Akai MPC Touch (2015)
A hybrid sampling workstation with a 7-inch multi-touch display, requiring a Mac or PC to operate.
Overview
The Akai MPC Touch is a hybrid sampling workstation introduced in 2015, combining a hardware controller with software running on a Mac or PC. It features a 7-inch high-resolution full-colour touchscreen with fast and precise touch response, supporting gestures like pinch-to-zoom, swiping, and dragging for intuitive waveform editing, sample chopping, and MIDI event drawing. The unit is not standalone and relies on a connected computer to function, using a DisplayLink driver to extend the desktop over USB. Designed to feel like a standalone instrument, it integrates tightly with MPC software version 1.9 and embodies the classic MPC workflow while introducing a new touch-driven interface. It was discontinued as of March 2019.
Specifications
| Screen | 7-inch high resolution full-colour, multi-touch display, 1280x800 resolution |
| Pads | 4x4 grid of colour backlit pads, velocity and pressure sensitive |
| Pad Banks | 8 (A to H) |
| Audio Interface | Built-in 2-in/2-out, 24-bit, 44.1kHz |
| Audio I/O | 2 x 1/4" inputs, 2 x 1/4" outputs, 1/4" headphone jack with volume control |
| MIDI I/O | Pair of 3.5mm mini jacks (requires breakout cable) |
| USB Port | Present on rear panel |
| Power | External wall wart power supply (not bus powered) |
| Physical Controls | Four touch-sensitive Q-link dials, one jogwheel, 22 function buttons |
| Stand | Included two-position stand |
| Colour | Black plastic top and sides, red metal chassis/back |
| Minimum System Requirements | Dual Core 2.5 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 2048 MB storage |
| Supported OS | Mac OS X 10.9–10.11; Windows 8, Windows 10 |
| Included Content | Over 20,000 sounds (20GB) |
| Original Price | $799 |
| EAN | 0694318017913 |
Design
The MPC Touch is an attractively compact, solid slab with a textured black plastic top and sides, and a red metal back. It has grippy non-slip feet and feels weighty and stable. The pads offer best-in-class sensitivity, registering even the slightest touch, and are colour backlit with fully user-configurable lighting. The touchscreen runs via a DisplayLink driver, allowing the computer to handle processing while the hardware acts as an extended display. This design enables ultra-fast, intuitive workflows such as grabbing waveforms, drawing MIDI, and adjusting envelopes directly with fingertips. Secondary functions are accessed by double-pressing buttons, and the screen supports tap, double-tap, drag, and pinch gestures.
Context
The MPC Touch was part of a 2015 lineup that included the entry-level MPC Element/Essentials, midrange MPC Studio, and flagship MPC Renaissance. It was positioned as the most desirable current MPC controller, sharing the hybrid design of the MPC Renaissance and Studio but adding a touchscreen. It was marketed as a future-forward progression of the legendary MPC series, with MPC now standing for Music Production Centre. It was seen as a direct competitor to the Native Instruments Maschine mk3, which carried the same $799 price point. The unit was discontinued as of March 2019.
Market
The MPC Touch was sold at a blowout price of $399 by some retailers as of March 2019. One purchase was recorded at £500, though no date was provided.
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