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Akai Announces a new MPC-branded machine: The MPC Renaissance

Akai Professional announced exciting news today – the veteran musical instrument company is launching three new versions of their esteemed MPC series, beginning with the MPC Renaissance. In the weeks leading up to NAMM 2012, Akai will unveil two more units as well: the “slimline” MPC Studio and the MPC FLY for the iPad 2. The new MPC series seems to be aimed at computer-based music production as Akai explains on their site: “Fusing Akai Professional’s legendary MPC layout and workflow with the power of your computer, MPC Renaissance is an unrivaled instrument for music production. The new flagship is a fully integrated hardware/software system: MPC Renaissance allows you to create using classic hardware controls and an integrated pop-up display, while it’s exclusive MPC Software empowers you with unprecedented, expandable production capabilities on your Mac or PC.”

Akai has been enjoying success with their MPD MIDI controllers and they still hold a loyal customer base with the MPC series of samplers. But in recent years Native Instruments’ Maschine has been giving Akai’s samplers a run for their money with a cheaper platform that offers a very similar workflow. The announcement of these new Akai Pro MPCs seems to bring Akai back to the game and they’ve obviously taken some notes from NI on hardware/software integration. There’s no price listed for the MPC Renaissance and we’ve only seen the above video so far. But we are eager to get our hands on this flagship device to see what it can do. Below are more details on the MPC Renaissance from Akai Pro.

MPC Renaissance hardware

• Fuses legendary MPC production with the processing power of your computer
• Vintage Mode changes output sound character to MPC3000, MPC60 and more
• 16 backlit genuine MPC pads, 16 Q-Link controls, and adjustable backlit LCD screen
• Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and MPC transport controls
• MPC SOFTWARE for Mac or PC with 64-track sequencing capability
• Two XLR-1/4″ combo inputs and dedicated turntable input
• Four-channel US B 2.0 audio interface and two-port US B 2.0 hub built in
• Up to eight pad banks―more than any other MPC ever
• Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs
• Stereo 1/4″ out, stereo assignable mix 1/4″ out & S/PDIF I/O

MPC Renaissance software

• 64-track sequencing capability
• Massive 6GB+ sound library, including all of the sounds of the classic MPC3000
• Instant mapping and real-time adjustment of VST plug-ins
• Record each track as an MPC drum program, Keygroup program or VST plug-in
• Runs standalone and as VST, AU or RTAS plug-in
• Supports WAV, MP3, AIFF, REX and SND
• Supports samples and sequences from any MPC ever made
• Mac and PC-compatible