Akai MPC XL

The Akai MPC  XL is a flagship standalone music‑production workstation that combines the classic MPC workflow with a dramatically upgraded hardware suite, delivering desktop‑class processing power in a portable format.

Core Hardware

The unit packs a Gen 2 eight‑core processor that provides four times the compute capacity of earlier MPC models, paired with 16 GB of RAM to handle large sample libraries and intensive plug‑in chains. An internal 256 GB NVMe SSD supplies fast storage, while a SATA‑III expansion bay lets users attach additional drives.

Display & Controls

A 10.1‑inch HD multi‑gesture touchscreen with tilt offers real‑time visual feedback, complemented by sixteen touch‑responsive Q‑Link knobs each fitted with an OLED read‑out. The knobs sit in a single horizontal row for ergonomic access. Below them, a dedicated step‑sequencer presents sixteen RGB‑lit function buttons.

Pads, Touch Strip & Performance Features

Sixteen 3‑D‑sensing MPC pads deliver four‑quadrant pressure sensitivity, enabling producers to morph, loop, layer and manipulate sounds fluidly. An assignable performance touch strip adds tactile control for FX, note repeat and channel fader adjustments.

Channel Command & Audio Interface Hub

The upper section introduces an XL channel command panel with an OLED display and encoder for rapid mixing and recording tweaks. On the right, an audio‑interface hub provides independent input‑level knobs, a main‑volume knob and coloured VU meters that visualise signal strength instantly.

Connectivity

Rear‑panel connections include two combo jacks with professional‑grade mic preamps and phantom power, dedicated instrument inputs, phono inputs for turntables and eight line outputs for complex routing. MIDI and CV expandability features two 5‑pin MIDI inputs, four MIDI outputs supporting up to 32 channels, and sixteen CV/gate outputs. USB‑C delivers up‑to‑24‑channel audio and MIDI, while three USB hub ports (two rear, one front) accommodate peripheral devices. Front‑panel amenities comprise an SD‑card reader, two line inputs, and dual headphone sockets (3.5 mm and 6.3 mm).

Software Integration

The workstation runs the latest MPC 3 software, incorporating pro‑STEM separation, advanced time‑stretching, clip‑launching and expanded CV control. Out‑of‑the‑box content includes the Native Instruments MPC Edition Play Series, the Lone Forest Expansion, the MPC Pro pack and a suite of premium plug‑ins such as Fabric XL, Fabric Piano, OPx4, Studio Strings, Organ, Hype, Tubesynth, Odyssey, Solina, Mellotron, Drumsynth, Bassling and Electric.

Why Choose the Akai MPC XL?

• Unmatched processing power – eight‑core CPU and 16 GB RAM keep large projects running smoothly.
• Intuitive hands‑on control – OLED‑backed Q‑Link knobs and 3‑D pads put creative decisions at your fingertips.
• Comprehensive I/O – microphone preamps, instrument, phono, MIDI, CV and USB‑C connections turn the unit into a studio hub.
• Professional‑grade software – MPC 3 with pro‑STEM, time‑stretch and clip‑launch tools streamlines workflow.
• Rich sound library – premium plug‑ins and sample packs deliver instantly usable, high‑quality tones.

• Gen 2 eight‑core processor, four‑times previous compute power
• 16 GB RAM for demanding sessions
• 256 GB NVMe SSD plus SATA‑III expansion bay
• 10.1‑inch HD multitouch touchscreen with tilt
• Sixteen OLED‑display Q‑Link knobs in a single row
• Dedicated step sequencer with sixteen RGB function buttons
• Sixteen 3‑D‑sensing pads with four‑quadrant pressure sensitivity
• Assignable performance touch strip for FX and note repeat
• XL channel command panel with OLED display and encoder
• Audio‑interface hub with independent level knobs and coloured VU meters
• Two combo mic/line inputs with phantom power
• Dedicated instrument inputs and phono inputs for turntables
• Eight line outputs for complex routing
• Two 5‑pin MIDI inputs, four MIDI outputs (up to 32 channels)
• Sixteen CV/gate outputs for modular integration
• USB‑C audio/MIDI interface supporting up to 24 channels
• Three USB hub ports (two rear, one front)
• Front‑panel SD‑card reader, two line inputs, dual headphone sockets (3.5 mm & 6.3 mm)
• MPC 3 software with pro‑STEM separation, time‑stretch, clip‑launch, expanded CV control
• Included Native Instruments MPC Edition Play Series and Lone Forest Expansion
• MPC Pro pack with studio‑grade time‑stretch and clip‑launch tools
• Premium plug‑ins: Fabric XL, Fabric Piano, OPx4, Studio Strings, Organ, Hype, Tubesynth, Odyssey, Solina, Mellotron, Drumsynth, Bassling, Electric

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.