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Akai Professional MPX8 Sampler

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$96.69 to $119.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (24)

4 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Akai MPX8

1 community setup

3 wishlisted

55 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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3.0 (30)

$119.00

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4.0 (8)

$119.00

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3.8 (1084)

$119.00 New

$99.75 Used (Like New)

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4.0 (18)

$96.69 9 available New

$68.00 8 available Used

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4.0 (61)

$119.00

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5.0 (1)

$109.00

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4.5 (4)

$119.00

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3.8 (217)

$99.00 $98.00 $1.00 · All time low

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£85.30

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Average Price: $107

Budget/Beginner

$399

$900+

Price Tier

In the Production & Groove category, Akai Professional MPX8 Sampler is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Akai Professional MPX8 Sampler". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Akai MPX8 is a compact, yet powerful, sample pad controller that is built to perform both in the studio and on stage. With its eight velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive pads, you can trigger samples and sounds with an ease that brings simplicity to your music production process. It's not just about sample triggering, the MPX8 allows you to tune your samples and apply reverb, giving you complete control over your sound.

To make managing your samples even simpler, the MPX8 comes with a drag-and-drop sample editor that is compatible with both Mac and PC. Loading your samples is a breeze thanks to standard SD or SDHC card compatibility, and the MPX8 even includes a library of built-in sounds to get you started.

Connectivity is another strong point of the MPX8. With both USB MIDI and standard MIDI inputs and outputs, integrating this sample pad controller into your existing setup is straightforward. Moreover, the MPX8 is not just a sample player, it can also be used as a controller for equipment and software.

With the Akai MPX8, you get a compact, durable instrument that is ready to go when you are. It's a sample player, a controller, and an integral part of your music production setup.

Key Features:

8 velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive pads
Add sound samples via standard SD card or use the extensive built-in library
Tune, add reverb, save sample sets for easy recall
USB MIDI plus standard MIDI inputs and outputs
Drag-and-drop sample editor for Mac and PC included
Can be used as a controller for equipment and software
Includes a large library of standard samples built in
2 Balanced 1/4-inch outputs (6.35mm)
1/8-inch headphone output (3.5mm)

Owner's manual

Akai Professional MPX8 Sampler User Manual

Product specs

Type	Sample Pad Controller
Internal Sound Engine	Sample Playback
Pads	8 x Velocity-sensitive Pads
Sounds	21 Built-in Sounds, Over 300 additional in Akai Pro Loop Library
Presets	8 Built-in Kits, 99 User Kits
Polyphony	8-voice
Sampling	Sample Playback
Effects	Reverb
Analog Outputs	2 x 1/4" TS (main out)
Headphones	1 x 1/8" TRS
MIDI I/O	2 x 1/8" TRS Type A (in, out), USB
USB	1 x Type B
Storage	Up to 32GB SD/SDHC Card
Software	Sample Kit Editor
Power Source	USB power supply (included)
Height	1.3"
Width	11.6"
Depth	4"
Weight	1 lb.

FAQs

How do I load samples onto the Akai MPX8?: You can load samples onto the Akai MPX8 using a standard SD or SDHC card. Simply transfer your 16-bit WAV files with sample rates up to 48 kHz onto the card, insert it into the MPX8, and assign the samples to the pads.
Are the pads on the Akai MPX8 velocity-sensitive?: Yes, the Akai MPX8 features eight velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for dynamic and expressive sample triggering based on how hard you hit the pads.
What kind of power supply does the Akai MPX8 require?: The Akai MPX8 is powered via a USB power supply, which is included with the unit.
Can the Akai MPX8 connect to a computer for MIDI control?: Yes, the Akai MPX8 can connect to a computer via USB for MIDI control, allowing you to trigger samples and control software instruments.
What is the maximum storage capacity for samples on the Akai MPX8?: The Akai MPX8 supports SD or SDHC cards with a maximum storage capacity of 32GB, providing ample space for your sample library.
Does the Akai MPX8 have built-in sounds?: Yes, the Akai MPX8 comes with 21 built-in sounds and offers over 300 additional sounds available in the Akai Pro Loop Library.
Does the Akai MPX8 have any built-in effects?: The Akai MPX8 includes a reverb effect, which can be applied to your samples for added depth and texture.

Videos

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sonicstate

Akai MPX8 SD Sample Player - SonicLAB Review

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Bad Gear - Akai MPX-8 - Most Epic Fail???

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Akai MPX8 Sample Pad Controller Overview - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2013

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AKAI MPX8 Sound Test Demo 2 with Downloaded Samples

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AKAI MPX8 Test - don´t buy it!!!

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Akai MPX 8 Review / Overview

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BTK Unboxing: Akai Professional MPX8 Sample Player

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Akai Professional MPX8 SD Sampler With MPC Pads

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Reviews

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PROS

Ideal for live performance with looping vocal snippets and samples
Backlit pads enhance visibility in low-light conditions
Simple setup and organization, facilitating quick changes with SD cards
Offers one-shot, held, or looped sample playback options
Supports stereo WAV files post firmware update
Compatible with external MIDI devices for expanded control
Onboard reverb adds depth to samples
Portable and can be powered via mains or USB charger
Acknowledged for enhancing live band performances and recordings

CONS

Steep learning curve and manual not very informative
Pads require firm hits for maximum volume, affecting dynamic control
Inconsistent MIDI triggering with multiple simultaneous samples
No option to deactivate velocity sensitivity for uniform playback volume
Sample loading can be time-consuming and finicky
Requires specific audio formats, causing compatibility issues
Lacks the ability to change MIDI channel from channel 10
Some users experienced unreliable sample playback and saving issues
Reported to be too light, affecting stability during use
Akai's customer support and software are criticized for being unhelpful

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional MPX8 Sampler.

