Akai Launches MPC Sample – The Most Classic MPC Design For Years

Akai Professional has announced MPC Sample, a compact standalone sampler that brings core MPC beatmaking features to a smaller, battery-powered format. Priced at £349 in the UK, the device includes onboard sampling, sequencing, effects and direct compatibility with MPC3 projects.

Akai Professional has introduced the MPC Sample, a new standalone sampler designed to offer a simplified version of the company’s established MPC workflow in a more portable unit. The device draws visual and functional inspiration from older, much-loved MPC hardware, particularly the legendary MPC60, while prioritising accessibility and battery-powered operation.

It combines onboard sampling tools, performance pads, internal effects and built-in monitoring features, positioning it as an entry point into the MPC ecosystem as well as a compact option for existing users.

MPC Sample centres on 16 RGB velocity-sensitive pads with poly aftertouch, alongside a 2.4-inch colour display for waveform editing and sample handling. Akai has included three real-time control knobs and a parameter fader, retaining some of the tactile workflow associated with earlier MPC models while reducing the overall footprint to a backpack-friendly 23.6 × 19.4 × 5.0 cm.

For mobile use, the unit includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for up to five hours of operation, plus a built-in speaker and internal microphone. It also features 100 factory kits, 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage and microSD expansion

Akai has ncluded instant sample chopping, real-time time-stretching and repitching, and internal resampling with effects. The unit also offers 32 stereo voices of polyphony, disk streaming, and MPC sequencing with real-time swing at 960 PPQN.

There are 60 effect types spread across four engines, including Pad FX, Knob FX, FlexBeat and Color-Compressor. In practice, that gives MPC Sample a broader sound-design range than a basic phrase sampler, especially for users who want to manipulate source material directly on the device rather than export everything to a DAW.

Connectivity is also more extensive than its compact size might suggest. Akai has included stereo 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, a headphone output, MIDI in and out, sync out and USB-C for power, MIDI, audio I/O and file transfer. Projects created on the unit can also load directly into MPC3, which should make it easier to move ideas from a portable sketchpad to a larger production setup.

For many MPC users, a more streamlined yet still feature-rich and affordable unit could open the door to a new generation of beatmakers. The promotional campaign – with its strong focus on artistry and culture – only strengthens that appeal.

This positions the MPC Sample in two clear ways: as an accessible first hardware sampler for newer producers, and as a portable, secondary sketchpad for more established users. At £349, it enters a highly competitive segment, but the MPC name and seamless project compatibility may give it a distinct edge – particularly for those already invested in Akai’s ecosystem.

Find out more on Akai's website.