Akai’s MPC {hardware} is generally an costly funding — you are taking a look at $699 for the ‘entry’ One manufacturing studio. That ecosystem simply grew to become way more reasonably priced when you’ve got a pc, nonetheless. The company has launched an MPC Studio controller constructed solely to tie in with MPC 2 software program in your Mac or PC. Plug it in and you may produce tunes with the signature 16 drum pads (with stress, velocity and aftertouch management) in addition to an assignable contact strip that permits you to twist devices and synths. A shade LCD helps preserve your deal with the controller whenever you’re chopping samples or fine-tuning results.

The software program, unsurprisingly, performs a key function. Akai has been pouring way more of its vitality into its MPC 2 software program, together with a large update in July that added AIR plugins and on-device pitch correction. You’ll have entry to eight plugin instrument engines in addition to sampling, MIDI sequencing, arranging and different components of the MPC workflow. Think of the MPC Studio as Akai’s reply to Ableton’s Push — it is {hardware} that brings out the software program’s full potential.

The MPC Studio is obtainable at the moment for $269. You’ll nonetheless want MPC 2 (usually $200, at the moment $100), however it’s nonetheless a relative cut price as long as you may have a production-ready laptop. This may make Akai’s universe significantly extra accessible in case you’re new to this type of music making.