Akai’s current MPC matures as gear hub, with new MPC Live II hardware and 2.8 software

Akai’s recent 2.8 software offers some powerful new features – and a revised MPC Live II could be a sweet spot in hardware, with expanded connectivity and built-in speakers. And finally, you get MIDI multi capability, like on the classic MPCs. Here’s the rundown. The demands for a digital drum machine/production workstation are now pretty […]

Free software lets you recreate the MPC2000XL drum machine

If you miss the classic MPC – or never owned one and want to experience it for yourself – this is the nearest thing to having the hardware in front of you, for free.

Peter Kirn - April 20, 2020

Hydrasynth is a no-compromise polysynth, and a key Akai, Arturia alum designer was involved

It calls itself a “dream synth” for sound designers and performers alike. It’s got polyphonic aftertouch. And it signals a return of the designer of the Arturia ‘Brutes and Akai APC40. Today is the first time I think most of us have heard of Ashun Sound Machines. Evidently, it’s a new synthesizer brand backed by […]

Peter Kirn - September 3, 2019

AKAI’s cute little MPK mini keyboard now has internal sounds

Peter Kirn - April 18, 2019

Akai Force: hands-on preview of the post-PC live-in-a-box music tool

Peter Kirn - January 17, 2019

What could make APC Live, MPC cool: Akai’s new software direction

Peter Kirn - January 2, 2019

APC as standalone hardware? Leaked Akai APC Live

Peter Kirn - January 2, 2019

FL Studio 20.1 arrives, studio-er, loop-ier, better

Peter Kirn - December 12, 2018

Fake a $30k pro video controller with an APC40 or Beatstep and Davinci Resolve

Peter Kirn - October 15, 2018

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