Akai Professional launch v2.10, a free update to their acclaimed MPC series that adds 14 extra plugins and new features. The best part is, this firmware update is completely free for MPC One, Live, Live II and X owners. Akai Professional claim that this is their “most significant firmware release” yet. Once you’ve seen what’s in store, we’re sure you’ll agree!
If you’re an existing MPC owner, you’ll likely be jumping for joy as you install this game-changing software update. However, if you’re considering boarding the MPC train and finding out what makes these standalone production machines so special – there’s never been a better time to do so.
Let’s take a closer look at what MPC owners have in store when they’ve installed firmware v2.10. We’re going to go through a lot of the cool things Akai Professional have packed into this update – so grab yourself a hot drink and we’ll get stuck in.
Brand New Plugin Instruments
Next, we’ll go over the brand new plugin instruments that come with MPC 2.10. These instruments can breathe new life into your beat-making, production or songwriting sessions and expand the MPC‘s already impressive sonic arsenal. Even one of these synths would’ve made us excited, instead, we have four new synths to play with. All of the new synths feature a gorgeous touch interface, which makes editing and pulling up a preset dead easy.
AIR Hype
The first of the new plugin instruments that we’ll take a look at is AIR Hype. AIR Hype is a preset and macro-based synth that combines a variety of synth engines to create its expansive sound, including FM, wavetable, multi-sample and virtual analogue. Tweaking AIR Hype is a breeze thanks to its rapid Macro Editing. In addition to its juicy sound engine, AIR Hype comes with over 1500 factory presets and onboard AIR effects. Effects include Modulation, Reverb, Delay, Pumper and Compressor.
AIR Mellotron
The second of MPC v2.10’s instruments is AIR Mellotron. As you can tell by the name, AIR Mellotron is a software recreation of the iconic tape-based keyboard. It’s fitting that a Mellotron emulation has been added to the MPC series as many consider it to be the first sampler.
AIR Mellotron features 6 Tape Sets of the OG’s Flute, Choir and Strings tape samples which give it a truly authentic sound. You can also select “Dirty” and “Cleaned” versions of the original tapes. Other sound-shaping parameters include Formant, Age and Sample Start. There are 30 factory presets to get you going and a selection of built-in effects, including the new AIR Flavour (instant lo-fi goodness).
AIR Solina
The third synth on the list is AIR Solina. Like AIR Mellotron, AIR Solina is a faithful recreation of a classic keyboard. In AIR Solina’s case, it’s emulating the famous ARP Solina String Ensemble. This is arguably the most famous and sought-after of all string synths, having featured on tracks by Joy Division, Pink Floyd, Herbie Hancock, Air and more.
Within AIR Solina, you can pan, layer, split and balance sampled versions of the original contrabass, cello, violin, viola, trumpet, horn sounds. You can also tweak Formant, Filter and Age settings. This gives you a lot more flexibility than the original presented. AIR Solina comes with 75 lush factory presets and a selection of built-in effects.
WayOutWare Odyssey
Last and certainly not least is WayOutWare’s Odyssey. WayOutWare Odyssey is a spot-on reproduction of the classic analogue synth. Thanks to state-of-the-art circuit modelling of the OG’s fat oscillators and filter, all the character, warmth and nuance of the original has been faithfully captured. In addition to the original’s mono & duophonic modes, WayOutWare Odyssey can be played with up to 4 voice polyphony. Perfect for when you want to play chords and pads.
If you have an expression pedal or a velocity & channel aftertouch-enabled controller, you can assign them to key parameters for extra expressive control. Plus, all of WayOutWare Odyssey’s parameters can be automated. You’ve got 150 inspiring presets that you can use to start creating right off the bat. Effects-wise, an emulation of a 1970s tape delay is on hand to add depth and space to your sounds.
AIR Vocal Suite
MPC 2.10 takes your vocal processing game to the next level with the fantastic Air Vocal Suite. This trio of top-notch plugins gives you the ability to achieve professional-sounding vocals within your MPC.
