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Akai Professional MPX16 Sampler

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4.0 (20)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

Find out who is using Akai Professional MPX16

2 community setups

5 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

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Description

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Step into a world of limitless creativity with the Akai Professional MPX16 Sampler, a powerful tool designed to elevate your music production game. This compact yet robust sampler is your gateway to crafting unique sounds and grooves effortlessly. With 16 backlit velocity-sensitive pads, you can trigger samples with precision, ensuring each beat and note resonates exactly as you envision. Whether you're laying down the foundation for a track or adding intricate layers, the MPX16's intuitive design makes it a seamless companion for both studio and live performances.

Recording and playback are simplified with a USB connection that allows for easy sample transfer via drag-and-drop. Store and access your 16-bit stereo audio files on SD cards, ensuring you have all your favorite sounds at your fingertips. The MPX16 also doubles as a MIDI controller, bridging the gap between your hardware and software instruments, and providing an expansive sound palette right at your disposal. Its user-friendly interface and versatile functionality make it an indispensable tool for musicians who thrive on creativity and efficiency.

Key Features:

16 velocity-sensitive backlit pads for expressive performance
Built-in microphone and line inputs for sampling versatility
USB connectivity for seamless integration with your DAW
Supports SD/SDHC cards for expansive sample storage
MIDI control capabilities for enhanced music production
Compact and portable design ideal for live performances and studio use

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	MPX16
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads	16 Pads
Polyphony	64 Voices

FAQs

How many pads does the Akai Professional MPX16 Sampler have?: The Akai Professional MPX16 Sampler features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for dynamic sample triggering and performance.
What type of connectivity options are available on the Akai MPX16?: The Akai MPX16 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, making it versatile for integrating with other MIDI equipment and computers.
Can the Akai MPX16 Sampler be used as a standalone device?: Yes, the Akai MPX16 can be used as a standalone sampler, as it allows you to load samples from an SD card and trigger them via its 16 pads.
Is the Akai MPX16 compatible with DAWs?: The Akai MPX16 is compatible with most DAWs through its USB MIDI connection, enabling integration into your digital audio workstation setup.
What is the polyphony of the Akai Professional MPX16 Sampler?: The Akai Professional MPX16 Sampler offers 64-voice polyphony, allowing for complex layering and playback of multiple samples simultaneously.

Videos

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GUITARGUITAR

Akai MPX16 Sampler - Hands on Exclusive!

GUITARGUITAR

AKAI Professional MPX16 Sample Recorder/Player — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Akai MPX16 Sampler

GetintheMix

Akai MPX16 Review Sample Loading and Loop Settings

5 Minute Man

Testing samples with the Akai Professional MPX16

Danny's Hardcore Café

AKAI MPX16 sampler: Does it really cut it?

Gearfacts

akai mpx 16

muzykujkropkacom

Akai MPX 16 Review - Big Don't! | Koolteeth

Koolteeth1

Akai MPX 16 Sampler Demo and Review

JJ Lacey

Reviews

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PROS

CD quality audio for professional-grade sound
Supports SD card for easy sample storage and assignment
Includes external microphone for personal sound recording
Affordable compared to most sampler software
Easy to learn without needing the manual for basic functions

CONS

Occasional distorted buzzing sounds reported
White specks under the screen noted by some users
Slow sample loading time, not ideal for live performances
Limited to MIDI Channel 1 for input and Channel 10 for output
File conversion process lacks flexibility and transparency
Pads considered less responsive than some competitors
Firmware has not been updated in years

Critic Reviews

Akai MPX16

soundonsound.com

The Akai MPX16 is a portable, affordable sampler that builds on its predecessor with more pads, enhanced sampling features, and a durable design. However, its appeal is marred by sluggish sample loading times and a disappointing MIDI implementation. While it shines as a USB/MIDI drum controller with polyphonic aftertouch, the need for faster SD cards and better conversion software cannot be overlooked. Despite its limitations, the MPX16's price and portability make it a viable option for musicians focusing on short, percussive samples. With potential firmware updates, this sampler could fulfill its promise of being a versatile music-making tool.

neutral

Full Review

Akai MPX16 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai MPX16 is a budget-friendly, portable sampler that excels as a starter device for basic sampling and MIDI pad control. Its robust build and intuitive sampling make it ideal for live performances and quick idea captures. However, it lacks battery power, effects like chorus or delay, and comes with subpar presets. While it doesn't offer sequencing capabilities, it supports external sequencing and improved sample editing over its predecessor, the MPX8. Ideal for those seeking a cost-effective, straightforward sampling tool, but not for users needing advanced features or effects.

neutral

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 20 Ratings

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ryubi10god

over 7 years ago

MPX16

Tempting Sampler - it has an external microphone to record personal sounds - with an acquired skill of editing the sample within the console. The best thing about this sampler is that the user is able to load samples onto an SD Card - and assign each sign to a pad - and you are able to save the kit. This limit is up to 16 assignments. Although the Pads are not as nimble and precise as the XR20 - the pads are in fair declaration. Samples must be converted into a specific format.