AKAI PROFESSIONAL

Who hasn’t heard of the legendary MPCs? Powerful production machines as all-in-one solutions. No annoying PC required! Session offers an extensive range of AKAI PROFESSIONAL products online and in stores. Buy directly in the webshop or test and get advice in person at your local shop. If you choose an AKAI PROFESSIONAL product, we’re here for you before, during and after the purchase.

The music division of AKAI PROFESSIONAL became known for its S/Z series samplers. Some will certainly remember the rack samplers S612, S900 up to S6000, Z4 and Z8. However, the models of the MPC series were more decisive and formative for generations - originally called MIDI Production Center.

MPC – the birth of a legend

Today MPC stands for Music Production Center. The concept of these workstations has endured: an instrument that combines sampling with a sequencer. American designer Roger Linn developed the MPC-60 with AKAI PROFESSIONAL. The model was released on 8 December 1988 and cost $5,000. Further developments followed with the MPC-60 MKII and the MPC-3000 in 1994. Producers and DJs swore by the unmistakable sound and the unique MPC groove. The devices became a myth. Roger Linn ended his collaboration with AKAI PROFESSIONAL. In 1997 the MPC-2000 (XL) came onto the market, followed by the MPC-1000, the 2500 and the flagship MPC-4000. To provide computer-based music production with a similar workflow, AKAI PROFESSIONAL expanded their product range with controllers such as the MPD16, MPD24, MPK49, APC40, MPD218 and MPD232.

The Music Production Center today

The current MPC models go by names like Touch, Studio Black, One, Live and X. They all share the legendary 16 pads for inputting beats and melodies. Devices now also feature touch-sensitive displays. Slicing and editing becomes child’s play! The standalone machines offer different built-in sounds and control options depending on size, as well as various connections.

What products does AKAI PROFESSIONAL offer?

Besides the famous MPC models, AKAI PROFESSIONAL offers numerous MIDI controllers as master keyboards or pad versions. Whether mini or full-size keybed, the choice of keyboard controllers is large. If the supplied sound selection isn't enough, countless expansion packs can provide extra inspiration. Not keen on hardware? With software solutions for PC and mobile devices, AKAI PROFESSIONAL leaves nothing to be desired and offers everyone a suitable tool for producing. In the field of electronic wind instruments, AKAI PROFESSIONAL offers solutions from its own range with the EWI series. Even if this product group is far from the core range, it demonstrates the company's inventiveness and innovative strength.

AKAI PROFESSIONAL Software 2 as a complete DAW solution

With MPC Software 2, AKAI PROFESSIONAL elevates their heavyweight production hub to a new level. As the ultimate platform for creative freedom, the DAW software offers all standard features of common digital audio workstations – in the familiar MPC look! From seamless integration of all third-party MIDI controllers, external sound equipment and interfaces, through reliable MIDI routing to multitrack recording, MPC 2 becomes the new heart of any music studio.

Be part of the community

Stay in touch with AKAI PROFESSIONAL and other users via online registration. Share tips and experiences on social networks with other users. Learn from countless videos on how to use AKAI PROFESSIONAL tools effectively and find out what the AKAI PROFESSIONAL and MPC myth is all about – it will be worth it!