AKAI Professional MPC X SE - Standalone Production Workstation and Beat Maker with 10.1" Multi-Touch Screen, Drum Pads, Synth Engines, 48GB Storage

Product Information

I’ve thought of of upgrading to one of these newer models, but there’s just too much crammed into these.

Because the UI was designed to be fully stand-alone, it lets you work without referencing your computer when in controller mode. Sequence all your devices, route audio to multiple outputs independently, and connect wireless to devices over WiFi thanks to Ableton Link 3. One thing I seriously hope makes it to an akai mini plus of the future is the 16 step buttons like on an mc-707. I've been considering hopping back onto a X for a few reasons, but the SE doesn't really do it for me, as it is an upgrade, but it doesn't bring enough to the table for it to be an instant purchase. MPC X Special Edition is a tribute to where we’ve come from, what we’ve accomplished, and marker of the next chapter of innovatory, ground-breaking music product development.

Please keep in mind, we only modify an interface if we can make a significant improvement to the sound.

That said, a device like MPC Live can act as the heart of a complete rig without needing a computer in the building — USB hosting, MIDI and CV as well as samples and synthesis all in one box. The Wi-Fi provides Ableton Link, the simple yet brilliant tempo-locking system that’s being adopted at a fast pace by both traditional hardware and software as well as mobile apps.

The MPCX has a pair of dual-format XLR/TRS mic/line inputs on the rear panel alongside a further two TRS line inputs and phono turntable connections.

Celebrating 35 years of innovation from Aki, the MPC X SE comes with a retro-style design, inspired by the iconic MPC 60, and expands on the original MPC X with upgraded memory and internal storage. The MPC X SE also comes bundled with 6 of our brand-new premiere plugins, similar to the MPC Key 61, which are not available on the MPC X. Additionally, sounds can be accessed and added to the library using the built-in SD Card slot or the USB thumb drive. DPD have their own arrangements in place to ensure deliveries are as safe as possible (they will sign the hand reader for you).I had thought that it would merely replace the need to push the Q-Link switch button on the One to switch the screen controls, but the Q-Link panel on the X (OG and SE) is also activated when using, for example, the channel mixer (to directly control the levels or the panning of each channel from the Q-Links), or the main screen (to tweak various sequence and track parameters). The instrument also comes bundled with Akai Pro’s MPC 2 Desktop software, a fully featured DAW package that offers audio and MIDI recording and sequencing facilities, as well as providing tight integration with Akai hardware devices. If Akai (or Air Music) want to introduce a new method of synthesis, sampling or processing audio, it can always be delivered as a plugin or via a software update. You’ve got your 16 pads for beat making, you’ve got sampling and loop production, and there’s a 10″ screen with loads of sounds and instruments inside for making your tracks.

DAW or plug-in using exactly the same user interface, with projects able to move between the two environments. On the One, it would sometimes take up to 7-10 seconds for a Fabric XL preset to change/load; now, this takes 2 seconds max. If you are using a CV program, the Q-Link panel allows you to control the voltage of the CV outs (and thus your modular synth) from the bottom two rows of Q-Link knobs - that's significant for me as a Eurorack user. World-Class Sounds - The MPC platform utilizes top-notch sound and sample libraries to provide users with the most stimulating sounds possible. encoders, each with its own display, can be freely assigned or are already assigned to certain parameters in the respective plug-ins.Always listen on the highest quality playback system available to you – not in your car or on your phone. All image and audio content is used by permission of the copyright holders or their agents, and/or according to fair dealing as per the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.