MPC Sample Portable Sampler + Sequencer

Akai MPC Sample

Akai's MPC Sample is a portable chopping machine that is ready to go whenever a moment of inspiration strikes or as your lightweight companion through a day of slow-moving errands. Styled after their beloved MPC60, this beige beauty gives nostalgia and function in a battery-powered package. To ensure the size and ease-of-use remains paramount, the MPC Sample has a stripped down OS and micro pads but don't let the size fool you: this is an MPC through-and-through.

Whether using the built-in microphone, the stereo 1/4" jacks, or USB audio, you get quick access to the Sample Record section that is as easy as pressing a pad. A few quick trims using the multifunction knobs or using the shift and main encoder in combination will have you chopping and trimming in no time. Once you have your samples loaded, chopped, and assigned, recording a sequence is just as easy: just set the mode to Seq, adjust settings to taste, press the pad you want to record to, and you've got a loop. Resample that loop for further processing, use the step edit mode to make micro adjustments, and precompose a few sequences to switch between for full track performances.

The MPC Sample lets you engage effects in two different ways: the Knob FX and Pad FX. As their names portend, the Knob FX gives you access to a gang of effects including delays and reverbs, amp simulations, modulation effects, and vintage emulators. These effects are controlled with the three multifunction knobs for excellent playability. The Pad FX, on the other hand, are 16 always available effects that get triggered momentarily by the pads and are expressed via velocity. This is where you can get a stutter effect, several coloration effects, a half-speed effect, and other performable, musical delights. A fantastic choice for newcomers and veterans alike, the MPC Sample from Akai is a powerful tool for studio or stage that complements just about any other piece of equipment in your audio arsenal.

MPC Sample Features

• Portable, battery powered sampler
• 16 Velocity sensitive mini pads
• Built-in mic
• Record and save sequences
• Edit and chop samples
• Dedicated volume slider lets you mix chops on the fly
• 16 Pad FX engage at the press of a pad
• Selectable Knob FX including vintage sampler emulation
• 8 Banks of samples per project
• Built-in Speaker
• Simple OS with crisp screen
• Retro styling