In a hurry? Here’s my verdict

The Sample is a compact yet powerful new addition to the MPC ecosystem, delivering that authentic legacy workflow in a highly portable format.

It’s simple to use, and yet there’s so much creative depth to explore. So if you’re after something easy to get started with while still having plenty of room to experiment with sampling, effects, and sequencing, this is for you.

What really impresses me is how the unit encourages you to be creative. But it’s not overwhelming; rather, it pushes you to commit to your ideas, making the overall workflow fast and genuinely fun.

Maybe you’re a beginner looking for your first sequencer and sampler, or perhaps a more experienced producer or songwriter in need of a portable sketchpad — whatever your ability level, the MPC Sample proves that big ideas can come from a very small box.

Akai Professional MPC Sample review

Unboxing and first impressions

When I received the MPC Sample, I was first struck by its packaging. The box itself is compact and well designed, with a visual style that nicely complements the product inside.

Inside the box, you’ll find a USB-C cable and a quick start guide — everything you need to get going at a basic level. That said, I did my best to avoid looking at the guide at first, just to see how intuitive the MPC Sample would be straight out of the box.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that it’s smaller than it appears in photos. Despite its compact size, though, the design and layout are impressive, and the classic Akai logo at the top is a great touch, fitting perfectly with the retro-inspired colour scheme.

Its build quality also belies the price. The unit has a reassuring weight to it, and nothing feels overly plasticky or cheap. Even the pads, although smaller than those on larger MPCs, feel very professional. They’re thick, responsive, and give you that familiar MPC feel when you start tapping out beats.

Presets and sounds

After admiring the satisfying design for probably a little longer than necessary, I wasted no time diving into the built-in presets — tapping on a few pads and navigating my way to a new project to see what styles and samples were available. This was all very quick and easy to assign and get set up.

There’s a great selection of samples and presets right out of the box. The sounds are versatile, straightforward to access, and packed with character. In particular, there are plenty of excellent drum break samples and vinyl-heavy demos that make it feel like you’re being warmly welcomed into the world of Akai MPC production.

Weirdly, the lack of a touchscreen adds to the experience rather than taking away from it. It makes the workflow feel more tactile and authentic — a return to the classic MPC approach of learning the hardware and interacting with the pads and controls. And this is really just the beginning of what the MPC Sample has to offer.

Sound shaping

Although the MPC Sample is, at its core, a sampler — with plenty of ways to record, chop, flip, and process sounds — what stood out to me most was just how intuitive it felt straight out of the box.

I loaded a few samples in and started experimenting with the different chop modes, which were incredibly easy to navigate. Within minutes, I had access to all the key tools you’d expect: adjusting start and end points, shaping sounds with amp envelopes, and using filters to customise each pad sound individually.

One useful tip is to use the Amp Sim effect as a basic EQ workaround. The MPC Sample doesn’t offer a dedicated EQ on individual pads (only filtering), so this is a great way to shape your sound more precisely.

To keep things clean, make sure to avoid adding any drive and set the amp to D.I. mode, as this gives you a more transparent signal while still allowing for tonal adjustment.

There are options on each pad to switch samples between mono and polyphonic modes, which opens up more creative possibilities when working with tuned rhythmic hits or more melodic material.

To test this out, I recorded a short, pitched note using nothing more than my own voice and the built-in microphone. Within a few moments, I’d transformed it into a surprisingly nice polyphonic instrument, which I could then process further with effects and even resample back into the MPC (I’ll get onto this later).

It’s a great example of how quickly the MPC Sample encourages you to experiment — turning even the simplest sounds into something musical. The next step was to flip these samples and start making a beat!

Building a beat

My approach to beat-making is probably fairly traditional. I usually start with the drums, then add a melody, chords or bass, depending on my mood for the day, and finally, experiment with layers that bring something a little more abstract to the track.

The MPC Sample makes this process easy, but it also offers plenty of creative tools when you want to go further. Features like time stretch, using the warp or pitch feature, allow you to match a sample to the length of your sequence or adjust it to the correct tempo.

