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Description

Introducing the Akai MPC60, a groundbreaking innovation that revolutionized the music production landscape. Born from the collaboration between Akai and the legendary engineer Roger Linn, this Music Production Center is celebrated for its distinctive blend of powerful drum machine capabilities and intuitive interface. The MPC60's legacy is rooted in its pioneering approach to sampling and MIDI sequencing, drawing inspiration from iconic predecessors like the Linn 9000 and Sequential Circuits Inc. Studio 440.

Designed to meet the needs of both classic and contemporary music producers, the MPC60 offers a robust platform for crafting beats and sequences. Its 16 touch-sensitive pads provide an interactive, tactile experience, empowering musicians to express their creativity with precision. The unit's sampling prowess, facilitated by its 750 kB memory and 40 kHz sampling rate, allows for detailed and high-quality sound capture, making it a favorite among hip-hop and rap producers.

With its 16 voice polyphony, the MPC60 ensures rich, layered compositions, while the dual MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs offer extensive connectivity for integrating with other gear. This versatility has made it a staple in the studios of artists like Trent Reznor, The xx, and DiViNCi, who have harnessed its capabilities to shape their unique soundscapes.

Whether you're a seasoned producer or an aspiring beat-maker, the Akai MPC60 stands as a testament to innovation and musical expression, offering a timeless tool to elevate your production game.

Key Features:

  • Developed in collaboration with Roger Linn
  • 16 touch-sensitive pads for dynamic interaction
  • 750 kB sampling memory with 40 kHz sampling rate
  • 16 voice polyphony for rich compositions
  • Dual MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs for extensive connectivity
  • Influenced by Linn 9000 and Studio 440 design principles

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model MPC60 Integrated MIDI Sequencer and Drum Sampler
Finish Grey
Year 1988 - 1991
Categories Drum Machines, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads 16 Pads
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Akai MPC60's sound engine?

The Akai MPC60 features a 12-bit sampling engine known for its warm, punchy sound, which is particularly favored in hip-hop and electronic music production.

Is the Akai MPC60 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Akai MPC60 is equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive pads and robust MIDI sequencing, making it a reliable choice for live performances.

Does the Akai MPC60 integrate well with modern DAWs?

While the MPC60 is a classic piece of gear, it uses MIDI I/O for integration, which can be adapted to modern DAWs with appropriate interfaces, though it lacks direct USB connectivity.

How does the Akai MPC60 handle sample editing?

The MPC60 offers basic sample editing capabilities, allowing users to trim, loop, and assign samples to its pads, though its interface is more limited compared to modern samplers.

What is the polyphony of the Akai MPC60, and how does it affect production?

The Akai MPC60 has a polyphony of 16 voices, which allows for complex layering of sounds but may require careful management in dense compositions.

dvdborn

dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 1: Introduction

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 1: Introduction by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 1: Introduction

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for MPC 60 Beat 1 in 60 Beats by Beats By Spiveys Creations

MPC 60 Beat 1 in 60 Beats

Beats By Spiveys Creations

Beats By Spiveys Creations

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 2: The Basics by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 2: The Basics

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 3A: Recording Sequences by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 3A: Recording Sequences

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 6 Sampling by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 6 Sampling

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for AKAI MPC 60 - It's all about Swing! by 100 Things I Do

AKAI MPC 60 - It's all about Swing!

100 Things I Do

100 Things I Do

Video thumbnail for Making a beat from vinyl on the mpc 60 - Boombap Hiphop by Tommy Vamoz

Making a beat from vinyl on the mpc 60 - Boombap Hiphop

Tommy Vamoz

Tommy Vamoz

Video thumbnail for The History of The AKAI  MPC: Part 1 The MPC 60 by SampleKings

The History of The AKAI MPC: Part 1 The MPC 60

SampleKings

SampleKings

Video thumbnail for Making Beat on Akai MPC 60 mk1 | #mpc60 | by vubeatz

Making Beat on Akai MPC 60 mk1 | #mpc60 |

vubeatz

vubeatz

Video thumbnail for A few classic AKAI MPC disks by SynthMania

A few classic AKAI MPC disks

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 3B Quantizing by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 3B Quantizing

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 4 Editing Sequences by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 4 Editing Sequences

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for A QUICK MPC 60 REVIEW. WAS IT WORTH IT? by PPIC

A QUICK MPC 60 REVIEW. WAS IT WORTH IT?

PPIC

PPIC

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 8: MIDI and Sync by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 8: MIDI and Sync

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 5 Song Mode by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 5 Song Mode

dvdborn

dvdborn

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC60 Section 7: Disk by dvdborn

Akai MPC60 Section 7: Disk

dvdborn

dvdborn

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai MPC60.

Setup and maintenance

  • Turntables without built-in preamps need a mixer with at least a 3-band EQ for optimal sample adjustment before connecting to the MPC60.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MPC60's limitations, like 12-bit sampling, foster creativity and can help develop a unique gritty sound style.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MPC60's 12-bit sound is favored by some for its distinctiveness over newer models, but it lacks modern features like sidechain compression and quick sample processing.

    Source
  • MPC Live's sound is described as too clean compared to the MPC60's sought-after lofi crush sound.

    Source
  • Users express curiosity about how the MPC60 compares with the MPC3000 in terms of sound characteristics.

    Source

User experience

  • Vintage gear enthusiasts often recommend starting with an MPC2000XL for a balance of vintage feel and manageable learning curve.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MPC60 is large, expensive, and limited in features, but offers an unmatched classic sound that many purists value.

