Akai MPC Live III

Building on the breakthrough user-centric features and layout of the MPC Live II, MPC Live III pushes the boundaries even further to empower producers and musicians to create studio-quality productions without limitations. Its intuitive and comprehensive sampling, sequencing, and effects make it an indispensable tool for modern music creation with no DAW or computer required.

 

MPC Live III introduces innovative features like ultra-responsive MPCe expressive pad technology, dedicated 16-step sequencer buttons, and a dynamic performance touch-strip. Fueled by MPC3 OS, this system offers the iconic MPC workflow with new clip launching, song arranging, and studio effects.

 

With onboard USB-C for smart devices and computer connectivity, along with CV/Gate outputs, MPC Live III seamlessly integrates with external gear, modular synths, and DAWs. Its built-in condenser microphone, powerful stereo monitors, audio interface, rechargeable battery, and two XLR/TRS combo inputs make it a truly portable production center with 128GB of internal storage expandable via SSD or SD card to ensure ample space for samples.

 

Designed for immediate playability, endless experimentation, and precision recording, the MPC Live III is the ultimate music production tool for creating professional beats anytime, anywhere.

 

• Next-generation MPC standalone hardware
• Powered by MPC3 OS
• New unlocked features exclusive to MPC Live III: Pro Reverb, EQ, CV Playgroup, Clip Matrix, Utility Plug, Super TS, Pro Stems Separation
• New MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology for ultra-flexible, expressive workflow
• 16 RGB step sequencer buttons
• Performance touch strip
• 7in. multi-touch color screen
• 4 touch-capacitive knobs
• 8 GB internal RAM
• Internal battery: 4 hours
• Built-in studio monitors
• 24 channels of audio in/out via USB-C
• 32 channels of MIDI in/out via USB-C
• 8-core processor: 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores
• Class-compliant USB-C
• Wi-Fi Bluetooth
• 8 CV/gate outputs
• 2 bi-directional MIDI ports
• iPhone sampling via USB-C
• Ableton Control Mode via USB-C
• Sampling directly from computer
• Multi-MIDI: Connection for up to 32 devices
• 2 XLR/combo jack/phono inputs
• 6 audio outputs

 

Technical Specifications

Digital Audio System

ADCs

• 24-bit @ 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz

DACs

• 24-bit @ 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz

Digital Signal Processing

• 32-bit floating point

Mic Inputs 1–2

• (2) balanced XLR+1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS

Frequency Response

• 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.2 / -1.2 dB)

Dynamic Range

• 110.0 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 Ω source, A-weighted)
• -127 dBu (max gain, 150 Ω source, unweighted)

Maximum Input Level

• +13 dBu (XLR-Pad ON), -1 dBu (XLR-Pad OFF)

Sensitivity

•  -46 dBu (XLR-Pad ON), -60 dBu (XLR-Pad OFF)

Gain Range

• 59 dB

Line Inputs 1–2

• (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)

Maximum Input Level

• +16 dBu

Sensitivity

• -20 dBu

Gain Range

• 36 dB

Phono Inputs

• (2) unbalanced RCA

Dynamic Range

• 92 dB (A-weighted, 135 mVrms @ 1 kHz, -1 dBFS, 20 Ω source)

SNR

• 79 dB (A-weighted, 4 mVrms @ 1 kHz, 20 Ω source)

THD+N

• 0.1% (1 kHz, -46 dBu, -1 dBFS)

Maximum Input Level

• 135 mVrms (1kHz)

Sensitivity

• 2.1 mVrms (1 kHz)

Line Outputs 1–6

• (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)

Maximum Output Level

•  +12 dBu

Output Impedance

• 100 Ω

Headphone Output

(1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone

Dynamic Range

• 111.2 dB (A-weighted)

THD+N

• 0.006% (1 kHz, -1 dBFS, 10 mW/channel into 32 Ω headphones)

Frequency Response

• 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0.03 / -0.19 dB)

Maximum Power Delivered

• +50 mW (<1% THD, 32 Ω headphones)

Maximum Output Level

• +11 dBu

Output Impedance

• 32 Ω

Pads

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

Knobs

• (4) 360° touch-sensitive Q-Link Knobs
• (4) Q-Link Knob columns accessible via Q-Link button
• (1) 360° encoder for display navigation and selection via push
• (1) 270° volume control

Buttons

• (60) dedicated function buttons; red-, amber-, or green-backlit

Display

• 6.9” / 176 mm (diagonal)
• 5.9” x 3.7” / 150 x 93 mm (width x height)
• Full-color LED-backlit display with touch interface

CPU

• Processor: Quad-core ARM® processor
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128 GB, expandable via SATA connections

Connections

• (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) Combo XLR/TRS inputs (1 stereo pair)
• (6) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS outputs (3 stereo pairs)
• (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output
• (2) RCA inputs (1 stereo pair)
• (2) 5-pin MIDI inputs
• (2) 5-pin MIDI outputs
• (4) Stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) CV/Gate outputs
• (2) USB Type-A ports
• (1) USB Type-C® port
• (1) SD card slot
• (1) power adapter input
• (1) drive bay for 2.5” (635 mm) SATA drive

Power

• via power adapter: 19 V, 3.42 A, center-positive, included
• via battery: lithium-ion, rechargeable, up to 3 hours of battery life with typical use

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