This feature also works brilliantly for keeping drum chops and snares sounding natural, but it’s just as useful for stretching sounds out into longer, more atmospheric textures and effects. Combine that with the granulator pad effect, and things can get pretty experimental. With just a bit of tweaking and effects, you can turn simple samples into lo-fi textures or droning layers that sit nicely amongst your sequence.

That said, for the sake of actually finishing this review, I stuck to a more straightforward beat-making approach — because it would be very easy to lose a few hours exploring everything this little sampler can do. I found that recording sequences is super easy, with quick ways to duplicate length and halve or double the speed. There are also quantise and swing options.

It didn’t take long to realise that this unit isn’t just aimed at traditional hip-hop producers. There’s plenty here for anyone interested in more abstract or experimental sound design on the go, as well as a variety of other genres for creators and songwriters.

Modes and workflow

The MPC Sample keeps things straightforward with two main modes: Sequence and Sample, both located on the left-hand side of the unit. These are where you’ll spend most of your time — shaping sounds, organising samples, and building out your sequences.

In terms of sequencing and samples, you’ve got plenty to work with per project. The MPC Sample offers up to 128 sequences and sample slots, spread across 16 pads and eight banks, giving you a solid amount of flexibility for building patterns and arranging ideas. There’s also Song Mode for more linear sequence chaining.

I did find that the sequencer editing page doesn’t offer a huge amount of control, and removing individual pad hits after recording can be a little tricky. While I was able to get the result I wanted, it did take more time than expected.

In practice, using the undo function and layering parts one by one is much more efficient, as it allows you to step back and forward through multiple changes or mistakes.

On the right-hand side, you’ll find the pad performance modes, which open up more control. These include:

• Chop Mode – the classic MPC slice workflow for breaking samples into playable sections

• Mute Mode – great for live performance and arrangement ideas

• Loop Mode – used for triggering looping samples

• 16 Levels Mode – this lets you assign parameters like velocity, filter, or pitch across the pads

The 16 Levels (tune) feature is particularly useful on the go for creating melodies and basslines from a single sample, adding another layer of versatility to the workflow.

I didn’t manage to test this with an external MIDI keyboard fully due to my not having a 3.5mm jack to MIDI adapter (not included), so I stuck to the pad-style way of inputting melodies. But as the photo shows, the unit does support decent MIDI and CV configurations.

The recall feature is a lifesaver. It lets you capture MIDI performances into the sequencer — even if you were jamming and forgot to hit record. This is perfect for those flukey, in-the-moment ideas that you don’t want to lose.

Like the recall feature, the shift function plays a big role in speeding up workflow and creativity. One thing I really appreciated is that there’s very little menu diving required.

Most additional features are accessed quickly by holding Shift, giving you just enough extra control without slowing you down. Duplicating the length of sequences and quantising has never been so quick.

Using the pads to access menus and features is a very tactile experience. From here, you can jump between projects and songs, truncate samples, access effects like the Funky Duck compressor, and — most importantly — resample sounds onto another pad, which I did once I’d applied effects and added my own sonic character to them.

It quickly became clear that the MPC Sample is designed to keep you moving creatively, and it’s portable (courtesy of its built-in battery and speaker), so you can take it with you anywhere. It gives you all the tools you need right at your fingertips, but it’s also restrictive… in a good way. Instead of getting lost in endless options, you’re encouraged to focus on making something musical and then moving on.

Sampling

As you’d expect from a dedicated sampler, the MPC Sample makes it quick and flexible to bring sounds into the unit from a variety of sources.

For your own libraries, there’s a microSD card slot and USB connectivity, making it easy to import custom samples. You can even sample directly from a phone, which adds another layer of convenience when working on the go.

On the back of the unit, you’ll find plenty of I/O, including the two inputs that can be configured either individually (mono) or stereo, along with a gain control.

This opens the door to recording from a wide range of external sources, whether that’s instruments, synths, or other audio devices you want to incorporate into your sound and setup, with a dedicated sync out and configurations menu.

It’s worth noting that there’s no built-in phono preamp, which most turntables require. However, this isn’t a major drawback, as affordable options like the SubZero SZ-PPA1 can easily solve that if you’re looking to sample vinyl. We offer an MPC Sample and phono preamp bundle if you’re interested in using it with a turntable.

