MPC XL (shiny black plastic)

Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
 Reply Share on Facebook
User avatar

MPC XL (shiny black plastic)

By THXjay Sun Apr 05, 2026 9:33 am
Sorry for starting a new thread just to ask this but I couldn't find anywhere to put it :)

I notice on all images/videos I see of the XL that the top half where it's black, that it is more of a satin black rather than the really shiny black plastic on the old X.
I have the X and I hate the cheap looking shiny black section at the top. I was wondering (hoping) that the newer XL has a softer satin finish.....or is it just a protective film covering that no-one has taken off yet?

Does anyone know?
User avatar

Re: MPC XL (shiny black plastic)

By Lampdog Sun Apr 05, 2026 1:33 pm
Wuddup, Akai seems to have addressed the shiny finger print black that is on X (I had X for many years also).

I have an XL, the black at the top is matte satin finish black, no fingerprints. There is no protective peel off plastic on the black parts. The only protective peel off plastic is on the touch screen .

I let light in from the window and from the standing floor lamp so you could see how the matte finish reacts, no shine, no finger prints, but from across the room it LOOKS like it’s supposed to be shiny.

The plastic over the leds is matte finished.
The plastic around the knobs and 16 buttons is matte finished.
The plastic next to the touch strip is the same matte finish.
The grey metal faceplate, zero finger prints as well.

By comparison, I currently also have MPC Key61 and that touchstrip led plastic is shiny and LOVES finger prints.

Image
Image
User avatar

Re: MPC XL (shiny black plastic)

By THXjay Mon Apr 06, 2026 9:24 am
Thanks Lampdog, I really appreciate you taking the time to take pics. I was hoping that they changed that awful shiny plastic, always hated it on my X. I guess now I've got no excuse not to buy an XL.....except maybe the bank account one :)

I'll probably wait till it drops to £2000, then again, if Spitfire drop all these new instruments I may crumble :)

Thanks again Lampdog, you're a Gentleman!
User avatar

Re: MPC XL (shiny black plastic)

By Lampdog Mon Apr 06, 2026 2:01 pm
No doubt! :-D

Any other issues you’re wondering about it, holla!
 Reply
Return to MPC X, MPC One, MPC Live & MPC Key