Akai has released the new MPC firmware 2.12.2 with four new AIR effects plugins, including chorus, multi-tap delay, and more.
Looking back at the beginning of the new MPCs, you didn’t have a good feeling. This has changed massively over the last few years. Akai Professional has constantly provided the MPCs with updates, adding new features, fixing bugs, etc. Plus, they created its ecosystem with hardware plugins, etc.
Talking about updates. This week, there is news that Akai has released firmware 2.12.2 for the MPC series.
Akai MPC firmware 2.12.2
Firmware 2.12.2 is now available to download. It is compatible with all current MPCs (MPC One, One+, MPC Key 61, MPC Live, Software…).
Many assumed it was a simple bug-fix update. But if you look in the system, you can see four new effects. To make them visible, you have to install them individually.
Once installed, there are four new effects plugins developed by AIR Music Tech. These are full versions and are free.
First, it comes with a new AIR Chorus effect. It’s a classic chorus effect with various controls (rate, depth, feedback, mix, pre-delay…). Then, it features a new multi-tap delay plugin.
It has five customizable tabs, allowing you to set parameters and switch them on/off individually. You get the delay, pan, and volume per tap. Plus, there are various routing options.
Less wild is the new AIR Expander plugin. It works a bit like a compressor but instead of reducing, it increases the dynamic range above the threshold level. You can use Expander to add liveliness and freshness to your audio signals.
The fourth and last new effects plugin is the AIR Vintage Filter. As the name suggests, it’s a new filter plugin with various filter types (LP, BP, HP). Via the Q-Links, you can control the cutoff, resonance, fatness (distortion), and more. You can also modulate it with a built-in envelope and LFO.
Further, it includes various improvements and bug fixes.
Deal
And in case you need more ready-to-use sounds for your MPC, the massive MPC expansion bundle 2023 by ZamplerSounds is back on sale. For a limited time, you can get it for $39. Apply the coupon TREAT20, and you get it for $31,8. It features 54 libraries with a total of 48GB of sound content.
First Impression
Another nice update for Akai MPC series. A very surprising one since the new effects are somewhat hidden in the system.
Akai MPC firmware 2.1.2.2 is available now as a free download for all existing users. It is compatible with all current MPCs, including the MPC Key 61.
More information here: Akai Pro
Available at my partner
Thomann
Link for the Zamplersounds bundle is dead
sorry, should work now
Will these new features also come to the Akai Force?
no info but it will be like every update, it will come later to Force as well. Let’s see