AIR Vocal Tuner
First up we have AIR Vocal Tuner, a powerful, versatile and easy to use automatic pitch correction plugin. AIR Vocal Tuner can be used for subtle, discreet pitch correction all the way to full-on T-Pain-style processing. Getting to the sound you want is a super quick process, thanks to the streamlined interface. Whether you want to add polish up a vocal performance or create an attention-grabbing effect, it’s all possible with AIR Vocal Tuner.
AIR Harmonizer
The second plugin in the AIR Vocal Suite is the AIR Harmonizer. A good harmony can really elevate a vocal part and give it some weight when it needs to stand out. That’s where the AIR Harmonizer comes in. This plugin can create realistic 4-part vocal harmonies from one audio track – in an instant. You can choose the harmony’s interval in relation to the lead vocal (a major 3rd above, a 5th below, an octave etc.), the formant, the level and where it’s panned.
AIR Doubler
Lastly, we have AIR Doubler. This plugin does exactly what it says on the tin. It perfectly doubles your vocal track and saves you from having to record multiple takes to attain the same result. Doubling vocals is a timeless vocal production technique going all the back to the Beatles. It’s a great way to thicken up a vocal and get it to stand out in a mix. Once you’ve stuck AIR Doubler on a vocal track, you can use it to add width, separation and depth to the sound.
New AIR Insert Effects
As well as the AIR Vocal Suite, MPC 2.10 gives you a host of new AIR insert effects to spice up your productions.
AIR Half Speed
The first of AIR’s insert effects is the wonderful AIR Half Speed. This effect can be used to create instant half-speed versions of any audio you send into it. You can also sculpt the affected audio with the onboard Low Pass and High Pass filters. The Fade In and Out parameters are great for smooth transitions between dry and processed audio.
AIR Limiter
Secondly, we have AIR’s lookahead limiter – an essential tool when mixing or mastering your tracks.
AIR Stutter
Third on the list is AIR Stutter. This insane glitch plugin can pull off a wide range of pitch, volume and pan stutter effects.
AIR Improved Diffuser Delay
Finally, we have the new-and-improved Diffuser Delay, which is more flexible than ever. This upgraded version adds new parameters, including Width, Low Cut, Sync and Pan.
New Akai Insert Effects
As if all the previously mentioned effects weren’t enough for you, Akai Professional also include a few of their own quality insert effects.
Akai Vocal Doubler
Immediately widen and thicken up your vocal tracks with this realistic vocal doubler. It’s a nice alternative to the one that comes with the AIR Vocal Suite.
Akai Granulator
Granulator is one of the more interesting and out-there effects that come with MPC 2.10. This plugin transforms your audio into “grains”, which you can loop, pitch and manipulate in a variety of exciting ways.
Akai Sample Delay
Sample Delay is a useful and versatile utility delay plugin. It can cover a lot of applications, from loosening up percussion to adding stereo width.
Our Feature Presentation
Let’s check out all the fresh features and capabilities that come with MPC 2.10.
Standalone USB Class Audio Support
One of our favourite new features is standalone USB class audio support, which allows you to hook up any class-compliant audio interface to your MPC. Now you can easily integrate your favourite interface into the MPC workflow and instantly expand your MPC‘s available inputs & outputs. Once you’ve connected your interface, you can have access to up to a whopping 32 simultaneous inputs & outputs. This gives you enough I/O to record a live drum kit, process audio through your outboard hardware and more – all with your Akai Professional MPC.
Automatic Key Detection
This new feature is a massive time saver. Your MPC will now automatically detect the key of a sample that contains melodic content. You also have the ability to display the calculated key and transpose the sample to a new one.
Upgraded File Browser
Akai Professional has given the MPC file browser a major update, making it way easier to find what you’re looking for. Upgrades include lightning-fast recursive searching and the option to list by column type or show only plugin instrument presets. You can also drag samples straight from the Sample Assign tab straight onto a pad with a simple tough drag gesture.
