For nearly 40 years, MPCs have shaped the sound and culture of modern music production. Akai Professional MPC Sample carries this legacy forward by making the art of sampling more accessible and approachable than ever before. Inspired by the legendary MPC60 design, this portable sampler, sequencer and effects processor puts the iconic workflow of vintage MPCs into a compact, modern format with features that empower limitless creativity.
Legendary MPC pads, a full-color display and simple creative controls encourage hands-on sampling, looping and beatmaking right out of the box. For immediate idea generation, this standalone hardware comes with over 100 kits, inspiring pad and knobs effects, and an intuitive chopping workflow.
MPC Sample is equipped with all the storage and connectivity options creatives need. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery, microSD card storage, an onboard sequencer, an internal microphone, a built-in speaker and a USB-C connection make it easy and convenient to record, edit and play back audio on the go – no computer or DAW required.
- An easy entry point to MPC: This compact, all-in-one sampler opens the door to the iconic MPC workflow for a new generation of creatives.
- Complete portability: MPC Sample’s battery-powered design with built-in speaker and microphone empowers users to create and record anytime, anywhere.
- Hands-on workflow: Responsive MPC pads, intuitive controls and a full-color display make producing and beatmaking fast and fun for all skill levels.
- Onboard creative effects: Players have access to 4 onboard effects engines for realtime sample flips and resampling with 60 creative FX types including Flex Beat, Color Compressor, Vinyl emulations and Tape emulations.
- Instant inspiration: This compact creative tool comes loaded with over 100 artist and producer drum kits, 4 creative effect engines and an intuitive sample chopping workflow to spark ideas immediately.
- No computer needed: MPC Sample is a complete standalone solution for recording, sequencing, producing and performing with the option to connect external gear easily via USB-C and MIDI.
- Compact and connected: Powerful I/O, plenty of storage, USB-C providing Audio/MIDI connectivity and smart device sampling together in one handheld unit allows for a full production experience without complexity.
- Versatile for any genre or style: MPC Sample is designed for beatmakers, sample-based producers, singer-songwriters, live performers, DAW-less jammers, indie creators and beginner/hobbyist musicians seeking a new form of inspiration and expression.
MPC Sample makes it easy and fun for anyone to record, create and produce music on the go. Its compact form factor and intuitive design enable creatives to enter the world of sampling or experience the iconic MPC workflow in a whole new way.
For nearly 40 years, MPCs have shaped the sound and culture of modern music production. MPC Sample carries this legacy forward by making the art of sampling more accessible and approachable than ever before. Inspired by the legendary MPC60 design, this portable sampler, sequencer and effects processor puts the iconic workflow of vintage MPCs into a compact, modern format with features that empower limitless creativity.
Legendary MPC pads, a full-color display and simple creative controls encourage hands-on sampling, looping and beatmaking right out of the box. For immediate idea generation, this standalone hardware comes with over 100 kits, 60 inspiring pad and knobs effects, and an intuitive sample chopping workflow.
MPC Sample is equipped with all the storage and connectivity options creatives need. A rechargeable lithium- ion battery, microSD card storage, an onboard sequencer, an internal microphone, a built-in speaker and a USB-C connection make it easy and convenient to record, edit and play back audio on the go – no computer or DAW required.
Frequently Asked Questions: Akai MPC Sample
What is the Akai MPC Sample and how is it different from other MPCs?
The Akai MPC Sample is a compact, standalone sampler and sequencer designed for fast, hands-on beatmaking without a computer. Unlike larger MPC units, it focuses on portability and simplicity, with a built-in speaker, battery power, and streamlined controls while still retaining the core MPC workflow. It has fewer advanced features and less deep editing capability than full-sized MPC units, but is well suited for quick inspiration and portability. It’s best thought of as a quick, idea-driven sketchpad with the MPC workflow, while larger MPC models are full production hubs capable of handling entire tracks from start to finish.
Is the MPC Sample a good choice for beginners?
Yes — it’s one of the more approachable ways to learn the MPC workflow. The layout is simplified compared to flagship models, and it includes built-in sounds, effects, and an intuitive sampling process, so it’s possible to start making beats quickly without needing additional gear or software.
Can the MPC Sample be used without a computer?
