The Akai Force is a revolutionary stand-alone clip and scene-based performance and production workstation that combines the best of Akai's MPC technology with an Ableton Live-inspired workflow. Unlike traditional MPCs with their walled-off song sections, the Force adopts a Session View approach that closely resembles Ableton Live's interface, making it ideal for producers and performers who prefer pattern and scene-based composition.

The Force represents a significant departure from conventional MPC workflow while incorporating proven MPC technology. It functions as both a powerful standalone music production center and a dedicated Ableton Live controller, offering unprecedented flexibility for modern music creators. The device can completely replace a laptop and controller setup for live performances while providing comprehensive music production capabilities.

Design & Build Quality

The Force features a robust, professional design with a substantial footprint slightly larger than a Push controller in portrait orientation. The unit is approximately twice as thick as a Push and considerably heavier, reflecting its comprehensive feature set and internal components. While it lacks the portability of the MPC Live (no internal battery), it remains significantly more manageable than the MPC X.

The interface is intelligently split across two levels connected by a sloped section that optimizes viewing angles. The upper section houses a 7-inch touchscreen, transport controls, navigation buttons, mode selectors, and a performance crossfader. The lower deck features the familiar 8x9 clip/scene launch grid with the signature diamond center cutout, along with dedicated pad modes, clip functions, and track-based controls.

Workflow & Interface

The Force structures projects around Tracks, supporting up to 8 audio tracks and 128 MIDI/CV tracks. The system includes specialized track types: plug-in tracks, drum tracks, and Keygroup tracks, each optimized for different sound engines. Unlike MPC projects with multiple independent sections, Force projects follow a conventional DAW approach with one track per instrument and a unified layout across all scenes.

The Matrix view serves as the primary project interface, directly implementing Live's Session View concept. Tracks are arranged horizontally with clips stacked vertically in columns below. Users can trigger individual clips or entire rows (scenes) from either the pad grid or touchscreen interface. The touchscreen provides two additional main views: Clip view for detailed editing and Mixer view for comprehensive mix control and effects processing.

Sound Generation & Sampling

The Force incorporates the acclaimed MPC drum engine, allowing users to load pre-made kits or create custom kits by dropping samples onto pads. Each kit functions as an independent environment with internal pad mixing and dedicated effects slots. Kits support up to four samples per pad with advanced triggering options including layering, velocity mapping, round-robin, and random triggering modes.

Four built-in AIR instruments provide comprehensive melodic capabilities:

• Baseline: Specialized monosynth for acid and dance floor bass sounds
• Electric: High-quality modeled electric piano
• Tubesynth: Classic dual-oscillator polysynth
• Hype: Advanced preset and macro-based synthesizer with wavetable, FM, and sample-based engines

The Hype synthesizer represents next-generation workstation synthesis, offering six main sound-shaping macros, eight master controls, and additional pages for filter, envelope, and effects control. Each preset provides immediate access to essential parameters while maintaining deep editing capabilities.

Recording & Audio Processing

The Force excels at direct recording with two multi-format analog inputs supporting microphone, line, and instrument sources with +48V phantom power and DI capabilities. Audio can be recorded directly into matrix clip slots with automatic tempo warping and comprehensive editing options including regions, slip editing, and fade controls.

The browser system allows real-time auditioning of audio clips in sync with current projects. Recording workflows support both open-ended capture and scene-quantized recording, with automatic clip wrapping when launching new scenes. The system also includes the MPC's Auto Sampler for creating custom instruments from external hardware.

Connectivity & Integration

The Force offers exceptional connectivity options including internal 16GB storage with 2.5-inch SATA drive bay for expansion, SD card slot, and USB drive support. Wi-Fi connectivity enables Splice library access and Ableton Link synchronization, while Ethernet provides wired network options.

MIDI connectivity includes traditional 3.5mm MIDI I/O, USB MIDI hosting capabilities, and Bluetooth wireless MIDI input. The system supports comprehensive sync protocols including Beat Clock, MTC, and MMC. Four 3.5mm CV/gate outputs enable direct sequencing and modulation of modular synthesizers and compatible hardware.

