Yep, Akai has a honkin’ huge new flagship MPC XL — gallery

It leaked, you saw it — it’s real, it’s huge. In addition to its recent MPC Live III, Akai has a big mama standalone called the MPC XL with more dedicated controls and a big 10.1” display — but mostly the same innards. Let’s explain.

These are the best summer deals on gear you can get right now

Summer sales are on, and even with more trade tariff uncertainty looming in the USA, that includes some surprising cut-rate deals on hardware synths. Here’s your guide to some favorites, including a great mini keyboard/Moog soft synth bundle.

Peter Kirn - August 4, 2025

Last chance: new AIR Multiband Filter for free through today

Even I can’t keep up with Black Friday. AIR Music Tech is making their new Multiband Filter free for its intro only – you have through tonight, December 2, midnight Eastern to grab yours.

Peter Kirn - December 2, 2024

In the 90s, this astrophysicist made trippy pop from star sounds

Peter Kirn - April 10, 2024

Amigo Sampler, Amiga sampling in plug-in form for £10, plus skank music

Peter Kirn - March 22, 2024

Much-leaked MPC Key 37 arrives, and it’s likely to be a crowd-pleaser

Peter Kirn - February 6, 2024

There are some wild AI music LEGO sets – but this LEGO Neve studio is real

Peter Kirn - December 14, 2023

Free utility converts between multisample formats: ConvertWithMoss

Peter Kirn - November 20, 2023

loopop’s great hands-on review of the Oberheim OB-X8 doubles as a sound design tutorial

Peter Kirn - August 11, 2023

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