Yes — it operates fully standalone. You can record, chop samples, sequence patterns, and build complete beats directly on the unit. A computer is only needed if you want to transfer files, expand your workflow, or integrate it with other software.
What makes the MPC workflow different from other samplers?
The MPC workflow is centered around pads, sequencing, and real-time manipulation of samples. Instead of relying on a linear timeline like a DAW, it encourages building beats through loops, pad performance, and pattern-based sequencing, which many producers find faster and more tactile.
What kind of music can you make with the MPC Sample?
It’s primarily designed for sample-based production like hip-hop, lo-fi, and electronic music, but it can be used for a wide range of styles. Any genre that benefits from looping, chopping, or rhythmic sequencing can be created on the MPC Sample.
Can you use your own samples with the MPC Sample?
Yes — you can import your own sounds via microSD or USB-C. Once loaded, samples can be chopped, looped, pitch-shifted, time-stretched, and assigned to pads for performance or sequencing.
Does the MPC Sample have built-in sounds or kits?
Yes — it includes over 100 preset kits and sounds, so it’s ready to use immediately without requiring additional downloads. These are useful for sketching ideas or building full tracks.
Can you record audio directly into the MPC Sample?
Yes — audio can be recorded using the built-in microphone, external inputs, or via USB audio. This allows for quick sampling of instruments, vocals, or environmental sounds without extra equipment.
Can you perform live with the MPC Sample?
Yes — it supports real-time pad performance, live sequencing, and effects control. This makes it suitable for live beatmaking, triggering samples, or incorporating into a performance setup.
Does the MPC Sample support external gear?
Yes — it includes MIDI and USB connectivity, allowing it to work with other hardware, controllers, or a computer-based setup when needed.
Can you export your music from the MPC Sample?
Yes — you can export finished beats as audio files and transfer them to a computer or DAW. Deeper project integration with MPC software is expected through updates, allowing for expanded workflows.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | AKAI-MPCSAMPLESTK |
| Model Name | MPC Sample |
| Vendor | Akai Professional |
| Analog Digital | Digital |
| Battery Powered | Yes Battery Power |
| Built In Speakers | Yes |
| Included From Manufacturer | USB-C to USB-C cable |
| Midi | In, Out, and USB |
| Mono Poly | Polyphonic |
| MPN | MPCSAMPLE |
| Product Unique Features |
|
| Number of Patches/Programs | Over 100 factory kits |
| Voices of Polyphony | 32 stereo voices |
| Effects |
4 internal effects processors with dedicated knob control 60 different effects across Pad FX, Knob FX, FlexBeat Main output, input, per-pad and internal effects routes Realtime processing of external input |
| Sequencer |
MPC sequencer with realtime swing 960 pulses per quarter note |
| Sampling |
Fast sample-to-pad workflow from mic, audio input, USB (Mac/Win/iOS/Android) Resample Threshold-controlled sampling Fixed-length sampling for accurate loops |
| USB-C Port |
Power Audio in/out MIDI in/out |
| Audio Inputs | Dual stereo balanced 1/4" input with record gain knob |
| Audio Outputs |
Dual stereo balanced 1/4" output 1/8" stereo headphone output |
| Control Connections | 1/8" sync output with configurable sync rates |
| Onboard Controllers |
16 × backlit MPC pads with poly aftertouch 3 x realtime control/effects knobs Legacy MPC parameter slider |
| Speakers | 3-watt speaker for portable standalone monitoring |
| Expansion Options | microSD card storage for user samples |
| Width | 7.64" |
| Depth | 9.29" |
| Height | 1.97" |
| Product Weight | 2.01 lb |
1 Year Akai Professional Limited Warranty
Akai Professional products are covered by inMusic Brands, Inc.'s limited 1 year warranty. inMusic Brands, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that Akai Professional products are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for the period commencing upon the date of purchase from an authorized Akai Professional dealer and continuing for the following period of time after that date for (1) Year. This Limited Warranty is conditioned upon proper use of the product by the purchaser. This Limited Warranty does not cover: defects or damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, unusual physical or electrical stress, modification of any part of the product, or cosmetic damage. During the applicable warranty period, Akai Professional will repair or replace, at Akai Professional's sole discretion, without charge to the purchaser, any defective component part of the product. For more information please visit www.akaipro.com.
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