NEWSNEWS + CULTURE Akai’s new MPC Live II: a standalone tool with built-in monitors

[Cupe]

Akai Professional is back with a new piece of gear: the launch of the MPC Live II. The latest member of the MPC family is the first of its kind to offer a unique, handy feature for producers everywhere: built-in stereo monitors.

It also comes with a swath of features that includes standalone production capabilities, MIDI multi-functionality, a rechargeable battery, and CV/Gate outputs. Connections just got easier too – it offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making seamless work between the MPC and programs like Ableton possible. All in all, it’s a ready-to-go production piece that makes playing on the fly – studio, stage, on the road, or anywhere where you may be – possible.

New Hardware + Software Updates

Let’s take a look at the full list of hardware capabilities the new MPC offers:

• Standalone hardware – no computer needed
• Natively powered by MPC 2.8 software
• Built-in stereo studio monitor speakers
• Internal rechargeable battery, with up to 5 hours of usage on-the-go
• Four TRS CV/Gate jacks, for a total of high outputs
• 7-inch multi-touch display
• 16B sound library, including high-quality samples and loops
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

And a high-level look at the software side, with the new v2.8 update:

• MIDI Multi feature
• USB MIDI input and output support
• MIDI layer capability
• Time Correct enable/disable toggling
• Q-Link overlay display
• Edit Pad Map

Built-In Monitors

Perhaps the most notable addition to the MPC Live II, the built-in monitor system allows you to hear the sounds you’re making at your fingertips without needing to plug into a sound system. No headphones? No speakers? No longer a problem. We’d imagine this’ll come in handy for producers that come up with ideas on the go and may not have all of their gear with them.

MIDI Multi

The new MIDI Multi capability allows users to use the MPC as a MIDI sequencing studio. You can now connect and route all of your MIDI gear – USB keyboards, MIDI interfaces and more – to the CV modules on the MPC Live II, making the MPC quite the hub of creative possibilities.

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It’s also worthwhile to note that MPC 2.8 is available as a free download for users of the MPC Live, MPC Live II, MPC X, and MPC One. Go and get it!

The MPC Live II is now up for grabs $1,199 USD. For more info on the gear and MPC 2.8, head to the Akai website.