For beatmakers and producers who want the legendary power of the MPC in a more compact desktop form factor, the new-for-NAMM Akai Professional MPC One is a welcome addition to the MPC family. Like a scaled-down MPC X, the MPC One gives you the tools you need to create fresh beats and integrate your external MIDI/CV gear without taking up a ton of space.
As with the MPC X and the MPC Live, the MPC One is powered by a Quad-Core ARM processor so it’ll never slow you down. Knowing that a fast workflow is key, Akai outfitted the MPC One with a 7" color touchscreen, 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, and four 360° touch-sensitive Q-Link knobs to ensure intuitive, tactile interaction. Additionally, there are 31 dedicated backlit buttons for menu-free access to a slew of functions including transport controls, the sampler and sequencer, track/pad mix and mute, automation, and much more.
Though the MPC One is a commanding stand-alone music production center, it can also serve as a hub to interconnect your favorite hardware or as a capable software controller. With its 5-pin MIDI I/O and four CV/gate outputs, the MPC One can interface with traditional MIDI keyboards and sound modules and analog modular/rack gear. Using a USB MIDI controller won’t be a problem, thanks to the MPC One’s USB Type-A port. Audio connections includes stereo 1/4" I/O and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
To use the MPC One as a controller, connect its USB Type-B port to your computer and install the MPC 2 software, a Mac-/Windows-compatible suite offering a 128-track sequencer, VST plug-in support, cutting-edge sampling/editing/recording, clip launching, time stretching in real time, and a whole lot more.
From the factory, the MPC One boasts 4GB of internal microSD storage. 2GB of that is available for user storage, while the other half is taken for pre-installed content including loops and drums samples from RawCutz, Sample Tools by CR2, Decap MSX Sound Design, MVP Loops, and F9. When you combine that with the MPC One’s synth engines—Electric, Tubesynth, and Bassline—and AIR FX mixing/mastering effects, you’ve got quite the versatile library of sounds at your disposal. If you max out the internal storage, don’t panic; just use an SD card or a USB flash drive to tap into more samples and loops.
Whether you need an all-in-one music production machine or a potent centerpiece for your existing studio, consider the MPC One from Akai Professional. Stop by the B&H SuperStore or visit our website to learn more!
