Akai Pro News and rumors

AKAI Professional MPC Desktop 3.5 Beta offers VST3 Support, Keygroup Synth Engine, and more

30 May · Users can participate in the AKAI Professional MPC Desktop 3.5 Beta alongside version 2, but the projects are not backwards compatible yet.

AKAI Force 3.5: The Force Gets Its Biggest Update Yet

20 May · The AKAI Force just got a huge update! Force 3.5 brings many features from MPC 3 to the standalone workstation, including full plugin support and MPC Stems.

WORKSTATION KEYBOARDS

The Best Workstation Keyboards under $2500

20 Jan · We check out some of the best workstation keyboards under $2500 for music production and arrangement, as well as for live performance.

OLD-SCHOOL SAMPLING

How to Get that Old-school Sampler Sound

18 Nov 2024 · Ever wondered how to get the old-school sampler sound? Punchy lo-fi drums and underwater pad sounds can give your music a retro feel.

GROOVEBOXES

The Best Grooveboxes for Beat Creation and Live Performance

29 Aug 2024 · Looking to stay creative while traveling, or simply to step outside your DAW? We check out the best grooveboxes for crafting beats.

AKAI MPC Stems: Now for Standalone MPCs!

11 Jul 2024 · AKAI MPC Stems is finally available for standalone MPCs! The new feature separates samples into up to four stems.

BUDGET BEAT-MAKING

The best budget beat-making gear to help you get creative

11 Jul 2024 · Looking for more affordable ways to create beats? We take a look at some of the best budget beat-making equipment to get you started!

Synth Deals from AKAI, Novation and Yamaha

10 Apr 2024 · Get the brand-new AKAI MPC Key 37 for a great price! Check out this week's Synth Deals with offers from AKAI, Novation, and Yamaha.

Synth Deals from Teenage Engineering, Yamaha, AKAI, and KORG

07 Feb 2024 · This week's Synth Deals selection is a particularly exciting range of creative instruments for music production and live performance.

AKAI MPC Key 37: It’s official – and available now!

06 Feb 2024 · The AKAI MPC Key 37 is finally here! After several leaks, AKAI Professional announced the bright-red MPC Key 37 today. And it's available now!

Is AKAI Professional about to unveil the MPC Live III at NAMM?

15 Jan 2024 · Is the AKAI MPC Live III about to be released at NAMM 2024? A banner on the manufacturer's website hints at a new MPC that we haven't seen before.

Mega Deal: Save 25% on the AKAI MPC Key 61 Workstation!

08 Dec 2023 · The AKAI MPC Key 61 is now on sale at Thomann for just $1085! Add this powerful workstation to your studio for less than ever before!

Synth Deals from Waldorf, Roland, KORG and AKAI Professional

26 Jun 2023 · In this week's edition of Synth Deals, we've got a range of offers including desktop modules, grooveboxes, and workstation keyboards.

The Electronic Resistance: How To Sound Like Leftfield

24 Jun 2023 · UK duo, Leftfield, broke through with their debut full-length LP in 1995, we discuss their production style and some key gear choices.

It All Started With A Tight Sweater: How To Sound Like Moloko

10 Jun 2023 · We check out some of the key gear choices of the UK electronic band, Moloko, and discuss how they rose to prominence in the mid-1990s.

Synth Deals from Elektron, Kodamo, and AKAI Professional

05 Jun 2023 · In this week's Synth Deals, we've got a selection of instruments that could each become a core aspect of your music production setup.

The AKAI MPC One+ arrives in red with expanded internal memory

30 May 2023 · With the MPC One Plus, AKAI's launched a bright red special edition of the MPC One with considerable expansion on the internal memory.

Synth Deals from Moog, AKAI, and Teenage Engineering

29 May 2023 · This week's Synth Deals include sequencers, semi-modular keyboards, and compact production systems, each with its own role in your setup.

Why sampling is still relevant in modern music production?

27 May 2023 · Love it or hate it, sampling has always been a part of music. We take a look at some ways to incorporate sampling into your music.

Synth Deals from Waldorf, Polyend, SOMA, and AKAI Professional

22 May 2023 · Our selection of Synth Deals this week ranges from desktop modules to comprehensive music production systems with endless capabilities.

From Harlem To Stardom: How To Sound Like Moby

13 May 2023 · We discuss Moby's transition from Club DJ to Pop artist and check out some of the inspiring production gear he used over the years.

The King Of New York: How To Sound Like DJ Premier

29 Apr 2023 · Easily one of the most prolific Hip-Hop producers of all time, we look at why DJ Premier is renowned for his incredibly distinctive style.