
The MPC Sample from Akai Professional is based on the classic MPCs of the late 1990s and early 2000s, which were primarily designed for sampling and sequencing. The compact unit combines a large part of the old-school workflow with current, modern features. Compared to the larger MPC models whether the current generation or those released in recent years the flat menu structure is immediately noticeable. Submenus are kept to a minimum; all settings can be adjusted quickly on the 2.4" colour display, and operation is intuitive with only a short learning curve. With a low weight of around 900 grams, up to five hours of battery life, a built-in microphone and integrated speaker, Akai clearly focuses on compactness and mobility. The MPC Sample comes preloaded with over 100 drum kits, so you can get started right away and explore the sampler’s capabilities. In addition, dozens of pre-produced projects are included for experimentation.
In addition to the included samples, you can load new material from a (separately available) microSD card or record samples using the built-in microphone, the audio input or via USB. Using USB-C, you can sample directly from your smartphone, transfer audio to a DAW, and/or sample directly from your DAW. Resampling is also supported, allowing samples processed with effects to be saved as new files. Incidentally, the memory structure is project-based: each project can store up to 128 samples and 128 patterns, and the total number of projects is unlimited.
As usual, samples are triggered using 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads. The pad banks can be switched from A to H, giving you direct access to up to 128 samples. The MPC Sample also includes typical MPC pad modes such as Tune, Velocity, Filter, Reverse and Note Repeat. Sample chopping (splitting a loop into precise slices) as well as real-time time-stretching and re-pitching are essential MPC features. The MIDI sequencer can be played in the classic MPC style in real time, either tightly quantised or with a natural “human feel”.
When it comes to effects, Akai has equipped the MPC Sample generously. With KNOB FX and the three knobs below the display, you can select an effect that is applied either to an individual sample or to the master output. PAD FX draws from a pool of 60 effects; up to 16 effects can be triggered simultaneously via the pads. This feels very intuitive and allows you to create varied breaks at the touch of a button. FLEX BEAT contains 16 rhythmic effects that will particularly appeal to producers with a DJ background. Scratches, reverse playback, gater/tremolo, turntable stop and other creative combinations can be applied to the stereo master as a one-shot or loop.

The rear panel is kept simple and straightforward. It includes USB-C for data, MIDI and audio, an adjustable stereo input, a stereo output, MIDI In & Out via (separately available) TRS adapters, Sync Out for analogue clock signals, and a headphone output.
