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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Akai Professional MPC Element". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.

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Description

Discover the ultimate fusion of classic beat-making and modern technology with the Akai Professional MPC Element. This sleek, ultra-portable MIDI controller is engineered to bring the authentic MPC experience to your fingertips, wherever creativity strikes. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or crafting beats on the go, the velocity-sensitive backlit MPC pads provide an intuitive and dynamic interface for all your musical projects. Connect seamlessly via USB to your favorite DAW, and unlock a world of sampling and sequencing possibilities with Akai's MPC software.

Designed with both novice producers and seasoned beat makers in mind, the MPC Element boasts a straightforward layout that strips away the complexity, allowing you to focus purely on creativity. The slimline design ensures it fits effortlessly alongside your laptop or desktop setup, making it ideal for mobile production without sacrificing any of the functionality you expect from Akai. With dedicated transport controls and a suite of functional buttons, this controller offers an efficient workflow for crafting beats, triggering samples, and recording performances.

Whether you're experimenting with new sounds or perfecting your signature style, the Akai Professional MPC Element is your key to transforming musical ideas into polished tracks, all within an ultra-portable package.

Key Features:

  • 16 velocity-sensitive backlit MPC pads
  • USB connectivity for seamless integration with DAWs
  • Slimline design for easy portability
  • Dedicated transport controls for efficient workflow
  • Compatible with Akai's MPC software for versatile sampling and sequencing

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model MPC Element Music Production Controller
Finish White
Year 2013 - 2017
Categories Pad MIDI Controllers
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads 16 Pads

FAQs

Is the Akai Professional MPC Element suitable for beginners in music production?

Yes, the Akai Professional MPC Element is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners. Its intuitive interface and portable design allow new users to easily navigate and create beats without a steep learning curve.

How does the Akai Professional MPC Element connect to a computer?

The MPC Element connects to a computer via USB, allowing for seamless integration with music production software. It also features USB MIDI for additional connectivity with other MIDI-enabled devices.

What software is compatible with the Akai Professional MPC Element?

The MPC Element is compatible with Akai's MPC Essentials software, which offers powerful beat-making tools. It can also integrate with other popular DAWs like Ableton Live and FL Studio, enhancing its versatility in music production.

Are the pads on the Akai Professional MPC Element velocity-sensitive?

Yes, the 16 pads on the MPC Element are velocity-sensitive, enabling dynamic and expressive beat creation. This feature allows for nuanced control over the intensity and feel of your beats.

Can the Akai Professional MPC Element be used without a computer?

The MPC Element is primarily designed to work in conjunction with a computer. It requires a computer connection to access its full range of features and software capabilities.

GAK

GAK

Akai - MPC Element WORLD EXCLUSIVE Demo at GAK

Video thumbnail for Akai - MPC Element WORLD EXCLUSIVE Demo at GAK by GAK

Akai - MPC Element WORLD EXCLUSIVE Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MPC Element & Essentials | MPC One-Shot by AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MPC Element & Essentials | MPC One-Shot

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for MPC Element with 88-Keys | Akai Professional #AkaiProMPC by AkaiProVideo

MPC Element with 88-Keys | Akai Professional #AkaiProMPC

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for MPC Element with David Heartbreak | Akai Professional #AkaiProMPC by AkaiProVideo

MPC Element with David Heartbreak | Akai Professional #AkaiProMPC

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for Akai MPC Element review by Czar

Akai MPC Element review

Czar

Czar

Video thumbnail for MPC Element — iMPC Pro Log by Retronyms

MPC Element — iMPC Pro Log

Retronyms

Retronyms

Video thumbnail for UNBOXING THE AKAI MPC ELEMENT by hitcreatormusic

UNBOXING THE AKAI MPC ELEMENT

hitcreatormusic

hitcreatormusic

Video thumbnail for Review y Unboxing en español AKAI MPC Element | TecnologiaDJ.com by TecnologiaDJ

Review y Unboxing en español AKAI MPC Element | TecnologiaDJ.com

TecnologiaDJ

TecnologiaDJ

Video thumbnail for Vestax Handy Trax v.s. AKAI MPC Element by ShowNing DJ Lab

Vestax Handy Trax v.s. AKAI MPC Element

ShowNing DJ Lab

ShowNing DJ Lab

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Software and compatibility

  • The MPC Element lacks mapping software, making integration with the iMPC Pro 2 app challenging compared to the MPD218, which has available software support.

    Source
  • The MPC Element lacks support for Apple Silicon, limiting compatibility to Intel-based macOS versions like Monterey and Big Sur.

    Source
  • Despite appearing in the USB System Report on macOS, the MPC Element does not input MIDI data on M1 MacBooks, indicating driver compatibility issues.

    Source
  • Users mention that the Akai MPD16 had driver issues causing blue screens, suggesting caution for those considering it for modern systems.

    Source

Build quality

  • Users describe the MPC Element as unresponsive, suggesting potential issues with pad sensitivity and overall tactile feedback.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MPD218 includes assignable knobs, offering more control options compared to the MPC Element, which lacks this feature.

    Source
  • The Korg padKONTROL can operate effectively without its original software CD, simplifying setup for users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MPD218 is favored over the MPC Element for its better feel and software availability, enhancing user experience with apps like BeatMaker 3.

    Source
  • The Korg padKONTROL offers LED feedback for clip launching, which may be more intuitive for live performance compared to the Akai MPC Element.

    Source

User experience

  • The Korg padKONTROL is praised for its sturdy build and responsive pads, making it favorable over some Akai models with less sensitive pads.

    Source
  • Owners note that Akai pads, including the MPD series, often require a hard hit unless modified or used in "Full Level" mode.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tosovac

Great Product

Akai Professional MPC Element is the last in the range of Akai Professional MPC Series, but it is.... It blow me away in every aspect! Quality of pads and body is fanstastic! It is easy to use and I recomend it surely! :D

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Liam Howlett uses Akai Professional MPC Element

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from November 6, 2015

See how Neelix uses Akai Professional MPC Element

Neelix

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Neelix laying out his gadgets, MPC element up at the top left.

Genre Usage

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Used With

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

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