Akai - MPC Live III
Akai Professional's MPC Live III marks a milestone in the history of music production workstations. This new machine, designed for producers, beatmakers and performers, combines raw power and expressive finesse in a format designed to take you anywhere. Its new architecture, quadrupled in terms of power, makes this MPC an autonomous studio, without ever having to depend on a computer. The multi-touch screen provides crystal-clear navigation, the MPCe pads redefine sensitivity with their multiple zones and organic expressivity, while the Clip Matrix and dedicated sequencer open up the possibilities for arrangements and performance. You can go from draft idea to final production in a single gesture, with a workflow that follows your rhythm, with no brakes and no detours. A true extension of your sonic imagination, capable of transforming every keystroke into a complete musical universe, like an idea box that's always ready.
Presentation
The new-generation pads feature MPCe 3D-sensing technology: each of the 16 RGB pads is divided into 4 independent zones, for a total of 64 expressive zones. In practice, you can trigger up to 4 samples per pad, and add morphing, XY control and dynamic repeats that transform each keystroke into a unique musical event. The sensation is different, more alive, as if the instrument were breathing with you.
In addition to the pads, Akai has added a step-by-step sequencer with 16 physical buttons, designed for both live improvisation and composing precise patterns. The Clip Matrix opens the door to instant combinations of MIDI and audio loops of different lengths, which you can chain together or superimpose using the touch screen. And for even more intuitive control, the multi-mode touch strip and 360° encoder let you sculpt your effects and parameters in real time, with a responsiveness that totally changes your relationship to sound.
The MPC Live III isn't just a studio tool: it comes with a condenser microphone, built-in stereo speakers and a lithium-ion battery that lasts for 3 to 4 hours. You can go from your home studio to a terrace or a stage without losing quality or working comfort. And when you want to share, you can broadcast your creations directly, with a sound that's already very well balanced.
In terms of connectivity, the MPC Live III takes its role as creative hub seriously. Two XLR/Jack combo inputs, an RCA phono input, six jack outputs for multi-channel routing, eight CV/Gate outputs and multiple MIDI ports for dialogue with modular synths: it's all there. And thanks to its multi-channel USB-C port, it turns into a complete audio/MIDI interface, managing 24 audio channels and 32 MIDI channels. You can sample from your computer or iPhone, or switch to Ableton Control mode to control your DAW.
Features
Other features
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Akai Professional MPC Live III
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Next-generation standalone music production workstation
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Direct successor to the MPC Live II
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8-core ARM processor
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Clip Matrix: launch, combine & chain MIDI & audio loops
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Step sequencer: 16 steps with 16 dedicated buttons
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Exclusive new MPC3 Pro plug-in features, including :
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Pro Stems Separation
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Super Timestretch
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CV Playgroup
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Utility Plug
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Clip Matrix
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Pro Reverb & EQ
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Controls :
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Multi-mode performance touch strip
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360° navigation encoder with push function
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Touch-sensitive Q-Link encoders with 4 banks via selector switch
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Pads: 16 MPCe RGB pads with 3D detection & 4 zones per pad
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Advanced dynamic articulations & repeats
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Blend of up to 4 samples per pad
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X/Y control
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Integrated high-performance stereo speakers
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7" multi-touch colour screen
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Built-in condenser microphone
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Operating system: MPC3 OS
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Internal storage: 128 GB
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Expandable via SATA
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RAM: 8 GB
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Connections :
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Audio inputs: 2x Combo XLR/TRS ∅6,35 mm + Phantom 48V
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Phono input : 2x RCA + Ground
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Audio outputs : 6x Jack TRS ∅6,35 mm
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Headphone output: 6.35 mm TRS jack ∅
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CV/Gate: 8x mini-jack TRS ∅3.5 mm
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MIDI In / Out : 2x 2 DIN 5 pins
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Storage: 2x USB-A + SD card slot
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Multi-channel USB: USB-C
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Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
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Power supply :
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Lithium-ion battery
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Battery life: 3 to 4 hours
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Supplied adapter: 19 V / 3.42 A ∿
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Dimensions : 435.9 x 256.0 x 67.1 mm
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Weight: 3.90 kg
To find out more...
The MPC Live II introduced the first autonomy with its built-in speakers and drum kit, but the MPC Live III takes this idea much further with a processor four times more powerful, MPCe pads with new articulations and a physical sequencer that changes the way you compose. The transition between the two models is immediately apparent: the workflow becomes clearer, the possibilities deeper and the portability even more credible.
If you want to get the most out of your MPC Live III, certain accessories will quickly prove indispensable. A reinforced carrying case protects your machine when you're on the move, quality cables ensure a lossless signal to your speakers or console, and, of course, accurate monitoring headphones are the perfect complement to the built-in speakers for working out the details of your mix.
You can also consider adding fast SD cards or an SSD to expand your storage space and carry even more projects and sound libraries. So your workflow stays smooth, wherever you are, and you can take full advantage of the ecosystem that Akai has patiently built around its MPC series.
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Spotlight on
Having entered the music market in 1984, it didn't take long for Akai to become a leading brand in controllers, drum machines, MPCs, samplers and MIDI controllers. Whether it's standalone with the MPC One, Force or MPC Live 2, or plugged into your computer to take control of your software and virtual instruments with the MPK Mini, Akai Professional lets you make music wherever you want, in an intuitive and creative way. From the smallest portable controller to the largest studio-oriented pad system, Akai Professional has something for every MIDI controller need.
