When Roger Linn joined forces with Akai Professional in the late 1980s, he couldn’t have foreseen the seismic shift in music production he was about to set into motion. With groundbreaking designs such as the LinnDrum and LM-1 already behind him—and more recent releases like the perhaps too-ahead-of-its-time, 4x4-pad-layout LinnDrum Midistudio that had fallen short of expectations—Linn set out to cement his legacy with something even more intuitive, musical and interactive than his previous projects. The result, the Akai Pro MPC60 (1988), quickly became the heartbeat of an entire musical movement that transcended genre.
From hip-hop beats that defined generations to electronic music’s rhythmic pulse, the MPC has helped set the standard for how artists create. Centered around 16 pressure-sensitive pads, a revolutionary MIDI sequencer and a sampler with just the right amount of grit and character, the MPC was primed to revolutionize music production. The MPC turned rhythm programming from sterile button pressing into a bona fide art and workflow of its own—something expressive and dynamic—quickly making its way into studios worldwide.
The MPC’s rise wasn’t without its fair share of competition. Throughout its ascendence, Akai’s flagship faced worthy rivals, such as the E-mu SP1200 (1987) and the Ensoniq ASR-10 (1992). But where competitors offered powerful yet somewhat technical workstations, the MPC’s pad-based approach emphasized musical feel and performance. Producers immediately gravitated toward its intuitive workflow and natural swing, giving it a clear edge over more complicated, menu-driven competitors.
Let’s journey through the iconic history of Akai Professional’s MPC series and discover why these machines continue shaping music to this day.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC3000 Logo
Table of Contents
The Evolution of the Akai Professional MPC
Roger Linn and the Birth of the MPC
Early Competitors and the MPC's Unique Edge
Akai Professional MPC60 vs. Competitors: A Quick Comparison
MPC3000, MPC2000 and MPC2000XL: Evolution and Refinement
Timeline of Akai Professional MPC Releases
Key Moments in Recent Akai Professional MPC History
Examples of the Akai Professional MPC's Impact on Music Production
Featured Tracks and Artists
Conclusion: Hit the Pads, Make History
People Also Ask ...
The Evolution of the Akai Professional MPC
Roger Linn and the Birth of the MPC
Before collaborating with Akai Professional, Roger Linn had already revolutionized rhythm creation with the LM-1 Drum Composer (1980) and LinnDrum (1982), the first drum machines featuring digital samples. Akai brought Linn onboard to translate their successful rackmount samplers into a more intuitive, self-contained format. The result, the MPC60, was launched in 1988, which allowed musicians to capture, sample, sequence and perform beats with unprecedented ease and musicality. It was a pivotal step in the evolution of the all-in-one music production workstation, bringing a new level of groove, swing and interaction to beatmaking.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC60
The MPC60 featured 12-bit sampling resolution, which, while limited by modern standards, added a desirable sonic character—gritty, punchy and uniquely musical. Its groundbreaking swing function and responsive 16 pads turned drum programming into a musical performance, enabling artists like J Dilla, DJ Premier and Q-Tip to redefine rhythmic creativity in hip-hop in the ensuing years. The MPC60 could also control external gear through MIDI, making it central in studios that combined samplers, synths and drum machines.
Early Competitors and the MPC's Unique Edge
The late ’80s and early ’90s were fiercely competitive for digital sampling gear. Products such as E-mu’s SP1200, Akai Professional’s own S950 and S1000 samplers (1988), and the Ensoniq ASR-10 workstation all offered unique capabilities. The E-mu SP1200 was sought after for gritty, lo-fi samples beloved by early hip-hop producers. Ensoniq’s ASR-10 offered powerful sampling and keyboard integration, making it popular with producers seeking broad sonic palettes. Each of these groundbreaking instruments helped pave the way for so much we take for granted now in samplers, MIDI controllers, keyboard workstations and more.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC60 Beat Pads
Where the MPC distinguished itself was through immediacy. Its pad-driven workflow allowed musicians to create beats intuitively without menu diving. Roger Linn’s thoughtful design made the MPC accessible for both beginners and professionals, emphasizing a quick learning curve coupled with an impressively expansive rhythmic palette.
