MPC Live 3 leaks show faster CPU, more RAM, mic and new pads. 

Here’s what producers should expect and the key improvements I still hope Akai delivers.

The MPC Live 3 is practically confirmed now. Pictures and specs have been spotted across forums and leaks, and it looks like Akai is about to give us the most powerful standalone MPC yet, and that would be the first in the series of different lines.

If you’ve been around since the first MPC Live in 2017 you know Akai’s track record has been solid. They’ve kept supporting even the original older models with firmware updates. It’s also been interesting to see them experiment with different MPC formats like the Live, One, X, Key, letting each of us pick the box that actually fits our own flavour and need.

So yes, new hardware is exciting. But we often care just as much about the software and workflow details. Let’s look at what’s coming and where I think Akai still has some work to do.

What the leaks say about MPC Live 3:

• 8-core processor, way faster than the Live II

• 8 GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage

• 16 RGB pads with new 3D sensing

• Built-in stereo speakers and even a studio mic for field sampling

• USB-C connection and improved DAW integration (up to 24 audio channels via USB)

• WiFi and Bluetooth on board as before

• CV/Gate outs, extra performance buttons, more I/O and a larger touch screen

If all this holds up, it’s not just a refresh, it’s a big jump forward in power and connectivity.

The new box is obviously going to do more and handle bigger projects, but hopefully it wont break the bridge between the current lines and new MPCs. The OS hopefully stays consistent so projects can move between models, for many owners of multiple machines that could be pretty important but in general keeping the support for all current machines would be a reasonable path forward. This is most probable since the current existing newer lines all have similar hardware and i dont think Akai would make them software obsolete so fast 

Here are a just a few improvements that would actually make a difference to my daily use:

• Auto-sampler: it needs to evolve. Let us create expressive, almost perfect copies of our VSTs and libraries, with velocity layers and round robin sampling, intelligent loop-points, there is a lot that could be further developed in the Auto-sampler.

• File management: right now if you keep your songs in separate folders, you know the pain. Scroll down, preview, back out – the folders reorder every time. Tiny issue, but its a pain in every session.

• Wireless file transfer: let me send files via WiFi or Bluetooth without plugging a cable every time.

• Better library tools: smarter tagging, better search, active preview of keygroups? (you load up a lowres playable version).

These are maybe not the most glamorous features like just more raw power, but they’re a sample of the small details that would actually make you work faster.

MPC Live 3 is almost here, and sure, it will be faster and stronger. But what I want most is for Akai to keep improving the workflow basics instead of the current focus on FX and internal "vsts" that dont always live up to it.

I’ll be posting more on these small improvements and ideas in future updates. If you’re an MPC user, what’s the one thing you want fixed or added in the new generation.