Akai Professional have revealed a new flagship model for their iconic MPC range, the MPC XL. Living up to its title, the latest arrival essentially packs an entire studio into a single box, combining the much-loved MPC playing and programming experience with a wealth of audio, MIDI and CV connectivity options, DAW-like multitracking capabilities and complete standalone operation.
Processing Power & Hands-On Control
The MPC XL is built around an 8-core processor that boasts four times the power of any previous MPC along with 16GB RAM, delivering impressive speed and performance that rivals computer-based systems. Powered by Akai’s MPC3 OS, the new arrival is capable of running 16 audio tracks and 32 plug-ins simultaneously, and support for up to 256 simultaneous voices. A large 10.1-inch multi-gesture touchscreen provides real-time visual feedback, while dedicated hardware control buttons provide immediate hands-on access to the system’s most important parameters.
Of course, the MPC experience relies heavily on the feel of the system’s drum pads, and the XL comes equipped with 16 of Akai’s MPCe pads, which promise to deliver an unprecedented level of expression thanks to the use of the company’s 3D-sensing technology. Each pad features four quadrants that allow for expressive control over the likes of looping, layering and controlling effects parameters, with additional control provided by 16 touch-sensitive Q-Link rotary encoders. There’s also an onboard sequencer with its own set of dedicated buttons, an assignable performance touch strip and an XL Channel Command section that offers quick access to mixing and recording parameters with a dedicated OLED display and encoder.
The MPC XL certainly lives up to its name, offering the largest and most feature-packed iteration of the popular device to date.
Connectivity, Software & Plug-Ins
Designed to serve as the hub of a studio setup, the MPC XL includes a pair of XLR/TRS combo inputs with mic pres and phantom power, two dedicated instrument inputs and two phono inputs designed for hooking up turntables. Eight line-level outputs allow tracks to be routed for external mixing, and there’s an onboard USB-C interface capable of handling up to 24 channels of audio and 32 channels of MIDI. Users with plenty of other MIDI hardware will be pleased to see four MIDI outputs and two MIDI inputs on five-pin DIN sockets, while the modular crowd will enjoy a total of 16 CV/Gate outputs provided by eight 3.5mm TRS sockets.
An extensive collection of plug-ins, samples and effects are present, including Native Instruments MPC Edition Play Series Analog Dreams and the Lone Forest Expansion. There’s also a fully featured sampler that offers stem separation, time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, resampling and plug-in layering, along with DAW-like features such as multitrack sequencing, clip launching and a full arrangement view. And despite its USB-C interfacing capabilities, the MPC XL can function entirely as a standalone device with no computer required.
Key Features
Performance & Processing Power
- Gen 2 8-core processor with four times the processing power of previous MPCs.
- 16GB RAM for running multiple plug-ins simultaneously.
- 256GB internal NVMe SSD storage with SATA expansion bay for additional storage.
- Support for up to 32 plug-in instruments, 16 audio tracks and 256 simultaneous voices.
- Production-ready plug-ins, samples and effects included.
Expressive Control & Interface
- Ultra-responsive MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology and four quadrants per pad for advanced expression.
- 16 Q-Link knobs with performance-control OLEDs for immediate visual feedback.
- Assignable performance touch-strip for tactile control of Performance FX, note repeats and channel faders.
- Step sequencer with 16 RGB function buttons.
- XL Channel Command with dedicated OLED display and encoder for quick mixing and recording parameter access.
- One-to-one function buttons for immediate access to every feature.
- 10.1" HD multi-gesture touchscreen with tilt.
Professional I/O & Connectivity
- Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with mic preamps and phantom power for crystal-clear recordings.
- Two dedicated instrument inputs for recording guitars and keyboards.
- Two phono inputs for connecting turntables.
- Eight separate line outputs for external routing and mixing.
- USB-C connectivity for 24 channels of audio I/O and 32 channels of MIDI I/O.
- Eight stereo 3.5mm CV/Gate outputs for a total of 16 CV outs, perfect for modular rigs and synth setups.
- Four MIDI outputs and two MIDI inputs, all on five-pin DIN connectors.
Standalone Operation
- No computer required: standalone hardware with MPC3 OS.
- Full-featured sampler with time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, resampling and plug-in layering.
- DAW-like workflow with multitrack sequencing, clip launching and full arrangement view.
- Pro stem separation and high-quality time-stretching.
"The MPC XL represents the evolution of everything we've learned from decades of innovation in music production. We've created a true studio-grade workhorse that delivers DAW-like power in a standalone format. The MPC XL removes every barrier between inspiration and creation, giving producers the speed, control, and connectivity to bring their most ambitious musical visions to life." - Andy Mac, Creative Global Marketing and Artist Relations Manager at Akai Professional
Pricing & Availability
The MPC XL is available now, priced at $2899£2499.99 including VAT / €2899.99.
