Photo of Akai Professional MPC Live and more gear in a synths

Photo of Akai Professional MPC Live and more gear in a studio

Akai Professional MPC Live

^# 6

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$378.00 to $728.00

4.5 (37)

3 Critic Reviews

5 Reviews

Newer option

Akai MPC Live II

$699.00 - $1,299.00

5.0 (14)

Find out who is using Akai MPC Live

14 community setups

20 wishlisted

111 saved

Page last updated Jun 23, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (77)

$728.00 Used

View Deal

5.0 (38)

$378.00 17 available Used

View Deal

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash your creativity with the Akai Professional MPC Live, a dynamic centerpiece for your music production setup. Sporting a vibrant 7-inch multi-touch screen, this powerhouse offers an immersive interface that transforms simple gestures into complex polyrhythmic drum patterns and intricate effects automation with unmatched precision and speed.

The Akai Professional MPC Live houses 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, allowing for a broad range of expression to breathe life into your kits. This robust machine carries on the legendary feel that's been pivotal in digital music production for decades, ensuring a familiar yet innovative experience. If you haven't had the chance to program an MPC lately, it's time to dive in and discover an interface that redefines the boundaries of musical expression.

Key Features:

Vibrant 7-inch full-color multi-touch screen
16 velocity and pressure-sensitive RGB pads
Unmatched precision and speed for crafting effects automation
Renowned interface that's been at the heart of digital music production for decades
Transforms simple gestures into complex polyrhythmic drum patterns
Allows a broad range of expression to invigorate your kits
Provides a familiar yet innovative experience for musicians of all levels

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	MPC Live Standalone Sampler / Sequencer
Finish	Black
Year	2017 - 2020
Categories	Drum Machines, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads	16 Pads
Polyphony	64 Voices

FAQs

Can the Akai Professional MPC Live be used without a computer?: Yes, the Akai Professional MPC Live can operate in standalone mode, allowing you to create music without needing a computer. It also offers the flexibility to connect to a Mac or PC for additional functionality in controller mode.
How many pads does the Akai Professional MPC Live have?: The Akai Professional MPC Live features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which are ideal for finger drumming, triggering samples, and creating beats.
What type of connectivity options does the Akai Professional MPC Live offer?: The Akai Professional MPC Live includes MIDI input and output, USB, and audio inputs/outputs, providing versatile connectivity for integrating with other gear and recording setups.
Is the Akai Professional MPC Live suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Akai Professional MPC Live is designed for live performances, offering a standalone operation, robust build, and intuitive interface that make it a reliable choice for stage use.
What is the polyphony of the Akai Professional MPC Live?: The Akai Professional MPC Live offers 64-voice polyphony, allowing for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.

Videos

Add video

Perfect Circuit

Akai MPC Live Demo

Perfect Circuit

Akai MPC LIVE overview walkthrough

Absolute Music

Akai MPC Live Review

Ask.Audio

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Highly portable, can run off a battery
Unique among MPCs, offering features others don't
Potential to become a future classic
Offers endless creative possibilities

CONS

Software feels prematurely released, lacking polish
Limited in replacing a DAW, falls short in performance
Poor realtime stretching capabilities
Lacks support for 3rd party MIDI controllers
Limited input options, making live usage cumbersome
Basic tasks like filter assignments or volume edits are difficult
Missing some functionalities, e.g., streaming from SD card

Owner Insights

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

Software and compatibility

0 0

The MPC Live 2's workflow is considered non-intuitive by many, with a steep learning curve that can take months to master effectively.
Source
0 0

Owners note a lack of features like proper factory reset, multilingual UI, and internal backup workflow in the MPC OS, affecting user satisfaction.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Creating songs using 16 tracks per sequence allows smooth transitions between songs without needing to load new projects.
Source
0 0

Preloading samples or merging songs in a single project can enhance live performance transitions by reducing project loading times.
Source
0 0

The MPC Live 2 is praised for its sampling capabilities but is noted to be less suitable for users focusing on MIDI keyboard compositions and VSTs.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Some users manage RAM limitations by DJing between project loads, suggesting a hybrid performance approach.
Source
0 0

