Akai MPC series

The longest-running sampler range is that of Akai, whose MPC series debuted in 1988 and continues today. The original MPC60 was designed by digital drum machine pioneer Roger Linn and built on his efforts with the Linn LM-1 and LinnDrum. Combining sequencing and sampling features in a single box with a distinctive 4x4 grid of touch-sensitive pads, that first unit – the MPC60 – was more powerful than the rival SP-1200.

Purists argue that the original MPC60 was best: a 12-bit unit combining rock solid timing with Linn’s powerful sequencer and distinctive swing implementation, gritty sound and highly funky groove.

Sound architecture moved to a slightly higher resolution 16-bit setup with the MPC3000, then continued to evolve, getting cleaner but arguably losing character. Linn’s involvement stopped after the first two models, but subsequent MPC incarnations expanded on the idea, introducing increasingly powerful effects, synthesis and vastly expanded sample memory.

The current MPC range is a hybrid affair, with the MPC software coexisting as a plugin and as the platform for standalone hardware devices. There’s also a mobile version, iMPC. Whichever approach they prefer, MPC fans remain dedicated to the series.