Akai Pro MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Centre

The Akai Professional MPC Live III is a cutting-edge music production tool designed for beatmakers, producers, and live performers, providing a fully standalone experience. This next-generation model builds upon the features of the MPC Live II, offering enhanced capabilities and improved performance.

One of the standout features of the MPC Live III is its MPCe expressive pad technology, complemented by dedicated 16-step sequencer buttons and a performance touch-strip. These elements offer users exceptional control and creative potential. The device runs on the MPC3 OS, which integrates the traditional MPC workflow with new functionalities such as clip launching, advanced song arranging, and high-quality studio effects.

In terms of connectivity, the MPC Live III is equipped with USB-C, CV/Gate outputs, and it supports full integration with modular synthesizers, DAWs, and other external equipment. Its design emphasises portability, featuring a built-in condenser microphone, powerful stereo monitors, and a rechargeable battery. Additionally, it includes a professional audio interface, ensuring high sound quality during use.

With 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via SSD or SD card, users have ample space to store projects, samples, and sounds. Whether used for sketching ideas while travelling, performing live, or producing full tracks, the MPC Live III is engineered for immediate usability, extensive experimentation, and professional-level outcomes.

• Standalone Music Production Centre—no computer required
• 7-inch multi-touch display with intuitive and easy navigation
• New MPCe pad technology for expressive beatmaking and performance
• 16-step sequencer with function buttons for instant electronic-style workflow
• Built-in microphone, stereo monitors, rechargeable battery for portability
• Performance touch-strip for dynamic real-time control
• MPC3 OS with powerful workflow with enhanced features
• New clip launch workflow for enhanced song arranging and performance
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to enable wireless collaboration and file transfer

Complete Feature List

• Next-generation MPC standalone hardware
• Powered by MPC3 OS: New unlocked features exclusive to MPC Live III: Pro Reverb, EQ, CV Playgroup, Clip Matrix, Utility Plug, Super TS, Pro Stems Separation
• New MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology for ultra-flexible, expressive workflow
• 16 RGB step sequencer buttons
• Performance touch strip
• 7-inch multi-touch colour screen
• 4 touch-capacitive knobs
• 8 GB internal RAM
• Internal battery: 4 hours
• Built-in studio monitors
• 24 channels of audio in/out via USB-C
• 32 channels of MIDI in/out via USB-C
• 8-core processor: 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores
• Class-compliant USB-C
• Wi-Fi Bluetooth
• 8 CV/gate outputs
• 2 bi-directional MIDI ports
• iPhone sampling via USB-C
• Ableton Control Mode via USB-C
• Sampling directly from computer
• Multi-MIDI: Connection for up to 32 devices
• 2 XLR/combo jack/phono inputs
• 6 Audio outputs

Digital Audio System

• ADCs: 24-bit @ 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz
• DACs: 24-bit @ 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz
• Digital Signal Processing: 32-bit floating point

Mic Inputs 1–2

• (2) balanced XLR+1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.2 / -1.2 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 110.0 dB (A-weighted)
• SNR: 101.8 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted)
• THD+N: 0.002% (1 kHz, +4 dBu, -1 dBFS)
• Preamp EIN: -131 dBu (max gain, 40 Ω source, A-weighted), -127 dBu (max gain, 150 Ω source, unweighted)
• Maximum Input Level: +13 dBu (XLR-Pad ON), -1 dBu (XLR-Pad OFF)
• Sensitivity: -46 dBu (XLR-Pad ON), -60 dBu (XLR-Pad OFF)
• Gain Range: 59 dB

Line Inputs 1–2

• (2) balanced XLR+1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.2 / -1.1 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 110.6 dB (A-weighted)
• SNR: 98.6 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted)
• THD+N: 0.002% (1 kHz, +3 dBu, -1 dBFS)
• Maximum Input Level: +16 dBu
• Sensitivity: -20 dBu
• Gain Range: 36 dB

Phono Inputs

• (2) unbalanced RCA
• Dynamic Range: 92 dB (A-weighted, 135 mVrms @ 1 kHz, -1 dBFS, 20 Ω source)
• SNR: 79 dB (A-weighted, 4 mVrms @ 1 kHz, 20 Ω source)
• THD+N: 0.1% (1 kHz, -46 dBu, -1 dBFS)
• Maximum Input Level: 135 mVrms (1kHz)
• Sensitivity: 2.1 mVrms (1 kHz)

Line Outputs 1–6

• (6) impedance-balanced 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.03 / -0.18 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 113.8 dB (A-weighted)
• THD+N: 0.003% (1 kHz, -1 dBFS)
• Maximum Output Level: +12 dBu
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω

Headphone Output

• (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone
• Dynamic Range: 111.2 dB (A-weighted)
• THD+N: 0.006% (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, 10 mW/channel into 32 Ω headphones)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.03 / -0.19 dB)
• Maximum Power Delivered: +50 mW (<1% THD, 32 Ω headphones)
• Maximum Output Level: +11 dBu
• Output Impedance: 32 Ω

Pads

• (16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pas with 3D-sensing technology
• (8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons

Knobs

• (4) 360° touch-sensitive Q-Link Knobs
• (4) Q-Link Knob columns accessible via Q-Link button
• (1) 360° encoder for display navigation and selection via push
• (1) 270° volume control

Buttons

• (60) dedicated function buttons; red-, amber-, or green-backlit

Display

• 6.9” / 176 mm (diagonal)
• 5.9” x 3.7” / 150 x 93 mm (width x height)
• Full-colour LED-backlit display with touch interface

CPU

• Processor: Quad-core ARM® processor
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128 GB, expandable via SATA connections

Connections

• (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) Combo XLR/TRS inputs (1 stereo pair)
• (6) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS outputs (3 stereo pairs)
• (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output
• (2) RCA inputs (1 stereo pair)
• (2) 5-pin MIDI inputs
• (2) 5-pin MIDI outputs
• (4) Stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) CV/Gate outputs
• (2) USB Type-A ports
• (1) USB Type-C® port
• (1) SD card slot
• (1) power adapter input
• (1) drive bay for 2.5” (635 mm) SATA drive

Power

• Via power adapter: 19 V, 3.42 A, center-positive, included
• Via battery: lithium-ion, rechargeable, up to 3 hours of battery life with typical use

Dimensions

• 17.2” x 10.1” x 2.6”
• 435.9 x 256.0 x 67.1 mm

Weight

• 8.6 lbs.
• 3.9 kg