Akai Professional MPC60 vs. Competitors: A Quick Comparison
|
Model |
Sampling Resolution |
Notable Feature |
Popular With |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Akai Professional MPC60 |
12-bit |
Swing quantization, 4x4 pad interface |
Hip-hop, electronic, producers |
|
E-mu SP1200 |
12-bit |
Gritty lo-fi sound, workflow |
Early hip-hop, producers |
|
Ensoniq ASR-10 |
16-bit |
Powerful workstation features |
Keyboardists, producers |
|
Akai Professional S950, S1000 |
12-bit, 16-bit |
Rackmount samplers |
Studio producers, engineers |
MPC3000, MPC2000 and MPC2000XL: Evolution and Refinement
In 1994, the MPC3000 brought improved sampling resolution, more memory and a refined sound character. MPC3000 was the last MPC to feature Roger Linn’s design prowess. Its workflow retained the classic MPC ease of use while introducing a slew of upgrades, including 32-voice polyphony, resonant filtering, onboard effects processing and the option to bypass quantization. Dr. Dre famously used the MPC3000, a longtime favorite of his, to craft classic beats on The Chronic and 2001, often stacking several of them in the studio so he wouldn’t have to change out the disks.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC3000 Display
The late ’90s brought the MPC2000 (1997) and 2000XL (1999) models, focusing more on affordability and accessibility. While some users felt these models stepped back from the premium feel of the MPC3000, they nonetheless became staples for aspiring producers, offering expandable memory, 16-bit sampling and a looper. The more affordable 2000XL, in particular, gained a strong following for its additional features, such as time stretching, sample chopping and a tiltable screen, ultimately setting the stage for the development of the CD-R drive-equipped, 24-bit MPC4000 (2002) and subsequent MPCs.
Let’s now explore how these MPC models continued to define music production through the next decades, from the early 2000s to today's resurgence.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC2000XL Controls
Key Moments in Recent Akai Professional MPC History
While the MPC made history in the ’80s and ’90s, the brand found new energy as digital music production entered the 21st century. During the early-to-mid-2000s, Akai Pro launched the MPC1000 (2003) and MPC2500 (2005)—sleeker, more compact units that attracted new users thanks to their portability and streamlined workflow. Producers quickly gravitated toward the MPC1000, which hosted upgraded storage options, including flash memory card and USB stick, and a more accessible user interface, a welcome feature set for musicians who were transitioning toward home and mobile studio setups.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC1000
In 2012, Akai moved into hybrid territory with the MPC Renaissance, their first model not designed as an all-in-one standalone solution. While controversial among purists at the time, the Renaissance proved popular among computer-based producers who wanted the classic MPC workflow integrated with modern DAW environments. Also functioning as an audio interface, the Renaissance had a phono preamp for turntables.
Marking a critical moment, the Akai Pro MPC X was released in 2017. It brought Akai Professional’s beloved standalone capabilities roaring back with unprecedented power. With a large touchscreen, extensive connectivity and modern hardware upgrades, it entered as the flagship model of the MPC lineup, helping reignite interest in dedicated, all-in-one music production tools.
Shop Now: Akai Professional MPC X SE Standalone Sampler and Sequencer
By 2020, Akai Pro expanded their lineup further with the MPC One and MPC Live II—small but mighty standalone units with extensive sampling capabilities. Live II offered often-requested features, such as 16GB of internal disk storage, Wi-Fi integration and built-in speakers. In 2023, the MPC One+ was released, adding Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and increased internal storage over its predecessor. These units are purpose-built for producers who desire fully portable studio-quality experiences without compromising function.
Shop Now: Akai Professional MPC Key 61 Production Synthesizer
In 2022 and 2024, respectively, the MPC Key 61 and Key 37 brought a workstation-inspired approach to the MPC world. These models introduced full-sized keys, extensive onboard instruments and the acclaimed MPC workflow, effectively bridging the gap between traditional keyboard workstations and pad-based groove boxes. Read up on how the Akai MPC Key 61 changed the game.
Most recently, in 2025, the MPC Live III was released, ushering in additional pads, upgraded MPCe pads, workflow-streamlining features—like Clip Launching and Pro Stems Separation—and a generous bolstering of processing power with its eight-core processor and eight GB of RAM. Check out our exclusive Live III interview with Andy Mac to learn more.
