Akai MPC Live III Standalone Music Production System

Full Description

Standalone workflow with complete creative freedom

The MPC Live III runs entirely without a computer, letting you create, record and perform anywhere. With everything built in, from sequencing to mixing and sound design, there’s no need for external gear to get started. The MPC3 OS is at the heart of the unit, offering an upgraded user interface with new tools such as clip launching, expanded effect suites, and improved project organisation.

Four touch-capacitive control knobs and a 7-inch multi-touch screen make navigation quick and tactile, keeping you focused on the music instead of menus.This self-contained setup means you can develop full tracks from scratch, perform live sets, or sketch out ideas on the move without sacrificing flexibility or depth.

Expressive pads and touch control for dynamic play

New MPCe pads on the Live III bring a deeper level of expression. They use 3D-sensing technology that goes beyond aftertouch, unlocking detailed control over sample playback and modulation using X and Y movement. These pads let you shape sounds in real-time, blending layers or triggering articulations with ease.

Alongside this, the performance touch-strip gives you quick access to pitch bending, filter sweeps, and parameter tweaks during a set. The layout encourages hands-on play and opens up creative possibilities that respond naturally to your touch.

Step sequencing and clip launching for fast arrangement

With 16 RGB-lit step sequencer buttons, the MPC Live III supports fast, electronic-style sequencing. These buttons offer instant access to note input, automation and editing, removing the need to dive into menus. It’s a smooth fit for anyone creating drum patterns, synth lines or evolving textures.

The new Clip Matrix lets you trigger and arrange loops or patterns in real time. You can mix audio and MIDI clips of varying lengths without interrupting your workflow. Combined with the touchscreen and tactile controls, it gives you a fast, responsive way to build up full song structures during a session or live performance.

Fully portable with built-in audio tools

The MPC Live III is designed to go wherever your creativity takes you. A built-in condenser microphone allows quick capture of vocals, instrument ideas, or found sounds, while stereo speakers provide clear monitoring with surprising low-end. The internal rechargeable battery lasts around four hours, making it suitable for mobile sessions or on-stage use without needing constant power.

With 2 combo XLR/TRS inputs, 6 audio outputs, and advanced CV/Gate and MIDI connectivity, it integrates with studio setups, synths, and modular rigs. USB-C support allows fast transfer of up to 24 audio channels and 32 MIDI channels, and direct sampling from iPhone or computers adds even more flexibility.

Features

• Fully standalone music production system with no computer or DAW needed
• Powered by an 8-core processor and 8GB RAM for high-speed performance and multitasking
• MPC3 OS with expanded features like clip launching, Pro Stems separation, and advanced effects
• New MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology for expressive control and dynamic playability
• 16 dedicated step sequencer buttons for fast, electronic-style programming
• Performance touch strip for live parameter manipulation and FX control
• 7-inch multi-touch color display with intuitive user interface
• Four touch-sensitive knobs for precision control of parameters
• Built-in stereo monitors and condenser microphone for portable recording and playback
• Rechargeable battery with up to 4 hours of use for mobile music production
• 128GB of internal storage, expandable via SSD or SD card for large sample libraries
• 24 channels of audio I/O over USB-C and 32 channels of MIDI I/O for flexible connectivity
• Eight CV/gate outputs for modular synth integration
• Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power support for microphones and instruments
• iPhone sampling and direct USB-C audio sampling from computers and smart devices
• Ableton Control Mode for hands-on integration with Ableton Live
• Multi-MIDI support for connecting up to 32 devices simultaneously
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless file transfer and collaboration
• New Clip Matrix for real-time loop triggering and performance sequencing
• Includes MPC3 Pro Pack with premium plugins like AIR Reverb Pro and Visual EQ4
• Ships with a professional factory sound library featuring over 1,000 drum kits and instruments