The input gain has plenty of headroom for other instruments, such as an electric guitar, and you can even record with any of the FX, which is useful for adding basic Amp Sim or Tube Drive effects without the need for an external guitar effects processor.

There’s also a built-in microphone, perfect for capturing quick ideas or experimental sounds. When recording, you’ve got a couple of useful modes available, including fixed-length recording tied to your sequence length, as well as more free-form sample capture lengths. All these settings can be easily configured via the input config page, where you can also adjust options like monitor, threshold, and rec input effects.

Sample chopping

The iconic sample chopping workflow is a must-have on any MPC, and it’s no different on this compact unit.

Once you’ve recorded or imported a sample onto a pad, hitting Chop gives you access to five different modes, each offering a slightly different approach to slicing your audio.

• Threshold Mode automatically detects transients and places chop points accordingly

• Region Modes divide the sample into equal sections — with options for 4, 8, or 16 slices

• Manual Chop Mode is easily the most fun, allowing you to tap the pads in sequence to drop chop points exactly where you want them

Manual mode in particular really captures that classic MPC feel, giving you full control and encouraging a more hands-on, creative approach — perfect for traditional hip-hop workflows.

Of course, once your chops are in place, you can fine-tune them by adjusting the start and end points and even zoom in for more precise editing by holding Shift.

If you’re a more advanced user, you’ll find greater control available within Chop mode. By holding Shift while chopping, you can extract individual slices onto separate pads. This allows for more precise editing on a dedicated pad, including detailed control over pitch, filtering, envelope shaping, and automation on each chop. Again, it shows that this unit has a great balance between restrictive and creative workflow and features.

Automation

While I didn’t have time to explore every automation option available, I did test a few key parameters — and all the essentials are there to help bring movement and expression to your sequences.

Automation is recorded directly into the sequence.

The main controls I found myself using were panning, pitch, and filter cutoff. These alone offer plenty of scope for adding variation and shaping your sound over time.

There’s also the MPC Legacy slider, which can be assigned to parameters such as pad volume, panning, tuning, attack/decay, and filter cutoff. This makes automation on those controls feel particularly intuitive — giving you a hands-on, precise way to add movement while performing.

That said, it’s worth noting that you can’t automate absolutely everything.

There are some limitations in terms of parameter control and editing, which you may notice if you’re well-versed in larger MPC units or DAW-based workflows.

Effects

One of the most impressive features of the MPC Sample is its effects engines. There’s a huge range of options here. It’s a great tool for developing your own sonic identity, without needing external processing, and adding variation to your sequences.

There are four main effects engines: Pad FX, Knob FX, Flex Beat, and the ‘Funky Duck’ compressor.

Pad FX offers 16 unique effects, all triggered via the velocity-sensitive pads as a global effect. You can latch up to four effects at once using the latch button, and each effect comes with its own parameters, controlled by the three main knobs.

There’s a wide selection available here, including delay, reverb, filters, lo-fi, bit crusher, halftime, and one of my personal favourites, the granulator.

A really nice touch is that these effects are pressure-sensitive. The harder you press a pad, the more intense the effect becomes, whether that’s increasing the wet/dry mix on a reverb or opening up a filter. This makes it incredibly expressive, both for tweaking individual sounds and for transforming entire sections of a track in a more performance-driven, remix-style way.

One small feature I really like is the built-in wrist support. It makes a big difference when it comes to comfort and gives you much more precise control over pressure, especially when using pad FX.

The second engine is the Knob FX, which gives you a range of effects controlled by the three knobs at the top, alongside additional parameters (including some extra controls accessed via Shift).

Knob FX can run simultaneously to Pad FX, which opens a huge amount of creative possibilities. One particularly useful feature is the ability to apply ‘Knob FX’ to selected pads only. This is especially handy for drums, where you might want to add compression or reverb to certain elements of a kit without affecting everything else.

The third engine, Flex Beat, is a remix-style effects section that uses predefined rhythmic patterns to manipulate your audio. It combines scratch, gate, and repeat-style effects, making it ideal for quickly creating variation and movement in your sequences.

Finally, there’s the Funky Duck compressor, a simple but effective master compressor that adds both control and character. What makes this particularly beginner-friendly is the visual feedback, allowing you to actually see the compression working in real time. It’s a great way to understand how compression affects your sound, both visually and audibly.