Multiple users recommend the Ableton Push 3 or Launchpad Pro for those who primarily work in DAWs, citing better integration and workflow alignment.
Source
0 0

Some users switch to other grooveboxes like Deluge for better reliability and community support, indicating dissatisfaction with Akai's customer service.
Source

User experience

0 0

Running a synth over MIDI through FX pedals and back into the MPC provides a seamless integration for live audio outputs.
Source
0 0

Owners with experience in DAWs find the MPC Live 2's OS cumbersome and describe it as a bottleneck in their creative process.
Source
0 0

Reports of consistent freezing and glitches, including the device auto-saving every few seconds, disrupt workflow and creativity.
Source
0 0

Several owners experience persistent glitches and double-triggering on MPC Live II, undermining its reliability in live performance scenarios.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Utilizing internal MPC compression, EQ, and limiter on main outputs is effective for managing loudness during live sets.
Source
0 0

Double-triggering issues with pads, especially in Track Mute mode, are significantly correlated with Auto Save and Time Correction settings.
Source
0 0

The MPC Live 2's portability is highlighted by its built-in speaker and battery, offering six hours of use without external power.
Source
0 0

Disabling Track Mute Automation, Auto Save, and Time Correction reduces, but does not completely solve, pad triggering issues.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Users report challenges integrating the MPC Live 2 with Ableton, with many suggesting a dedicated MIDI interface to resolve connectivity issues.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Despite being marketed as performance-ready, some units show manufacturing flaws like metal dust on the PCB, affecting pad performance.
Source

Critic Reviews

Akai MPC Live

soundonsound.com

The Akai Professional MPC Live is a standout in the world of portable music production. With robust standalone capabilities, extensive storage options, and a responsive touch interface, it offers an impressive all-in-one solution for musicians on the go. However, the absence of mic and instrument inputs is a significant drawback for those looking to record live sources directly. While the software integration and audio track functionality enhance its versatility, the traditional song mode lacks the flexibility found in competing devices. Overall, it elegantly balances innovation with its heritage, making it a compelling choice for producers, despite some limitations.

positive

Full Review

Akai MPC Live review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai Professional MPC Live is a powerful standalone sampler that successfully melds portability with robust features. Its built-in battery and high-quality touch interface make it a joy to use, especially for on-the-go music production. However, its workflow can be convoluted at times, posing a learning curve for new users. While the hardware impresses with its sturdy build and responsive pads, minor design flaws like a cheap-feeling power switch detract from an otherwise stellar experience. Overall, it's a standout in the MPC line, delivering a versatile platform for both sampling and sequencing.

positive

Full Review

Akai MPC Live Review – Beat Production

beatproduction.net

With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, the Akai MPC Live emerges as a powerful standalone workstation for beatmakers. The iconic pads and extensive connectivity options are a plus, facilitating a smooth workflow. However, the reliance on double taps and shift presses for some functions can be frustrating. While the sound quality is impressive, especially for drums, it lacks features like sample key detection, which could elevate its usability significantly. The recent software upgrade adds valuable effects, but some users may find the clip launch mode less intuitive for live performances. Overall, the MPC Live is a fantastic choice for hardware enthusiasts ready to ditch the computer, but it’s not without its quirks.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 37 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

lucianofortalobos

278

over 8 years ago

When I grow up I want to be a MPC

Ok, so at the time of writing this review the software on the MPC is 2.0.5 and what can I tell ya. Everyone seems to rave about it but I'm not using it. It simply got dropped on the market prematurely. As a machine that's to replace a daw it simply can't keep up with other 'more hands on' Maschines out there. Poor (realtime) stretching capabilities, lack of 3rd party midi controller support and limited input options have put mine to the back of the bus. I don't see it as a live companion as there are way too many workarounds to do what I want it to. Simple filter assignments or volume edit are a hassle and it doesn't seem like help is coming anytime soon. With popcorn in hand I'll be closely watching it's progress but be assured, I'm not holding my breath...