The Akai MPC XL Professional is built for producers, beatmakers, and
performers focused on fast, computer-free creation. Building on the
design of the MPC Live III, the XL is as a fully standalone music
production centre, the MPC XL runs MPC3 OS on a powerful Gen 2 8-core
processor supported by 16 GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage.
This combination allows you to run multiple plugin instruments, audio
tracks, and effects at the same time while keeping the system
responsive. Projects load quickly, edits feel immediate, and creative
flow stays uninterrupted. The 10.1-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen
works alongside dedicated buttons and encoders, making sequencing,
sampling, and arranging feel direct and intuitive. MPC3 OS brings
advanced sequencing, clip launching, time-stretching, and stem
separation into one integrated system that stays responsive under
pressure.
Performance is a core focus. MPCe pads with advanced 3D-sensing respond
to subtle playing movements, while the assignable touch-strip provides
hands-on control over effects and parameters. With 256 GB of internal
SSD storage and extensive audio, USB-C, and CV connections, MPC XL is
ready to act as the central hub of a modern studio or performance setup.
Full Description
A complete standalone production hub
MPC XL is designed to replace the computer at the heart of your
setup. Running MPC3 OS, it handles sampling, sequencing, arranging,
sound design, and mixing in one self-contained unit. You can build full
tracks, control external hardware, and perform live sets directly from
the same device. With support for up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio
tracks, and 256 voices at once, MPC XL is capable of handling full
productions without compromise, making it a strong centrepiece for
DAWless workflows.
Power that keeps ideas moving
At the core of MPC XL is a Gen 2 8-core processor supported by 16 GB
of RAM. This delivers up to four times the processing performance of
previous MPC models, helping large projects stay smooth and stable.
Complex arrangements, layered instruments, and detailed automation
remain responsive, so you can move quickly between ideas. Fast
navigation and loading also reduce downtime, helping you stay focused on
writing and refining music rather than managing system limits.
Expressive pads and performance control
MPCe pads introduce a new level of expressiveness to beatmaking and
performance. Each pad uses 3D-sensing technology with four playable
quadrants, opening up advanced X and Y control for modulation, layering,
looping, and sound morphing. This makes finger drumming, melodic parts,
and live performance feel more dynamic and interactive. An assignable
performance touch-strip adds further control, letting you shape effects,
note repeats, pitch, or mixer parameters in real time.
Intuitive workflow with visual feedback
The control surface of MPC XL is built for clarity and speed. A
10.1-inch HD multi-gesture touchscreen with tilt makes editing,
arranging, and navigating projects feel intuitive. Sixteen
touch-responsive Q-Link knobs each feature their own OLED display,
providing instant visual feedback when adjusting levels, filters,
envelopes, or effects. XL Channel Command adds a dedicated encoder and
OLED screen for quick access to levels, sends, outputs, and recording
settings, reducing the need for menu diving.
Connectivity that grows with your setup
MPC XL offers deep connectivity for demanding studios. Dual XLR and
TRS combo inputs with mic preamps and phantom power support vocals and
instruments, while dedicated instrument inputs handle guitars and
keyboards. Eight individual line outputs allow flexible external routing
and mixing, and eight stereo CV and Gate outputs provide 16 CV channels
for modular and analogue gear. USB-C adds 24 channels of audio I/O, 32
channels of MIDI, and easy sampling from smart devices.
Storage and inspiration built in
A 256 GB internal SSD provides generous space for projects, samples,
presets, and plugin instruments, helping large libraries stay readily
available. MPC XL also includes an extensive collection of premium
plugins, effects, and sounds, so you can start creating straight away.
With one-to-one function buttons for key features and no computer
required, MPC XL is built to keep creative momentum front and centre.
