Akai Professional has introduced the battery-powered MPC500, the newest addition to the Music Production Center (MPC) family. Now everyone has the ability to take this popular compositional tool anywhere they go, from the studio to their outdoor hideaway (because fresh air is actually good for you!). The MPC500 allows professional musicians and producers to pursue their increasingly mobile lifestyles. Its functionality offers drum programming, sequencing, and sampling capabilities that allow artists the luxury of creating music on the go in a compact roadworthy chassis.
The best part may be that the MPC500 is data-compatible with both the MPC1000 and the MPC2500 and includes both line and mic inputs for sampling your own sounds. Other enhancements include a mass storage-class USB port, a built-in compact flash drive, and a 2 x 16 character backlit LCD. The 32-voice MPC500 ships with 16MB of memory, expandable to a full 128MB for 24.5 minutes of recording time and it even includes a full complement of effects, such as chorus, flange, 4-band EQ, compressor, tremolo, and more! Word is it should be shipping soon!