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Deal.ai › Akai Professional
Akai Professional
Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller

Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller

4.7(143 ratings)

Best price now

$199.00at Guitar CenterChecked 59 min ago

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Price facts

  • Last seen at $199.00 at Guitar Center on Nov 9.
  • Checked at 8 stores.

Our take on the Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller

The MPC Studio is a slim, bus-powered pad controller that runs Akai's MPC2 software on your computer. It gives you the classic 16 velocity-sensitive MPC pads, an assignable touch strip and a backlit LCD in an aluminum body about an inch and a half thick. It suits producers who want the MPC workflow and feel without a standalone unit, and it costs far less than the standalone MPC One or Live. Reviewers like the pad feel and portability but note the small screen and the reliance on a computer.

Best forBeat makers who want MPC pads on a deskProducers working mainly in a DAW on a laptopTraveling or space-limited setupsBeginners learning the MPC workflow
Pros
  • Full-size velocity-sensitive MPC pads with a solid feel
  • Slim, light aluminum body that fits in a backpack
  • Bus-powered over USB, no power supply needed
  • Assignable touch strip for note repeat and effects
  • Ships with MPC2 software and a large sound library
  • MIDI over USB plus 3.5mm MIDI I/O for hardware gear
Cons
  • Needs a computer; it is not a standalone groovebox
  • Small graphic LCD shows limited information
  • No built-in audio interface or headphone output
  • Software activation and setup can be fiddly
  • Some controls are menu-driven rather than knob-per-function

Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller prices at every store

  • Dirt CheepOpen box

    In stock

    $149.99Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Dirt Cheep
  • Guitar CenterNew

    In stock

    $199.00Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Guitar Center
  • Kraft MusicNew

    In stock

    $199.00Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Kraft Music
  • American Musical SupplyNew

    In stock

    $199.00Checked 59 min ago
    Visit American Musical Supply
  • ReverbNew

    In stock

    $199.00Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Reverb
  • Vintage King AudioNew

    In stock

    $199.00Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Vintage King Audio
  • Musicians FriendNew

    In stock

    $199.00Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Musicians Friend
  • Perfect CircuitNew

    Out of stock

    $199.00Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Perfect Circuit

Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller price history

Lowest price we've seen: $199.00 on Nov 10 at Guitar Center. Tracked across 7 stores since Nov 10.

What reviewers say

  • 4.7 / 5143 ratings

Owners rate it highly for the pad feel and portability at its level. Many say it delivers the MPC workflow cheaply, while some find the small screen and software dependence limiting.

What people mention
  • PadsPraisedOwners consistently like the feel and velocity response of the full-size MPC pads.
  • PortabilityPraisedReviewers note the thin, light aluminum body travels well and needs only a USB cable.
  • DisplayCriticisedThe small backlit LCD is called hard to read and limited compared with a full screen.
  • SoftwareMixedMPC2 is praised for its sounds and workflow but some users report setup and stability issues.
  • BuildPraisedThe brushed-aluminum chassis feels solid for the price, according to owners.

Specifications

Velocity Sensitive
Yes (pads)
USB Type
USB Type-B port
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI over USB
Keyboard Type
Controller
Width
11.2 inches (284 mm)
Depth
10.1 inches (257 mm)
Height
1.55 inches (39.4 mm)

Questions and answers

Do I need a computer to use it?
Yes. The MPC Studio is a controller for the included MPC2 software and has no standalone mode. It draws power and sends MIDI over USB.
How does it compare with the MPC One?
The MPC One is a standalone unit with its own screen, audio outputs and storage. The Studio is thinner, lighter and cheaper but depends on your computer for sound and processing.
Can I use it with other DAWs?
It is built around MPC2. It can act as a MIDI controller elsewhere, but the pad labeling and workflow are designed for the MPC software.
Does it have audio outputs?
No. Audio comes from your computer through the software. The unit has MIDI I/O on 3.5mm jacks and a USB Type-B port.
What is in the box?
The controller, a USB cable and the MPC2 software with its instrument and effect library. A computer and headphones or speakers are not included.
How many voices can it play?
The software supports 64-voice polyphony, which is enough for layered drums, samples and synth parts.
Where is the Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller cheapest?
At Guitar Center, for $199.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller?
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 143 ratings.
Where can I buy the Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller?
8 stores we checked sell it, including Dirt Cheep, Guitar Center, Perfect Circuit, Kraft Music, American Musical Supply.

Stores we've priced the Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller at

  • Guitar Center deals and prices
Audio Output
3.5mm MIDI I/O
Power Source
USB
Polyphony
64
Sound Engine
Software/hardware hybrid
Controls
Pads
Included Software
MPC2 Software
Sounds
Over 100 Instruments and Effects
Included Accessories
USB cable
Color
Black
Finish
Brushed-aluminum
Material
Aluminum
Display Type
Graphic LCD w/back light
Typical Users
Producers