FX Racks
MPC 2.10 introduces FX Racks, which will be familiar to Ableton Live users. FX Racks allow you to quickly recall four insert effects and their settings. If you have a favourite vocal chain or drum processing setup, you can save it for use on future tracks. Additionally, MPC throws in a factory library of FX Rack presets which are separated into easy-to-find categories. For example, if you want to dial up a tasty guitar tone, you can simply go into the Guitar category and pull up a preset.
Updated User Interface
The pop-up plugin instrument and insert effect editors have been updated with the TUI layout. If you’re on Mac or Windows, you can easily revert back to the generic instrument editor.
MIDI Maps
If you’re an MPC 2.10 desktop software user, you now have access to MIDI maps for popular Korg, Arturia, M-Audio, Ableton and Native Instruments controllers. This tighter integration gives you tactile and immediate control over the MPC desktop software.
MIDI & CV Upgrades
Akai Professional have seriously levelled up the MPC‘s MIDI and CV capabilities with update 2.10.
Edit Any Control Name
MPC 2.10 lets you edit the name of any control as well as save, edit and recall your customised parameter names/assignments. This is particularly useful if you’re using an external synth that responds to MIDI CC messages, as you can put together a straightforward editor for it.
Melodic & Drum CV Programs
This next feature will be right up your street if you use your MPC alongside CV-enabled gear such as Eurorack modules – you can now set CV Programs to either Melodic or Drum operation. When set to Drum mode, you can configure any of your MPC‘s pads to output on any CV port. This allows you to sequence your CV drum modules with ease.
Drum & Keygroup Workflow Improvements
Both the Drum and Keygroup programs have new features and upgraded editing ergonomics.
Sample Tail
Akai Professional‘s Sample Tail takes the stress out of chopping up drums breaks and samples. It does this by making it easy to add smooth, natural-sounding decays to the end of your samples. The Tail Length can be adjusted depending on how long you want the decay to be. Say goodbye to abrupt and jarring endings! On top of that, Sample Tail can be used to create delay and looping effects by tweaking the Tail Loop parameter.
Super Envelopes
The Drum and Keygroup program’s envelopes have been updated with adjustable curve parameters for each time stage and a dedicated Pitch envelope.
Randomiser
The brand new randomisation section can add subtle to extreme variation to your Drum and Keygroup programs. You can use it to randomise pan, pitch, filter, envelope and sample offset parameters. It’s particularly handy for humanising drum patterns.
Drum Pad Effects
These new drum pad effects are available when you want to mangle up your samples. There are eight slots that can be filled with neat utility effects. You’ve got Lowpass, Highpass, Rectifier, Wavefolder, RingMod, Bitcrush, Decimator, Tubedrive, Soft Clipper, Hard Clipper and Gain. That’s a lot of effects at your disposal.
And The Rest…
Rounding out the Drum and Keygroup program updates are Note Off triggering for the Sample Play parameter, portamento Time, Quantise and Legato parameters for Keygroups and an improved user interface.
Wrapping Up
We’re coming to the end of our run-through of Akai Professional‘s MPC v2.10 launch. As you can see, it’s an absolute whopper of an update. Before we go, we’re going to cap it off by detailing the other quality-of-life enhancements that Akai Professional has added.
- The full Undo history can now be accessed via the TUI so you can rapidly jump through a project’s lifespan.
- MPC will remember the last used mode and if you were using an Audio or MIDI track when reopening a project.
- MPC One forwards the external SD Card port to your desktop computer when it’s hooked up and in controller mode.
- You can monitor incoming MIDI messages via the TUI.
- When Loop is on, Shift + Stop will set the playhead’s position to Loop Start.
- You can now view your WiFi password.
- When you edit a note map from GUI Edit or TUI Edit, MPC will update accompanying sequence events through the whole project.
Buy an Akai Professional MPC One, MPC Live II or MPC X from GAK today and discover how these fantastic standalone production devices can revolutionise the way you create music.