Akai MPC XL

The MPC XL is for producers, beatmakers and musicians who want to do it all in one place, without a computer. You compose, sample, arrange and play live with a straightforward, fast-paced workflow. It's clearly aimed at the high-end, for a serious home studio or advanced stage setup. The appeal is simple: power, immediate control and a pro-level playing feel.

Features

100% stand-alone production, no DAW required

You switch on, you create. With the MPC XL, you're not dependent on a computer: ideas, audio takes, arrangements and exports are all done in the machine. Handy if you want to produce anywhere, or keep a stable, reliable studio setup free from distractions.

Power for big projects, without slowdown

Stack instruments, effects and audio tracks without having to "lighten" your session. The machine is designed to handle heavy projects with up to 32 virtual instruments, 16 audio tracks and 256 voices. In other words, you can build a complete track, from beat to final arrangement, without cutting back on your ideas.

Tilting 10.1" touchscreen for comfortable playback

You see better, you touch right. The 10.1" HD multi-touch screen can be tilted, making editing more natural, especially over long sessions. Ideal for quickly navigating through a project, editing a sample, tweaking a mix or organizing an arrangement without getting lost.

More expressive 3D-sensing MPCe pads

You don't just tap pads, you play. MPCe pads react to velocity, pressure and X/Y movements. Each pad can be divided into 4 zones: you assign several sounds, articulations or variations and turn a pattern into a live performance.

16-step sequencer and Touch Strip for a performance-oriented approach

Lay down ideas in seconds, then take them to the next level. The 16-step step sequencer with RGB buttons makes it easy to build your beats visually, step by step. The assignable Touch Strip adds tactile control for transitions, effects or playing variations, perfect for live performance and sound design.

Immediate control, fewer menus

You keep your hands on the control surface. With a hundred dedicated buttons and 16 Q-Link touchscreens with OLED displays, parameters remain visible and accessible. The result: you can set up a mix, edit or sound faster, without breaking your rhythm.

XL Channel Command, a real "slice" for the active track

You control the current track just like on a console. Level, pan, effect sends, outputs, arming and recording parameters are all immediately accessible, with dedicated OLED display and encoder. Very useful when you're recording, mixing or fine-tuning an arrangement without interrupting your workflow.

Comprehensive connectivity for studio and stage

Connect everything without compromise: mics, turntables, instruments, synths, consoles, outboards. The MPC XL features phantom-powered mic inputs, line inputs, phono inputs, 8 TRS line outputs and two headphone outputs. With USB-C, it can also be used as an audio/MIDI interface with up to 24 audio and 32 MIDI channels, ideal for sampling from a computer or mobile device.

MIDI and CV/Gate integration for hybrid setups

Control your external machines cleanly. Between MIDI DIN (4 inputs, 2 outputs) and 8 stereo CV/Gate outputs (16 CVs), the MPC XL integrates just as well into a modern electronic setup as into a modular system. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and SD drive complete the package.

Integrated library and plug-ins, ready to produce

You've got plenty of material right from the start. Over 30 GB of sounds and samples, 21 instrument plugins and synthesis engines, and advanced features linked to MPC3 Pro to expand your production and processing possibilities. Ideal if you want to create fast, without relying on an external library.

What we like / What we need to know

• A highly accomplished stand-alone workflow: you can produce without a computer, from sketch to arrangement.
• 3D-sensing MPCe pads: more nuances, more playability, and multiple zones per pad for performance.
• Physical control (Q-Link OLED, numerous buttons): less menus, more speed.
• The XL Channel Command section: very effective for mixing and recording without breaking the flow.
• Big setup" connectivity: phono inputs, 8 line outputs, USB-C audio/MIDI, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate.
• It's a premium investment: relevant if you produce often and want a durable central machine.

FAQ

Does the MPC XL work without a computer?

Yes, it's designed to produce in complete autonomy, without a DAW. The computer can be used as a complement (sampling, file exchange, USB-C audio interface), but is not necessary to create.

Who is this model more suited to than a more compact MPC?

Advanced users who want a central studio machine, more physical control and comprehensive connectivity. It's also a good choice if you're playing live with a complex setup.

What do the pads add to everyday life?

They add expressiveness: pressure, velocity and X/Y control. With zones per pad, you can trigger variations, articulations or overlays, and make a beat more lively without multiplying tracks.

Can it drive external synths and a modular?

Yes, it supports MIDI via USB and DIN, and offers CV/Gate outputs for controlling analog and modular synths. It's ideal for modern hybrid setups.

Can it replace an audio interface?

In many cases, yes. With USB-C, it can function as a multi-channel audio/MIDI interface. It's handy for recording, sampling and integrating the machine into a computer setup when you need it.