The MPC XL Is Akai’s Boldest Bet on DAWless Creation

By Brian k. Neal

Following the recent release of the MPC Live III, Akai has unveiled what it’s positioning as the definitive evolution of its standalone production legacy: the MPC XL. Designed as a powerful studio centerpiece, the XL brings full DAW-level capability into a single, computer-free workflow—marking a clear statement about where modern music creation is headed.

At the heart of the MPC XL is a Gen 2 eight-core processor paired with 16GB of RAM, delivering four times the processing power of previous MPC models. Running the latest MPC3 OS, the system supports up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 simultaneous voices—performance figures that place the XL firmly in high-end, computer-based territory while maintaining a fully standalone identity.

Visually and functionally, the XL is anchored by a 10.1-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen with adjustable tilt, offering a bright, fluid interface that emphasizes speed and immediacy. One-to-one function buttons sit alongside the display, reinforcing Akai’s commitment to uninterrupted, tactile workflows. Below the screen, 16 touch-responsive Q-Link knobs—each equipped with its own OLED display—provide instant, precise control over parameters, while a dedicated step sequencer with RGB buttons, an assignable performance touch strip, and the new XL Channel Command system streamline access to mixing and recording functions.

One of the most significant advancements comes in the form of the MPCe pads. Introducing 3D-sensing technology, these new pads move beyond traditional velocity sensitivity. Each pad is divided into four expressive quadrants, creating multiple zones that respond dynamically to touch, pressure, and movement. This design allows producers to morph, layer, and manipulate sounds with a level of nuance and expressiveness previously unattainable on an MPC, transforming the pads into performance instruments rather than simple triggers.

Built to anchor both hybrid and DAWless environments, the MPC XL offers expansive connectivity. XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power sit alongside dedicated instrument and phono inputs, while eight assignable line outputs support complex routing and external processing. For modular and synth-heavy setups, 16 CV outputs turn the unit into a powerful control hub, and USB-C connectivity enables deep audio and MIDI integration with external devices.

Out of the box, the MPC XL arrives loaded with plugins, samples, and effects, including Native Instruments’ MPC Edition Play Series Analog Dreams and the Lone Forest Expansion. Advanced features such as professional-grade stem separation, time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, plugin layering, and a DAW-like arrangement view further reinforce the XL’s role as a complete, self-contained production ecosystem.

As Akai describes it, the MPC XL is the culmination of decades of innovation—designed to remove friction between inspiration and execution. By delivering studio-level power without reliance on a computer, the XL positions itself not just as a new MPC, but as a statement about the future of hands-on music creation.

The MPC XL is available now through Akai and its retail partners, priced at £2,499.99 GBP / €2,899.99 EUR / $2,899 USD.