Akai Announces MPC 3, ‘The Next Evolution in MPC Workflow’
Akai Professional has announced a public beta for its MPC 3 standalone software, a major update that they say represents “the next evolution in MPC workflow.”
“Construct and sequence songs from start to finish in a true DAW-style workflow”
It’s a free OS update for owners of the MPC Live, Live II, One, One +, X, X SE, Key 37, and Key 61.
This upgrade completely overhauls the existing MPC software, bringing a number of useful features that includes a DAW-style arranger, enhanced Main Mode, track and pad mixer and new automation capabilities.
MPC 3’s Main Mode has been redesigned to offer a convenient overview of the tracks that make up their project, providing quick and easy access to key features and improved visual feedback. Additionally, the software now features a colour-coded DAW-style Arrange Mode that collects all the tracks in a project together in one window, allowing you to record, edit and arrange both MIDI and audio on a linear timeline.
MPC 3 introduces a new mixer for both tracks and individual pads, making the mixing workflow faster and more intuitive, along with expanded channel strips for the Main Mode that now enable you reorder plugins, an oft-requested feature from MPC users. The software’s automation capabilities have also been fleshed out, with the new Arranger Mode offering automation across tracks, buses and the master channel.
The software’s X/Y Pad can now be used to set up custom macros, and a new sample-chopping feature called Slice Motion lets you randomize the chops within a loop to easily create new variations of the loop. Additionally, MPC 3 will play nice with the recently-announced standalone version of MPC Stems, Akai Pro’s stem separation tool.
New in MPC 3 Standalone Software:
- Enhanced Main Mode: The new “Main Mode” provides a significantly enhanced user experience with stunning visuals and seamless navigation of every parameter of a project.
- Linear Arranger: This feature transforms the way users construct and sequence songs from start to finish in a true DAW-style workflow, complete with stunning graphics and an intuitive layout.
- Track and Pad Mixer: The full-color track and pad mixer offers a more engaging and efficient workflow.
- Advanced Automation: Advanced automation on the Master Track and Submixes, including multiple parameter Macro controls, brings endless possibilities to the sonic landscape.
- Disk Streaming: Large projects load in seconds, enabling better system performance to expand creative possibilities.
- Q-Link & X/Y Pad Macro Controls: The new Q-Link Macro Controls enhance performance and creativity.
- Direct to Pad Sampling: Direct to pad sampling allows for faster and more intuitive workflow.
- Full Color Drum Grid: The drum grid has been improved with full color and enhanced visual feedback.
- Legacy Project Importing: MPC 3 imports legacy projects and sequences.
- Compatibility: MPC 3 is compatible with Live, Live II, One, One +, X, X SE, Key 37, and Key 61.
MPC 3 is expected to be available in August 2024 as a beta release, and will be a free update for all users.
