What new MPCs would you like to see 2014?

I don't like the ipad Idea.. because it's an extra purchase for those who don't own a ipad.. I don't plan on getting one any time soon, and is it any different then looking at a computer screen.. plus if they were to implement that idea it would have to be mounted on the hardware some how.... don't like

I think firstly the software needs re-designing… its far too complicated…

Secondly… trying to operate the software from the screens is a joke.

Have you tried putting an effect on a track from the hardware… wow!!!

So… with the software re-design also needs to come better OLED screens on the hardware.

Its time to ditch the greys and reds and go for a minimal black and white flat design.

Although the MPC workflow is unbeaten i don't feel inspired looking at the thing… both hardware and software…

Its 2013… not 1993.

OLED is not necessary though.. thats a step up from LCD and LED..
and I like the idea of a re-design of the software and hardware.. it's too old school

Scuse me, but if you have to plug a iPad or else, is no more standalone… I'm not sure to understand what you people really want?

IMO, in 2014, they have to perfect the software… Why not, a 2.0 version develop in collaboration, let's said, with ableton???

Peace and happy 2014 everybody!!!

ipad idea is not to use soley with the ipad... Rather an extension ... if you have one... I think the key for a good mpc is to fit into any tech setup.. Wether its with a computer or not... A daw plugin or not etc...

So, it's not a new MPC that wanted, but a extension for the one already exist

LZ Roberts wrote:You know y'all want one of these.



I'm starting to get a bit of milage out of this pic after ppl are realising that the Ren isn't pushing all their buttons.

Bro I love your idea great concept

sigmundfred wrote:Scuse me, but if you have to plug a iPad or else, is no more standalone… I'm not sure to understand what you people really want?

I'm not so sure they understand what they really want!

Everyone wants something different.

Many seem to want a standalone/hardware/hybrid MPC, but I am not sure they really understand what they want it to do.


The current MPC Software implementation is nothing more than basic MPC features/workflow moved from standalone hardware to a software/controller configuration.

The main advantages this computer integration provides are:
- VST instruments and effects within the MPC
- direct access to the computer storage devices/system
- integrated/internal audio I/O within DAW software

If you take away these advantages, and look at the actual MPC features and workflow, there really isn't anything more to MPC Software than there is to a hardware MPC, in terms of what it does and can do, probably less at the moment due to the under-developed state of the software.


Do people want the same advantages to this new standalone/hardware/hybrid MPC?

What advantages is having it connected to the computer, in hybrid/connected to computer mode, going to provide? What happens to to those advantages when disconnected from the computer, what is your composition going to do without the additional computer resources when you disconnect it?


Do users want VST instruments and effects in this new MPC? If so, isn't it going to require an inbuilt PC and PC operating system?


If you don't include VST instruments and effects in this new MPC, would it really be any different to an upgraded MPC4000/AkSys, maybe with an improved USB option that provides audio I/O between the computer and the MPC over USB, and a JJ style MIDI controller setup so that it can operate MPC Software as a MPC controller?

Simon what would you like in a new mpc?

regardless on wether akai, roger linn, jj , or all 3 combined can make...

I don't want a new MPC in 2014.

It has taken them over a year to get MPC Software to where it is, they need to spend the next year getting it sorted, rather than concentrating on a new hardware MPC for a probable small number of MPC users/potential owners, who do not really know why they want a new hardware MPC, or what they want it to do.

What i meant to ask was what would be your ideal mpc, not wether what akai would/should do as a company for 2014...

I think they would'nt and shouldn't drop something new for 2014. I just saw this thread as a dreamers post....

I take it the ren/studio as is where its at for you? And as long as they make the software better this is the mpc you've been waiting for/happy with .

I can only repeat myself over and over:

I am new to the MPC world and the Ren is my first one (although the Studio followed some months after) and I COMPLETELY DIG IT. I've never ever before produced my drums and other sound in such a intuitive way ever.

It only has its minor flaws i.e. features that should follow, like pad insert plus track insert, no FX automation and internal sidechaining, but in general a sturdy, reliable, stable and foremostly fun piece of music equipment.

83dude how much do you side chain? and do you side chain things individually...
(ie you have a bass with a compressor on it which is sidechained.. you also have some pad sounds which have a comp on it which is side chained.. )

If you only sidechain a few things , you could load mpc as a plugin and use yr fav daw to side chain as all of the major daws now support sidechaining..

What they do next depends on how much revenue the line is generating. It's plausible given this type of product line, that the early adopter, die hard adopter, and the casual adopter phases are already past. If so, the product line isn't going to continue generating $ for much longer. And hence, the development cycle is probably going to come to a close in the not so distant future, unless a new addition to the product line drops, or they find a way to entice everyone to continually pay for updates to the current product line to sustain future development.

IMO the question of what they are going to do next is actually quite relevant, because akai has historically never shown a propensity for getting the current model squared away. It's always been about dropping the next big thing / new flagship model. Why? It's much more effective in generating revenue than sustaining a current product line. And with a ton of reuse of current "iconic" functionality, their costs can be controlled much better.

Will a new product come in 2014? Who knows. But IMO it's a safe bet that we will see a new product line / model before the current gets squared away. Unless, again, they find a way to continually capitalize the current platform to sustain future development.

And I agree that it's tough to nail down what a "hybrid" should do. Lots of questions on how it would function when stand alone vs tethered. But heck I'm not innovative like that. Lol. I'll leave that to the smart people.

I forgot to mention, its also got FOUR stereo Fx sends & returns in D-connector to save space, so you can sidechain too. Also it sends thru midi data from the ipad/tablet to external midi equipment, so that you can control stuff using TouchOsc or Lemur.



What I don't get is ppl complaining about having to use an optional iPad(or computer) to use the extended features because it's an additional cost. Then biggin up the Ren which needs an additional computer(unoptional). Or saying they want big screens and (unnecessary)Vsts etc built in which'll add more cost than just hooking it up to their bloody computer anyway.

The 3700 is the way to go

And it works with Ren Software too (that should cover all the basses)

83dude wrote:I can only repeat myself over and over:

I am new to the MPC world and the Ren is my first one (although the Studio followed some months after) and I COMPLETELY DIG IT. I've never ever before produced my drums and other sound in such a intuitive way ever.

In general a sturdy, reliable, stable and foremostly fun piece of music equipment.

Since 1.5 dropped I'm really putting this thing to work and I fully endorse your sentiments. The thing is an intuitive beast that is perfect (at this moment in time) for what I want and need.

Can't wait to see what updates are in line in 2014.

Eyalc wrote:And I agree that it's tough to nail down what a "hybrid" should do. Lots of questions on how it would function when stand alone vs tethered. But heck I'm not innovative like that. Lol. I'll leave that to the smart people.

And who are those smart people you are going to leave it to?

Do you want Dan and Andy at Akai to come up with the innovative ideas, lead by the likes of Jah and some ancient hip hop producers of little current relevance?


If Akai are pressured into a new hardware MPC, at the thought of having to compete with a hardware Maschine, and from demands like this from the MPC user community, at least give them some useful ideas to work with.