The MPC Sample from Akai Professional is based on the classic MPCs of the late 90s and early 2000s, which were primarily only capable of sampling and sequencing. The compact model combines a good part of the old-school workflow with current and modern features. In comparison to the large MPC models - whether the current or those of recent years - the flat structure is immediately noticeable. Submenus are kept to a minimum, all settings can be made quickly on the 2.4" colour display and operation is intuitive with a short learning curve. With a low weight of around 900 grams, up to 5 hours of battery operation, a built-in microphone and an integrated loudspeaker, Akai focuses on compactness and mobility. The MPC Sample comes from the factory with over 100 Drum kits so you can get started straight away and familiarise yourself with the sampler's possibilities; there are also dozens of pre-produced projects to try out.
Sample as it suits you
In addition to the samples already included, you can load new material from the (separately available) MicroSD card or sample from the built-in microphone, the audio input or via USB. Via USB-C you can sample directly from your smartphone, transfer audio to a DAW and/or sample directly from the DAW. Resampling is also offered and samples processed with effects can be saved as a new file. Incidentally, the memory structure is project-based; 128 samples and 128 patterns can be saved per project, there is no limit to the number of projects.
Typical MPC!
As usual, the samples are triggered with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads. The pad bankscan be switched from A-H, giving you direct access to 128 samples. The MPC Sample also features typical MPC pad modes such as tune, velocity, filter, reverse and note repeat. Sample chopping (splitting a loop into exact pieces) and time stretching / re-pitch in real time are indispensable in an MPC! The MIDI sequencer is drummed in in the usual MPC manner with and without "human feel" in real time.
Effects galore
When it comes to effects, Akai has given the MPC Sample a lot to offer. KNOB FX and the three knobs under the Display select an effect that is applied to a single sample or the sum. PAD FX draws from a pool of 60 effects; 16 effects can be played simultaneously via the pads. This feels very intuitive and you can put together your own varied breaks at the touch of a button. FLEX BEAT contains 16 rhythmic effects that will appeal to producers with a DJ background in particular. Scratches, backwards playback, gater/tremolo, turntable off and other wild combinations can be applied to the stereo sum as a one-shot or loop.
Connections
The rear with the connections is kept straightforward. There is 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 and a headphone output.
MPC Sample | Where Beats are Born | Akai Professional
MPC Sample | Overview
Features:
Manufacturer:
Akai Professional
Construction / Number of Keys:
Desktop ohne Tastatur
Roland SP-404 MK II
Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II 128MB
Teenage Engineering EP-40 Launch Bundle
Elektron Model:Samples
Roland P-6 Creative Sampler