street priceThe Akai MPC X represents a significant evolution in the MPC product line, expanding on the breakthrough capabilities of the MPC Live. While maintaining the core MPC workflow, this flagship model reimagines the modern studio setup by consolidating numerous peripherals — laptop, DAW, audio interface, mixer, MIDI/CV interfaces, and control surfaces—into a single, purpose-built production hub.
The MPC X evolves the classic form factor of previous flagship MPCs, resembling a concept-car version of the MPC Renaissance. With its imposing console-like presence and wrist-rest, it requires more dedicated space than the smaller MPC Live. The unit is substantial in size, with a front panel measuring 505 x 424 mm.
The standout hardware feature is the 10-inch touchscreen with adjustable viewing angle, secured by a metal bracket that keeps it stable during operation. The screen can lie completely flat — ideal for standing operation — and proves remarkably responsive and accurate, even for fine piano-roll editing.
Veterans of previous large-format MPCs will find the control layout familiar, with the right-hand section housing transport controls, keypad, cursors, data wheel, and Main view buttons in familiar positions. The expanded surface area allows for dedicated buttons for nearly all the MPC's modes, providing immediate access without navigating through menu screens.
The MPC X significantly expands on the Live's already impressive connectivity:
The front panel features mixer controls including gain adjustments, phantom power, master level, and a mix control for blending direct input signals with the MPC output.
Like the MPC Live, all connectivity (except Bluetooth) becomes available to your computer when switched to controller mode, effectively turning the MPC X into a USB hub, audio interface, MIDI interface, and CV interface. This allows seamless transition between stand-alone and computer-based operation without reconnecting cables.
Soon after the product launch, Akai implemented beta Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality. Bluetooth can pair with wireless MIDI controllers and QWERTY keyboards, while Wi-Fi enables Ableton Link integration for synchronizing tempo with other compatible devices. A useful addition is a Wi-Fi connection and tempo synchronization with Ableton Live, though some Bluetooth MIDI connections proved challenging.
The MPC X features 16 touch-sensitive endless rotary encoders (compared to four on the Live/Touch), each with OLED displays showing current assignment and value. These Q-Link controls operate in five switchable modes:
The pads are probably the best quality among comparable devices, while the Q-Link encoders are perfectly positioned for real-time tweaking.
The MPC X runs the same MPC 2.0 (3.0 since 2025) software as the Live, featuring Audio Tracks, Clip Programs, and an improved browser. Akai has implemented several enhancements:
The modular structure of MPC projects remains distinctive - Programs (Kits, Instruments, etc.) are independent of tracks and can be played by multiple tracks, while each Sequence can have a completely different track structure or represent an entirely different musical idea.
One particularly compelling use case is the MPC X's capability as a sequencing and mixing hub for modular synthesizers. The CV Program type allows assigning CV outputs to notes and gates, effectively creating a MIDI-to-CV converter that can sequence up to four synths simultaneously. CV outputs can also be manually controlled via the Q-Links, with voltage displayed on the OLEDs, and automation can be recorded.
The sampling capabilities remain a core strength, allowing direct capture from various sources, with the enhanced touchscreen and Q-Link controls providing intuitive and precise editing options.
The MPC X is presented as an exceptional piece of equipment that could serve as the centerpiece for a live show, recording setup, or composition studio. While not as portable as the MPC Live and lacking its internal battery, the additional controls and connections provide substantial benefits for studio use and live performance.
The MPC X is ideal for veteran MPC users seeking a true stand-alone experience and for those curious about the MPC workflow who want the most comprehensive implementation. It particularly shines for quick musical sketching, performance sampling, and as a hub for electronic and sampled elements in a live show.
The Akai MPC X represents a significant evolution in electronic music production hardware, expanding on the breakthrough capabilities of the MPC Live with enhanced connectivity and controls. The MPC X combines numerous studio peripherals into a single, purpose-built production hub that can function both as a stand-alone workstation and as a controller for MPC 2.0 software.
This technical specification list captures the impressive array of connections and capabilities that distinguish the MPC X from its smaller sibling. With eight CV outputs, four MIDI outputs, expanded audio I/O including instrument and microphone inputs, and a larger 10-inch touchscreen, the MPC X offers a more comprehensive studio solution. The 16 Q-Link encoders with OLED displays provide intuitive control over various parameters, enhancing both studio workflow and live performance possibilities.
The MPC X maintains the core MPC workflow while integrating modern features like Wi-Fi connectivity with Ableton Link support, extensive storage options including an internal SATA drive bay, and enhanced sample editing capabilities. Particularly notable is its potential as a sequencing and mixing hub for modular synthesizers, with CV outputs that can be manually controlled and automated.
| Usage area | |
|---|---|
| Sound Module/ Tone Generator | |
| Groovebox/ MPC | |
| Sampler | |
| Usage Design/ Form Factor | |
| Without Keys, Desktop | |
| Archetype | |
| Digital (D) | |
| Polyphony | |
| Voices | 128 |
| Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis | |
| Synthesis Method | Digital Subtractive |
| MIDI in/ out | |
| IN | |
| OUT | |
| IN count | 3 |
| OUT count | 3 |
| Pads Matrix | |
| Pads Count | 16 |
| Pads Count, vertical | 4 |
| Pads Count, horizontal | 4 |
| Multicolor Pads | |
| Velocity | |
| Variable Touch Response | |
| Display | |
| Color resolution | 16M colors/ 24bit/ True Color |
| Resolution: Diagonal | 10.1 |
| Touch Screen | |
| Built-in controllers | |
| Encoder | 16 |
| Button | 63 |
| Jog dial | |
| External controllers | |
| CV/ Gate IN | |
| CV/ Gate OUT | |
| Audio out | |
| Stereo | |
| All voices mixed in one output | |
| Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm) | 2 |
| Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm) headphones preamplified | 1 |
| Audio in | |
| Analog 1/4" | 2 |
| RCA | 2 |
| Computer Interfaces | |
| USB | USB PC Link |
| USB | USB Storage |
| USB | MIDI through USB |
| External drives/ memory cards | |
| SD (SecureDisk) | |
| Power | |
| Power Supply | External |
| Power Supply | Internal, Accumulators |
| Amperage | 3.42 A |
| Dimensions | |
| Height | 69 mm |
| Width | 424 mm |
| Depth | 224 mm |
| Weight | 5.9 lb |
| Weight | 2.7 kg |
| Case/ body | |
| Metal&plastic | |
| Color | |
| Black | |
| Red | |
| Production start | 2017 |
| Production end | 2024 |
| Production ended | |
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The future of Akai MPC line brought a lot of talking and guessing. Classic MPCs used to be standalones while their successors appeared to be more of hardware/software hybrids, kind of what Native Instruments Maschine is, meaning that no way you could do without a computer. But MPC X and MPC Live have brought their independence back.
