Akai MPC Live III

Akai MPC Live III – Standalone Power for Producers, Beatmakers, and Performers

The Akai MPC Live III is built for creators who want a complete, computer-free music-making experience. Powered by an upgraded 8-core processor and 8GB of RAM, it runs the MPC3 OS, handling complex projects, advanced plugins, and next-gen features such as Pro Stems Separation and Super Timestretch with ease.

Expressive Pads and Touch Control

The new MPCe pads feature 3D-sensing technology for expressive control through pressure and movement. This goes beyond standard velocity and aftertouch, letting you shape beats, melodies, and modulation in real time with nuanced dynamics. A performance touch-strip adds hands-on control for pitch bends, filter sweeps, and live parameter tweaks, keeping play fluid and intuitive.

Step Sequencing and Clip Launching

With 16 RGB-lit sequencer buttons, the MPC Live III brings fast, hands-on rhythm programming for drums, basslines, and textures. The Clip Matrix takes performance further, letting you launch and loop audio or MIDI clips on the fly to build arrangements in real time. Whether in the studio or on stage, it delivers a fluid workflow for song construction.

Standalone Workflow and Creative Freedom

Running entirely without a computer, the MPC Live III is a self-contained production hub. From sequencing and mixing to sound design and performance, everything is built in. The 7-inch multi-touch display and four touch-capacitive control knobs provide fast, tactile navigation, while the refined MPC3 OS introduces clip launching, expanded effects, and improved project organization.

Portable Design with Built-In Audio Tools

Designed for portability, the MPC Live III includes a built-in condenser microphone for instant sampling, stereo speakers for mobile monitoring, and a rechargeable battery lasting up to four hours. With 128GB of internal storage, expandable memory, and two XLR/TRS combo inputs, it balances portability with pro-level capability.

Connectivity and Integration

• The MPC Live III offers wide connectivity for modern workflows:
• •USB-C for high-speed transfer of up to 24 audio and 32 MIDI channels
• MIDI In/Out/Thru and CV/Gate for hardware synths and modular rigs
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless integration with DAWs and mobile devices
• Six audio outputs for flexible routing in the studio or live performance

The All-in-One Production Center

Compact yet powerful, the MPC Live III is designed to be the centerpiece of a serious music setup. Whether sketching ideas on the go, producing full tracks, or performing live, it offers unmatched creative freedom without boundaries.

Digital Audio System

ADCs: 24-bit @ 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
DACs: 24-bit @ 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
Digital Signal Processing: 32-bit floating point

Mic Inputs (1–2)

Connectors: (2) balanced XLR + 1/4" (6.35 mm) TRS
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.2 / -1.2 dB)
Dynamic Range: 110 dB (A-weighted)
SNR: 101.8 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted)
THD+N: 0.002% (1 kHz, +4 dBu, -1 dBFS)
Preamp EIN: -131 dBu (max gain, 40 , A-weighted); -127 dBu (150 , unweighted)
Max Input Level: +13 dBu (Pad ON), -1 dBu (Pad OFF)
Sensitivity: -46 dBu (Pad ON), -60 dBu (Pad OFF)
Gain Range: 59 dB

Line Inputs (1–2)

Connectors: (2) balanced XLR + 1/4" (6.35 mm) TRS
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.2 / -1.1 dB)
Dynamic Range: 110.6 dB (A-weighted)
SNR: 98.6 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted)
THD+N: 0.002% (1 kHz, +3 dBu, -1 dBFS)
Max Input Level: +16 dBu
Sensitivity: -20 dBu
Gain Range: 36 dB

Phono Inputs

Connectors: (2) unbalanced RCA
Dynamic Range: 92 dB (A-weighted, 135 mVrms @ 1 kHz, -1 dBFS, 20 source)
SNR: 79 dB (A-weighted, 4 mVrms @ 1 kHz, 20 source)
THD+N: 0.1% (1 kHz, -46 dBu, -1 dBFS)
Max Input Level: 135 mVrms (1 kHz)
Sensitivity: 2.1 mVrms (1 kHz)

Line Outputs (1–6)

Connectors: (6) impedance-balanced 1/4" (6.35 mm) TRS
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.03 / -0.18 dB)
Dynamic Range: 113.8 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: 0.003% (1 kHz, -1 dBFS)
Max Output Level: +12 dBu
Output Impedance: 100

Headphone Output

Connector: (1) 1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo headphone
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.03 / -0.19 dB)
Dynamic Range: 111.2 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: 0.006% (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, 10 mW/channel into 32 load)
Max Power: +50 mW (<1% THD, 32 headphones)
Max Output Level: +11 dBu
Output Impedance: 32

Pads

(16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads with 3D-sensing technology
(8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons

Knobs & Controls

(4) 360° touch-sensitive Q-Link knobs
(4) Q-Link knob columns accessible via Q-Link button
(1) 360° push encoder for navigation/selection
(1) 270° volume control
(60) dedicated backlit function buttons (red, amber, green)

Display

Size: 6.9" (176 mm diagonal)
Dimensions: 5.9" x 3.7" (150 x 93 mm)
Full-color LED-backlit touchscreen

CPU & Storage

Processor: Quad-core ARM®
RAM: 8 GB
Internal Storage: 128 GB (expandable via SATA drive bay)

Connections

Inputs: (2) 1/4" Combo XLR/TRS (1 stereo pair), (2) RCA (1 stereo pair, phono)
Outputs: (6) 1/4" TRS (3 stereo pairs), (1) 1/4" stereo headphone
MIDI: (2) 5-pin In, (2) 5-pin Out
CV/Gate: (4) stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) outputs
USB: (2) USB Type-A, (1) USB Type-C®
Other: (1) SD card slot, (1) SATA drive bay, (1) power adapter input

Power

Adapter: 19 V, 3.42 A, center-positive (included)
Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion, up to 3 hours (typical use)

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions: 17.2" x 10.1" x 2.6" (435.9 x 256.0 x 67.1 mm)
Weight: 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)