Akai Professional just released a new controller that delivers an intuitive and deep level of command over the music production process. The MPC Studio comes with 16 full-size RGB-backlit pads, an assignable touch strip for dynamic control, and a color LCD screen for vibrant visual feedback. This controller works together with the MPC2 Desktop Software DAW for both Mac and PC to offer a total creation package for any serious music producer or beat-maker.
Akai MPC Studio Key Features:
- Complete MPC system with hardware and MPC2 Desktop Software DAW for Mac and PC
- 16 full-size pressure and velocity sensitive RGB MPC pads with aftertouch
- Assignable Touch Strip for dynamic control and expression
- Color LCD Screen for vibrant feedback
- Iconic MPC workflows including Quantize, Note Repeat, and 16 Levels
- MPC 2 Software with Vocal Effects Suite, MPC Plugin Instruments, and 100+ plugins from AIR Music Tech
- USB Bus Powered controller for portable music production
- 3.5mm (⅛-inch) MIDI I/O for seamless integration with MIDI devices and hardware
Dynamic Performance and Control
With the Akai MPC Studio, users can have the total MPC experience straight to their computer. The new unit combines intuitive hardware control and innovative, inspiring software. At the heart of the controller are 16 full-size RGB-backlit performance pads with aftertouch. Velocity and pressure sensitive RGB pads translate to maximum control and expression. They’re enabled whether you’re crafting powerful, booming kick drums or soft, delicate melodies. You can use colored visuals to keep track of your velocities and pad groupings. Users can optimize their performance by switching from Note to Chord mode quickly to build out their tracks as soon as inspiration strikes.
To help foster that inspiration, the MPC Studio comes with loop content from Decap, F9 Audio, MVP Loops, Rawcutz, Snipe Young, and more. Users can load a loop from the library, chop it up into samples, lay down a beat, then play instruments over it to add more melodic textures.
New Touch Strip Feature
A new feature that is sure to become a user favorite is the Touch Strip. Any of the numerous sliders, knobs, and parameters can be assigned to the Touch Strip for new and compelling manipulation of any track. In addition, control the roll of your hi-hats to help fill out that trap drumbeat. Add articulation to a guitar or string instrument for a more realistic sound. Alternatively, add modulation to a keyboard synth to shape and sculpt your productions and performances. For instance, use it to create your own signature sound.
The full color LCD screen makes workflow more efficient by enabling the user to keep their hands and eyes on the controller. This allows you to keep your focus fully on the music. Browse through plugin instrument presets and samples, trim and chop waveforms, or adjust parameters on the fly. The screen gives the vibrant visual feedback one needs at a moment’s glance. Additionally, you can do it all without having to stop work to reach for a laptop.
MPC Software Integration
The MPC2 Desktop Software DAW for Mac and PC works seamlessly with MPC Studio for the ultimate music production experience. For instance, this production suite and DAW combines precise audio sampling, 128-track sequencing capability, and numerous plugin instruments, all with advanced professional MIDI sequencing and arranging. The MPC2 software allows you to record, edit, and mix the perfect vocals with the AIR Vocal Suite. The collection features Vocal Tuner, an automatic vocal pitch correction tool, Vocal Harmonizer, a 4-part harmony processor, along with Vocal Doubler, a sound layering generator. The MPC2 software can also be run in any host DAW as a VST Plugin. This allows for a wide range of sonic possibilities.
The MPC plugin instruments are a collection that features 8 built-in plugin instrument engines with a wide range of textures and sounds. Over 1500 world-class presets, including strings, synths, and pads are featured in the AIR Hype Plugin Synthesizer. This is a great synth to use create any feel, sound, or genre. Reproduce some of the most iconic synth sounds with a group of hardware emulations; Solina, AIR Mellotron and WayOutWare’s Odyssey. Finally, a wide selection of insert effects plugins powered by award-winning AIR Music Tech like Half Speed, Stutter, Granulator, and more are available to add amazing builds, transitions, and drops to any music project.
The Akai Professional MPC Studio is available for preorder for at Adorama.