Features
- Standalone hardware operation with no computer required for a fully DAW-less workflow
- Powered by next-gen 8-core Gen 2 processor delivering 4x the power of previous MPC models
- 16GB of RAM allows seamless multitasking and simultaneous plugin operation
- 256GB internal SSD for storing projects, plugins, samples, stems, and presets
- MPCe pads with advanced 3D-sensing technology for expressive, multi-dimensional performance
- Assignable performance touch-strip for tactile control of parameters and effects
- Dedicated 16-step sequencer section with RGB function buttons and OLED visual feedback
- 16 Q-Link rotary encoders with performance-focused OLED displays for real-time parameter control
- One-to-one channel strip and control surface layout for faster, more intuitive workflow
- 10.1" color HD touchscreen with multi-gesture support for hands-on editing and navigation
- Supports up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 voices for advanced production setups
- Advanced sequencing, clip launching, and real-time stem separation capabilities
- 8 balanced line outputs for flexible routing to mixers or interfaces
- 2 dedicated 1/4" instrument inputs for recording guitars, keyboards, and external gear
- 2 combo XLR/TRS inputs with mic preamps for high-quality vocal or instrument capture
- USB-C connectivity offers 24-channel audio interface capability and smart device sampling
- 8 stereo 1/8” CV/Gate outputs (16 total CV outs) for controlling modular synths and CV-enabled gear
- Compatible with MPC 3.7 OS for a seamless, integrated music production experience
Specifications
- Digital Audio System:
- 24-bit ADCs and DACs @ 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz
- 32-bit floating-point DSP
- Mic Inputs 1–2:
- 2x balanced XLR+1/4" TRS
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.19/-0.16 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 109.8 dB (A-weighted)
- SNR: 109.3 dB
- THD+N: 0.001
- Preamp EIN: -134 dBu (40Ω, A-weighted), -129 dBu (150Ω, unweighted)
- Max Input Level: +12.7 dBu
- Gain Range: 58.2 dB
- Line Inputs 1–2:
- 2x balanced XLR+1/4" TRS
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.09/-0.05 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 109.8 dB
- SNR: 109.4 dB
- THD+N: 0.001
- Max Input Level: +20.1 dBu
- Gain Range: 29.7 dB
- Line Inputs 3–4:
- 2x balanced 1/4" TRS
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.09/-0.05 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 110.8 dB
- SNR: 109.7 dB
- THD+N: 0.001
- Max Input Level: +20.3 dBu
- Gain Range: 30.6 dB
- Instrument Inputs 1–2:
- 2x unbalanced 1/4" TS
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.15/-0.05 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 111.0 dB
- SNR: 109.6 dB
- THD+N: 0.0013
- Max Input Level: +10.1 dBu
- Gain Range: 29.7 dB
- Phono Inputs:
- 2x unbalanced RCA
- Dynamic Range: 103.3 dB
- SNR: 97 dB
- THD+N: 0.036
- Max Input Level: 65 mVrms
- Sensitivity: 2 mVrms
- Main Outputs 1–2:
- 2x 1/4" TRS (impedance-balanced)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.06/-0.31 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 115.6 dB
- THD+N: 0.003
- Max Output Level: +20.3 dBu
- Output Impedance: 100Ω
- Line Outputs 3–8:
- 6x 1/4" TRS
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.06/-0.24 dB)
- Dynamic Range: 116.3 dB
- THD+N: 0.005
- Max Output Level: +20.4 dBu
- Headphone Outputs:
- 1x 1/4" stereo, 1x 1/8" stereo
- Dynamic Range: 100.6 dB
- THD+N: 0.025
- Max Output Level: +20.4 dBu
- Output Impedance: 32Ω
- Max Power: 260 mW @ 32Ω
- Pads:
- 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads with 3D sensing
- 8 banks (selectable)
- Knobs:
- 17x 360° Q-Link knobs
- 1x 360° push encoder
- 7x 270° gain/mix/level knobs
- Buttons:
- 105 total
- 36 single-color LED
- 43 dual-color LED
- 1 dual-color + red
- 17 RGB LED
- 8 unlit
- Displays:
- 1x 10.1” 1280×800 full-color multi-touch
- 17x 128×32 monochrome OLEDs
- CPU / Memory / Storage:
- 8-core processor
- 16 GB RAM
- 256 GB NVMe SSD
- SATA expansion bay
- Connections:
- 2x XLR/TRS combo inputs
- 2x 1/4" TRS line inputs
- 2x RCA phono inputs
- 2x 1/4" TS instrument inputs
- 2x TS footswitch inputs
- 8x 1/4" TRS line outputs
- 1x 1/4" stereo headphone out
- 1x 1/8" stereo headphone out
- 4x 5-pin MIDI Out, 2x MIDI In
- 8x stereo 1/8" CV/Gate outputs
- 1x USB-C port
- 3x USB-A ports
- 1x SD card slot
- 1x power adapter input
- 1x drive bay for 2.5” SATA drive
- Power:
- 19 V, 3.42 A, center-positive (adapter included)
- Dimensions (Display Flat):
- 21.4” × 19.2” × 3.7” (543 × 488 × 94 mm)
- Weight:
- Product Code: MPCXL
