.
APC64 will be available worldwide at a price of £359 MSRP
00:45 Overview and Live integration
3:30 Touchstrips, Note and Drum Modes
5:50 Connections
06:30 Ableton Live integration
08:50 Generic MIDI control
09:30 Internal Sequencer
11:23 Standalone mode"
AKAI APC64 Review // Pros and cons vs APC40 MK2, Push, LaunchPad and others // APC 64 tutorial
"Jura is the classic synth for a modern music production studio.
The sound of yesterday, the features of tomorrow.
In 1982 something magical happened in the world of synths, a Japanese legend was born.
It was one of the synths that defined the sound of the 1980s and was used on countless hits by artists such as The Eurythmics, Cyndi Lauper, and Aha. Now it’s loved more than ever and used on tracks by acts like Charlie Puth, Tame Impala, and the Weeknd.
Now we bring you something very special, the authentic sound of that 80s synth
But that’s just the start; we wanted to build on the legend and make it fit for modern music production workflows. So for those with qualified AKAI MPC/FORCE standalone versions, you get complete touch control of every parameter. You can really get your hands on this vintage classic and craft your future hits.
Of course you get all the analogue goodness of the original, our team are audio wizards and they have meticulously crafted the sound. It has the single DCO, a monster sub oscillator, the unparralleled VCF, and if you want it, lashings of THAT chorus!
In short, Jura gives you the best of both worlds - the classic sound of an ‘80s synth monster, coupled with some very cool modern workflow enhancements. Jura comes in several versions; a plugin for AU, VST, and AAX DAWs, and there’s the MPC/FORCE Standalone versions for the complete hardware experience of touch control. Jura is the classic synth for a modern music production studio. The sound of yesterday, the features of tomorrow. The synth of ‘82... reimagined for your future hits
"Meet the MPC One+. Supercharge your beat-making with powerful Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 16GB internal storage, and more. Visit akaipro.com/mpc-one-plus to learn more and how to get a free MPC plugin."
MPC One+: Red’s going for the jugular // Ideas for WIFI & Bluetooth setups // MPC One Plus Review
"We head to Japan for a performance by contemporary artist Nagipan. Watch as he takes us on a musical journey with MPC Key 61 featuring his assorted collection of rich sounds and mesmerizing percussions."
"The team at AIR Music Technology decided to come up with a delay plugin that gave us all we ever wanted from a delay plugin and then add some more stuff besides! This extremely powerful plugin works on both Desktop and Standalone MPC/Force devices.
For starters, There’s modulation and LFO options. And a stereo widener… and some more EQ… and distortion, and we’ve thrown in a limiter too, and a chorus, plus stereo and wobble effect..
But we kept thinking about some really powerful extras… to take your in-the-box mixes outside the box!
Autoclear is magical, it gives you the option to have enormous delay based effects that stop when you need them to, for example, when the next note hits. It’s something you have to hear to really get your head around. Once you’ve used it you’ll wonder how you ever used an echo without it.
Then there’s diffusion, an effect that smears the delay sound, taking it into the realm of a reverb, it’s a way of knocking off some of the hard edges. Experiment to create a mix between a delay and a reverb.
We also added an envelope follower that allows you to manipulate the time, feedback, and delay amount based on release and ceiling time. This is where things can get really bonkers.
And just in case you need some inspiration to get you started, we threw in a ton of presets, there’s the usual suspects plus some wild and wacky stuff to really mangle the sound.
In short, we wanted to create a delay plugin without compromise. Some call it extraordinary, we call it the AIR Delay Pro.
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Similarities
2:40 MPC X vs SE
3:40 Q-Links knobs
7:30 Connectivity
10:05 Battery/speaker
10:30 More buttons
12:25 Screen
13:45 Pads
14:15 Touch strip
14:45 Keys
15:20 Storage
15:50 Pros & cons
18:25 Outro
Press Release follows:
AKAI PROFESSIONAL® CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF MPC WITH THE NEW MPC X SPECIAL EDITION- THE MOST POWERFUL MPC EVER!
The MPC X Special Edition commemorates 35 years of innovative sampling, sound, and sequencing technology from AKAI, the premier name in music production.
Ft Lauderdale, FL USA (April 26, 2023) – Akai Professional, a leading musical equipment and computer software manufacturer for performers and producers, is proud to unveil MPC X Special Edition. MPC X SE steps into the spotlight with more internal storage and memory than ever. Additionally, MPC X SE boasts flagship tactile control to make it the most powerful MPC system ever. With a stylish retro color way, MPC X SE culminates as the high point of the leading name in music production.
35 Years of sampling and Innovation.
MPC has pushed the limits of hardware music creation time and time again. In every generation, leading music makers need technology that can keep up with the speed of their inspiration and the needs of their creativity. MPC continues to lead the way with innovative features and advancements, magically bringing music to life. From Note Repeat and 16 Levels for the hip-hop heads to the infectious Swing for electronic drum grooves and patterns. MPC has been at the ground level of hit song after hit song thanks to its powerfully capable technology.
