MusicRadar

Akai has started 2012 with a bang by announcing the MPC Renaissance, a new version of the legendary music production workstation that features a hardware controller and software engine.

This pitches it right up against Native Instruments' Maschine, a product that has come to be seen as the spiritual successor to the traditional MPC.

Click here for a gallery of Akai MPC Renaissance product shots

You can find out more about the MPC Renaissance in the video above, and specs are below.

We can also tell you that Akai has two more MPC products on the way: the MPC Studio looks set to be a slimline version of the MPC Renaissance (a Maschine Mikro rival, perhaps?) while, intriguingly, the MPC Fly is designed for the iPad 2. More details on these as we get them.

MPC Renaissance hardware

• Fuses legendary MPC production with the processing power of your computer
• Vintage Mode changes output sound character to MPC3000, MPC60 and more
• 16 backlit genuine MPC pads, 16 Q-Link controls, and adjustable backlit LCD screen
• Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and MPC transport controls
• MPC SOFTWARE for Mac or PC with 64-track sequencing capability
• Two XLR-1/4" combo inputs and dedicated turntable input
• Four-channel US B 2.0 audio interface and two-port US B 2.0 hub built in
• Up to eight pad banks―more than any other MPC ever
• Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs
• Stereo 1/4" out, stereo assignable mix 1/4" out & S/PDIF I/O

MPC Renaissance software

• 64-track sequencing capability
• Massive 6GB+ sound library, including all of the sounds of the classic MPC3000
• Instant mapping and real-time adjustment of VST plug-ins
• Record each track as an MPC drum program, Keygroup program or VST plug-in
• Runs standalone and as VST, AU or RTAS plug-in
• Supports WAV, MP3, AIFF, REX and SND
• Supports samples and sequences from any MPC ever made
• Mac and PC-compatible

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