Akai MPCLIVE3RETRO
(Akai MPC-LIVE-3-RETRO)
Standalone Music Production Workstation
The Akai MPC Live III Retro is a standalone music production workstation combining classic MPC styling with next-generation processing power, expressive performance controls, and advanced sampling capabilities. Featuring a Gen 2 8-core processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, and 16 full-size MPCe pads with 3D sensing technology, it delivers a complete production environment without requiring a computer. Its 7-inch multitouch display, built-in stereo monitors, integrated microphone, and rechargeable battery make it ideal for beatmakers, producers, sampling enthusiasts, and live performers working in the studio or on the move.
Akai MPC Live III Retro Competitive Differences
- Classic MPC Retro Design: Vintage-inspired color scheme pays tribute to the iconic MPC instruments of the late 1980s while retaining modern MPC Live III functionality.
- Next-Generation 8-Core Processor: Gen 2 processor delivers four times the processing power of MPC Live II for demanding production workflows.
- 8GB RAM and 128GB Storage: Provides memory and internal storage for larger projects, sample libraries, and plugin instruments.
- 16 Expressive MPCe Pads: Full-size RGB performance pads with 3D sensing technology support X/Y control, sample blending, dynamic note repeats, and expressive playing techniques.
- Standalone MPC3 OS: Create, sample, sequence, arrange, and perform complete productions without a computer.
- Included MPC3 Pro Pack: Adds advanced production tools, plugin effects, clip launching, and enhanced audio processing capabilities.
- Built-In Stereo Monitors: Integrated speakers allow immediate playback and music creation without external monitoring equipment.
- Integrated Sampling Microphone: Capture vocals, field recordings, and spontaneous sounds directly into the workstation.
- Rechargeable Battery: Provides up to four hours of portable music production and performance.
- 7-Inch Multitouch Display: Large color touchscreen provides intuitive control over sampling, sequencing, mixing, and arrangement.
- 16 RGB Performance Buttons: Dedicated buttons support step sequencing, automation, and effects control.
- USB-C Audio and MIDI: Supports 24 channels of audio input/output and 32 channels of bidirectional MIDI communication with compatible computer systems.
- Eight CV/Gate Outputs: Integrates with compatible modular synthesizers and external analog equipment.
- Wireless Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support compatible wireless workflows and Ableton Link synchronization.
Akai MPC Live III Retro Description
The Akai MPC Live III Retro brings the distinctive appearance of classic MPC instruments into a modern standalone music production environment. Inspired by the original MPC designs of the late 1980s, its retro color scheme complements a powerful hardware platform designed for contemporary hip-hop, trap, electronic, house, techno, and experimental music production. Powered by a second-generation 8-core processor with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, the workstation provides approximately four times the processing power of MPC Live II. Combined with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, it supports demanding projects, complex arrangements, and multiple virtual instruments without relying on a computer.
At the center of the production experience are 16 full-size RGB MPCe pads featuring advanced 3D sensing technology. These expressive pads extend traditional velocity-sensitive performance by allowing additional control across the pad surface. Producers can manipulate samples, blend sounds, create dynamic note repeats, and control assigned parameters directly through their playing technique. A dedicated performance touch strip, four touch-capacitive knobs, and 16 RGB step-sequencer buttons provide immediate access to sequencing, automation, and effects during music creation and live performance.
The integrated MPC3 operating system provides a complete production workflow for recording, editing, sequencing, mixing, and arranging music. The system supports up to 32 simultaneous plugin instances and 16 audio tracks, along with advanced capabilities such as Clip Matrix, Super Timestretch, Pro Stems Separation, and enhanced CV Playground functionality. The included MPC3 Pro Pack expands the creative toolkit with AIR Reverb Pro, AIR Visual EQ4, AIR Fabric Select, AIR Utility, and additional clip-based production features. Producers can build complete songs, launch loops, arrange performances, and process audio directly from the hardware.
Designed for music creation anywhere, the MPC Live III Retro includes built-in stereo studio monitors and an integrated microphone for immediate sampling and playback. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to four hours of portable operation, making the workstation practical for traveling musicians, mobile producers, and field recording applications. Its vibrant 7-inch multitouch display offers direct access to instrument settings, waveforms, sequencing tools, and arrangement controls. Whether producing in a studio, rehearsing backstage, or capturing sounds while traveling, the workstation keeps essential creative tools close at hand.
