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Akai Professional MPC Live 3 | Demo by Andy Mac (Part 1)

Akai Professional MPC Live 3 | Demo by Andy Mac (Part 1)

Akai Professional MPC Live III | Step Sequencer Deep Dive by Andy Mac

Akai Professional MPC Live III | Step Sequencer Deep Dive by Andy Mac

Akai Professional MPC Live III | Overview

Akai Professional MPC Live III | Overview

Getting Started with MPC Live III | Navigation and Sounds

Getting Started with MPC Live III | Navigation and Sounds

Akai Professional

Description

Sometimes inspiration strikes when you’re away from your studio—that’s where the Akai Professional MPC Live III comes alive. As the latest evolution of the MPC legacy, this next-generation standalone music production center combines sampling, sequencing and live performance tools in a portable unit, complete with built-in mic, stereo monitors and a rechargeable battery. Powered by an 8-core processor with 8GB of RAM, it delivers seamless handling of up to 32 plugin tracks and 16 audio tracks. Meanwhile, the debut of Akai’s expressive MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology, a responsive Touch Strip for real-time effects and modulation, and the latest MPC3 OS with Pro Stems separation and clip launching set a new benchmark for creativity on the go. Far beyond a beatmaking tool, the MPC Live III is a fully realized production powerhouse that’s ready to shape your ideas from first spark to finished track.

Streamlined Workflow Powered by MPC3 OS

Akai’s MPC Live III builds on decades of innovation with the powerful new MPC3 OS, giving producers a fully integrated environment for creating, arranging, and performing without a computer. The system’s clip launching, step sequencing, and expanded song arrangement tools redefine how quickly you can move from an idea to a finished track. Exclusive features like Pro Stems Separation, Pro Reverb, and Visual EQ bring studio-grade processing into the standalone world, while the familiar MPC workflow ensures the process feels natural and immediate. This is Akai’s most fluid, modern OS yet—purpose-built for speed and creative flow.

Next Generation MPCe Pads for True Expression

Akai’s MPCe pads make their debut, introducing 3D-sensing technology that responds to velocity, pressure, and even subtle X/Y finger movement. Each of the 16 RGB pads can control layered samples, blend sounds, or trigger articulations for lifelike dynamics. The result is a tactile experience that blurs the line between sequencing and performance—every ghost note, accent, and flam is captured exactly as you play it.

Hands-On Control for Stage and Studio

With the MPC Live III, performance control is front and center. Its dedicated 16-step sequencer buttons let you program electronic patterns instantly, while the Touch Strip offers responsive real-time control over effects, modulation, and pitch. Four Q-Link encoders provide instant parameter access, and the bright 7" multi-touch display ties your workflow together with DAW-like precision. Whether sculpting beats in the studio or launching clips onstage, every element is designed to keep you in command of your sound.

Fully Portable Studio With Deep Connectivity

Designed for creators on the move, MPC Live III integrates a built-in condenser microphone, stereo monitors, and a rechargeable four-hour battery, giving you a complete studio that fits in a backpack. Dual XLR/TRS combo inputs, phono jacks, CV/Gate outputs, and a 24-channel USB-C audio interface make it equally powerful in a professional rig. Add Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and direct USB-C sampling from a computer or smartphone, and you’ve got a remarkably flexible standalone production hub.

Ample Power and Storage Capabilities for Modern Workflows

Under the hood, the Akai MPC Live III runs an 8-core processor with 8 GB of RAM, effortlessly handling 32 instrument plug-ins and 16 audio tracks at once. The 128 GB internal drive stores massive sample libraries, with room to expand via SSD or SD card. Its 24-bit/96 kHz converters ensure pristine audio at every stage, whether sampling vinyl or tracking vocals. Built to keep up with the demands of modern production, Akai Professional’s MPC Live III combines next-generation performance with the reliability that has defined the MPC name since 1988.


Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center
Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center
Akai Professional MPC Live III Standalone Music Production Center

Features

  • Next-generation standalone MPC hardware powered by MPC3 OS
  • 16 MPCe pads with 3D sensing and RGB step sequencer buttons
  • 7" multi-touch display with four Q-Link knobs and 60 function keys
  • Built-in condenser microphone, stereo monitors and rechargeable battery
  • Connectivity with 2 XLR/TRS inputs, 6 outputs, 8 CV/Gate outs and USB-C
  • 8-core processor with 8GB RAM for smooth project performance
  • 128GB internal storage expandable via SSD or SD card
  • Akai Professional innovation built on the trusted MPC legacy

Specs

General
  • Product type: Standalone music production workstation
  • Series: Professional
Digital Audio System
  • ADCs/DACs: 24-bit at 44.1/48/96kHz
  • Processing: 32-bit floating point
Mic Inputs
  • Inputs: XLR/TRS combo (2)
  • Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
  • Dynamic range: 110dB A-weighted
  • Gain range: 59dB
Line Inputs
  • Inputs: XLR/TRS combo (2)
  • Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
  • Dynamic range: 110.6dB A-weighted
  • Gain range: 36dB
Phono Inputs
  • Inputs: RCA (2)
  • Dynamic range: 92dB A-weighted
Line Outputs
  • Outputs: 1/4" TRS balanced (6)
  • Dynamic range: 113.8dB A-weighted
  • Max output: +12dBu
Headphone Output
  • Output: 1/4" stereo
  • Max power: 50mW at 32 Ohm
Pads
  • Pads: 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive with 3D sensing
Controls
  • Knobs: 4 Q-Link, 1 encoder, 1 volume
  • Buttons: 60 backlit function
Display
  • Type: LED-backlit touchscreen
  • Size: 6.9" diagonal
CPU
  • Processor: 8-core
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB, expandable via SSD or SD card
Connectivity
  • Mic/line inputs: XLR/TRS combo (2)
  • Line outputs: 1/4" TRS (6)
  • Headphone: 1/4" stereo
  • Phono: RCA (2)
  • MIDI: In (2), out (2) 5-pin
  • CV/Gate: 1/8" stereo (4, 8 total channels)
  • USB: USB-A (2), USB-C (1)
  • SD slot: 1
  • Drive bay: 1 for 2.5" SATA
Power
  • Adapter: 19V DC, included
  • Battery life: Approximately 3 hours
Dimensions and Weight
  • Width: 17.2"
  • Depth: 10.1"
  • Height: 2.6"
  • Weight: 8.6 lb.

Featured Articles

Reviews

5

4 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing2
  2. Beat Making1
  3. Music Production1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
  2. Novice1
Pros
  1. Good Quality4
  2. Easy To Use3
  3. Functional3
  4. Improves Sound3
  • It's a MAGIC BOX

    5

    submitted5 days ago

    byJohannDaMan

    fromLas Vegas NV

    First things first. As of this review Guitar Center is amazing. Other big-name stores (You know them all) are still saying pre-order and I've had mines from GC 3 weeks now. As I said this thing is literally a magic box and you can do anything you can conceive musically period but there is a continuous learning curb. There's endless different rabbit holes you can go down and each one is mind boggling. Much tighter than DAWS because everything on it is optimized for it as opposed to a DAW that designed to run on different platforms and OS's and chipsets, etc. Warning: If you get one, most of your other gear will turn into dust collectors. Oops. GC might not like that part

  • I'm happy with my purchase!!

    5

    submitted13 days ago

    byChristopher

    fromRiverside, CA

    Love the new MPC Live 3!!! Took a second to get used to the new pads, buts once I understood how they work, I was impressed. 1 pad can actually play 4 sounds if programmed. The USB connection is an upgrade. The new step sequencer is a beast. And we have a mic now. I'm sold!!!

  • Worth the money

    5

    submitted14 days ago

    byAnthony

    fromOhio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    A bit expensive but definitely worth it. If you have the love 2 and can afford the live 3 go for it. Operating system is much faster. The new buttons on the top compliment the mpc work flow very well. The new expressive pads feel great. The upgraded screen is crisp and responsive. Only negative at the moment is there isn't a decksaver or case specifically tailored for the live 3 yet #sweepstakes

  • Worth the money!!!

    5

    submitted15 days ago

    byJulio

    fromElyria, OH

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I upgraded from mpc key 61 and this is the king in all aspects, I am a full time user and still learning, that's how vast this little machine is!

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