Waveformless: Akai

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Akai Announces MPC Renaissance

More pre-NAMM announcements, this time from Akai who have introduced the MPC Renaissance. From initial info, the Renaissance appears to be something akin to Native Instruments' Maschine, fusing a hardware control surface with software that runs on your computer. Here are the details:

"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
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"

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Akai Introduces the SynthStation

Back in November, I made a post about Music Computing's new line of controllers, one of which included a dock for your laptop. I thought this was a very cool idea, but most people seemed to balk at the price which, while certainly cheaper than Open Lab's offerings, still weren't cheap.

I think Akai might be onto something with their latest offering, the SynthStation 49. This 49-key controller includes a dock to accommodate your iPad, allowing you to use your favorite iOS synths like a "real" synth. With the iPad being very popular among musicians, this type of product could become a lot more common. What do you think?

[via CreateDigitalMusic]