Product Review - Akai MPC Renaissance

The Renaissance has the look and feel of quality stand-alone kit, yet it functions exclusively as a controller for a software host running on your PC or Mac. Not content with that, it serves as a 24-bit, 96kHz audio interface with multiple MIDI ports, too, while backlit pads, assignable Q-link controls and buttons galore offer maximum tactile gratification. Those who don’t need a new audio interface, or simply want to save a few bob, should check out the MPC Studio. Due soon, it’s a trimmed down version that dispenses with the audio capabilities and multiple MIDI ports of the Renaissance.

Claiming backwards compatibility with previous MPCs and largely consistent with their workflow, could the Renaissance be the gateway drug to lure more hardware freaks into a world inside the box?

Weighing in at a shade under 5kg and occupying a generous 50cm x 33cm x 7cm of desk space, the Renaissance’s cold metal base is framed in grey plastic. Running your eyes and hands over the smooth surface, there’s no sign of skimping, from the many dedicated buttons and numeric keypad to the reassuringly balanced data wheel. There’s even a padded wrist-rest!

Intent on covering every base, Akai have provided front-facing headphone jacks in both regular and miniature versions, capable of monitoring the main mix or individual outputs. Unusually, two footswitch sockets also reside at the front, although when you check the rear you can see why: it’s chocka!

Akai have opted for six MIDI sockets in total; two In and four Out. This maintains the legacy connection with existing MIDI rigs but gobbles up a fair proportion of the available space. It means that there’s only room for two assignable audio outputs, in addition to the main stereo pair. This is in marked contrast to, say, the MPC5000, which had eight. Further connectivity is present in the form of 24-bit digital I/O, plus phono inputs (complete with preamp) and two combined XLR/balanced jack inputs with phantom power. Considering that the Renaissance is focused on working in the software domain, two assignable outputs might be enough. There’s a nod towards the sound of previous machines, courtesy of various ‘vintage’ emulations in software, the current models being the MPC3000, MPC60 and SP1200. The I/O converters are designed to the same specifications as the MPC3000, although higher sampling rates and bit depths are accepted.