The AKAI Professional MPC Studio is a bus-powered USB MIDI controller for use with the MPC 2 software included in the scope of delivery. This is a high-performance digital audio workstation (DAW) programme that delivers extensive editing options, numerous plugins, and up to 128 audio and instrument tracks. The combination of controller and software provides an intuitive workflow that makes it easily to turn creative ideas into reality. Whether you are putting together simple beats or ready-to-release songs, the MPC Studio and MPC software deliver the complete package for production, mixing, and mastering at an unbeatable price.
The MPC Studio features 16 velocity-sensitive pads with RGB backlighting and Aftertouch for outstanding performance and a touch strip with an LED feedback function, which can be used to shape a range of different parameters and create individual customised sounds and to control the Note Repeat function and create exciting hi-hat and snare rolls. The user interface also includes backlit buttons for the whole range of practical functions and a push encoder for navigation, as well as a colour LC display that provides a useful overview. The extensive transport section includes Record, Overdub, Play, and Stop functions in addition to a Locate function, which allows the user to navigate through the project with absolute precision using the encoder.
Together, the AKAI Professional MCP Studio and MPC 2 software allow extensive music productions to be put together in a highly creative and intuitive manner. The 140 mm touch strip, to which any desired number of individual software and plugin parameters can be assigned, is a particular highlight and allows unique effects and exciting transitions to be generated using a single control element. To provide clear visual feedback on the setting currently in use, the touch strip is also equipped with a separate LED display on the right-hand side.
Akai Professional has its origins in the long-established Japanese company Akai, founded in 1929, which initially manufactured electric motors, soon to be followed by high-quality tape recorders and hi-fi products. Since 1988, Akai has also become a household name like no other on the hip-hop scene. With the development of its first MIDI Production Centre (MPC for short), created in collaboration with Roger Linn, Akai wrote history by decisively influencing the sound of hip-hop and electronic music, which it continues to do to this very day. Famous exponents of the MPC series include DJ Shadow, Eminem, and Kanye West. Today, Akai is also well known for its robust and versatile USB MIDI controllers, not least of which is the bulletproof APC range of Ableton controllers.
In addition to a huge collection of samples and loops from companies like F9 Audio and Decap, the MPC 2 software also contains a wide selection of software instruments from AIR Music Tech, such as AIR Hype, AIR Mellotron, and AIR Solina. What is more, a package of high-performance tools for recording and editing vocal tracks is also on board. The AIR Vocal Suite includes software for pitch correction and for doubling, harmonising, and creating saturation effects. Finally, the package is rounded out by an extensive bundle of high-quality AIR Music Tech insert effects.