Specifications

Digital Audio System
• ADCs: 24-Bit @ 44.1, 48, Or 96 KHz
• DACs: 24-Bit @ 44.1, 48, Or 96 KHz
• Digital Signal Processing: 32-Bit Floating Point
Mic Inputs 1–2
• Connectors: (2) Balanced XLR+1/4” (6.35 Mm) TRS
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz (+0.2 / -1.2 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 110.0 dB (A-Weighted)
• SNR: 101.8 dB (1 KHz, +4 dBu, A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.002 (1 KHz, +4 dBu, -1 dBFS)
• Preamp EIN: -131 dBu (Max Gain, 40 Ω Source, A-Weighted); -127 dBu (Max Gain, 150 Ω Source, Unweighted)
• Maximum Input Level: +13 dBu (XLR-Pad ON), -1 dBu (XLR-Pad OFF)
• Sensitivity: -46 dBu (XLR-Pad ON), -60 dBu (XLR-Pad OFF)
• Gain Range: 59 dB
Line Inputs 1–2
• Connectors: (2) Balanced XLR+1/4” (6.35 Mm) TRS
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz (+0.2 / -1.1 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 110.6 dB (A-Weighted)
• SNR: 98.6 dB (1 KHz, +4 dBu, A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.002 (1 KHz, +3 dBu, -1 dBFS)
• Maximum Input Level: +16 dBu
• Sensitivity: -20 dBu
• Gain Range: 36 dB
Phono Inputs
• Connectors: (2) Unbalanced RCA
• Dynamic Range: 92 dB (A-Weighted, 135 mVrms @ 1 KHz, -1 dBFS, 20 Ω Source)
• SNR: 79 dB (A-Weighted, 4 mVrms @ 1 KHz, 20 Ω Source)
• THD+N: 0.1 (1 KHz, -46 dBu, -1 dBFS)
• Maximum Input Level: 135 mVrms (1 KHz)
• Sensitivity: 2.1 mVrms (1 KHz)
Line Outputs 1–6
• Connectors: (6) Impedance-Balanced 1/4” (6.35 Mm) TRS
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz (+0.03 / -0.18 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 113.8 dB (A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.003 (1 KHz, -1 dBFS)
• Maximum Output Level: +12 dBu
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω
Headphone Output
• Connector: (1) 1/4” (6.35 Mm) Stereo Headphone
• Dynamic Range: 111.2 dB (A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.006 (1 KHz, -1 dBFS, 10 mW/Channel Into 32 Ω Headphones)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 KHz (+0.03 / -0.19 dB)
• Maximum Power Delivered: +50 mW (<1 THD, 32 Ω Headphones)
• Maximum Output Level: +11 dBu
• Output Impedance: 32 Ω
Pads
• Type: (16) Velocity- And Pressure-Sensitive Pads With 3D-Sensing Technology
• Banks: (8) Banks Accessible Via Pad Bank Buttons
Knobs
• Q-Link Knobs: (4) 360° Touch-Sensitive Q-Link Knobs
• Q-Link Columns: (4) Q-Link Knob Columns Accessible Via Q-Link Button
• Display Encoder: (1) 360° Encoder For Display Navigation And Selection Via Push
• Volume Control: (1) 270° Volume Control
Buttons
• Function Buttons: (60) Dedicated Function Buttons; Red-, Amber-, Or Green-Backlit
Display
• Size: 6.9” / 176 Mm (Diagonal)
• Dimensions: 5.9” X 3.7” / 150 X 93 Mm (Width X Height)
• Type: Full-Color LED-Backlit Display With Touch Interface
CPU
• Processor: Quad-Core ARM® Processor
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 128 GB, Expandable Via SATA Connections
Connections
• XLR/TRS Inputs: (2) 1/4” (6.35 Mm) Combo XLR/TRS Inputs (1 Stereo Pair)
• TRS Outputs: (6) 1/4” (6.35 Mm) TRS Outputs (3 Stereo Pairs)
• Headphone Output: (1) 1/4” (6.35 Mm) Stereo Headphone Output
• RCA Inputs: (2) RCA Inputs (1 Stereo Pair)
• MIDI I/O: (2) 5-Pin MIDI Inputs, (2) 5-Pin MIDI Outputs
• CV/Gate Outputs: (4) Stereo 1/8” (3.5 Mm) CV/Gate Outputs
• USB Ports: (2) USB Type-A Ports, (1) USB Type-C® Port
• SD Card Slot: (1)
• Power Adapter Input: (1)
• SATA Drive Bay: (1) Drive Bay For 2.5” (63.5 Mm) SATA Drive
Power
• Via Power Adapter: 19 V, 3.42 A, Center-Positive, Included
• Via Battery: Lithium-Ion, Rechargeable, Up To 3 Hours Of Battery Life With Typical Use
Dimensions
• Inches: 17.2” X 10.1” X 2.6”
• Millimeters: 435.9 X 256.0 X 67.1 Mm
Weight
• Pounds: 8.6 Lbs
• Kilograms: 3.9 Kg