Akai MPC Sample: Features, Pricing, and Availability Unveiled
Akai has released a compact, battery-powered sampler at an aggressive price point. The unit sells for $399 and targets mobile producers and beatmakers.
Design and portability
The sampler measures 23.6 x 19.4 x 5.0 cm for easy transport. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to five hours of runtime.
The aesthetic nods to the classic MPC60 while keeping modern ergonomics. A 4×4 pad layout includes 16 RGB, velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch.
Sampling and sound features
The instrument offers 32 stereo voices of polyphony and eight sound banks labeled A through H. Over 100 factory kits ship with the unit.
Instant Sample Chop enables quick slicing. Real-time timestretch and repitching appear alongside waveform editing on a 2.4-inch color LCD.
Three real-time control knobs and a legacy MPC parameter fader speed up sound shaping. Internal resampling with FX is supported.
Effects and processing
- Four effects engines with around 60 effect types.
- Pad FX and Knob FX allow performance-triggered processing.
- Included effects: lo-fi, filters, distortion, pumper, limiter, granulator, ring mod, delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, half-speed, and beat repeat.
Sequencer, I/O and storage
The MPC Sequencer supports real-time swing and common workflow tools. Functions include Note Repeat, Sequence Recall, and Sample Recall.
Recording sources include a built-in microphone, a microSD slot, and two quarter-inch TRS inputs. A 3-watt front speaker plays back mixes on the go.
Connectivity covers two quarter-inch TRS outputs, an eighth-inch headphone jack, MIDI In/Out, Sync Out, and USB-C for MIDI, audio, and file transfer. USB-C also charges the device.
Memory, specs and performance
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Polyphony | 32 stereo voices |
| Pads | 16 RGB velocity-sensitive (polyphonic aftertouch) |
| Screen | 2.4-inch full-color LCD |
Launch context, competition and online reaction
The product was leaked on eBay by a US retailer before the official announcement. Akai posted an Instagram comparison referencing the MPC60 and set a 24 March announcement date.
AI-generated mockups and fan renders circulated widely before launch. Competing portable samplers include Roland’s SP-404 Mk2 and Teenage Engineering’s EP-133 K.O II.
Casio also teased a handheld sampler during NAMM 2026, adding more market interest.
Pricing and availability
The unit is available now at $399, £349, and €399. Authorized sellers include Thomann, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, and Zzounds.
This release clarifies the Akai MPC Sample features, pricing, and availability unveiled during the launch window. Stock levels may vary by retailer.
Early impressions from Filmogaz.com
Filmogaz.com has had a review unit for several weeks. Initial impressions describe the device as highly playable and surprisingly capable for its price.
