Akai announces not one but two firmware updates for the MPC and FORCE. The MPC version 2.6 and Force version 3.0.3 includes new features and improvements, and are available to download now. The most notable new addition is that of the seamless transition between the MPC and Force to Ableton Live.
MPC firmware version 2.6
The new MPC update is available for the MPC X, MPC Live and MPC Software 2 users.
The most notable new feature is the ability to input, edit and view automation in both the Step Sequencer and Grid Editor alongside a user’s preferred Ableton Live features, this includes Virtual Instruments and Plugin Collections.
Akai has listened and taken on board the feedback it has received. As a result, here is a full list of the new and improved features in MPC version 2.6:
- Step Automation – there is now the ability to input, edit and view automation within the Step Sequencer.
- Grid Automation – there is now the ability to input, edit and view automation within Grid Edit and Audio Edit.
- New TUI layouts for Akai Vintage effects.
- Support for up to eight sub-mixes in the mixer window.
Akai MPC Live
The MPC Live is a standalone unit which is solely powered by MPC 2 Software. The unit boasts a 7-inch full-colour multi-touch display, various inputs and outputs including six configurable ¼-inch balanced jack outputs, three standalone synth engines from AIR Music Technology: Tubesynth, Bassline and Electric, 16GB of onboard storage, two USB ports, an SD card slot and a 2.5-inch SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD). Also, within the unit there are over 10GB of top-quality sounds from leading sound designers such as CR2, Loopmasters, TOOLROOM, Capsun Pro Audio and more).
Akai MPC X
The MPC X is a standalone unit powered by the MPC 2 Software. It features a 10.1-inch full colour multi-touch display, sixteen touch-capacitive Q-link controls with OLED displays, various inputs and outputs including a dual headphone outputs, two full-sized MIDI inputs, two full-sized MIDI outputs, 16GB of onboard storage, an SD card slot, two USB ports and a 2.5-inch SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD). As with MPC Live, the X also comes with 10GB of premium sound content.
Force firmware version 3.0.3
The most noteworthy new Force update is the option to now input, view and edit automation in both the Grid Sequencer and Step Sequencer combined with Ableton Live and a user’s preferred settings. In addition to this new feature, there are several other enhancements:
Export all or single clips – users now have the ability to export all or single clips, and they can export to audio, MIDI or MPC Pattern files.
- New convert to Keygroup function – users on a Drum track can convert a sample assigned to a pad into a Keygroup track so the sample can be played chromatically.
- New Step Sequencer Mode – Introduction of Mono Lanes which is ideal for single line melodies and basslines.
- Matrix Mode enhancements – users can now create, copy, paste and delete clips.
- Improved external keyboard support for scales.
- When Force is in Computer Mode it now also works as an audio interface.
- New TUI layouts for Akai Vintage effects.
- Support for up to eight sub-mixes in the mixer window.
Akai Force
The Akai Force is a standalone unit which provides its users with a modern clip-based workflow. The unit consists of an 8x8 clip-launch matrix with RGB LEDs, a large 7-inch multi-touch display, numerous inputs and outputs including a mic, instrument and line inputs, eight touch-sensitive knobs with OLED displays, able to record eight stereo tracks, 16GB of onboard storage, 2GB RAM, two USB ports, a full-sized SD card slot and a 2.5-inch SATA drive connector (SATA or HDD). There is over 10GB of sound content included with the Force, along with an extensive array of AIR effects including Hype, TubeSynth, Bassline and Electric synth engines.
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