The Akai MPC Live II Retro gives you the standalone, rechargeable battery powered MPC workflow of the MPC Live II -- in a limited-edition classic color scheme that brings a familiar aesthetic to your music production arsenal.


Check out our exclusive video demo of the MPC Live II Retro Edition:


The MPC legend is unique with a lore second to none in the world of beat making. Almost as legendary as the MPC workflow is the iconic color way; the classic cream housing and gray pads are forever etched into the minds of countless beat makers from generations past, present and now with the MPC Live II Retro, surely into the future. Relive the vibe of the venerable MPC 60, MPC 3000 and MPC 2000 with the MPC Live II Retro.

Wherever Inspiration Strikes

For the music makers who never want to miss an inspirational moment, meet MPC Live II Retro. This self-contained, battery-powered production unit delivers the full MPC experience, anywhere.

Immerse Yourself in the Music Making Experience

MPC Live II Retro features the same built-in stereo monitoring system as the original MPC Live II. Designed from the ground up, this dual tweeter-woofer system delivers impeccable clarity to keep your ideas flowing through the creative process. Hear every detail of your production -- rumbling 808s, the unmistakable punch of kick drums, thunderous bass lines, and a crisp, silky high-end. Need a second perspective? Turn off the built-in monitors, hook up your studio speakers and you're set.

Every Bit an MPC

… read more Under the hood, MPC Live II Retro includes the same multi-core processor as the MPC X, with every mainstay you demand from a modern MPC. Take compete command of your production with Akai Professional's iconic 16-pad format. Sequence, edit and chop samples on the bright 7-inch touch screen color display. Shape your ideas with four capacitive-touch knobs and dive into all critical functions with an arsenal of dedicated buttons meticulously arranged for the ultimate production workflow. Backed by a super-intuitive UI, and packed with everything you demand for professional production, MPC Live II Retro is laser-focused on your creativity.

Mobile Workhorse

As a producer, you demand versatility. MPC Live II Retro primes you for any situation. With three stereo 1/4-inch TRS outputs (6 mono), plus phono/line level inputs, USB, MIDI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and four TRS CV/Gate outputs, it's simple to connect, control and get the best out of all your studio gear. Command your modular rig on stage and usher in a direction to your performance; grab a patch cable and tap into any studio rack gear with ease; hook up your USB MIDI controllers, pick a synth engine and dive into a world of immersive, expressive performances; connect turntables and inject some old-school sampling flavor into your production. Your day-to-day producer activities may mean you go from different studio spaces to stage and back -- whatever your day demands, you can count on MPC Live II Retro to deliver the goods.

Your Studio's Central Command

When Akai says MPC Live II Retro commands all your external MIDI gear, they mean it -- thanks to its MIDI Multi capability. Now you can simultaneously connect and route all the MIDI gear in your studio, including class-compliant USB Keyboards, MIDI interfaces and USB to CV modules, supercharging your I/O capability. Fuse this with deep internal MIDI routing capability across tracks, comprehensive MIDI routing to any MIDI compatible synthesizer, drum machine or sound module, and even multitrack recording capability, and MPC Live II Retro forms the beating heart of any production setup, unleashing the true power of all your gear.

Creativity Unleashed

Create wherever and whenever you're feeling creative. Don't hang around waiting for that spark, empower yourself with everything you need to find inspiration wherever it is. Fusing a robust, road-tested and compact build with an on-board rechargeable 6-hour lithium-ION battery, MPC Live II Retro revolutionizes the create anywhere philosophy.

MPC Software 2

Akai Professional's reimagined MPC 2 Software drives MPC Live II Retro in both standalone and controller modes. This is a cutting-edge production suite combining real-time time stretching, clip-launch functionality, on-board synth engines, VST compatibility in controller mode, operation as a standalone application on Mac & PC, seamless DAW integration and much more. Whether you're seeking freedom from computer-based music production or searching for the perfect controller for DAW-centric creative exploration, MPC 2 Software delivers the ultimate in adaptive creative versatility.

Splice Integration

Simplify your sample browsing and auditioning with on-board Splice integration in MPC Live II Retro. Splice Sounds fuels the creativity of producers around the world with millions of high-quality, royalty-free samples, sounds, presets and loops, covering every musical style. With Splice natively embedded in MPC Live II Retro, you will experience immediate Wi-Fi access to your own Splice library directly from the touch user interface.

Ableton Live Integration

MPC Live II Retro comes pre-mapped to Ableton Live for an instant performance and production setup. Take complete command over Live's clip launching, mixer and instrument macro controls wirelessly via Wi-Fi network Ableton Link or by ethernet connection using a USB to ethernet adapter. Fusing MPC's production prowess, critically acclaimed synth engines and a rapid, intuitive workflow with Ableton Live, any creative endeavour is literally a touch away.

Storage & Connectivity

Out the box MPC Live II Retro ships with 16GB of internal Micro SD storage. For producers looking to add a personal touch to their production, MPC Live II Retro features a built-in SD Card slot, a user-expandable 2.5-inch SATA drive bay for connecting SSD or HDD drives and USB thumb input for immediate access to your own sample libraries.

Introducing DrumSynth

MPC's iconic drum sound can't be disputed, gracing countless productions with the nefarious snap and punch coveted by countless world-class producers. Now with MPC 2.9, MPC arms the production community with a groundbreaking selection of 8 synth engines powering 9 incredible DrumSynth plugins. Packed with must-have contemporary sounds, and backed by powerful sound generators driven by FM synthesis, analog & physical modeling and sample based algorithms, every synthesized drum sound the modern producer should have at their disposal is here. DrumSynth empowers MPC users with powerful synthesis, incredible presets and precise sound design sculpting capabilities to develop their own unique sounds.

Like all MPC instruments, DrumSynth plugins harness the refined tactile touch user interface for an inspiring, easy-to-use workspace that accelerates workflow and puts the control you demand only a touch away!

The 8 engines include Kick, Snare, Clap, Hi-Hat, Crash, Ride, Tom and Percussion. Additionally, all the engines can be accessed in one multi mode instrument for a powerful combination program. Fuse this with built in sound effects including a transient shaper, tuning, EQ, compression, delay, reverb and more, and DrumSynth is poised to supercharge the MPC workflow and elevate your creative process even higher.

Features:

- Standalone MPC -- no computer required
- Built-in monitor speakers
- 7-inch high-resolution multi-touch display
- 16 velocity sensitive RGB pads
- Internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Also acts as a control surface for MPC 2 software
- Phono and line level inputs
- (3) Stereo outputs (6 Mono)
- (2) 5-pin MIDI In, (2) 5-pin MIDI Out
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB onboard storage
- Full-size SD card slot
- User-expandable 2.5-inch SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD)
- (2) USB-A 3.0 slots for thumb drives or MIDI controllers
- 4 TRS CV/Gate jacks, 8 outputs total
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth enabled
- Ableton Link for cross-platform collaboration
- Includes 3-Months Free Access to Splice*
- Includes 8 synth engines powering 9 incredible DrumSynth plugins read less