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Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition

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$800.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (4)

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2 community setups

4 wishlisted

22 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$800.00 14 available Used

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Average Price: $800

Standard/Professional

$399

$900+

Price Tier

In the Production & Groove category, Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of music production with the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition, a powerhouse in the realm of standalone music production systems. Known for its seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and classic design, this versatile unit is perfect for both studio environments and on-the-go creativity. With its built-in stereo speakers and rechargeable battery, the MPC Live II Retro Edition provides everything needed to create music anywhere, anytime.

The MPC Live II Retro Edition has a 7-inch multi-touch display, making it intuitive to navigate through its extensive array of features. Its iconic 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads offer an authentic beat-making experience, while the robust collection of pre-installed samples and loops ensures that inspiration is never far away. The inclusion of MIDI I/O and CV/Gate connectivity expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to integrate a wide range of external gear.

A standout feature of this edition is its retro-inspired design, which pays homage to the classic MPCs while offering modern functionalities. The onboard WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities enable seamless software updates and connectivity with other devices, keeping you at the forefront of music production technology. Whether you're sampling, sequencing, or performing, the MPC Live II is engineered to elevate your music to new heights.

Key Features:

Standalone music production system with built-in stereo speakers
7-inch full-color multi-touch display for intuitive control
16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for expressive beat-making
Retro-inspired design with modern functionality
Built-in rechargeable battery for portable use
MIDI I/O and CV/Gate connectivity for external gear integration
Onboard WiFi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity
Pre-installed samples and loops to jumpstart creativity

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	MPC Live II Standalone Sampler / Sequencer Retro Edition
Finish	Grey
Year	2020 - 2025
Categories	Drum Machines, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads	16 Pads
Polyphony	64 Voices

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition?: The Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition offers a standalone production experience with a built-in speaker, 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a touch screen interface. It also features 64-voice polyphony and comprehensive MIDI I/O for versatile music production.
Does the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition support wireless connectivity?: Yes, the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition supports both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for a completely wireless workflow and easy integration with other devices.
How portable is the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition for live performances?: The MPC Live II Retro Edition is designed for portability with its compact size, built-in rechargeable battery, and integrated speakers, making it ideal for live performances and on-the-go music production.
Can the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition be used as a MIDI controller?: Yes, the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition functions as a MIDI controller with its MIDI input and output, allowing you to control other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
Is the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition suitable for beginners in music production?: While the Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition offers advanced features, its user-friendly interface and comprehensive tutorial resources make it accessible for beginners interested in music production.

Videos

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SEYKO BEATS

AKAI MPC LIVE II Retro - making a beat with vinyl Sampling

SEYKO BEATS

AKAI MPC Live II Retro Edition! Comparison & Beat making

Ave Mcree

AKAI MPC Live II Retro Edition Unboxing #ASMR

Courtney Hawkins

Unboxing and making a beat with the brand new MPC Live II Retro Edition with Mes

Wask - Beatmaking and vintage repairs

Akai MPC Live 2 Retro Edition

Linda's Son

Reviews

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PROS

Highly portable compared to MPC X and One
Built-in speaker quality exceeds expectations
Enhances productivity by limiting distractions
Offers a fun and engaging music-making experience
Attractive design and appearance

CONS

Workflow not as intuitive as MPC X or One

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai MPC Live II Retro Edition.

User experience

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Battery issues on the Retro edition: some owners report battery failure after one year, leading to replacements with the black version and lack of support from Akai.
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Some Retro edition users experience pad double/triple triggering issues, intermittent insensitivity, and tracks muting or freezing.
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Retro edition's aesthetic appeal is compromised for some due to non-illuminated button text, affecting usability in low-light conditions.
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Users report a correlation between Track Mute mode and erratic control, causing unreliable performance when triggering elements live.
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Owners have noted that the MPC Live II requires precise pad tapping and flat, shock-absorbing surfaces for optimal performance, which contradicts its "performance-ready" claim.
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The Retro Edition is reportedly difficult to find in Europe, with users resorting to purchasing through secondary markets or using costly shipping services from the US.
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Features and functionality

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Retro edition lacks backlit lettering on buttons, unlike the black version, which can be beneficial for working in dark environments.
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Track Mute Automation, Time Correction, and Auto Save are linked to double-triggering issues, suggesting a firmware-level timing conflict affecting live performance reliability.
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Build quality

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Black version is less prone to visible stains and has better LED and screen contrast in daylight compared to the Retro edition.
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Some units have been found with metal dust on the PCB, indicating potential manufacturing flaws affecting pad performance.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners of both versions note that functionality is similar, with the choice often coming down to personal preference for aesthetics rather than performance differences.
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Software and compatibility

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The MPC Live II's software has been criticized for its lack of proper file management, absence of a factory reset option, and no internal backup workflow without computer use.
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Value and pricing

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In the US, the Retro Edition can be found used for prices as low as $650 USD, but availability varies widely by location.
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Other

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The Retro Edition's limited availability has led to discussions about it being a limited release, although it's still found in certain US stores.
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