AKAI has released the new MPC One Retro, built for lovers of the old-school aesthetic of the original era of the production powerhouse.
Sporting a retro-style beige, ’80s-boxy housing, the classic grey drum pads and function buttons contained in their signature blue box, this new AKAI release is for those dreaming of the old-school aesthetic with the added sophistication of modern technology.
The MPC One is a reinvention of the original era of MPCs, the go-to machines used back in the day by pioneering producers, iconic pieces of hardware that are still present within contemporary studios today. A hip hop time machine if you will.
AKAI was founded in 1946, known for manufacturing and distributing various products on an international scale, most notably their collection of production equipment. Their early analog synths borrowed ideas from other hardware icons such as Roland’s Juno series, yet were set apart through their use of analogue oscillators as the sound source, opposed to those that were digitally controlled.
But the digital MPC range of integrated drum machines really changed the game, capitalising on the performative aspect of beat making with the real-time feedback of the pads.
The series digitised beat-making, generating waves throughout the hip-hop community as a means of easing the process of dance track looping. AKAI quickly became one of the most important electronic companies worldwide.
Aside from the stylistic design choices, the MPC One is built with modern functionality and software, including a seven-inch multi-touch display for quick navigation and track arrangement. It also includes a variety of instrument plugins such as a bassline, mono synth, tube synth, polyphonic synth, electric and vintage keyboards and a powerful drum line, all adding to the enormous library of awe-inspiring sounds ready for you to play with.
All in all, this seamless embodiment of vintage and modern integration through the new MPC One Retro, encapsulates a truly timeless production experience that will be nothing less than completely gratifying.
For more information, head to AKAI.
