Akai Professional MPC Live 3 groovebox

General

Sometimes people invent something, and then it is apparently so good that we still use the idea decades later. We are, of course, talking about the Linn Drum! Oh... aren't we? Right, 't Was Roger Linn who once went bankrupt with that famous drum computer, then went to work for Akai and worked there on the very first MPC. And that MPC became a part of music history, especially in the Urban genre. Compared to today, the device was still relatively simple, but comprehensive enough to set a successful steady course towards the future. And so we have now arrived at the Akai Professional MPC Live 3, an incredibly comprehensive groovebox. The original MPC is really a shadow compared to what you can do with this.

New in the Akai Professional Live 3

The MPC pads have been greatly revamped; with 3D sensing, they are now even more expressive. Furthermore: in terms of groove boxes, it's always MPC and x0x, the latter being typical of the old drum computers from the 80s. This MPC Live 3 now also has a 16-step-button rule; best of both worlds! There is now a built-in microphone, and you can also sample directly from computer or smartphone via USB-C. In terms of processing power, there's a big upset: an 8-core CPU, with 8GB of RAM, for such things as greater polyphony. There is also clip-matrix workflow now present, and the Live 3 also works well as a controller for Ableton Live. In terms of integration with your computer: this Live 3 also functions as a 24-channel audio interface.

Who is the Live 3 for?

As before, with the first MPC that is, this product is pre-eminently an Urban machine. Not that another genre isn't possible, but the grosso modo you end up with is EDM, Urban and the like. Of course, these genres can also be made on your computer, but this Live 3 is fun because you can play standalone, outside your studio, even outside your home. In terms of features, you're spoilt for choice: a polyphony of 256, 16 audio tracks, 32 plugin tracks and 128 GB of storage. In every respect, this is a monster of a groovebox! Hop, on your wish list with it!