Akai's MPC Sample Key detailed in exclusive images
The upcoming instrument carries dedicated pitch and mod wheels, a 37-key keyboard and a built-in mic and speaker, per The Verge.
Akai's upcoming MPC Sample Key has been shown in exclusive images published by The Verge, which also detailed the instrument's feature set. The company plans to open-source the device's software so the modding community can modify it.
The images show three context-sensitive encoders and a large main encoder, matching the layout of the existing MPC Sample. The Sample Key adds dedicated pitch and mod wheels, plus buttons for shifting the octave range of its 37-key keyboard and separate buttons labeled chord and arp.
The instrument appears to include a dedicated looper for live performance and layering sounds, along with a built-in mic and speaker. Unlike the MPC Sample, it does not carry a chop button, and the Flex Beat effects are replaced by something called Swarm, whose function is unclear from the images.
Configuration options on the front panel suggest the Sample Key will offer CV outs for modular synths in addition to MIDI.
Teased earlier this week
Earlier this week, Akai teased the MPC Sample Key on Instagram and said it intends to open-source its software.
Quick answers
Is the MPC Sample Key open source?
Akai plans to open-source the instrument's software so the modding community can modify it.
What keyboard does the MPC Sample Key have?
It has a 37-key keyboard with buttons for changing the octave range.