Harness XL Computer-free Creativity: the Groovebox is Only the Beginning
The next stage of groovebox evolution arrives with the futuristic flagship Akai Professional MPC XL — an all-in-one production powerhouse that fuses the iconic interfacing and performance-focused workflow of the time-tested MPC with the cutting-edge audio processing technologies and studio-minded production tools that propel modern musicians to the furthest reaches of artistic innovation. While the MPC’s namesake “Music Production Center” capabilities have always powered standalone creativity, the MPC XL expands its reach to support unrivaled multimode artistry, from modular synthesizers and external gear to real-time mixing and instant re/sampling of live instrumentation. The MPC XL’s processing power is four times more potent than its predecessor's, and Sweetwater’s studio pros are aghast at the seamless multimode creativity this innovative Akai instrument affords, including multidimensional MPCe 3D pads, explosive Performance Touch Strip tactility, high-fidelity time stretching, advanced stem separation, 256 simultaneous voices, and supercharged support for simultaneous plug-ins via MPC3 OS. Simply put, the Akai MPC XL is a powerhouse of unprecedented proportions that obliterates the boundaries of live, studio, hardware, software, and hybrid setups.
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Tenacious tech for expanded aural innovation
This MPC’s extra-large interface and detailed per-function buttons are more than just a solution to ergonomic optimization and satisfying tactility, as Akai has engineered the creative capabilities underlying this expansive interactivity to remain fully powered at all times. With MPC3 OS leading the charge, you can support 32 plug-ins, 16 audio tracks, and 256 voices simultaneously. Featuring an immense 256GB internal SSD, 16GB RAM, and a Gen 2 8-core processor, the MPC XL also includes a built-in SD card reader and a trio of USB-A ports to further expand your storage options for samples, presets, plug-ins, and project files. Considering the kaleidoscopic creative tools, virtual processing, signal management, and innovative interfacing, Akai has ensured the MPC XL is always ready for the most ambitious audial exploration.
Engineered for high-energy 3D expression
Like the MPC Live III before it, Akai’s MPC XL is packed with prismatic and pliable performance power, importing the former’s highly reactive and customizable MPCe performance pads and Performance Touch Strip. The 16 MPCe pads utilize innovative 3D-sensing technology, supporting multi-axis interfacing with each pad. Aftertouch-style qualities are combined with ultra-customizable and RGB-backlit quadrants, transforming each pad into its own XY interface that lets you assign morphing effects, one-shot instrument variations, and continuously controlled modulation parameters wherever you need them. Plus, the inclusion of the Performance Touch Strip brings expansive user-assignable expression to every onboard, MIDI-connected, and virtual-instrument sound, from classic pitch-/mod-wheel bends to evocative automation.
Elegant interfacing and ingenious ergonomic optimization
As a boundary-pushing, all-in-one system, the Akai MPC XL is teeming with polychromic production power. The surface's 1-to-1 function buttons and supplementary shift functions span step sequencing, transport controls, and essential performance tools, complemented by a vibrant, 10.1-inch multi-gesture touchscreen that makes effortless, intuitive work of navigating projects, plug-ins, recording, mixing, and re/sampling tools. Situated between the OLED display and the MPCe performance pads, Akai’s included 32 points of control: 16 touch-sensitive Q-Link knobs and 16 sequencer-focused, RGB function buttons, accompanied by a dynamic OLED display that provides instant visual feedback as you tweak, twist, and turn, automatically adapting to any connected parameter in your project. Finally, an assortment of VU meters, input-gain controls, preamp-management functions, and production workflow parameters flank the touchscreen, giving you instant access to live show-level mixing.
Boundless MPC3 OS power: USB, MIDI, CV, live instruments, and more
As Akai’s aural architrave for the MPC XL, MPC3 OS goes beyond expanding your workflow to include more of your favorite virtual and NKS instruments. This next-gen groovebox and its cutting-edge OS unleash ferocious firepower, fueling expansive onboard and externally connected instruments, effects, and tools. Because Akai built the MPC XL as a first-of-its-kind groovebox that prioritizes interoperative creativity, its diverse connectivity capabilities, including the CV Playgroup, are the key to transforming your hybrid workflow, as this allows you to expand the 16-channel CV/Gate connections to transmit cycling and modulation signals — such as LFOs or envelopes — to Eurorack modules, synthesizers, drum machines, and any other compatible destination.
The MPC XL’s versatile I/O suite spans two dedicated guitar- and keyboard-compatible instrument inputs, a pair of mic-preamp-equipped XLR/TRS combo jacks, sample-ready stereo RCA ins, eight line-level outputs, a 2-in/4-out 5-pin MIDI suite, front-mounted footswitch jacks, and four total USB connections. Moreover, the rear-mounted USB-C port transforms your MPC XL into a 24-channel, bidirectional audio interface, unlocking uncharted terrain for marrying galvanizing groovebox beat-weaving with comprehensive multi-instrumental musicality.
Product editorial: hands-on with the MPC XL
If you want to dive deeper into the latent creative potential of the Akai Professional MPC XL and learn more about how to amplify your MPC XL — or any other MPC3 OS-driven device — setup, head over to inSync. We gave the MPC XL to one of our product copywriters who specializes in beat production, synthesizers, and DJ gear. After spending a day in Sweetwater Studios with the MPC XL, this is what they had to say… Read on, here!
Akai Professional MPC XL Features:
- Groundbreaking evolution of the iconic MPC architecture fuses time-tested groovebox interfacing with expansive multifunctional interfacing for advanced computer-free production
- Next-gen technical engineering means 4x the processing power of previous MPCs via 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and Gen 2 8-core processor
- State-of-the-art MPC3 OS supports extensive creative compatibility with simultaneous use of 32 plug-in instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 voices
- 16 MPCe performance pads utilize innovative 3D-sensing technology for multi-axis, per-pad expression and ultra-customizable XY functionality
- Performance Touch Strip commands highly versatile expression with exceptional detail and satisfying hands-on tactility
- Onboard step sequencer features 16 RGB-backed soft switches for streamlined workflows via customized color coding
- 16 Q-Link knobs feature touch-sensitive controls and dynamic, per-knob OLED displays for precise feedback that adapts to your project in real time
- 1-to-1 button functions mean near-zero menu diving and instantly streamlined workflows
- 10.1-in. multi-gesture touchscreen supplies vivid high-definition display and expanded navigation capabilities
- Advanced stem separation, clip launch, sequencing, time stretching, FX, and re/sampling provide studio-caliber sonic processing for any studio and stage setup
- 2 XLR/TRS combo jacks are endowed with mic preamps for crystalline high-fidelity recording
- Dual instrument inputs accommodate guitars, basses, keys, synths, drum machines, and more, for immense interoperative integration
- 8 stereo 1/8-in. jacks for CV/Gate outputs support up to 16 simultaneous CV outs controlled via onboard CV Playgroup
- 2-in/4-out 5-pin MIDI suite expands rig flexibility to drive or be driven by myriad external instruments and tools
- 8 line-level outputs ensure myriad mixing, routing, and multi-instrumental configurations enjoy the full power and creative pliability of your groovebox
- 2 front-mounted footswitch inputs accommodate 1/4-in. connections for even greater degrees of dynamic control
- SD card reader and 3 USB-A ports offer malleable storage support for presets, project files, and samples
- USB-C port allows for multi-functional use as a 24-ch. I/O audio interface
