Akai MPC One (2020–present)

A compact, standalone sampling workstation with touch interface, built-in synths, and CV/Gate support.

Overview

The Akai MPC One is a standalone sampling workstation and hardware DAW. Akai Professional has produced it since 2020. It's the entry-level model in the modern MPC lineup. It runs the MPC 2.0 operating system and uses the same quad-core ARM processor and 2 GB of RAM as the MPC Live. The display is a 7-inch multi-touch color LCD. Around it sit 31 dedicated function buttons, 4 touch-sensitive Q-Link encoders, and 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB backlit pads. Akai announced it at the NAMM Show 2020 as a more affordable way into core MPC features, with no battery power and no wireless connectivity.

Specifications

Screen	7-inch multi-touch color LCD display
Pads	16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB backlit pads
Processor	Quad-core ARM processor
RAM	2 GB
Internal Storage (User)	16 GB
Factory Sound Library Size	Over 10 GB pre-installed content
Included Software Synths	TubeSynth, Bassline, Electric
Audio Inputs	2 x 1/4" TRS (stereo pair or dual mono)
Audio Outputs	2 x 1/4" TRS Main Outputs (L/Mono, R), 2 x 1/4" TRS Assignable Outputs
Headphone Output	1 x 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo
MIDI I/O	1 x MIDI In, 1 x MIDI Out, 1 x MIDI Thru
CV/Gate Outputs	4 x 1/8" TRS jacks providing 8 CV/Gate outputs total (via split cables)
USB Ports	1 x USB Type-B (for computer connection), 2 x USB Type-A (for storage, controllers, or wireless adapter)
Other Ports	RJ45 Link port, 2 x 1/4" pedal inputs (sustain/switch)
SD Card	SD card slot (for storage expansion)
Power	19V DC power adapter (included); no internal battery
Tracks	128 MIDI tracks, 8 stereo audio tracks per project
Effects/plugins	Over 100 built-in effects and plugins
Included Software	MPC 2.0 Desktop Software license
Connectivity	No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Weight	2.1 kg / 4.7 lbs
Dimensions	272 x 272 x 53 mm / 10.7" x 10.7" x 2.1"
Finish	Gray (standard model)

Design

The MPC One has a durable plastic chassis. It's the smallest and lightest model in the modern MPC range. The control layout mixes touchscreen and hardware, and the pads are slightly smaller than those on the MPC Live and X. Memory expansion works through USB-A drives and an SD card. The front panel has more dedicated buttons than the MPC Live II. There's no internal battery, so it needs an external 19V DC adapter. It also has automated sampling features, scale/chord functions, and CV Programs for assigning modulation sources to 8 output channels.

Context

Akai introduced the MPC One as the most affordable model in its modern MPC series, below the MPC Live and MPC X. Sampling, sequencing, plugins, and the OS are the same as on those models. What it leaves out is battery power, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, speakers, a phono input, and auxiliary outputs. The MPC One+ with wireless connectivity came out in 2023. The original MPC series began in 1988 with the MPC60, designed by Roger Linn.

Market

The MPC One originally sold for $699. It's praised as a capable and affordable standalone workstation. Its built-in instruments and effects are noted for high sound quality, and the pads are highly responsive. Some users report workflow complexities in Song mode and sequence management. The "Retro Edition" has a distinct gray color scheme and visual skin.