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MPC Live III Retro is a powerful standalone music production center designed for beatmakers, producers, and live performers who want total creative freedom without a computer. It takes everything users love about MPC Live III and adds the classic Akai retro look and feel inspired by the iconic original MPCs from the late 1980s. 

Powered by MPC3 OS and a vibrant 7” multitouch display, MPC Live III Retro combines intuitive sampling, sequencing, and performance tools in a portable, all-in-one MPC workflow.  

This standalone workhorse features a next-generation Gen 2 8-core processor that delivers four times the processing power of MPC Live II. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, users can load larger projects, run more plugins, and work faster with a responsive, modern production experience built for today’s music creation.  

Designed for both studio and stage, MPC Live III Retro includes full-size expressive RGB MPCe pads with new 3D sensing technology, onboard stereo studio monitors, and a built-in high-quality microphone for instant sampling anywhere inspiration strikes. An internal rechargeable battery makes it easy to create, rehearse, and perform on the go, while comprehensive connectivity supports integration with modular gear, external instruments, and DAWs when needed.

More Information
Product Name Akai Professional MPC Live II Retro Edition
Brand Akai Professional
Condition New
MPN MPCLIVE3RETROXUS
UPC 694318027127
Shipping Option Free Shipping to the Continental U.S.

What's in the Box?

  • Akai Professional MPC Live II Retro Edition
  • Power Supply
  • Next-generation MPC standalone hardware
  • Powered by MPC3 OS
    • New unlocked features exclusive to MPC Live III Retro: Pro Reverb, EQ, CV Playgroup, Clip Matrix, Utility Plug, Super TS, Pro Stems Separation
  • New MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology for ultra-flexible, expressive workflow
  • 16 RGB step sequencer buttons
  • Performance touch strip
  • 7in. multi-touch color screen
  • 4 touch-capacitive knobs
  • 8 GB internal RAM
  • Internal battery: 4 hours
  • Built-in studio monitors
  • 24 channels of audio in/out via USB-C
  • 32 channels of MIDI in/out via USB-C
  • 8-core processor: 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores
  • Class-compliant USB-C
  • Wi-Fi Bluetooth
  • 8 CV/gate outputs
  • 2 bi-directional MIDI ports
  • iPhone sampling via USB-C
  • Ableton Control Mode via USB-C
  • Sampling directly from computer
  • Multi-MIDI: Connection for up to 32 devices
  • 2 XLR/combo jack/phono inputs
  • 6 audio outputs

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

Input 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

Input 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

Input 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 (1kHz)
Sensitivity 2.1 mVrms (1 kHz)

Line Outputs 1–6

Output 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

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

Pads (16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pas with 3D-sensing technology
Pad Banks (8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons

Knobs

Q-Link Knobs (4) 360° touch-sensitive Q-Link Knobs
Q-Link Knob 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

Display Size (Diagonal) 6.9” / 176 mm
Display Dimensions (Width x Height) 5.9” x 3.7” / 150 x 93 mm
Display 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

Combo 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)
Stereo Headphone Output (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output
RCA Inputs (2) RCA inputs (1 stereo pair)
MIDI Inputs (2) 5-pin MIDI inputs
MIDI Outputs (2) 5-pin MIDI outputs
CV/Gate Outputs (4) Stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) CV/Gate outputs
USB Type-A Ports (2) USB Type-A ports
USB Type-C® Port (1) USB Type-C® port
SD Card Slot (1) SD card slot
Power Adapter Input (1) power adapter input
Drive Bay (1) drive bay for 2.5” (635 mm) SATA drive

Power

Power Adapter 19 V, 3.42 A, center-positive, included
Battery Lithium-ion, rechargeable, up to 3 hours of battery life with typical use

Dimensions

Dimensions (Inches) 17.2” x 10.1” x 2.6”
Dimensions (Metric) 435.9 x 256.0 x 67.1 mm

Weight

Weight (Imperial) 8.6 lbs.
Weight (Metric) 3.9 kg
Details

MPC Live III Retro is a powerful standalone music production center designed for beatmakers, producers, and live performers who want total creative freedom without a computer. It takes everything users love about MPC Live III and adds the classic Akai retro look and feel inspired by the iconic original MPCs from the late 1980s. 

