AKAI PROFESSIONAL® UNVEILS THE MPC XL®: A POWERFUL STUDIO CENTERPIECE FOR BEATMAKING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION

The most powerful MPC ever delivers next-generation processing, expressive MPCe® pads, and pro I/O for computer-free music production

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (January 20, 2026) – Akai Professional® today announced the launch of the MPC XL®, the flagship of all standalone music production tools, to their lineup of industry-leading music production equipment. This powerful studio centerpiece delivers unprecedented processing capabilities, expressive control, and professional I/O connectivity, all without requiring a computer. Designed to give beatmakers, producers, and musicians complete creative freedom, MPC XL puts the power of a full studio right at your fingertips.

A STUDIO CENTERPIECE BUILT FOR MODERN PRODUCTION
The MPC XL features a Gen 2 8-core processor with 4x the processing power of previous MPCs and 16GB RAM, delivering industry-leading speed and performance that rivals computer-based systems. Seamlessly integrated with MPC3 OS as an all-in-one system, the MPC XL can load up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks simultaneously, with support for up to 256 simultaneous voices. The expansive 10.1" HD multi-gesture touchscreen with tilt provides real-time visual feedback, while one-to-one control buttons ensure immediate access to every feature for an uninterrupted creative workflow.

REVOLUTIONARY MPCe PADS AND HANDS-ON CONTROL
At the heart of the MPC XL are the ultra-responsive MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology, bringing an unprecedented level of expression to beatmaking and production. With four quadrants per pad, producers can morph, loop, layer, and control sounds and effects freely, opening up new dimensions of creative possibility. The MPC XL also features 16 touch-responsive Q-Link knobs with OLED displays for instant visual feedback, a dedicated step sequencer with 16 RGB function buttons, an assignable performance touch-strip for tactile control, and the innovative XL Channel Command for quick access to mixing and recording parameters with dedicated OLED display and encoder.

CONNECTIVITY FOR ANY WORKFLOW
The MPC XL is designed to serve as the hub of any studio setup. Professional-grade mic preamps with phantom power capture vocals and acoustic instruments with studio clarity. Dedicated instrument inputs handle guitars and basses, while phono inputs connect turntables for direct sampling. Eight separate outputs enable complex routing to external gear or multitrack recording into a DAW. For modular synth enthusiasts and DAWless jammers, 16 CV outputs transform the MPC XL into a command center for entire hardware ecosystems.

LOADED WITH INSPIRATION
The MPC XL comes production-ready with an extensive collection of plugins, samples, and effects including Native Instruments MPC Edition Play Series Analog Dreams and the Lone Forest Expansion giving producers immediate access to professional-grade sounds and processing tools. Combined with its full-featured sampler capabilities including pro stem separation, time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, resampling, and plugin layering, plus DAW-like workflow features such as multi-track sequencing, clip launching, and full arrangement view, the MPC XL provides a complete musical solution that grows with every creator.

"The MPC XL represents the evolution of everything we've learned from decades of innovation in music production," said Andy Mac, Creative Global Marketing and Artist Relations Manager at Akai Professional. "We've created a true studio-grade workhorse that delivers DAW-like power in a standalone format. MPC XL removes every barrier between inspiration and creation, giving producers the speed, control, and connectivity to bring their most ambitious musical visions to life."

KEY FEATURES:

Performance & Processing Power