Performance Features

Live performance capabilities include a professional crossfader with A/B bus routing, comprehensive cue system with independent headphone mixing, and XYFX mode for Kaoss Pad-style real-time effects processing. The mixer provides complete automation, mute, solo, and routing control with support for multiple effects sends and inserts.

The device supports various sequencing modes including step sequencing (similar to Push and Maschine Jam), piano-roll lanes view, and melodic mode for direct note entry. All modes maintain the visual matrix interface, allowing performers to see their position and easily launch clips outside the current scene.

Technical Specifications

Hardware

• Display: 7-inch color touchscreen
• Control Surface: 8x9 velocity and pressure-sensitive pad grid with diamond center cutout
• Physical Controls: 8 rotary encoders with displays, master encoder, crossfader, transport controls
• Form Factor: Larger than Push (portrait), approximately 2x thickness, substantial weight
• Power: External power supply (no internal battery)

Audio Interface

• Inputs: 2x combo XLR/TRS inputs (mic/line/instrument)
• Phantom Power: +48V switchable
• DI Mode: Available on analog inputs
• Outputs: 4x 1/4" audio outputs
• Headphone Output: Front-panel 3.5mm with independent level control and cue mix
• Sample Rate: Standard audio workstation specifications
• Bit Depth: Professional audio resolution

Storage & Memory

• RAM: 2GB (audio must be loaded into RAM)
• Internal Storage: 16GB system disk
• Expansion: 2.5-inch SATA drive bay (tested with 120GB SSD)
• External Storage: SD card slot, USB drive support
• Audio Limitations: Cannot stream audio from disk; all audio held in RAM

Connectivity

• MIDI: 3.5mm MIDI In/Out/Thru with adapters
• USB MIDI: Host capability with hub support (input only)
• Bluetooth: Wireless MIDI input
• USB Ports: 3x USB connections
• CV/Gate: 4x 3.5mm outputs for modular integration
• Network: Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
• Sync: Beat Clock, MTC, MMC, Ableton Link

Track Capabilities

• Audio Tracks: Up to 8 simultaneous
• MIDI/CV Tracks: Up to 128
• Specialized Tracks: Plugin tracks, drum tracks, Keygroup tracks
• Clips: Matrix-based clip launching system
• Scenes: Unlimited scene support

Built-in Instruments

• AIR Baseline: Monosynth specializing in acid/dance bass
• AIR Electric: Modeled electric piano
• AIR Tubesynth: Dual-oscillator polysynth
• AIR Hype: Advanced wavetable/FM/sample-based synthesizer
• MPC Sampler: Full Keygroup sampling engine with MPC library compatibility
• Auto Sampler: Hardware sampling and instrument creation

Effects Processing

• Track Effects: Insert and send effects per track
• Master Effects: Comprehensive master section processing
• Effects Library: Complete MPC and AIR effects suites including reverbs, filters, delays
• XYFX Mode: Real-time performance effects (Kaoss Pad style)
• Drum Kit Effects: Individual pad effects within kits

Software Integration

• Ableton Live Control: Full Live controller functionality
• Simultaneous Operation: Can control Live while running standalone
• Project Export: Live session file export capability
• Splice Integration: Direct access to Splice sample library
• MPC Compatibility: Loads MPC Keygroup patches and samples

Sequencing Features

• Step Sequencing: 32-step interface with velocity control
• Piano Roll: Lanes view for drum and melodic sequences
• Melodic Mode: Direct note entry onto steps
• Real-time Recording: Live performance capture
• Quantization: Flexible timing correction
• Multiple Banks: Extended pad layouts for large kits

Limitations

• Arrangement: No built-in song mode or linear timeline (planned for future update)
• Audio Streaming: Cannot play audio files directly from disk
• Memory Constraints: 2GB RAM limitation for audio content
• Multi-user MIDI: Cannot arm multiple tracks or assign devices per track
• USB MIDI Output: Limited to single 3.5mm MIDI output