Akai Professional Force Standalone Music Production System

Full Description

Massive firmware update (3.2) with new functions, effects and tools

Introducing Force 3.2 – the latest firmware update from Akai that takes the Force to the next level with tons of new content including sounds, instruments, effects, new modes, functions and more. Explore a whole new world of plugin instruments, with the Akai Force adding compatibility for all MPC plugin instruments/effects. Explore tons of new sounds and audio content, with the release of new Force-exclusive plugins spanning everything from classic synth emulations to cutting-edge real-world instruments.

Browsing your sounds just became a lot easier thanks to the new 'Sounds Page'. This intuitive new navigation tool allows you to browse and auditions sounds, with a range of groups and styles to choose from. You can find new sounds by instrument type, MPC expansions drum programs, CV programs and more. Three new 'AIR' effects are also included comprised of: Flavor, Amp Sim, and Granulator effects.

Get inspired with a range of new functions and tools including the new 'Probability and Ratcheting' mode which allows you to create new patterns, sequencing and rhythms with a few clicks. You can now also re-order your tracks by simply changing the tracks' position from the Matrix, Mixer or arrange windows. Tune your sounds or external instruments using the new high-fidelity instrument tuner so all your gear works in harmony. You can now also capture snapshots of all your automation parameters within a launch row, allowing you to copy automation data onto a new track.

Force 3.1 Firmware Update – new sounds, effects and workflow improvements

Including three brand new instrument plugins and seven new effects, the Force 3.1 firmware update features everything you need to take your music to the next level. Three faithful emulations of classic synthesizers are included with the 3.1 update. Comprised of a classic string machine, a tape keyboard and a vintage analog synthesizer; the update provides you with faithful recreations of iconic hardware. Each of the instrument plugins feature their own dedicated effects and a wide range of presets to get you started.

The new firmware update is jam-packed with new and useful effects. The AIR Vocal Insert Effects Suite is a versatile collection of vocal effects which you can use with the microphone input – perfect for vocalists, beatboxers and more. The Vocal Insert Effects suite includes a Vocal Tuner, Vocal Harmoniser and a Vocal Doubler.

There are also two other effects packs: Akai Insert and AIR Insert. Both include a variety of useful effects and processing tools for shaping and sculpting sound. One of the most stand-out effects from these new collections is ‘AIR Half Speed’. This will create a half-speed version of your input material – great for creating moody sample-like sounds and variations on the fly.

A wide range of workflow enhancements and new tools are also introduced such as the ability to stream audio directly from a disk such as an SSD. The key content of your sample will also be automatically detected when importing into the Force. You can now also import MIDI files, as well as a range of improvements for MIDI and CV tracks. For a full look list of the new feature and improvements, see below.

Arranger Mode, MIDI Multi and advanced macro control

The 3.0.5 firmware update introduces a wide variety of new features including the powerful new Arranger Mode. This new mode allows you to arrange loops, clips and finalise songs - perfect for music production and live performances. You can now incorporate a wide range of external MIDI devices, perfect for the studio or the stage. New advanced macro controls allow for in-depth customisation and control including layered parameter assignments, effects and automations.

You can also assign parameters to be controlled by the pads, crossfader and even the touch interface for maximum cusomisation. Chop samples with dynamic control with the advanced sampling triggering complete with 16 levels for optimal flexibility. The Akai Force now has the ability to import Ableton Live Projects too, something we're sure the Ableton users will be excited about! For more information or to download the new update, please refer to the Akai Force website for more information.

Portable performance station

The Akai Force is designed to break boundaries between studio production and live performance. With 16GB of on board storage, you can import your stems, loops and one-shots into the Force and begin assigning them to the 8x8 clip matrix. You can then apply playback modes to loop, trigger, and remix your tracks. You can also time-stretch in real time without latency or digital artefacts impacting your samples.

If you don’t want to use your own samples, the Force comes with 10GB worth of signature Akai samples. Use the extensive factory kit library to create your own drum tracks, as well as the highly regarded Synth engines that are present in the MPC 2.3 series update. Use these in collaboration with your own tracks and stems and assign these tracks to the Force’s crossfader for the ultimate mashup. You won’t need to worry about timing either, as the Force will automatically sync to a master BPM, so you’ll never miss a beat.

Designed with performers in mind

Whether in the studio or on stage, there’s no reason you can’t excite your mixes and stems. Using the impressive new XYFX feature, you’re able to do this. Use the Force’s 7 inch multi-touch display and on-board XFYX controls to apply filters, modulations, beat repeat effects, plus a host of additional features in individual tracks or selected outputs on the go.

Take on venues with confidence. The Akai Force was designed with live performance in mind, either standalone as a performance centre, or, easily integrated into your current DJ set up. Link up to Ableton via a wireless network and sync your project with Ableton Link, which means it can also be linked with any of the existing Akai MPC series. In standalone mode, prepare with the Cue-Mix feature for the perfectly timed drop. Dedicated cue assign controls and a cue mixer are available for outputs 3/4, as well as the cue-blend control on the headphone out on the front of the unit, so you have all the control.

Splice integration

Forever wanting to improve upon their products, Akai regularly push boundaries. In update 3.0.2, Akai became the first company to integrate the world famous Splice software over WiFi, specifically to the MPC Live, MPC X, and Akai Force. All you need is a strong WiFi connection, and you can download and browse your Splice sample library, directly on your device in standalone mode. This huge update gives you access to literally millions of high-quality, royalty-free samples, presets, loops, and one-shots, covering every musical style imaginable. Never has it been this easy to access that sample you have had stuck in your head, that loop you need to elevate and complete your mix, or even just that sample you audition, but don’t even use because it takes you on a different path entirely. For more information, see the Akai Force 3.0.2 – Release Notes PDF above.

