Akai MPX8 (2013)
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 designed for musicians and DJs. Announced at NAMM 2013, it features eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for triggering samples stored on SD or SDHC cards. It supports 16-bit stereo .wav files and includes 32 MB of memory per kit, with storage managed via SD card. Marketed as a compact, portable solution for live performance and studio use, the MPX8 allows firmware updates and includes 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, and outputs audio 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 combines drum pads with a large collection of samples stored on an SD card. Its pads are velocity- and pressure-sensitive, supporting expressive performance. 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, emphasizing ease of use and direct SD card sample loading.
Market
Originally priced at $99, the MPX8 received mixed user feedback. Some praised it as a cool, useful tool, rating it 8/10, while others reported issues including slow sample loading, lack of MIDI Program Change, loop sync problems, MIDI Running Status Blindness, and non-polyphonic playback per pad (where a second hit restarts the sample).
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