Powered by MPC3 OS and a vibrant 7” multitouch display, MPC Live III Retro combines intuitive sampling, sequencing, and performance tools in a portable, all-in-one MPC workflow.  

This standalone workhorse features a next-generation Gen 2 8-core processor that delivers four times the processing power of MPC Live II. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, users can load larger projects, run more plugins, and work faster with a responsive, modern production experience built for today’s music creation.  

Designed for both studio and stage, MPC Live III Retro includes full-size expressive RGB MPCe pads with new 3D sensing technology, onboard stereo studio monitors, and a built-in high-quality microphone for instant sampling anywhere inspiration strikes. An internal rechargeable battery makes it easy to create, rehearse, and perform on the go, while comprehensive connectivity supports integration with modular gear, external instruments, and DAWs when needed.

More Information
Product Name Akai Professional MPC Live II Retro Edition
Brand Akai Professional
Condition New
MPN MPCLIVE3RETROXUS
UPC 694318027127

What's in the Box?

  • Akai Professional MPC Live II Retro Edition
  • Power Supply
Features
  • Next-generation MPC standalone hardware
  • Powered by MPC3 OS
    • New unlocked features exclusive to MPC Live III Retro: Pro Reverb, EQ, CV Playgroup, Clip Matrix, Utility Plug, Super TS, Pro Stems Separation
  • New MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology for ultra-flexible, expressive workflow
  • 16 RGB step sequencer buttons
  • Performance touch strip
  • 7in. multi-touch color screen
  • 4 touch-capacitive knobs
  • 8 GB internal RAM
  • Internal battery: 4 hours
  • Built-in studio monitors
  • 24 channels of audio in/out via USB-C
  • 32 channels of MIDI in/out via USB-C
  • 8-core processor: 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores
  • Class-compliant USB-C
  • Wi-Fi Bluetooth
  • 8 CV/gate outputs
  • 2 bi-directional MIDI ports
  • iPhone sampling via USB-C
  • Ableton Control Mode via USB-C
  • Sampling directly from computer
  • Multi-MIDI: Connection for up to 32 devices
  • 2 XLR/combo jack/phono inputs
  • 6 audio outputs
Tech Specs

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

Input 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

Input 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

Input 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 (1kHz)
Sensitivity 2.1 mVrms (1 kHz)

Line Outputs 1–6

Output 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

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

Pads (16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pas with 3D-sensing technology
Pad Banks (8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons

Knobs

Q-Link Knobs (4) 360° touch-sensitive Q-Link Knobs
Q-Link Knob 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

Display Size (Diagonal) 6.9” / 176 mm
Display Dimensions (Width x Height) 5.9” x 3.7” / 150 x 93 mm
Display 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

Combo 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)
Stereo Headphone Output (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output
RCA Inputs (2) RCA inputs (1 stereo pair)
MIDI Inputs (2) 5-pin MIDI inputs
MIDI Outputs (2) 5-pin MIDI outputs
CV/Gate Outputs (4) Stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) CV/Gate outputs
USB Type-A Ports (2) USB Type-A ports
USB Type-C® Port (1) USB Type-C® port
SD Card Slot (1) SD card slot
Power Adapter Input (1) power adapter input
Drive Bay (1) drive bay for 2.5” (635 mm) SATA drive

Power

Power Adapter 19 V, 3.42 A, center-positive, included
Battery Lithium-ion, rechargeable, up to 3 hours of battery life with typical use

Dimensions

Dimensions (Inches) 17.2” x 10.1” x 2.6”
Dimensions (Metric) 435.9 x 256.0 x 67.1 mm

Weight

Weight (Imperial) 8.6 lbs.
Weight (Metric) 3.9 kg
Reviews