TL;DR: The Akai Professional MPC XL is the new flagship standalone music production workstation. With a Gen-2 8-core CPU, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB internal SSD, large 10.1″ multi-gesture touchscreen, expressive RGB MPCe pads, deep sequencing, sampling, and professional I/O, it brings DAW-level power and workflow into a single self-contained unit — designed for producers and beatmakers who want studio-grade performance without needing a computer.
Introduction
The Akai Professional MPC XL is Akai’s most powerful MPC yet, extending the standalone MPC line with enhanced memory, storage, and performance capabilities. As a flagship device, it pushes beyond its family predecessors — especially in compute power, visual clarity, and workflow flexibility — while maintaining MPC’s signature hands-on beatmaking and sequencing environment.
Watch It in Action
Key Features & Benefits
- Gen-2 8-core processor: Delivers roughly four times the processing headroom of earlier MPC models, ensuring smooth handling of instruments, plugins, and complex arrangements.
- 16 GB RAM: Twice the RAM of the MPC Live III, allowing larger projects, more plugins, and more simultaneous voices without performance constraints.
- 256 GB internal NVMe SSD: Large built-in storage for samples, projects, and plugins, with room to expand.
- 10.1″ multi-gesture touchscreen: A spacious, responsive display for editing, browsing, arranging, and detailed visual feedback.
- Expressive RGB MPCe pads: 16 velocity-sensitive pads with next-gen responsiveness for finger-drumming, layering, and performance dynamics.
- Comprehensive connectivity: Professional I/O, including multiple audio inputs/outputs, mic preamps, CV/Gate outputs, MIDI, USB, and expansion options for external gear.
- Standalone MPC3 OS: Full native music creation environment without dependency on a computer.
- Deep sequencing & sampling: Capable of handling up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 voices simultaneously.
Real-World Reactions
“The MPC XL represents the evolution of everything we’ve learned from decades of innovation in music production… delivers DAW-like power in a standalone format.” — MusicRadar
“The new flagship MPC XL takes this even further, making it the most powerful MPC ever made… you simply cannot ignore this XL flagship.” — SynthAnatomy
How It Compares: MPC XL vs MPC Live III
| Feature | Akai MPC XL | Akai MPC Live III |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Gen-2 8-core CPU — flagship power | Gen-2 8-core CPU — strong standalone performance |
| RAM | 16 GB — large memory for heavy projects | 8 GB — high performance but less headroom |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB NVMe SSD — larger built-in space | 128 GB — good but smaller total storage |
| Touchscreen | 10.1″ multi-gesture HD — larger creative workspace | 7″ multi-touch — responsive but more compact |
| Polyphony / Tracks | 256 voices; up to 32 instruments / 16 audio tracks | 256 voices; similar track capacity |
| Pads & Performance Controls | 16 MPCe pads with 3D sensing | 16 MPCe pads with 3D sensing |
| I/O & Expandability | Larger studio-grade I/O suite (mic pres, CV/Gate, many outs) | Pro-level I/O with USB class-compliant audio & more |
| Standalone Workflow | Full MPC3 OS with expanded power | MPC3 OS with extensive creative tools |
Who It’s For
- Producers and beatmakers who want DAW-level performance in a standalone box.
- Studio professionals needing large sample libraries, deep sequencing, and rich plugin use in hardware form.
- Live performers seeking expressive pads and tactile control for stage shows.
- Musicians who value expandable connectivity and seamless integration with hardware rigs.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Massive standalone horsepower with DAW-level capabilities.
- Large touchscreen and expressive controls improve workflow.
- Deep sequencing and plugin power for complex productions.
- Expanded memory and storage surpass many rivals.
⚠️ Cons:
- Larger footprint and more studio-oriented than compact MPC units.
- Advanced feature set may have a learning curve for beginners.
Where to Buy
The Akai Professional MPC XL is available at Soundium. Enjoy:
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
Order the Akai Professional MPC XL from Soundium
Final Thoughts
The Akai Professional MPC XL sets a new flagship standard in standalone music production. With its expanded memory and storage, bigger touchscreen, expressive controls, and deep sequencing capabilities, it’s a creative powerhouse — perfect for producers who want maximum flexibility and power in a single integrated system.
Still Unsure?
Reach out to our team—we’ll help you find the right match for your setup.
