The Akai MPC Renaissance represents an attempt to bridge the gap between traditional hardware-based music production and modern computer-based workflows. This sampling workstation combines the tactile, hands-on approach that made MPCs famous with the unlimited possibilities of software-based production.
Unlike traditional standalone MPCs, the Renaissance functions exclusively as a premium controller for dedicated software running on Mac or PC, while simultaneously serving as a professional-grade audio interface. This hybrid approach allows producers to harness the power of virtual instruments, DAW integration, and vast sample libraries while maintaining the intuitive, performance-oriented workflow that defines the MPC experience.
The Renaissance features the classic 16-pad layout with velocity-sensitive, backlit pads that respond to both velocity and aftertouch. These pads are complemented by 16 assignable Q-Link encoders with LED collars that automatically map to plugin parameters, providing instant tactile control over software instruments and effects. The familiar MPC workflow remains intact, with dedicated transport controls, a numeric keypad, and the signature data wheel.
The unit's robust construction reflects its professional heritage, featuring a substantial metal base frame in grey plastic housing. The tilting blue LCD screen provides essential feedback, though complex operations benefit from the accompanying software interface on your computer monitor. All controls are laid out logically, maintaining the ergonomic design principles that have made MPCs the choice of countless producers worldwide.
The Renaissance excels in live performance scenarios, offering sequence triggering via pads, quantized mute controls, and flexible track management. The backlit pads provide visual feedback for sequence selection and mute status, while the comprehensive MIDI implementation ensures compatibility with existing hardware setups.
Content-wise, the Renaissance ships with approximately 9GB of samples, loops, and four exclusive virtual instruments: The Bank (sample player), The Wub (bass synthesizer), The 809 (drum machine), and The Noise (8-bit sound generator). Additional content includes legacy MPC samples in various formats, providing immediate creative possibilities out of the box.
The software component offers 128 tracks and up to 128 sequences of 999 bars each, with comprehensive editing capabilities including piano roll and drum editors, effects processing, and song arrangement tools. The system supports both VST and AU plugins, dramatically expanding the sonic palette beyond traditional sampling.
Technical Specifications
Physical Dimensions & Construction
- Weight: 4.9kg (just under 5kg)
- Dimensions: 50cm x 33cm x 7cm (W x D x H)
- Construction: Metal base with grey plastic frame
- Display: 360 x 96 pixel blue LCD screen (tilting)
- Pads: 16 velocity and aftertouch-sensitive pads with colored backlighting
- Controls: 16 Q-Link encoders with LED collars, numeric keypad, data wheel, transport controls
- Ergonomics: Padded wrist rest included
Audio Interface Specifications
- Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz audio interface
- Interface Type: USB 2.0 four-channel audio interface
- Analog Inputs:
- 2x combined XLR/balanced jack inputs with phantom power
- 2x phono inputs with preamp
- Analog Outputs:
- 1x stereo main output (quarter-inch jack)
- 2x assignable outputs (quarter-inch jack)
- Digital I/O: 24-bit digital input/output
- Headphone Outputs: 2x headphone jacks (standard and miniature) at front panel
- Monitoring: Main mix or individual output monitoring capability
MIDI Implementation
- MIDI Ports: 6 total MIDI sockets
- MIDI Compatibility: Full MIDI implementation with program change and bank select (LSB/MSB)
- MIDI Interface: Accessible even without MPC software running
Connectivity & Expansion
- USB: USB 2.0 connection to host computer (required for operation)
- USB Hub: 2x USB 2.0 hub connections for external drives or USB keyboards
- Footswitch: 2x footswitch inputs (front panel)
- Power: External 12V/2A adapter (USB power insufficient)
Software Specifications
- Host Requirements: PC or Mac with dedicated MPC software
- Operation Mode: Requires hardware controller connection (cannot run standalone)
- DAW Integration: Runs standalone or as plugin (VST, AU, RTAS)
- Architecture: 32-bit, single-core (as of version 1.2)
- Plugin Support: VST and AU plugin compatibility
Sequencing & Sound Engine
- Polyphony: 128-note polyphonic sound engine
- Tracks: 128 tracks maximum
- Sequences: Up to 128 sequences per project
- Sequence Length: Up to 999 bars per sequence
- Songs: Up to 32 songs per project
- Pad Banks: 8 pad banks (A-H) = 128 total drum voices possible
- Sample Layers: Up to 4 sample layers per pad with velocity windows
- Backwards Compatibility: Compatible with previous MPC and Akai sampler formats
Effects & Processing
- Track Effects: 4 insert effects per track
- Send Effects: 4 stereo send effects
- Submix: Up to 8 submix routings
- Effect Library: Over 50 built-in effects including compressors, delays, filters, reverbs, and mastering tools
- Vintage Emulations: MPC3000, MPC60, and SP1200 emulations included
- Filter Types: Multiple high-quality filter types with velocity control
Sampling Capabilities
- Sample Format: 24-bit recording capability
- Sample Sources: All audio inputs, plus internal resampling
- Monitoring: Zero-latency hardware monitoring
- Trigger Options: Threshold trigger, manual trigger, timed recording
- Edit Functions: Chop, time-stretch, pitch-shift, normalize, reverse
- Chop Modes: Transient-based or musical interval chopping
- File Support: WAV, REX, and legacy MPC formats
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements (Mac)
- OS: Mac OS 10.6 or later
- RAM: 2GB (4GB recommended)
- Other: DVD-ROM drive
Minimum Requirements (Windows)
- CPU: 2GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron-compatible (multi-core recommended)
- OS: Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
- RAM: 2GB (4GB recommended)
- Other: DVD-ROM drive
Included Content
- Total Content: Approximately 9GB
- Virtual Instruments: 4 exclusive instruments (The Bank, The Wub, The 809, The Noise)
- The Bank: Sample player with 300+ instruments
- Sample Library: Legacy MPC content, loops (WAV/REX), percussion, synth sounds, orchestral and world samples
- Format Support: Multiple sample formats from previous MPC generations
Performance Features
- Sequence Triggering: Direct pad-based sequence selection
- Mute Controls: Pad mute and track mute with group capabilities
- Quantized Operations: Quantized pad mutes for precise timing
- Note Repeat: Built-in note repeat function with recording capability
- Timing Correction: Quantization with swing, time shift, and strength parameters
- Layer Play Modes: Random selection or cycling through sample layers
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