I almost never write reviews for anything, but I'm writing this one because the MPC Live 3 is SO F'ing good it's almost hard to believe. I actually owned the original MPC live and I sold it years ago because I never really clicked with the workflow and button layout on the previous versions of the software- it was just counter-intuitive to me.

I've been making music for decades and I've owned literally tens of thousands of dollars of gear over that time. Practically every new drum machine or groovebox released over the last 10 years, I've bought it. And a lot of that gear is really good at SOME things, but lacking in other areas. So I always found myself thinking, "If this box could only do ____ it would be perfect."

I can honestly say the MPC live 3 does literally EVERYTHING I want it to do. In fact, the new workflow is so effortless, I can't even turn it on without creating the basics of a new track within about 2 minutes. I used to worry about workarounds for specific things other boxes couldn't do, and now I'm worried about actually finishing the dozens of new tracks I've started just in the last week.

For me, the 2 biggest game-changers here are the step sequencer and the clip view arrangement window in the new software. I do mainly electronic music with a lot of 4 on the floor beats and I've worked a lot in Ableton, so the clip view is perfect. I don't do a ton of sampling, but the times I have sampled with this, the USB-C sampling feature is so smooth. And even if you aren't an electronic producer, the clip view is great for other styles too- I've made some cool lo-fi tracks with strings and dusty pianos and old synth arps, all in clip view.

If you're on the fence about this, I can guarantee you- it's the best money you'll ever spend on gear. And if anyone from AKAI reads this, I just want to say THANK YOU for making this box.

The Akai MPC Live III is an absolutely impressive powerhouse. Its workflow feels faster and more intuitive than ever, the build quality is solid, and the combination of deep sampling, sequencing, and modern creative tools makes it a true all-in-one production machine. It's hard not to be inspired every time you power it on.

And as always, the Sweetwater buying experience was incredible—smooth, professional, and a genuine joy. Their attention to detail and customer care turn every purchase into something special. Highly recommended on both fronts.

I have always dreamed of a potable music production center that didn't involve bringing my laptop, midi controller, cables, speakers, and all other equipment to be able to mess around making music. The fact that it has a microphone built in, and you can plug in other instruments like bass, or guitar is amazing. The possibilities are endless to what you can make. All the preset sounds, synths, and drums sound amazing on the built in speaker. I'm very busy, and it's nice not having to lug out all of my gear to make music on my computer with Ableton (though when I have more time, I would like to get back into it). I can sit in bed and mess around with the MPC Live 3 for hours. All the buttons seem overwhelming having never owned an MPC before, but it really helps with the workflow. This has been the best purchase I have made in a while. Definitely recommend getting one of these.

I sit in front of computer all day for work so being able to lay on the couch or wherever and have fun making "music" while not having to be attached to any cords was a huge selling point for me. It is truly all contained unit with integrated battery, mic and speakers. Also the updates like more buttons and Clip launcher/arranger borrowed from Akai Force are very welcome. the speakers are actually very good, nice highs and a deep bass. they actually shake my desk. Think expensive bluetooth speaker - it won't replace your studio monitors but they are definitely impressive. the I/O is second to none. the pads are the best I've ever used. super sensitive & feel amazing.

Something to consider. Many aspects of this device are pretty hard to wrap my brain around. getting lost or confused often. That is something that I need to see if I can get better at to decide if I should keep it or not. It is just the nature of such a comprehensive device. It's truly a Swiss army knife of music production, so there may be things you may not need or find redundant but I think that's the point.

Aside from the learning curve the only other big complaint is battery life. It's pretty bad. like lucky to get 2 hours with lowest pad/screen brightness & WiFi/Bluetooth off. I got about 1.5 hours just messing around with it. learning/navigating. I did have the speakers on, but I didn't even have it playing the majority of that time. only had about 10 samples loaded and occasionally messing with a plugin Synth. these 2 issues are the only reason I am not 100% sure I will keep it. out side of that its an absolute unit!

Sweetwater has provided me some of the best customer service ever. A personal representative called me direct after ordering my MPC Live 3 to find out a little about me abd why I chose to order through them. They also followed up a week later to confirm everything was still good with my new purchase. It really gives you peace of mind knowing that they care. Plus I recieved a two year warranty with my purchas. Now about the product itself, all I can say is wow! This thing is powerful and can handle anything you throw at it. It goes as far as your creativity can go.

Im enjoying this more than the mpc one +. Still figuring it out but having a ton of endless fun.

This is the ultimate machine and nothing can compete with it.

This is the groovebox of my dreams! I'm blown away by the performance, speed, and responsiveness thanks to the new buttons and pads. Even though on my particular unit the second pad from the bottom turned out to be defective (it triggers double hits or sometimes doesn't register touches at all), I'm still giving it 5 stars. Huge thanks to Sweetwater for reacting instantly and offering a replacement.
The only downsides, in my opinion, are the battery (1.5 hours under load) and the overall design — a bit scary-looking, but you get used to it, and it's really not a big deal.

Great machine. So versatile. The new expensive pads are phenomenal. Built in microphone is wonderful. Overall very happy with this purchase.

I own a live 2 , X , Mashine mk3, and this live 3 is the best. The pads are awesome. I would get double triggers on the live 2 (sent back to Akai 3 times) and the X, but I have not had a single double trigger on the live 3. Very happy with my purchase. Thank you Chris for selling me this great gear.

I've been looking for a standalone recording solution for years. I've tried every major groovebox, multitrack recorder etc and all of them fell short in some form or another, be it no midi integration (most modern multitrack recorders), no arranger mode, subpar operating softawre etc etc.

Akai has knocked it out of the park with MPC Live III. They were already on the right track for me with the MPC 3 software but they have ticked all of the boxes with this device. Want to work on a project like a typical DAW? That is covered with arranger mode. Like working like Ableton Live? That is covered with clip launching. Want to use a step sequencer with micro timing? It is all here. The processor loads plugins and samples quickly. Navigating the operating system is easy. While the surface is a bit crowded and there are a TON of buttons to learn, that also means next to no menu diving.

The internal speakers are adequate. Not as good as my studio monitors but higher quality than expected for a self sustained device. Same goes for the built in mic. Is it a world class condenser? No, but it is good enough to record an acoustic guitar or really convenient for demoing vocals on a track. I have not tested the battery life as this unit will mostly just stay on my studio desk. It's a bit heavy to be considered super portable but it is nice to have the option.

All and all I seriously could not ask for anything else and am super happy Akai went this route.