Akai has announced the launch of its latest MPC Live III, claiming it’s “built for producers who move fast” and featuring dynamic production tools, responsive controls, sounds from top sample makers, and the fastest processor of any MPC to date.
MPC Live III is a fully standalone system with a fast processor, making it possible to create complex productions, mixes and performances without any additional hardware.
Dynamic features include Pro Stems Separation and up to 32 instrument plugins and 16 audio tracks, clip launching, step sequencing, and assignable performance buttons.
It features Akai’s new MPCe pads: 3D sensing, ultra responsive, designed for more nuanced expression and performance. They enable X/Y control of one-shot layers, seamless sample blending, and dynamic note repeats and articulations.
Fully mobile when you need it to be, it has a built in battery, speakers and a microphone. It’s also MIDI and CV enabled.
Key Features
- 16 MPCe pads
- 16-step sequencer
- built-in condenser microphone
- Direct sampling via USB-C
- 8-core processor with 8GB RAM
- MPC Pro Pack features studio-grade time-stretch, clip-launching, expanded CV control and pro plugins
- Clip Matrix
- 24-channel audio interface
- Powerful stereo monitors
- Classic MPC-style beatmaking and programming tools
- 7-inch multi-touch display
- Over 1,000 MPC ready drum kits and instruments on board
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Touch-strip and 4x rotary encoders
- Ableton control mode
- 4hr battery life
Comparison with MPC Live II
| MPC Live III | MPC Live II |
| Core | |
| 8 x Core | Quad-Core |
| RAM | |
| 8GB | 2GB |
| MPCe Pads | |
| Yes | No |
| 16 Step Sequencer Buttons | |
| Yes | No |
| Touchstrip | |
| Yes | No |
| Microphone | |
| Yes | No |
| Internal Battery | |
| Yes | Yes |
| Stereo Monitors | |
| Yes | Yes |
| 7in Multi Touch Screen | |
| Yes | Yes |
| USBC | |
| Yes | No |
| 2 x MIDI | |
| Yes | Yes |
| XLR/ Jack | |
| Yes | Line Only |
| CV Gate | |
| Yes | Yes |
| Plugin Tracks | |
| 32 | 8 |
| Audio Tracks | |
| 16 | 8 |
| Timestretch Algorithm | |
| ** Super (high quality fft based timestretch) | – |
| Proten | Proten |
| Repitch | Repitch |
| Stem Seperation Algorithm | |
| Stems Pro | Stems efficient |
| Number of Simultaneous Vocal Harmoniser Instances | |
| 16 | 1 |
| App Max Polyphony | |
| 256 stereo voices | 64 stereo voices |
| Drum and Keygroup Single Track Max Poly | |
| 64 | 32 |
| SATA Drive Bay | |
| Yes | Yes |
Available now priced $1,699. Buy on Amazon.
