Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,642
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$399
$900+
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Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Akai Professional MPC Live III is a revolutionary standalone music production center, designed to ignite the creativity of beatmakers, producers, and performers alike. This latest installment in the iconic MPC series operates independently of a computer, yet delivers the power and precision of a full studio setup. Featuring state-of-the-art 3D-sensing MPCe pads, it captures every nuance of your performance, responding to velocity, pressure, and subtle finger movements with unmatched expressivity. The addition of a responsive Touch Strip allows for real-time modulation and effects control, providing an immersive experience whether you're in the studio or on stage.
Under the hood, the MPC Live III boasts an 8-core processor with 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth operation of complex projects with up to 32 plugin tracks and 16 audio tracks. Its vibrant 7-inch multi-touch display and user-friendly interface make navigation and control intuitive, minimizing the need for menu diving. Built-in stereo monitors and a high-quality condenser microphone enable quick vocal takes and sample recording, offering a truly portable studio solution.
Connectivity is expansive, with dual XLR/TRS combo inputs, USB-C, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth capabilities, making it versatile enough to integrate seamlessly into any setup. With its robust internal storage and expandable options, the MPC Live III is engineered to keep pace with modern production demands, making it an indispensable tool for any type of music creator.
Key Features:
- Next-generation MPC hardware with MPC3 OS
- 16 MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology and RGB backlighting
- 7" multi-touch display with four Q-Link encoders
- Built-in condenser microphone and stereo monitors
- 8-core processor with 8GB RAM
- 128GB internal storage, expandable via SSD or SD card
- Rechargeable battery for up to 4 hours of use
- Extensive connectivity including USB-C, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- 8 CV/Gate outputs for modular integration
Videos
Sweetwater Soundcheck
The New Akai MPC Live III | Deep Dive Review & Features
The New Akai MPC Live III | Deep Dive Review & Features
Sweetwater Soundcheck
Akai MPC Live III: 3D Expression, Clip Launching & More
Sweetwater Soundcheck
Review: MPC Live III vs Live II // What's in the Pro Pack? // Using MPCe & Matrix // Live 3 Tutorial
loopop
MPC LIVE III | The Most Powerful All-In-One Standalone Music Production Center Ever
Akai Professional
MPC LIVE III Hands on: The next generation?
Accurate Beats
AKAI MPC Live III - A Whole New MPC Experience!
Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center.
Features and functionality
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The MPC Live III includes a 16-step sequencer with function buttons, enhancing electronic production and live clip looping capabilities.
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The touch strip can potentially be used for crossfade, similar to the Akai Force, enhancing live performance options.
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The device reportedly has a clip launch system, allowing MIDI and audio clips of various lengths to be triggered without workflow interruption.
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The MPC Live III supports 24 channels of audio and MIDI over USB, potentially replacing multiple audio interfaces in a studio setup.
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Users praise the individual X/Y automation available for each pad, enhancing detailed control and creativity.
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The MPC Live III touch strip is more versatile than expected, providing quick volume control and other real-time performance adjustments without needing to switch modes.
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Mods and upgrades
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Users can program pad colors to be off, dim, or any desired color, offering customization for visual preference during performances.
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Comparisons
User experience
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Owners report that the addition of dedicated buttons reduces the need for menu diving, improving workflow efficiency, especially for those transitioning from the Live II.
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The MPC Live III's step sequencer is noted as significantly improved, offering a more powerful control scheme with proper parameter locking.
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Some users express concerns about the durability of the new pads and touch strip, given the increased friction and sliding use in triggering functions.
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Software and compatibility
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The new model is expected to introduce "pro" plugins, including a reverb pro and visual EQ, leveraging the upgraded CPU for enhanced processing.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 3 Ratings
180
Brilliance
I thought that MPC 2 was almost perfect, but when I got 3rd version, I was really impressed. The Ultimate production device, you can use it in big studio, keeping all your stuff connected, or somewhere outdoors. Sequences buttons makes the process x10 faster.
58
MPC Live would be my deserted island pick
I had an MPC Live II for around 6 years before getting the Live III. The Live III has all of the best parts of the Live II and then a bunch of new features/functionalities that make it even better.
I bought the Live III within a few days of release and unfortunately I did have an issue with the main dial/knob, where it would sometimes skip 1-2 lines, but this was a physically defective knob potentiometer. Once that issue got resolved, I haven't had a single issue. That's with 2-4 hours of usage every single day, so probably already nearing 500 hours of use, no issues, lots of great creative sessions.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
I own almost every plugin available (except a few of the new Native Instruments plugins), and I use most of them, but out of everything, Sub Factory is my favorite plugin ever. I use it on every track, sometimes 3-4 different ways. It's incredible as a bass synth, but it's also incredible as a regular synth. It can actually provide a much more pure synth sound than most plugins. You can pick two different wave forms, adjust many parameters and settings, etc. Honestly, if I were better at sound design and knew how to create drums from Sub Factory, I could probably use it to write 50%+ of my tracks.
436
Love this MPC!!!
I've been using MPCs since the MPC-60II, and this, by far, is my very favorite model!
Artist usage
Add artist
In a video titled "Kanye West & Travis Scott Making 'FATHER' In The Studio" by BumOfDaniel on YouTube, at timestamp 0:17, Kanye West is visible using the Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center while he browses through sounds to find the right hats and claps.
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In this screen grab from Justin Bieber's performance of ‘Yukon’ at the 2026 Grammy Award Show, on the stand is an Akai Professional MPC Live III, which he uses to trigger the kick drum, as well as the occasional sample.
In an Instagram post by @huidobropacorro, Paco Huidobro is shown using the Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center.
Album Usage
The Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center has been featured on the following albums:
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 Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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