Features and functionality

0 0

The device allows for pitching, adding reverb, panning, changing volume, looping, and playing multiple samples simultaneously.
Source
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The MPX8 supports 16-bit stereo and mono WAV files at sample rates of 48, 44.1, 32, 22.05, or 11.205 kHz, avoiding electric buzz issues.
Source
0 0

File names must be limited to 8 characters to ensure proper sample playback.
Source
0 0

The MPX8 can load up to 30 MB of samples from an SD card, despite its 32GB capacity.
Source

Use cases and applications

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In emergencies, the Koala Sampler app on mobile devices serves as a viable alternative for sample playback when the MPX8 malfunctions.
Source
0 0

The MPX8 is effective for playing user-loaded samples triggered by a drum machine, but it requires pre-recorded samples as it cannot record them itself.
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0 0

It’s effective for live performance with preloaded short samples, but limited for longer audio clips.
Source

User experience

0 0

Switching from Akai's converter to DAWs like Reaper, while disabling BWF data, successfully eliminates glitches in sample playback.
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Some users have found the process of loading samples cumbersome, potentially due to driver issues, despite the device's simplicity in operation once set up.
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The device is prone to unreliable MIDI triggering and inconsistent sample playback timing.
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Software and compatibility

0 0

Using cloudconvert.com for WAV conversion according to MPX8 specifications resolves playback issues, providing reliable sample performance.
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Some owners fixed sample corruption by adjusting the WAV file header, specifically the "data" size parameter, to prevent reading errors in the MPX8.
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Users report that avoiding Akai's software and using Audacity for file conversion improves the sample loading process.
Source

Other

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DIY knockoff versions of the MPX8 are popular in Southeast Asia, often using Arduino clones, offering a cheaper alternative with uncertain quality.
Source

Comparisons

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Users suggest alternatives like the Roland SPD-SX for better trigger quality, though the MPX8 remains unmatched for its price.
Source

Value and pricing

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Owners suggest that despite its flaws, the MPX8 is the most affordable hardware sample player at $100.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Many note poor pad sensitivity, with instances of double hits or no response at all.
Source

Critic Reviews

Akai MPX8

soundonsound.com

Akai MPX8 offers a compact, affordable sample player with eight velocity-sensitive pads, making it a solid choice for musicians seeking portability and ease of use. Its ability to handle a vast library via SD cards and its MIDI capabilities are definite strengths. However, it struggles with slow sample loading times, is picky about WAV file formats, and its editor software lacks robustness. While it excels in basic sample playback and as a drum controller, the lack of seamless integration and occasional fussiness with samples might frustrate advanced users. Overall, it’s a good value for money, especially for those who can work within its limitations.

neutral

Full Review

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Akai MPX8 is a nostalgic nod to past samplers, offering great sound quality and a tactile experience with its responsive drum pads. As a portable sample player and MIDI controller, it succeeds with simplicity and affordability. However, the lack of direct sampling capability and the cumbersome SD card management can be frustrating, requiring external solutions to transfer samples. The software editor is basic, but functional. While it’s a charming and fun device, potential buyers should weigh its limitations in connectivity and sample loading. Overall, it’s a decent choice for those embracing hardware setups without breaking the bank.

neutral

Full Review

REVIEW: Akai Pro MPX8 Sample player – DJWORX

djworx.com

The Akai MPX8 is a sturdy, portable sampler with Akai’s renowned drum pads and a range of connections, but it feels a bit outdated in today's digital era. While easy to set up and featuring handy built-in samples, its design flaws, like inconvenient cable placement and limited velocity sensitivity, might frustrate some users. The blue screen lighting is harsh on the eyes, and the absence of battery power limits its portability. It's a useful tool for certain live performances and DJs looking for simple sample triggering, but alternatives like apps or more modern devices may offer better value and flexibility.

neutral

Full Review

Sonic LAB Review: Akai MPX8 Sample Player

sonicstate.com

Akai's MPX8 offers a straightforward solution for musicians seeking a simple sample player. Its eight velocity-sensitive pads and SD card compatibility provide ample room for creativity, despite lacking advanced features like velocity switching. While it's not a full-fledged MPC, the MPX8's portability and versatility make it suitable for diverse applications, from live performances to theater sound. The inclusion of polyphonic aftertouch is a pleasant surprise, enhancing MIDI control. However, the device's reliance on external sample loading via SD cards and a PC/Mac editor may deter some users. Overall, it's a decent entry-level option at an appealing price, though users seeking more advanced sampling capabilities might look elsewhere.

neutral

Full Review

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 24 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

metronohm808

187

over 9 years ago

Does as described...

One of my first pieces of electronic gear. Its a great little machine with stereo jack outputs on 1''4 as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for on-the-go use. I either power it via mains or a portable USB phone charger, both work great. Compatibility with 5 pin MIDI is great but I wouldn't recommend it as a USB MIDI trigger. Great for one shots and little jams I just wish it had more purpose in my live setup because it's great!!!!

freezeetch

1539

about 12 years ago

Versatile sample pad for live and effects use

Sample pad trigger thingy. Can load samples via SD card, and it can act as a stand-alone unit. Mostly I have used it to play with TR-808 samples through effects pedals, but in theory I would like to use it for triggering samples in a live context.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Techno Electro