Interestingly, you don’t even have to use it purely for compression. The colour control lets you add subtle saturation and character without heavily compressing the signal.

Included in these main effects options, the MPC Sample features a range of vintage-style effects, including vinyl and tape emulation, making it easy to dial in lo-fi textures or add unique tonal colour to your samples.

Resampling workflow

With so many effects available and the ability to run multiple at once, the MPC Sample opens up a huge amount of creative potential. But how does that actually work in practice?

As I spent more time with the unit, it became clear that you can’t simply stack effects on individual pads indefinitely and leave them running in the background. Instead, the real power comes from resampling.

This means thinking more intentionally about your sound design: applying effects to a sample, then resampling it onto a new pad, effectively “printing” those effects into a brand-new version of the sound.

And honestly, this is where the MPC Sample really shines.

There’s essentially no limit to what you can create using this approach. It just requires a bit of planning, but that’s part of the appeal. It feels very true to the original MPC workflow, encouraging you to commit to sounds, make decisions quickly, and keep the creative process moving.

Resampling itself is straightforward. Once you’ve applied your effects, you can:

• Hold Shift and press Resample, then choose a destination pad. This will render your sequence with the effects applied.

• Or set Resample as the input source and record it manually using the sample record function. This allows for more performance-based effects processing and remixing.

Both methods are quick and flexible, especially considering the size and simplicity of the unit.

If you prefer a more immediate approach, you can keep things simple by using a single Knob FX across selected pads, then layering Pad FX on top for performance-style tweaks. This works great for beginners.

But if you want to go deeper, the resampling workflow really rewards a more deliberate, layered approach, making it just as appealing for more advanced users.

Want to see and hear the MPC Sample in action? Check out our video below.

Tips and tricks

Resample early and often: Don’t wait until the end. Layer effects, resample, and keep building new variations.

Play with velocity on Pad FX: Softer presses for subtle movement, harder presses for more extreme effects.

Extract chops to pad: Hold Shift in chop mode and extract to get full control over pitch, filters, and envelopes per slice.

Use Knob FX for precision: Unlike other effects, you can apply it to selected pads only.

Turn off Knob FX when needed: It can hide key parameters on screen.

Use sequences for variation: Create multiple versions of a chop, then resample your best ideas.

Think beyond beat-making: The MPC Sample works great as a portable effects and sound design tool.

Use pad linking for layering: Link pads to stack pads like kicks and snares for fuller, more impactful beats.

FAQs

Is Akai a good brand?

Akai Professional is a highly reputable brand with a long history of producing iconic music production hardware. Since the 1980s, Akai has played a major role in shaping electronic music through its pioneering sampling technology, helping artists push creative boundaries. Its MPC range, in particular, has been used by legendary producers such as J Dilla, Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Tyler, The Creator, and Daft Punk.

What is the most powerful MPC?

The most powerful MPC in Akai’s current lineup is the MPC XL, offering the highest level of control, connectivity, and standalone performance. Models like the MPC Live 3 also deliver the same impressive power in a more portable format, combining strong processing capabilities with a touchscreen workflow that feels close to using a DAW.

What is a sampler?

A sampler is a piece of hardware or software that allows you to record, edit, and sequence audio samples, then shape and manipulate them creatively to produce music. Samplers are widely used in electronic music, but they’re also valuable tools for modern musicians, producers, and sound designers, offering a hands-on way to transform sounds into fully realised musical ideas.

Final thoughts

After spending some serious time with the Akai Professional MPC Sample, I can confirm that it really does prove that you don’t need a large, complex setup to get creative. It delivers a genuinely fun and focused workflow, combining classic MPC heritage with modern portability and creative tools.

You can take it anywhere, use the microphone to sample cool sounds, add effects and shape your sound, and just keep exploring new ideas. Whether you’re sketching ideas or diving deeper into sound design, this small unit is inspiring. There’s a surprising amount going on under the hood that makes it all possible. It’s a must-have for beginners and advanced MPC users, regardless of musical background and style.

If you’re interested in portable beat making, I hope my Akai Professional MPC Sample review has helped you determine whether or not this compact unit is for you, or at least shown you some of the features you might want in a portable device!