    Source
  • Owners note that the MPC60's unique lofi warmth is difficult to fully replicate with DSP plugins.

    Source

Other

  • Vintage MPCs may require frequent maintenance due to potential issues with pads, buttons, and audio connections, emphasizing the need for technical readiness.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • There is interest in the impact of the new time-stretching algorithm in MPC Live's recent software update.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Akai MPC60 (MT Apr 88)

muzines.co.uk

The Akai MPC60 emerges as a robust and versatile MIDI Production Centre, impressively combining a drum machine with a sequencer. With its sturdy build and portability, it excels in delivering crisp, clear samples and a user-friendly interface. Musicians will appreciate its 16-voice polyphony, responsive drum pads, and extensive sync capabilities. However, the absence of features like a SCSI port and the somewhat closed system may deter those seeking extensive connectivity and future-proofing. A few early software bugs were noted but are expected to be addressed. Overall, the MPC60 stands as a formidable tool for rhythm-driven music production in the late '80s, offering significant creative potential.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
damjan_dimitrovski

Used for

Very limiting yet a full package for some nice boom bap. Perfect pair with akai s900 or s950. Make sure to update to 3.1 or 3.15 OS (doubles the memory, improved workflow within the machine)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Akai MPC60

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

A photograph taken during the recording of Radiohead's "In Rainbows" at their studio "Butts Furlong" shows Jonny Greenwood utilizing an Akai MPC60.

See how Paul McCartney uses Akai MPC60

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Akai MPC60 is listed in this blog

See how Aphex Twin uses Akai MPC60

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Mike & Rich

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Aphex Twin looms over his equipment, including the MPC60 towards the upper-right-hand corner. The drum pads and MPC60 logo can be spotted beneath other equipment, all adorned with Aphex Twin stickers.

See how Mike Shinoda uses Akai MPC60

Mike Shinoda

Singer, Guitarist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Native Instruments Blog

In a feature on the Native Instruments Blog, Mike Shinoda is shown using an Akai MPC60 in his studio, highlighting his innovative approach to blending Bollywood, hip hop, and metal.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Akai MPC60

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1992 performance on "Tato de América," Gustavo Cerati used the Akai MPC60, an electronic instrument known for its innovative use of MIDI sampling. This device, popular among early '90s hip hop artists in the United States, allowed for advanced sound manipulation, highlighting Cerati's forward-thinking approach to music production.

See how J Dilla uses Akai MPC60

J Dilla

Rapper, Music Producer

Soulquarians

...
Verified via Photo

Nodfactor re-publishes an article from a February 2006 edition of Scratch magazine where Alvin “Aqua Boogie” Blanco interviews J-Dilla. Aqua Boogie asks what equipment did J-Dilla start with, to which he replies “I started with the SP-12 then moved to the SP-1200 and then shortly after that the MPC-60, then the MPC-62, then the MPC3000 and I’ve been on the MPC 3000 ever since then. I’ve tried other samplers but the 3000 is best for me for what I like to do.”

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Akai MPC60

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Free

Albums which use AKAI MPC-60 : • Revolutions

• Chronologie

See how Robin Guthrie uses Akai MPC60

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

.

See how DJ Shadow uses Akai MPC60

DJ Shadow

Music Producer, DJ

Nite School Klik

...
Verified via Photo

This clip from a 2008 Crate Kings article talks about how DJ Shadow ditched the Akai MPC 60 and MPC 3000 as his main production tools. Shadow said:

"At the time, in 2002, I felt as though ‘The Private Press’ was the best record I could ever make on the MPC, and I was eager for a change. It was also important to me that I not get stagnant and start repeating things I had done in the past. So I switched it up and forced myself to "go back to school," in a sense. I felt that if I refused to rely on the MPC and learn new techniques my music would change, for better or worse, and change was what I craved most."

See how DJ Premier uses Akai MPC60

DJ Premier

Music Producer, DJ

Gang Starr

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Following the meeting with Large Professor in the late '80s that led Preem to switch to the Emu SP12, he also used an Alesis drum machine, and eventually settled on the Akai MPC60.

See how Vince Clarke uses Akai MPC60

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Muzines

In the makeshift living room somewhere round the back of the Odeon, Vince has a few home comforts. TV, video, fridge full of cold drinks, and something which says more about his musical standpoint than anything else I can think of. Whereas a guitarist might have a trusty old acoustic propped up against the sofa, Vince has got a small workstation consisting of Mini-Moog, Akai Linn MPC-60 and Roland MC-4 sequencer, handy for those moments of inspiration and last-minute adjustments to the live set. He points enthusiastically to the Akai Linn.

"This is really good. We use this for all the drum sounds live. All the drum sounds on the last album were generated from synths, so I had to regenerate them for the tour. Obviously I couldn't take an ARP 2600 on the road and start messing about with bass drum sounds for every song, and there's lots and lots of percussion sounds, so they were regenerated and sampled into that thing. I must admit it was a real life-saver, it's so simple. You just hit Record, press the pad and it's down. Only 16-bit recording inside, but the resolution's quite high. Eight outs, 32 drum sounds. So it's in my tank!"

See how Just Blaze uses Akai MPC60

Just Blaze

Music Producer

Roc-A-Fella Family

...
Verified via Vimeo

In this video with Red Bull Music Academy, Just blaze says he used an MPC 60 at 01:00:52.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai MPC60, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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5
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4
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4
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Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
4

Community setups

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resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

P

pierre_nic

Gear IQ 81

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architecturemusic

Gear IQ 79

1 alternative for Akai MPC60, curated by the Equipboard community.

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