Create entire albums with the Akai Professional MPC XL
The Akai Professional MPC XL has four times the processing power of previous MPC hardware.
- Akai Professional has just announced the MPC XL standalone music production center.
- This versatile device delivers unprecedented processing power and comprehensive I/O connections for computer-free recording.
- The MPC XL is available now through authorized dealers and select music retailers for $2,899.
Akai Professional has today unveiled its new standalone music production station, the MPC XL. Designed specifically for beatmakers, producers, and musicians, this do-it-all device harnesses substantial processing power, expressive control, and comprehensive I/O connectivity without requiring a computer.
Under the hood is a Gen 2 8-core processor that has four times the processing power of previous MPC hardware. You also receive 16GB of RAM, 256GB of internal NVMe SSD storage with a SATA expansion bay, and seamless integration with the MPC3 operating system. The last is capable of loading up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks, with support for up to 256 simultaneous voices. MPC3 OS also comes equipped with production-ready plugins and effects, and features a sampler with time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, resampling, and plugin layering. You also get multi-track sequencing, clip launching, and a full arrangement view. All of this is controlled via the tiltable 10.1-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen and one-to-one control buttons along the front panel.
The MPC XL’s 16 CV outputs are excellent for modular synth fans.
Producers can morph, loop, layer, control sounds, and manipulate effects directly with the four-quadrant MPCe touch pads. There are also 16 touch-responsive Q-Link knobs with OLED displays and a dedicated 16 RGB-button step sequencer for programming musical patterns. The front panel yields an assignable performance touchstrip and an innovative XL Channel Command. The last has a dedicated OLED display and encoder for quickly accessing mixing and recording parameters.
Modular synth fans will be pleased to find 16 CV outputs on the back panel. These come alongside eight separate 1/4-inch line outputs and four 5-pin MIDI outputs. The MPC XL also supports USB-C connectivity for 24 channels of audio I/O and 32 channels of MIDI I/O. Those with advanced studio setups can utilize the two XLR/TRS combo inputs, each with mic preamps and phantom power. There are also two 1/4-inch instrument inputs, two phono inputs for connecting turntables, and two 5-pin MIDI inputs.
The Akai Professional MPC XL represents one of the most exciting and versatile standalone production workstations on the market. Interested parties can purchase it now for $2,899 through authorized dealers and select music retailers worldwide.
