Akai MPC Live III
The Akai MPC Live III is the third generation of Akai’s standalone MPC workstation series, designed as a complete music production and performance hub without needing a computer. It introduces a faster processor, expanded memory, new expressive pads, dedicated step sequencer, advanced clip-launching workflow, and firmware enhancements aimed at professionals. The unit bridges studio and live performance environments, offering up to 32 instrument plugins, 16 audio tracks, and extensive connectivity options for hybrid setups.
Key Features
- 16 MPCe 3D-sensing velocity and pressure-sensitive pads
- Dedicated 16-step sequencer with physical buttons
- Integrated clip-launching matrix workflow
- Built-in microphone and stereo monitors
- USB-C audio and MIDI support
- 8-core CPU and 8 GB RAM
- 128 GB internal storage (expandable via SATA bay)
- Up to 32 plugin instrument tracks and 16 audio tracks
- CV/Gate, MIDI, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity
- 7-inch multi-touch display
- Rechargeable battery (approx. 3 hours runtime)
- Includes over 1,000 MPC-ready drum kits and instruments
New MPCe Pads (4-Position / 3D Sensing)
The new MPCe pads represent a major hardware upgrade. Each pad senses not just velocity and pressure but also positional movement, allowing multidimensional modulation. These 3D-sensing pads enable expressive control similar to MPE instruments, where sliding or moving across the pad surface alters tonal or modulation parameters. This provides more dynamic and performance-oriented playing, such as blending samples or controlling filters directly through finger movement.
Step Sequencer
The dedicated 16-step sequencer adds a hands-on way to program beats and melodies. Each step corresponds to one part of a bar, allowing quick activation or muting of hits, setting velocity levels, and adjusting swing or probability. It blends traditional groovebox sequencing with the MPC’s pattern-based workflow, offering users the best of both real-time performance and step-based editing.
Clip Launching Features
The Clip Launching Matrix brings non-linear performance workflows to the MPC platform. Users can trigger clips—whether audio loops or MIDI sequences—in sync with the master tempo. The grid layout supports launching scenes, loops, and transitions seamlessly, ideal for live sets, DJ-style performances, and improvisational arrangement building. It works in tandem with the traditional sequencer, letting users combine structured sequencing with spontaneous clip-based performance.
Direct Computer Sampling and Audio Interface
A major upgrade in the MPC Live III is its ability to function as a 24-channel USB audio interface via the USB-C connection. This allows direct, bi-directional streaming between the MPC and a computer without needing an external interface. You can record audio directly from your computer into the MPC for sampling or resampling, and send MPC tracks back into your DAW for mixing and mastering. The USB-C connection supports up to 24 channels of simultaneous I/O, providing seamless integration with modern digital workflows. This feature transforms the MPC Live III from a purely standalone unit into a fully hybrid production centerpiece capable of working effortlessly with both studio and live computer-based setups.
Rear Connections
The rear panel of the MPC Live III provides extensive analog, digital, and modular connectivity. It includes two XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic or line-level sources, dedicated RCA phono inputs for turntables, six balanced ¼-inch TRS outputs, and a stereo headphone output. There are two 5-pin MIDI inputs and two 5-pin MIDI outputs, four stereo 3.5 mm CV/Gate outputs for modular gear, and both USB-A and USB-C ports for external devices and audio interfaces. An SD card slot and SATA bay are available for storage expansion, and power is provided by a 19V DC input, supplemented by a rechargeable internal battery.
MPC 3.6 Firmware Pro Features
The MPC 3.6 firmware introduces advanced tools and premium effects under the “Pro” feature set. These include Super Timestretch for studio-grade time manipulation, Pro Stems for automatic stem separation, and Visual EQ for spectral shaping. Additional tools such as Pro Reverb and CV Playground expand production and modular integration capabilities. The update also boosts processing efficiency, offering smoother handling of complex projects with multiple tracks and plugins.
Comparison: MPC Live 1 vs Live 2 vs Live 3
| Feature / Spec | MPC Live (1) | MPC Live II | MPC Live III |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core | Quad-core | 8-core |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB | 128 GB |
| Pads | Standard | Standard | MPCe 3D-sensing pads |
| Step Sequencer | No | No | Yes |
| Clip Launching | No | No | Yes |
| Audio Outputs | 6 TRS | 6 TRS | 6 TRS |
| Inputs | Line/Phono | Line/Phono | Mic/Line + Phono |
| MIDI I/O | 2 In / 2 Out | 2 In / 2 Out | 2 In / 2 Out |
| CV/Gate | No | Yes (4 stereo) | Yes (4 stereo) |
| USB | USB-A/B | USB-A/B | USB-A and USB-C |
| Display | 7″ Touch | 7″ Touch | 7″ Multi-touch |
| Built-in Speakers | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | Yes (~4h) | Yes (~5h) | Yes (~3h) |
| Plugin Tracks | 8 | 8 | 32 |
| Audio Tracks | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Polyphony | 64 voices | 64 voices | 256 voices |
| Advanced DSP | Standard | Standard | Super Timestretch, Pro Stems, Visual EQ |
Summary Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Akai MPC Live III |
| Type | Standalone Music Production Center |
| CPU / RAM | 8-core processor, 8 GB RAM |
| Storage | 128 GB internal, expandable via SATA |
| Pads | 16 MPCe 3D-sensing expressive pads |
| Step Sequencer | Dedicated 16-step hardware interface |
| Clip Launching | Integrated Clip Matrix workflow |
| Audio I/O | 2 Mic/Line combo, RCA Phono, 6 TRS outs, headphones |
| MIDI / CV / USB | 2 In, 2 Out; 4 stereo CV/Gate; USB-A x2, USB-C |
| Display | 7″ Multi-touch |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes, stereo monitors |
| Battery | Rechargeable, approx. 3 hours |
| Firmware | MPC 3.6 OS with Pro features |
| Release | Late 2025 |
| Approx. Price | USD $1,699 / EUR €1,699 / GBP £1,499–£1,699 / AUD $2,900–$3,300 |
Release Date
The Akai MPC Live III was released in late 2025, with availability and reviews surfacing in early October 2025.
Pricing (Estimated)
| Currency | Price |
|---|---|
| USD | $1,699 |
| EUR | €1,699 |
| GBP | £1,499–£1,699 |
| AUD | $2,900–$3,300 |