Today, the standalone MPC platform continues to build on that legacy with seamless touchscreen technology, more I/O than ever to tie an entire production suite together, along with wireless integration like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ableton Link 3 allowing you to make music without any constraint.
The Most Powerful MPC Ever
The rock-solid quad-core processor cements MPC X SE as the leading modern music-making device enhanced with an impressive 4GB of RAM onboard. This delivers more sampling and recording power than ever before. Instantly load instruments, samples to large projects with ease thanks to the increased memory, perfect for studio sessions or on stage between songs. Save large projects, sequences, drum programs to your beats instantly with the expanded 48GB of internal storage without ever interrupting your workflow.
MPC X SE is the only MPC with 2 In/4 Out MIDI to connect all your synths, keyboards, modules and more. The massive 10” adjustable touch screen is the perfect display for those long creative sessions. 16 assignable Q Link knobs with OLEDs provide immediate visual feedback and to any program, instrument, or insert effect parameter for instant hands-on control of your sound. For the high-pace creators tied to a busy schedule, MPC workflow keeps you ahead of the game with an intuitive and efficient creative process.
Legendary Hardware, Cutting-Edge Software
Through the years, the 16-pad MPC grid has been the default input method for MPC. Revel in the nostalgic gray pad color of these new-generation pads that feature RGB backlit edges and pressure-sensitive response. Tap out rhythms, melodies, or chords with ease thanks to the Notes and Chords modes, perfect for playing the thousands of built-in instruments. MPC X SE features a premier collection of instruments including the award-winning flagship “Fabric XL” power-synth, Stage Piano, OPx4 FM synth and much more. MPC has evolved with the contemporary music-maker by adding not only sounds and functionality but also world-class insert effects for processing. Explore a wide collection of plugins like Stutter, Granulator, Half Speed, the AIR Vocal Effects suite, MotherDucker, AMP Sim and so much more. When you need to expand your palate, browse the MPC store and update your MPC X SE with new plugin instruments like Mini D synthesizer or Flavor Pro multi-effects processing unit to breathe new life into your machine. Thanks to the enabled WiFi, update your device wirelessly in mere moments.
Senior Akai Professional product manager Dan Gill shared “The journey for MPC has been a labor of love. We strive every day to deliver the tools that will empower all music-makers, from our life-long MPC users who trust and rely on their MPCs to keep up with their daily music grind, down to the newest members of the MPC community who look to the MPC legend as they foray into their nascent musical endeavors. MPC X Special Edition is a tribute to where we’ve come from, what we’ve accomplished, and marker of the next chapter of innovatory, ground-breaking music product development.”
Key Feature Bullets
• Standalone MPC - No computer required
• MPC Plugin Collection- 20+ MPC Instruments
• 48GB Internal Storage (over 16GB for User Storage)
• 4GB RAM for Sampling and Audio Recording
• 100+ Insert Effects from AIR Music Tech
• Adjustable 10.1” Multi-Gesture Touch Screen
• 16 Assignable Q Link Knobs
• Iconic ‘Retro’ MPC Colorway
• Includes MPC 2 Desktop software for Mac and PC.
Launch Info
MPC X Special Edition will be available worldwide on Wednesday April 26, 2023 for $2499. Visit akaipro.com to learn more.
Cumberland, RI USA (April 3rd, 2023) – Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, and Beatclub, the premier global marketplace for music creators, and home to the most talented and sought-after producers, songwriters, and artists in the music business, announced today the exclusive, limited edition MPC Live 2: Beatclub “Timbaland Edition”.
Loaded with the iconic drum kit sounds of legendary producer Timbaland, the MPC Live 2 boasts a collection of over 12GB of Beatclub samples and sound packs, an exclusive customized Beatclub/Timbaland Signature boot experience, along with loops and melodies that will fire your creativity like never before. The content includes Timbaland’s official “Bounce Coming Up” Drum Kit, along with sounds inspired by Mike Dean, CashMoneyAP, Tainy, Mike Will Made-It, Rance from 1500 or Nothing, and many more.
Just 500 units have been produced, each individually numbered. This limited MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” will be available Monday, April 3rd. Given the quality of them, and the limited number they are going to go very quickly.
Creative A&R Director for Akai Professional, Andy Mac shared “This exclusive Timbaland Edition MPC Live 2 delivers the ultimate library of hard-hitting drums into the hands of the next generation of beat makers. This gives them the same sonic bounce Timbaland is known for, heard on countless hit records spanning over 3 decades.”
Timbaland said “I am pumped for this new collaboration. We have Akai, one of the most legendary music production brands in the game, and the MPC has been an iconic instrument in hip hop history. Beatclub mixing it up with Akai is taking your potential up several notches and shows what you can do with a powerful partnership. We’re talking power, precision, and creativity all mixed together. This is going to be epic. This is the peak of when technology, culture and excellence come together.”
MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” Features
• Standalone MPC – No Computer Required
• Built-in Stereo Monitors
• 16 Full-size Velocity Sensitive RGB Pads
• Brilliant 7-inch Multi-Touch Display
• Timbaland’s Bounce Coming up MPC Edition Expansion
• 3 Beatclub Essential MPC Edition Expansions
• 32GB Exclusive Beatclub/Timbaland SD Card loaded with Drumkits, Loops, and Melodics
• 16GB Internal Storage / Factory Content.
• Includes MPC 2 Desktop Software for Mac or PC
• Signature Beatclub/Timbaland Splash Screen
• Custom Serialized Plate With Production Number
• Exclusive Beatclub Merch Bundle
• Full 12 Month Subscription to Beatclub.
MPC Live 2 Beatclub “Timbaland Edition” will only be available exclusively at the inMusic Store on akaipro.com Monday April 3, 2023 for $1399. To learn more, please
Playlist:
Setting Up Your APC Mini Controller | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Using Clips and Scenes With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Using APC Mini Smart Scales Mode | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Using The APC Mini Drum Mode | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Recording Clips With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Ableton Device Control With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Mixing Tracks With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
Navigating Ableton Live With APC Mini | Getting Started With APC Mini mk2
The Best Budget Controllers for Ableton Live? Akai APC Mini MK2 vs APC Key 25 MK2 // Tutorial/Review
TIMELINE: 0:00 Intro 1:05 What’s new? 1:40 RGB pads 2:05 Note mode 4:15 Drum mode 4:25 Mini MK2 v 1 4:45 Key25 MK2 v 1 5:35 Key 25 v Mini 7:20 Setup 8:15 Takeover mode 9:10 Soft keys 10:30 Key controls 11:15 Knobs, faders 14:00 Pros & cons 16:45 Outro
"The new APC Mini and APC Key 25 controllers are here, delivering a premium clip-launching experience for the immersive music-creation you need. Enjoy bright RGB-backlit pad performance with accurate feedback from Ableton, smooth hardware sliders and knobs, and creative note performance to help you write the most inspired music ever."
APC Mini Features
► 64 RGB-backlit Pads
► 9 Assignable Sliders
► Notes, Drum, and Smart Scale View Modes
► Ableton Live Lite and AIR Music Technology Bundled
APC Key 25 Features
► 40 RGB-backlit Pads
► 8 Assignable 360 Rotary Knobs
► 25-key Gen 2 Dynamice Keybed
► Ableton Live Lite and AIR Music Technology Bundled
"Introducing Flavor Pro, a powerful effects processor engine adds character and feel to your music. Process your sounds with distortion, flutter, saturation, and more. Make your samples gritty and bring all of your tracks to life with a unique flavor."
"Join us as we dive into the AIR Flavor Pro plugin. Watch as we uncover this powerful new plugin that brings cutting-edge processing to your samples, sounds, and MPC project sessions.
Mini D Plugin Instrument - Akai Professional video upload by AkaiProVideo
"The Mini D plugin instrument delivers the legendary synth sound to your MPC. A 4-voice poly synth based on the classic American synthesizer legend with a painstakingly modeled oscillator section. Mini D includes 8 authentic oscillator waveforms, and multiple LFO shapes with 19 selections including ramps, sine, square, and steps. Dive into Over 400 Presets ranging from Basses, Leads, Percussion, and Synth FX. Grab it now at https://bit.ly/3MZM7yU"
A legit Moog in your MPC??? // Akai Mini D Review & Comparison
video upload by Tefty & Meems
"Checking out the new MPC AIR Mini D plugin for the MPC One/Live/X/Force and MPC 2 Software. I go through the general features, a quick sampling of presets, make a patch, and compare it against the Behringer Model D, DIVA, and The Legend. Not a true scientific comparison! Just a general musician focused comparison.
Thank you Akai for the early access to AIR Mini D!"
Experience the Legendary American Synth Sound for MPC & FORCE
A 4 Voice Poly Synth based on the classic American synthesizer legend Painstakingly modeled oscillator section includes 8 authentic oscillator waveforms Multiple LFO shapes with 19 selections including ramps, sine, square, triangle, random, and steps Over 400 Presets ranging from Basses, Leads, Percussion, and Synth FX Two filters included- “Ladder” and “Modern” with Cutoff, Reso, Contour, and a dedicated feedback path Built-in creative effects chain including EQ, Chorus, and Delay Requires FORCE 3.2 or MPC 2.11.6 firmware update
"Enjoy full creative control with the new MPK Mini Plus. Featuring 37 mini-keys, advanced connectivity for MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock, and an internal 2-track sequencer, make music with the ultimate feel and response."
"Studio Strings delivers the finest stringed orchestral instruments to your fingertips. Add tension, drama, and suspense to any composition with the articulate solo or ensemble sounds presets of this elegant plugin instrument engine."
