Akai MPC Element (2013)

A compact USB-powered pad controller with MPC Essentials software included. Introduced in 2013, it was the smallest and most affordable MPC at the time.

Overview

The Akai MPC Element is a USB-powered pad controller and hardware-software hybrid groove production device from Akai Professional. It came out in 2013 and was designed to work with a laptop, a desktop computer, or an iPad through Apple's Lightning/Dock Connector to USB adapter. The body is slim and low-profile, with a brushed aluminum control surface and an integrated cover for protection. There are 16 backlit multi-color drum pads, velocity and pressure sensitive. Each pad gets filter and amplitude envelopes, tuning, LFO modulation, and sample editing. It ships with MPC Essentials software, which supports AU/VST/RTAS plugin formats and runs as a standalone app or inside a DAW.

Specifications

Production Year	2013
Dimensions	11.2 in (W) × 8.1 in (D) × 0.66 in (H) / 284 × 205 × 16.89 mm
Weight	1.85 lb (0.86 kg)
Power	USB-powered, no external adapter required
Connectivity	USB connection to Mac, PC, or iPad; MIDI I/O via TRS to MIDI breakout cables (included)
Drum Pads	16 backlit multi-color pads, velocity and pressure sensitive; 8 pad banks
Controls	Four assignable knobs, transport controls, tap tempo, swing, Full Level, 16 Level, Note Repeat, Undo, Erase, Mute/Solo
Audio Support	Supports WAV, REX, AIFF, SND files; 32- and 64-bit operation
Software	MPC Essentials (included); 1GB sound library
Effects	4 insert slots per pad; supports AU/VST plugins and onboard effects
Computer Requirements	Mac OS X 10.6+ or Windows 7; 2 GHz Pentium 4 or faster; 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
Finish	White with shiny metallic fascia

Design

The MPC Element is 14mm thin, with a brushed aluminum control surface and bright backlit buttons. The drum pads are solid black with backlit trim. The trim shifts from amber to red depending on how hard you play, and glows green during editing to show what is selected. The layout has dedicated transport controls, performance buttons (Full Level, 16 Level, Note Repeat), and a Pad Bank selector. The cover is built in. The unit is built to feel solid, and several parts are replaceable: pad sensor sheets, top panels, and rubber button sets.

Context

The MPC Element was introduced in 2013 as the smallest and most affordable model in Akai’s MPC lineup. It was positioned as a portable option for producers working on desktops, laptops, or iPads, and it acknowledged the growing role of tablets in music production. It was more basic than competing systems like Maschine or Ableton Push, but the build quality and pad feel were exceptional for the price.

Market

The MPC Element originally sold for $225.50 and is now discontinued. As of March 21, 2026, used units list for $240.00. New retail prices currently range from $168.85 to $195.00. It comes with a 90-day parts and labor warranty from the retailer. Professional producers including Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and Flying Lotus have used it. It still lacks real-time global swing control in playback, and in standalone mode it offers only one virtual instrument per project.

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