The New King of Standalone: Akai MPC XL Review & Overview

Posted on by

The standalone sampling landscape has just shifted. Akai Professional has officially unveiled the MPC XL, the new flagship Music Production Center that replaces the MPC X SE. Designed as the ultimate studio centerpiece, the XL bridges the gap between the tactile legacy of the MPC and the processing power of a modern computer.

With the “Made for More” tagline, Akai is positioning this not just as a sampler, but as a complete production hub capable of handling your entire workflow—from initial sampling to final mixing—without ever touching a mouse.

Overview

The Akai MPC XL is the most advanced standalone MPC ever made. Under the hood, it boasts a massive performance leap with a new Gen 2 8-core processor and 16GB of RAM, delivering roughly four times the processing power of previous models. This ensures you can run up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and countless effects simultaneously without a hiccup.

Physically, it retains the commanding presence of the MPC X but evolves the interface. The center stage is a 10.1-inch multi-gesture touchscreen that tilts for optimal viewing. Below it lie the new MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology, allowing for expressive control like never before—each pad has four distinct quadrants for complex modulation and layering.

The workflow is streamlined by MPC3 OS, which introduces a dedicated step sequencer, a performance touch-strip, and the “XL Channel Command”—a dedicated section with an OLED display and encoder for instant access to mixing parameters.

Key Features

  • Next-Gen Power: Gen 2 8-core processor and 16GB RAM for seamless multitasking and zero-latency performance.
  • Massive Storage: 256GB internal NVMe SSD plus a SATA expansion bay for your own drives.
  • MPCe Pads: 16 velocity-pressure sensitive pads with 3D-sensing technology and 4 quadrants per pad for X/Y control.
  • Visual Feedback: 10.1” articulating HD touchscreen, plus 16 Q-Link knobs each with their own OLED display.
  • Pro Connectivity:
    • 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with mic preamps and phantom power.
    • 2 dedicated instrument inputs.
    • 8 separate line outputs and 8 stereo CV/Gate outputs (16 CV channels total).
    • USB-C with support for 24 channels of audio I/O and 32 channels of MIDI.
    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless MIDI and splices.
  • MPC3 OS: Comes loaded with the new OS features including Clip Launching, Super Timestretch, and the MPC Pro Pack of plugins.

Rear Panel Connections

Audio Inputs

  • 2 x XLR/TRS Combo Inputs: For Microphones or Line-level gear (equipped with Phantom Power).
  • 2 x 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS Inputs: Dedicated line-level inputs (Inputs 3 & 4).
  • 2 x RCA Phono Inputs: For connecting turntables (includes grounding lug).

Audio Outputs

  • Main Outputs (L/R): 2 x 1/4” TRS balanced outputs for your main monitors.
  • Assignable Line Outputs (3–8): 6 x 1/4” TRS balanced outputs for routing audio to external mixers or hardware.

Control & Data

  • CV/Gate: 8 x 1/8” (3.5 mm) Stereo outputs (providing 16 total CV/Gate channels for modular gear).
  • MIDI:
    • 2 x 5-Pin MIDI Inputs
    • 4 x 5-Pin MIDI Outputs
  • USB:
    • 1 x USB-C: For computer connection (controller mode/audio interface).
    • 2 x USB-A: For connecting MIDI controllers or external drives (Note: There is often a 3rd USB-A port on the front).

Power

  • Power Input: For the included 19V DC power adapter.

Pricing

The MPC XL is a premium flagship device, and the pricing reflects its “studio-in-a-box” capabilities.

  • USD: $2,899.00
  • EURO: €2,799.99 / €2,899.00
  • GBP: £2,499.99
  • AUD: TBC (Estimated approx. $4,500 – $4,800 based on current exchange rates and taxes, pending official AU retailer listings)

Specification Summary

FeatureSpecification
ProcessorGen 2 8-Core Processor
RAM16 GB
Storage256 GB Internal SSD (plus SATA bay)
Display10.1” HD Multi-gesture Touchscreen (Tilt-adjustable)
Pads16 MPCe 3D-sensing pads (RGB)
Knobs16 Q-Links with OLEDs + XL Channel Encoder
Inputs2 x XLR/TRS Combo, 2 x 1/4″ Inst, 2 x RCA Phono
Outputs8 x 1/4″ Line Outs, 2 x Headphone, 8 x Stereo CV/Gate
Data/MIDIUSB-C, 3 x USB-A, 2 x MIDI In, 4 x MIDI Out, SD Slot
OSMPC3 Standalone OS

🛍️ Buy the Akai MPC XL at Thomann

Ready to upgrade your studio? You can purchase the MPC XL directly from Thomann.

Check Price & Availability Here

Footnotes:

  1. Product details sourced from Akai Professional.
  2. Pricing information based on release announcements and major retailer listings available as of Jan 2026.