NAMM 2026: Akai has released MPC 3.7 firmware with new features and improvements, and Spitfire Audio sounds are coming soon to the MPC.
After numerous leaks in recent weeks, the Akai MPC XL has been officially unveiled today. This will certainly be the highlight at the Akai booth at NAMM 2026. However, there is another piece of news.
Akai has also released MPC 3.7, a new firmware update for its standalone MPC series and Force. At the same time, they also announced a new partnership with Spitfire Audio.
Akai MPC 3.7
The new MPC 3.7 firmware is now available and compatible with the entire range of standalone Akai MPCs (XL, Live III, MPC Key…) and Force. According to Akai, the MPC 3 desktop software remains in beta.
The new firmware brings various new features, refinements, and bug fixes. MPC Live III and MPC XL users can benefit from updated MPCe pads. They now feature a new Q-Link mode that transforms each MPCe pad into an expressive XY control surface.
Previously, they were limited to samples; now they can also be used to morph parameters. They now function as a mini XY pad, transmitting X, Y, and pressure data for real-time modulation of insert effects or synthesis parameters.
Then, Akai has made it much easier to control which MPCe pad quadrant triggers each drum pad layer by enabling or disabling individual quadrants for each layer in the settings menu.
This allows precise mapping of sounds to specific pad areas, perfect for multi-sound performance setups or expressive layering.
Also new is the option to modulate the sample slice number on both drum and keygroup tracks. It’s available as a destination in the modulation matrix.
This powerful addition enables dynamic, performance-based slice selection using sources such as Pad X position, Velocity, or other modulation inputs.
Sequencer Update
MPC 3.7 also introduces a library of partial pad presets for drum tracks to accelerate sound design. These presets allow you to quickly explore advanced synthesis setups, complex MPCe pad routings, and expressive modulation configurations — all without starting from scratch
There is also an update for the step sequencer. You can now lengthen the notes across bars and banks, enabling smoother programming of sustained notes and longer performances.
When working in Step Sequencer Drum Sequence Mode, notes can now extend beyond the current 16-step bank.
MPC 3.7 also introduces a new, powerful Q-Link mode: Step Sequencer in the MPC XL and MPC Live 3. This new mode works in conjunction with the hardware 1–16 Step Sequencer, providing contextual parameter control tailored to each Step Sequencer mode.
Each mode automatically maps Q-Links to the most relevant editing parameters, enabling fast, intuitive, hands-on control during step programming.
For example, in Drum Sequence or Note Sequence modes, Q-Links automatically adjust step velocity, while Step Edit mode exposes detailed per-step controls such as tuning, probability, and envelope shaping.
Other new features/improvements are:
- you can now copy an Arrangement Row directly into a Clip Matrix Row
- default Chop Button Mode (MPC XL only)
- sequencer updaet: refined behavior for nudging MIDI events within sequences and clips
- …
Spitfire Audio MPC
For those who remember, Akai announced its partnership with Native Instruments at NAMM 2025. This brought the Play Series instruments to the standalone MPCs. Now, at NAMM 2026, they’re expanding the content offerings.
At NAMM 2026, Akai announces a partnership with Spitfire Audio, bringing content to the MPCs. There are no details yet, but you can already register for it, and Akai says
This upcoming collection of sounds from Spitfire Audio is meant to expand the possibilities of standalone music making and inspire new levels of producing, composing, beatmaking, and storytelling.
Think emotionally resonant chamber strings optimized for performance, immediacy, and expressive control—designed to work seamlessly inside your MPC.
Akai MPC 3.7 First Impression
The new MPC 3.7 update is very MPC Live III- and XL-focused. There are fewer highlights for the other standalone MPCs. However, it’s good to see that Akai is continuing development in this area. I’m also looking forward to the collaboration with Spitfire Audio.
Akai MPC 3.7 is available now as a free update for existing users.
More information here: Akai
Akai MPC XL is available from my partners
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