Have total control

The Akai Force allows you to feel confident in your set. Unlike making changes using conventional laptop and DJ setups, everything can be commanded from the front of the Force. The 7 inch full-colour multi-touch capacitive screen allows you to search through all your various parameters and assign them to hardware controls.

These can be assigned to any number of controls. The Force features Akai’s class leading RGB drum pads (backlit so they’re ready for the stage or moody studio lighting), as well as eight 360-degree rotary encoders, all with OLED screens so you can see the value and what has been assigned to each touch capacitive encoder. These allow you to improvise on the go with total reassurance.

Seamless integration

With both producers and performers in mind, the Force is easy to use in any live or studio set-up. Much like the MPC range, the Force can be used as a sampler, just plug your synthesizer, drum machine, mixers, or instrument directly into the two Combi XLR/Jack inputs on the rear (with independent gain controls). Load the in-built Sampler and begin sampling and looping.

Have total control of your outputs as well with a combination of four ¼-inch jack outputs on the rear of the mixer. Assign individual tracks to either the left or right main outputs of the Force and trigger samples to each out independently, whilst having your main beat playing in stereo for total, hectic stereo immersion. With the second set of outputs, you’re able to mix your own monitors, feed another mixer, or ever feed into another DJ system to have a scratch system on the go. You also have an independent headphone input on the front of the unit, so you can easily swap your headphone mixes between live sets.

Versatile connectivity

The Force is also filled with MIDI capability. With MIDI in/out/thru, you can send MIDI data to external synths, drum machines, or DJ controllers to trigger sounds during your set. You can also control sounds within the Force using the two USB’s on the rear panel by plugging in a bus powered MIDI controller. This will automatically route to your current session and allow you to play melodies and drum parts using a more traditional format instead of the pads. You can also link your modular gear. Much like the MPC X, the Force utilises 4 CV/Gate outputs to send MIDI data to external modules. You can also use the standard MIDI out to send data to any additional drum modules or synths.

16GB onboard storage

As well as the 16GB of on-board storage, there is also an SD card input on the front of the module. This will allow you to load your samples quickly, without the hassle of going to the back of the unit to plug in a USB. If you’d prefer to use a USB stick, the two USB ports can be used to load your beats, samples, and setlists. Ideal for a more permanent set up.

Features

• Support for MPC plugin instruments/effects
• New 'Sounds Page' makes it easier than ever to navigate between sounds and instruments
• Three new cutting-edge 'Air' effects:
  • Air Flavor
  • Air Amp Sim
  • Air Granulator
• New 'Probability and Ratcheting' mode for creating advanced rhythms and sequences
• Automation snapshots and track re-order
• New 'Force Tuner' for tuning external instruments

Firmware 3.1 Update

• Disk Streaming – you can now stream audio files directly from disk
• Buses (Submixes/Returns/Masters) can now be automated
• USB class audio support – you now use the Akai Force with any class-compliant audio interface
• Three new plugin instruments:
  • AIR Mellotron - software recreation of the classic tape keyboard
  • AIR Solina – software recreation of a classic string machine
  • WayOutWare Odyssey - a faithful reproduction of a classic analog synthesizer
• A variety of new effects:
  • AIR Vocal Tuner
  • AIR Vocal Harmoniser
  • AIR Vocal Doubler
  • AIR Half Speed
  • AIR Stutter
  • AIR Diode Clipper
  • AIR Improved AIR Diffuser Delay
  • AIR Limiter
  • Akai Granulator
  • Akai Sample Delay
• Drum and Keygroup program improvements
• Key detection – Force will automatically calculate the key of an audio file
• Variety of MIDI and CV track improvements
• You can now import MIDI files into your Force session

General

• Standalone – no computer required
• 8x8 clip launch matrix with RGB LEDs
• 7” full colour capacitive multitouch display
• Mic/instrument/line inputs, 4 outputs
• MIDI In/Out/Thru
• 4 configurable CV/Gate outputs
• Remix, mash-up, DJ and produce with 6 track types for complete audio/MIDI/CV sequencing and performance capability
• Performance Modes including 16-Pad Drums, Notes, Smart Scales, Chords & Progressions
• MPC Sample Editing
• Automatic BPM detection, real-time time-stretching and pitch-shifting
• 4 powerful, fully-editable synth engines
• 16GB of on-board storage (over 10GB of sound content included)
• Full-Size SD card slot & 2 USB 3.0 slots for thumb drives or MIDI controllers
• User-expandable 2.5” SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD)

Specifications

Connectivity

• 2 x XLR+1/4” (6.35mm) TRS inputs (Input 1/2)
• 4 x 1/4” (6.35mm) TRS outputs (2 stereo pairs)
• 1 x 1/4” (6.35mm) stereo headphone output
• 1 x 1/8” (3.5mm) MIDI input
• 1 x 1/8” (3.5mm) MIDI output
• 1 x 1/8” (3.5mm) MIDI thru port
• 4 x 1/8” (3.5mm) CV/Gate outputs
• 1 x Ethernet link port
• 2 x USB Type-A ports
• 1 x USB Type-B port
• 1 x SD card slot
• 1 x power adapter input

Dimensions

• Height: 72.5mm
• Width: 350mm
• Depth: 389mm
• Weight: 3.87kg