Akai MPX8 (2013)

Name: Akai MPX8
Brand: Akai

A portable sample pad controller with SD-based sample loading, announced at NAMM 2013.

Overview

The Akai Professional MPX8 is a portable sample pad controller for musicians and DJs. Akai announced it at NAMM 2013. It has eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads that trigger samples stored on SD or SDHC cards. It reads 16-bit stereo .wav files and gives you 32 MB of memory per kit, with storage managed via SD card. Akai marketed it as a compact, portable unit for live performance and studio use. Firmware is updatable, and the unit has reverb, sample tuning and three trigger types. It connects via USB for MIDI and power, with 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O through 3.5mm jacks. Audio goes out through two balanced 1/4" TRS jacks and a 3.5mm headphone output.

Specifications

Maximum samples	500
Sample format	16-bit stereo .wav
Memory per kit	32 MB
Presets	99
Pad count	8
Storage	SD Card
Pads	8 velocity/pressure-sensitive pads
Audio Outputs	(2) TRS 1/4" (balanced), (1) 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone
MIDI I/O	MIDI over USB, 5-Pin DIN via 1/8" (3.5mm) MIDI in and out
Power	5VDC 1000mA via USB
Dimensions	295 x 105 x 30 mm
Weight	1lb (0.45kg)

Design

The MPX8 pairs drum pads with a large collection of samples stored on an SD card. The pads are velocity- and pressure-sensitive. Firmware is updatable, and the unit is powered via USB.

Context

Announced at NAMM 2013, the MPX8 was positioned as a portable sample launcher for musicians and DJs. Akai emphasized ease of use and direct SD card sample loading.

Market

The MPX8 was originally priced at $99. User feedback was mixed. Some called it a cool, useful tool and rated it 8/10. Others reported slow sample loading, no MIDI Program Change, loop sync problems, MIDI Running Status Blindness, and non-polyphonic playback per pad (a second hit restarts the sample).