Akai MPC One +, new standalone sampler and sequencer, full details

Akai MPC One + is the successor of the MPC One standalone sampler and sequencer with more internal storage (16 GB), and more. 

At night there was a leak on the new MPC One Plus (+). Now the news seems official since Sweetwater already lists the device  with all specs in its online shop and has a 40 min+ video about it.

The MPC One Plus is the successor to the MPC One hardware groove box (sampler + sequencer) with good improvements.

Akai MPC One Plus

MPC One Plus remains a hardware groovebox that combines samplers, synths, effects, sequencers, and more in one device. It’s also again the entry-level device in the standalone MPC world. The shape of the device also remains unchanged. Only the color is brighter, from classic black to a striking dark red. As I said in the leak, I like the color choice. Please don’t ask me why, but it fits the device quite well.

Unchanged has remained on board the 7-inch touchscreen, 16 RGB-backlit, velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for programming beats and playing melodies, four encoders, and more.

Update: according to Akai, it uses the same multi-core CPU as in the MPC One—no CPU upgrade. There is also no update for the RAM. This remains at 2 GB, which is a pity.

Then, they also quadruple the internal memory. The MPC One Plus (+) internal memory goes up from 4 GB to 16 GB. However, 2 GB of this is occupied by internal Akai Sound content.

Expanded Connectivity

Aside from these upgrades, Akai has also added some other new handy features. So far, the entry-level MPC only had the option of connecting to the Internet via the Ethernet cable. It’s different here.

The MPC One Plus (+) has expanded connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ableton Link 3. Interestingly, they removed the ethernet connector on the back of the new hardware.

And the rest of the features remains the same, including:

• USB host for thumb drives, MIDI controllers, and USB class-compliant audio interfaces for expanding the I/O options of the MPC One Plus (+)
• Four stereo or eight mono CV/Gate outputs for controlling modular synths
• MIDI I/O for integrating synthesizers, drum machines, and other hardware
• Stereo line-level inputs and outputs on 1/4-inch TRS connections
  
• SD card slot for loading your own custom samples.

Software

With the engine, Akai is not breaking new ground and trusts its popular MPC software, which has been constantly updated over the last few years. According to the Sweetwater specs, it includes virtual instruments such as Electric, Tubesynth, and Bassline, and AIR FX mastering processor again.

There are also new drum pad effects, including ring mod, bit crush, and decimator. Plus, you can benefit from MPC drum and key group engine enhancements such as Akai Pro Sample Tail, Dedicated Pitch Envelope, and Keygroup Portamento.

Of course, the unit is fully compatible with projects, programs, and sequences from previous MPC versions.

 

First Impression

As an MPC One user for a number of years, I see this upgrade as minimal rather than major. More internal memory is always good. But continuing to rely on 2GB in a 2023 device is a bit small. With 4 GB, the One could have been pushed forward nicely. Maybe they didn’t do it to avoid internal competing. So it would be almost as powerful as the MPC X SE etc.

Akai MPC One Plus (+) is available now for $699.

More information here: Akai Pro

Available at my partner 

Sweetwater

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