Timeline of Akai Professional MPC Releases
| MPC Model | Year of Release |
| MPC60 | 1988 |
| MPC60II | 1991 |
| MPC3000 | 1994 |
| MPC2000 | 1997 |
| MPC2000XL | 1999 |
| MPC4000 | 2002 |
| MPC1000 | 2003 |
| MPC2500 | 2005 |
| MPC500 | 2006 |
| MPC5000 | 2008 |
| MPC Renaissance | 2012 |
| MPC Studio | 2012 |
| MPC Fly | 2012 |
| MPC Touch | 2015 |
| MPC Studio Black Edition | 2016 |
| MPC Live | 2017 |
| MPC X | 2017 |
| MPC One | 2020 |
| MPC Live II | 2020 |
| MPC Studio | 2021 |
| MPC Key 61 | 2022 |
| MPC X SE | 2023 |
| MPC Key 37 | 2024 |
| MPC Live III | 2025 |
Examples of the Akai Professional MPC's Impact on Music Production
From early hip-hop to modern electronic production, the MPC’s impact is felt across genres—the 16-pad wonder’s influence on music history cannot be overstated.
Early adopters, such as Q-Tip and J Dilla, shaped entire movements in hip-hop, harnessing the MPC’s swing and workflow to create soulful, gritty beats that became genre-defining. Dr. Dre prominently used the MPC3000, exemplifying how MPC-driven beats could dominate mainstream charts and shape pop culture.
Fast forward to today, and producers like Metro Boomin rely heavily on MPC-style production, embracing its dynamic workflow and intuitive sequencing capabilities to craft influential tracks that top the charts. The MPC’s pad-driven, rhythmic approach has even influenced pop, R&B and electronic music production, providing foundational sounds and workflows for generations of artists.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC3000
Featured Tracks and Artists
J Dilla, Donuts (2006) – Relying heavily on an MPC3000, Dilla’s final album is considered an instrumental hip-hop masterpiece, celebrated for its unquantized beats, unorthodox use of samples and rich textures.
Dr. Dre, “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” (1992) – This iconic West Coast production prominently features the MPC3000, establishing Dre’s signature production style—he’d use multiple MPCs with different drum sounds on each, plus another for sequencing the keyboard.
Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest), “Electric Relaxation” (1993) – Another avid MPC3000 aficionado, Q-Tip’s rhythms created laid-back, swinging grooves throughout A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders album, which became a hallmark of hip-hop jazz fusion.
Metro Boomin, “Bad and Boujee” by Migos, Lil Uzi Vert (2016) – Famously using Metro Boomin’s MPC2000XL, this track demonstrates the MPC’s perennial influence, underpinning the effervescent rhythmic foundation of trap music’s dominance over the past decade.
Conclusion: Hit the Pads, Make History
Whether used for gritty underground beats, chart-topping hip-hop productions or genre-defining electronic records, the Akai MPC has become an indispensable tool in music production. Its tactile, intuitive approach continues to inspire new generations of artists to dive into beatmaking and explore rhythmic creativity without limits. For a deeper dig into all the available models, check out our guide to the Akai Professional MPC.
If you’re ready to write your own chapter in the MPC legacy, explore our full lineup of Akai MPC production gear at Guitar Center. Want to experience these iconic production tools firsthand? Visit your nearest Guitar Center store or connect with our experienced Gear Advisers online to help you choose the right MPC for your style and workflow. Your musical story starts here—be ready to groove with a time-tested MPC.
Pictured: Akai Professional MPC X SE Beat Pads and Controls
People Also Ask ...
What does MPC stand for in Akai Professional MPC?
MPC stands for “Music Production Center.” It stems from its core ethos of encompassing sampling, sequencing and performance in a standalone hardware unit.
Who invented the Akai Professional MPC?
The original Akai MPC was designed by Roger Linn, who previously created revolutionary drum machines such as the LinnDrum and LM-1 Drum Composer.
Why is the Akai Professional MPC so popular in hip-hop?
Its intuitive workflow, swing quantization, sampling capabilities and tactile pads made the MPC a cornerstone in hip-hop production, embraced by iconic producers, including J Dilla and Dr. Dre.
Can the Akai Professional MPC be used as a standalone unit?
Yes, modern MPCs, like the MPC One, MPC Live III and MPC X, function fully standalone, offering studio-quality production without having to plug it into your laptop or desktop computer.
Which famous producers use an MPC?
Notable MPC users include J Dilla, Q-Tip, Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Metro Boomin and Madlib, among countless others across a variety of genres.