Akai MPC Live (2017)
Standalone music production center with touchscreen, battery power, and internal processing for mobile beat-making.
Overview
The Akai MPC Live, released in 2017, is a self-contained Music Production Centre designed for portable, standalone operation. Built by Akai Professional, it combines the workflow of classic MPC samplers with modern hardware, featuring its own quad-core ARM processor and 7-inch full-color multi-touch screen. It was the first wireless hardware/software-based MPC and marked Akai’s return to standalone production hardware after more than a decade since the MPC5000. The Live shares the same front-panel layout as the MPC Touch, with a flush-mounted screen and 16 pressure- and velocity-sensitive pads. It runs MPC 2.0 software internally and includes the MPC Pro Pack, bundled samples, instruments, and plugins. Designed for mobility, it includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to six hours of operation.
Specifications
| Production years | Released in 2017 |
| Dimensions | Width 410 mm, Depth 223 mm, Height 67.5 mm |
| Weight | 2721.55 g |
| Display | 7-inch full-color multi-touch screen |
| Pads | 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads |
| Controls | Four touch-capacitive Q-Link controls, clickable master encoder knob, 16-button step sequencer, clickable jog wheel |
| Audio I/O | Six TRS outputs (three stereo pairs), stereo input with switchable line-level TRS or phono inputs, 3.5mm headphone port |
| MIDI I/O | 2 MIDI In, 2 MIDI Out (full-size ports) |
| USB | Two USB 3.0 host ports (Type-A), one USB device port (Type-B) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Storage | 16GB internal flash, SD card slot, internal bay for 2.5-inch SATA drive |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion, up to six hours life |
| Processor | Rockchip RK3288 quad-core ARM chip |
| Software | MPC 2.0 with Pro Pack, bundled samples, instruments, and plugins |
| Included | AC adapter, USB cable, quick start guide, PDF manual (English) |
| Color | Black |
| EAN | 0694318020616 |
Design
The MPC Live features a rubber-topped metal chassis with a tough metal case, providing durability and a premium feel. The touchscreen uses capacitive touch technology and is flush with the surface, differing from the recessed screen on the MPC Touch. The function buttons are made of solid rubber, preferred by some users over the hard plastic buttons on other models. The back panel includes a power switch noted as "loose and cheap-feeling." The unit supports class-compliant USB audio interfaces and acts as a USB hub when in controller mode.
Context
The MPC Live was introduced alongside the MPC X in 2017, responding to renewed interest in self-contained music production tools. It was Akai’s first standalone MPC since the MPC5000 in 2008 and represented a shift toward mobile, wireless production. While the MPC X focused on studio use, the Live emphasized portability. It bridged standalone operation with modern studio features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and advanced sampling, marking the beginning of a new era in the MPC line. The platform has since evolved into a third generation.
Market
The Akai MPC Live launched at £799 / €977 / $1199. It gained a reputation for powerful standalone capabilities but faced criticism for a complex workflow and lack of mic input. Some users reported reliability issues, and its size and weight were noted as cumbersome despite its portable design.
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