Akai MPC XL Standalone Sampling Workstation

The Akai Pro MPC XL elevates the legacy of the world’s most influential sampling drum machine: the MPC. 

 

Designed for computer-free, music-making workflows, MPC XL is the pinnacle of standalone power. This studio centerpiece features ultra-responsive MPCe pads, a dedicated step sequencer with 16 function modes, 16 touch-responsive Q-Links with OLED displays, a next-gen 8-core processor, 16 GB RAM, a hands-on performance touch-strip, and one-to-one surface control buttons. Building on the flexible, performance-first features MPC users love, MPC XL offers advanced sequencing, clip launching, pro stem separation, high-quality time-stretching, and powerful I/O connectivity. 

 

Seamlessly integrated with MPC3 OS, this all-in-one system can load up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks, with support for up to 256 simultaneous voices, making it a studio-grade workhorse that’s perfect for today's fast-moving producers. 

 

Features 

• No computer required: standalone hardware with MPC3 OS for a streamlined workflow   
• Gen 2 8-core processor with 4x the processing power of previous MPCs   
• 16GB RAM for running multiple plugins simultaneously   
• 256GB internal SSD storage for saving projects, plug-in instruments, samples, and presets   
• MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology brings a new level of expression to beatmaking and production: 4 quadrants per pad make it possible to morph, loop, layer, and control sounds and effects freely 
• Assignable performance touch-strip for tactile control of Performance FX, note repeats, Channel faders, and more 
• Step sequencer with 16 RGB function buttons  
• 16 Q-Link knobs with performance-control OLEDs for immediate visual feedback   
• XL Channel Command allows for quick access to mixing and recording parameters (including level, sends, and outputs) at the touch of a button—with a dedicated OLED display and encoder for parameter control and visual feedback 
• One-to-one function buttons for immediate access to every feature 
• 10.1” HD multi-gesture touchscreen   with tilt 
• 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with mic preamps and phantom power for crystal-clear recordings    
• 2 dedicated instrument inputs for recording guitars and keyboards   
• 8 separate line outputs for external routing and mixing   
• USB-C connectivity for 24 channels of audio I/O, 32 channels of MIDI IO, and easy connectivity to sample from smart devices  
• 8 stereo 1/8” CV/Gate outputs for a total of 16 CV outs 

 

Technical Specifications 

• Digital Audio System 
• ADCs: 24-bit @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz 
• DACs: 24-bit @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz 
• Digital Signal Processing: 32-bit floating point 
   
• Mic Inputs 1–2 

(2) balanced XLR+1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS 

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.19 / -0.16 dB) 
• Dynamic Range: 109.8 dB (A-weighted) 
• SNR: 109.3 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted) 
• THD+N: 0.001% (1 kHz, +4 dBu, -1 dBFS) 
• Preamp EIN: 
• -134 dBu (max gain, 40 Ω source, A-weighted) 
• -129 dBu (max gain, 150 Ω source, unweighted) 
• Maximum Input Level: +12.7 dBu 
• Sensitivity: -45.5 dBu 
• Gain Range: 58.2 dB 
   
• Line Inputs 1–2 

(2) balanced XLR+1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS 

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.09 / -0.05 dB) 
• Dynamic Range: 109.8 dB (A-weighted) 
• SNR: 109.4 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted) 
• THD+N: 0.001% (1 kHz, +4 dBu, -1 dBFS) 
• Maximum Input Level: +20.1 dBu 
• Sensitivity: -9.6 dBu 
• Gain Range: 29.7 dB 
   
• Line Inputs 3–4 

(2) balanced 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS 

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.09 / -0.05 dB) 
• Dynamic Range: 110.8 dB (A-weighted) 
• SNR: 109.7 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted) 
• THD+N: 0.001% (1 kHz, +4 dBu, -1 dBFS) 
• Maximum Input Level: +20.3 dBu 
• Sensitivity: -10.3 dBu 
• Gain Range: 30.6 dB 
   
• Instrument Inputs 1–2 

(2) unbalanced 1/4” (6.35 mm) TS 

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.15 / -0.05 dB) 
• Dynamic Range: 111.0 dB (A-weighted) 
• SNR: 109.6 dB (1 kHz, +0 dBu, A-weighted) 
• THD+N: 0.0013% (1 kHz, +0 dBu, -1 dBFS) 
• Maximum Input Level: +10.1 dBu 
• Sensitivity: -19.6 dBu 
• Gain Range: 29.7 dB 
   
• Phono Inputs 

(2) unbalanced RCA 

• Dynamic Range: 103.3 dB (A-weighted, 65 mVrms @ 1 kHz, -1 dBFS, 20 Ω source) 
• SNR: 97 dB (A-weighted, 4 mVrms @ 1 kHz, 20 Ω source) 
• THD+N: 0.036% (1 kHz, -46 dBu, -1 dBFS) 
• Maximum Input Level: 65 mVrms (1 kHz) 
• Sensitivity: 2 mVrms (1 kHz) 
   
• Main Outputs 1–2 

(2) impedance-balanced 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS 

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.06 / -0.31 dB)