What new MPCs would you like to see 2014?

Im curious to know what MPCs you'd all like in an ideal world.

A stand alone MPC that hooks to the Computer via USB to track out!!!.... AKAI MPC 1000 XL and a 2500 XL....

Basically the Ren with built in expandable computer built it, running 2.0 with multicore, everything done from the hardware.

You daaaaaaaaam right!

A working ren, or ren that works.

In fact the most important thing would be (at least for me) further Ren updates, which match the needs of the Ren-users.

I want to so Zero new MPCs for a while and rather the existing software be further developed. Every time any company makes something 'new' it often becomes their new flagship and the previous models start receiving less attention than the new flagship.

Hardware is solid. More updates.

Its all goood.

A 4000 xl, but don't make it bigger

BremenCole wrote:Basically the Ren with built in expandable computer built it

Not sure I would want Akai building a PC into their gear, that they could do it in the first place, that it would be done well, that it would be cost effective, that it would really be very expandable or powerful, or could be updated with new PC tech easily as it evolves in the future.

I think the PC is best left to the user to provide from a PC vendor, and let Akai concentrate on the audio hardware/software.

They have shown that they can't even get a basic hardware MPC right, and you think they can build a full PC into their gear and do it properly?

Would absolutely be interested in seeing a 4000xl. Bonus would be one that can control a DAW plugin like the MPC software.

One with Roger Linn's name on it.

Well If Akai makes the obvious realization (this forum is overwhelming evidence they don't even need to spend a dime on market research) a modern hybrid 4k type proposition is exactly what people want.

And it's also clear that they could get $2000USD street price with ease. In a scenario like that there would be limits to the architecture but nothing that would be a deal breaker either for them as the manufacturer or us as consumers.

For example the internal RAM of something like that might top off at 8GB. Simply because they want to save on cost of goods, and it's a decent median point for standalone operation and would still be 16x the RAM of the 4000.

Then when you tether/sync to a laptop or desktop you can have 16/24/32/96GB or whatever. And it's a simple bit of design engineering to allow to still use the internal RAM along with RAM on the computer.

The CPU aspect could be similar. You'd likely have plenty of CPU power on your computer if it's a recent one. So whatever quad would power the standalone operation could easily be switched over to be a dedicated DSP processor, especially if the unit had quality inbuilt FX or even an audio input for other stuff you have like a quality hardware synth. Throwing a SHARC chip in there is another option.

But if you look at AkSys, then look at the Ren....factor in the power of MIDI and fast data transfer rates we have today...the "dream" is really quite feasible. And it could still totally retain the legacy features we love about MPC's and be a totally modern environment with maximum versatility for all types of users.

It's looks very real what slipped out in that one video, NI will have a standalone Maschine before too long. At that point Akai is really not going to have a choice but to figure something out, and realize they miscalculated what dinosaurs the hardware/standalone crowd are.

Although I would have thought their knowledge of the used market and JJ would have made that 100% obvious to them. And Coz, I bet if they showed a want to really do something innovative Roger Linn would gladly collaborate with the current Akai. And Tempest shows we'd all be better off for his input.