AKAI Professional MPC X SE

AKAI MPC X SE at a glance:

The MPC X SE from Akai Professional is the largest and most powerful of all MPC models released to date. It combines proven and modernized sampling technologies with plug-in-based sound generation, a 128-track (MIDI) sequencer and high connectivity in all directions. By merging a workstation, sampler, sequencer, and various synth plug-ins with thousands of sounds, high-quality effects and intuitive operation, AKAI has developed a multifunctional all-in-one instrument that is ideal for musicians of almost all genres as a studio and live centre.

Designed as a professional standalone sampling workstation, there is hardly a discipline the workstation can't handle. Thanks to well-thought-out operation and the good workflow of the MPC series, the instrument is emphatically results-oriented. All in all, the MPC X SE is designed to be very liveable: due to the large housing, there is more space between all the controls, which is also used for additional labelling. 16 encoders, each with its own display, can be freely assigned or are already assigned to certain parameters in the respective plug-ins. With them, screwing with sounds and effects becomes a pure pleasure. Thanks to Wifi and Bluetooth, wireless music equipment such as a blow converter can be connected to the workstation and used to play the sounds.

Memory capacity

The MPC X SE offers an internal memory capacity of 48GB ex works; also a 16GB user library is already included in the memory! The size of the working memory is 4GB RAM. As further interfaces, two USB 2.0 slots are available for external hard drives or the connection with MIDI controllers. There is also a flap on the bottom of the device, under which an additional 2.5" SSD hard drive can be installed in a few simple steps.

Connections for Studio and Eurorack

The rear of the MPC X SE is pleasantly versatile. There are also two connections for assignable foot pedals on the front. MIDI is communicated via two inputs and four outputs as well as USB, which is enough even for larger hardware setups! This is perfect for those who want to run additional equipment such as a rack synthesizer or a DAW with the MPC X SE. In its capacity as a sampler, audio inputs must not be missing, of course! Four inputs for 2x Mic/Line, Stereo In and Phono including preamplifiers with high-quality 24-bit converters bring every signal to the desired level; 48V phantom power is also integrated. For the signal output, there are eight 6.3mm jack sockets, which can be configured arbitrarily in Stereo and/or mono. If that's not enough, you can expand the instrument with a class-compliant USB device (e.g. USB Audio Interface) and up to 32 audio outputs. Eight freely configurable CV/Gate outputs allow the connection between the MPC X SE and a modular system. Also, other synthesizers, which have CV/Gate inputs, can be controlled by the MPC X SE in this way.