Extensive connectivity allows the MPC Live III Retro to function as the centerpiece of a larger production system. Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with microphone preamps accommodate external audio sources, while six line outputs provide routing flexibility. Eight CV/Gate outputs support modular synthesizers and compatible analog instruments. USB-C connectivity enables multichannel audio and MIDI integration with compatible computers, while Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ableton Link provide additional connectivity options. Combining classic MPC aesthetics with advanced standalone production capabilities, the MPC Live III Retro is built for producers and performers who want hands-on control in the studio and on stage.
MPC Live III Retro Features
- Standalone music production workstation with classic retro MPC styling
- Second-generation 8-core processor with four performance and four efficiency cores
- Four times the processing power of MPC Live II
- 8GB onboard RAM for demanding production sessions
- 128GB internal storage for projects, samples, and music content
- 16 full-size RGB MPCe pads with advanced 3D sensing technology
- Expressive X/Y pad control, sample blending, and dynamic note repeats
- 16 RGB performance buttons for step sequencing and workflow control
- Assignable performance touch strip for real-time parameter manipulation
- Four touch-capacitive control knobs
- 7-inch color multitouch display
- Standalone MPC3 operating system
- MPC3 Pro Pack included
- Support for up to 32 simultaneous plugin instances
- Up to 16 audio tracks
- Clip Matrix for live loop launching and arrangement
- 16-step sequencing workflow
- Super Timestretch audio processing
- Pro Stems Separation for isolating elements from audio recordings
- Enhanced CV Playground with Q-Link envelope follower and LFO
- AIR Reverb Pro, AIR Visual EQ4, AIR Fabric Select, and AIR Utility
- Clip Launch with Matrix and Clip Edit modes
- Follow actions, row launch, tempo controls, and snapshots
- Ableton Live set import functionality
- Ableton Control Mode through USB-C
- Built-in stereo studio monitors for standalone playback
- Integrated microphone for recording and instant sampling
- Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Up to four hours of battery-powered operation
- Two XLR/TRS combo audio inputs with microphone preamps
- Six line outputs for flexible audio routing
- Eight CV/Gate outputs for compatible modular synthesizers
- Two bidirectional MIDI ports
- USB-C connectivity with up to 24 channels of audio input/output
- USB-C support for 32 channels of bidirectional MIDI
- Class-compliant USB audio and MIDI connectivity
- Direct iPhone sampling through USB-C
- Multi-MIDI functionality supporting up to 32 devices
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Ableton Link synchronization support
- Designed for beatmaking, sampling, live performance, and portable music production
MPC Live III Retro Specifications
- Product Type: Standalone Music Production Workstation
- Brand: Akai Professional
- Model: MPC Live III Retro
- Manufacturer Part Number: MPCLIVE3RETRO
- UPC: 694318027127
- Operating System: MPC3 OS
- Processor: Gen 2 8-Core Processor
- Processor Architecture: 4 Performance Cores + 4 Efficiency Cores
- RAM: 8GB
- Internal Storage: 128GB
- Performance Pads: 16 Full-Size RGB MPCe Pads
- Pad Technology: 3D Sensing with Expressive X/Y Control
- Step Sequencer Buttons: 16 RGB Buttons
- Display: 7 in. Color Multitouch Screen
- Touch-Capacitive Control Knobs: 4
- Performance Controller: Assignable Touch Strip
- Maximum Simultaneous Plugin Instances: 32
- Maximum Audio Tracks: 16
- Built-In Speakers: Stereo Studio Monitors
- Built-In Microphone: Yes
- Battery Type: Internal Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Battery Runtime: Up to 4 Hours
- Audio Inputs: 2 x XLR/TRS Combo with Microphone Preamps
- Line Outputs: 6
- CV/Gate Outputs: 8
- MIDI Connections: 2 Bidirectional MIDI Ports
- Computer Interface: USB-C
- USB-C Audio Interface: Up to 24 Channels In/Out
- USB-C MIDI: 32 Channels Bidirectional
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wireless Synchronization: Ableton Link
- Software: MPC3 OS with MPC3 Pro Pack
- Power Adapter Output: 19V DC, 3.42A, Center-Positive
- Power Adapter Input: 100–240V AC
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.16 x 10.08 x 2.64 in. (435.9 x 256.0 x 67.1 mm)
- Net Weight: 8.6 lb. (3.9 kg)
- Individual Package Dimensions: 22.08 x 12.84 x 5.76 in. (560.8 x 326.1 x 146.3 mm)
- Individual Shipping Weight: 12.13 lb. (5.5 kg)
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
