Portable music production equipment with retrofuturism

Akai Pro has launched a portable sampler 'MPC Sample'. The device can play tracks through built-in speakers, allowing for impromptu DJ sets even outdoors. Despite being small enough to fit in a bag, it has all the functions of a standalone sampler, sequencer, and effects processor, and even has a built-in microphone for recording.

Design DNA of the famous MPC60 from 1988

The design of the MPC sample was directly inherited from the MPC60, released in 1988. The MPC60 is a legendary piece of equipment that changed the history of hip-hop and electronic music production, establishing a visual language with a pad grid in the center, knobs on the right, and a display at the top. The MPC sample faithfully follows this layout but adds a modern feel.

16 pads are arranged in a 4×4 grid, and RGB backlight is applied. Each pad produces a different sound depending on the strength and length of pressure. A full-color display is located above the pad grid, and three knobs and a legacy parameter slider inherited from the original device allow you to directly control effects and sounds.

100 drum kits and vinyl/tape emulations

The MPC Sample features over 100 factory preset drum kits and 60 onboard effect types across four individual effects engines. The unique warm texture of analog can be reproduced through vinyl and tape emulation.

You can record different sounds from your smartphone or computer through the built-in microphone, external audio input, and USB-C connection. Recorded sounds can be cut into sections, created loops, time-stretched, and assigned to individual pads. Because the sequencer arranges these sounds into patterns and combines the patterns into tracks, you can create complete music from sounds recorded on the street without a computer.

Create music anywhere with 5-hour battery

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be used for up to 5 hours. MPC's entire workflow, including pads, sequencer, chopping, and effects, is contained in a portable body, allowing you to make music anywhere, including the park, record store, skate park, and kitchen table.

Akai Pro stated that this product is also suitable for beginners who want to learn MPC workflow for the first time. The explanation is that the workflow has been intentionally simplified and the control labels are clearly marked to lower the barrier to entry.