Akai Force Forum: Everything relating to the Akai Force, the iconic 64 pad, clip-based standalone sampler/groovebox from Akai.
By JethroJethro Wed Jun 10, 2026 4:32 pm
Koekepan wrote:USB has the virtue that it lets you expand a static, studio master installation into whatever you want with controllers, audio interfaces, or even a computer keyboard for typing.

If one is trying to keep the cost under control, while still offering the best capabilities, then from a product design perspective adding a row of additional outputs has less utility than going deep on really high speed, capable USB. Would a typical Force user be able to afford an outboard audio interface? Yes.


Sure but it’s not ideal for those of us running multiple pieces of gear at the same time into a mixer. Ubkess I can USB audio more than one device into my usb mixer using a hub which I haven’t tried, hmm..
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By 64hz Wed Jun 10, 2026 5:43 pm
I’m to old school for this shit. :lol:
By JethroJethro Thu Jun 11, 2026 12:01 am
B-Wise wrote:
JethroJethro wrote:Thanks appreciate it, haven’t sat down with my gear in days sadly.

I've been back on my Force for the last few days, after taking a break. I think I found a bug. The input FX are doing anything to the sound incoming sounds.


Do you mean adding FX to the monitoring of an incoming signal on an Audio track from an external source? Weird because I’ve done that on 3.8 before (which has just enough latency to make monitoring/tracking live vocals a challenge but a drum or synth signal from another device works fine I can play keys okay unlike with a Bluetooth headset on an iPad for example).
By B-Wise Thu Jun 11, 2026 1:26 am
JethroJethro wrote:Do you mean adding FX to the monitoring of an incoming signal on an Audio track from an external source?

No, I didn't try that. I talking about the in the sampler. I can hear the signal but no FX. This happened before on 3.5 or later but they fixed it or maybe they I only think they did. It's been a while but I'll check my session notes. I reported this & another bug, which they did fix. I'll try the Audio track method later & but first I'll do a Preferences reset.
By JethroJethro Thu Jun 11, 2026 1:46 am
B-Wise wrote:
JethroJethro wrote:Do you mean adding FX to the monitoring of an incoming signal on an Audio track from an external source?

No, I didn't try that. I talking about the in the sampler. I can hear the signal but no FX. This happened before on 3.5 or later but they fixed it or maybe they I only think they did. It's been a while but I'll check my session notes. I reported this & another bug, which they did fix. I'll try the Audio track method later & but first I'll do a Preferences reset.


Well that sucks. FX as an insert like a compressor or on a return such as reverb? Just curious. The only FX I have a problem with is Fly Tape II as an insert the half speed and other speed variations don’t always work, others have reported this happening.
By B-Wise Thu Jun 11, 2026 2:34 am
JethroJethro wrote:Well that sucks. FX as an insert like a compressor or on a return such as reverb? Just curious. The only FX I have a problem with is Fly Tape II as an insert the half speed and other speed variations don’t always work, others have reported this happening.

In the sampler there's an option to add FXs for whatever signal is on the inputs or the main outs via the re-sampler. I made sure the Monitor tab was on. I was trying add FX to the RS7000. I'll do a preference reset & try again.

The inputs fx are great if you give you samples a signature sound as everything sampled thru it will have the fx/character.
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By Koekepan Thu Jun 11, 2026 2:21 pm
Sure but it’s not ideal for those of us running multiple pieces of gear at the same time into a mixer. Ubkess I can USB audio more than one device into my usb mixer using a hub which I haven’t tried, hmm..


No, what you do is you use USB to connect an audio interface to your Force. Something like the Behringer UMC 1820 works beautifully, and you can track out a bunch of stereo pairs to whichever outboard hardware (effects, mixers, recorders) you want. In fact, you can direct different Force submixes to different stereo pairs, if that's what you like.
By JethroJethro Thu Jun 11, 2026 5:28 pm
Yeah, I don’t want even more interfaces on my desk to make up for hardware shortcomings. And the more shit I have plugged in to power, the more likely I get a ground hum.

Multichannel USB plus at least four balanced outs please on any device with “Professional” on the case, please.
By B-Wise Fri Jun 12, 2026 12:17 am
B-Wise wrote:
JethroJethro wrote:Well that sucks. FX as an insert like a compressor or on a return such as reverb? Just curious. The only FX I have a problem with is Fly Tape II as an insert the half speed and other speed variations don’t always work, others have reported this happening.

In the sampler there's an option to add FXs for whatever signal is on the inputs or the main outs via the re-sampler. I made sure the Monitor tab was on. I was trying add FX to the RS7000. I'll do a preference reset & try again.

The inputs fx are great if you give you samples a signature sound as everything sampled thru it will have the fx/character.

False alarm, The Inputs are working again. I didn't do anything to fix it, but I can live with that. 8)
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By MGoolas Thu Jun 18, 2026 2:52 pm
Seeing the internal upgrade that key37 and one got today I start to believe that Force mkii will probably receive the exact same update with the new chipset and the USB-C connection. Not bad if you ask me. I wouldn't change much on the hardware UI
By B-Wise Thu Jun 18, 2026 5:35 pm
MGoolas wrote:Seeing the internal upgrade that key37 and one got today I start to believe that Force mkii will probably receive the exact same update with the new chipset and the USB-C connection. Not bad if you ask me. I wouldn't change much on the hardware UI

I still would like a tilt-screen.
By Zack Zerox Sat Jun 20, 2026 3:05 pm
I'm starting to think I'd like a mashup between a Force and a Key37.

Force's 64 pads and Q-links with scribble strips... and Key37s 37 keys!

What the hell, let's go for a built-in speaker and mic as well.

It would be a hideous looking beastie though.
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By 64hz Mon Jun 22, 2026 5:28 pm
I’ve been eyeing that new 37 for sure. That might replace my force if they don’t come with a force 2.