Akai Pro announce new standalone MPC with built-in speakers

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Akai Pro has announced an update to their MPC range; the MPC Live II. The Live II adds physical features like new built-in speakers, and builds on the first version of Live’s multi-touch seven-inch screen and dedicated OS for standalone music production. The Live II also has a Lithium ION battery for portable, re-chargeable music-making, meaning you can take the unit with you on the road, and have a standalone DAW-like production solution without a computer. The new hardware also adds five new buttons for workflow improvements. 

The OS that runs inside Live has also been updated across all MPC units, with version 2.8 bringing with it multi MIDI capability, meaning users can simultaneously connect and route all the MIDI gear in their studio, including class-compliant USB keyboards, MIDI interfaces and USB to CV modules. 

Speaking of CV, the unit provides dedicated CV outputs for hooking up to modular gear, with eight CV outs in total. There’s also WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for data transfer and Bluetooth audio support. There’s also two MIDI ins and two MIDI outs, as well as three assignable stereo audio outs. 

The Live II comes with 16GB of built-in samples from companies like Loopmasters, F9 Audio and Sample Tools by CR2. The MPC Live II costs £1,309.99 and is available now.