NAMM 2012: AKAI MPC RENAISSANCE
Posted on Thu 19 January 2012 in Computer Music
The MPC Renaissance is the brand new flagship production station from Akai. Whilst its famous layout gives you that sought-after MPC experience, the Renaissance works in combination with your computer, giving you a complete hands-on hybrid solution.
The Renaissance hardware controller is designed to replicate the layout and functionality of the famous retro MPC units that helped launch a number of Urban producer's careers. It features 16 genuine backlit MPC pads, 16 Q-link controls, an adjustable backlit LCD screen, plus all the standard controls that helped make MPC units so indispensable to many a producer's studio, e.g. Note Repeat, MPC Swing and transport controls.
On top of this, the Renaissance also features a built-in USB 2.0 audio interface with two 1/4" XLR/jack combo inputs and a dedicated turntable input for direct sampling of sounds and beats, just like the Pros used to do it! Plus, the Renaissance even features a two-port USB 2.0 hub for loading samples directly from a storage device and it gives you two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs, a stereo 1/4" output, 1/4" stereo assignable mix and digital S/PDIF I/O! Combine this with the fact that you can store up to 8 pad banks (more than any other MPC ever) and buttons to change the character of the sound between vintage MPC units and what you are looking at could be the ultimate beat production tool!
The MPC software that comes with the Renaissance is also fully loaded and geared towards the workflow of a professional producer. It comes packed with over 6GB of sounds, including all those from the classic MPC3000, meaning that you have everything you need to start making beats right out of the box. With its 16 dials (each surrounded by LED ring indicators), it can also be used as a MIDI controller for your VST plug-ins.
The Renaissance software works in standalone mode or it can be seamlessly integrated into your existing setup as a plug-in and it supports all major audio formats (e.g. WAV, AIFF, MP3, REX and SND), along with samples and sequences from any MPC ever made! Plus, of course it is compatible with both Mac and PC computers.
The MPC Renaissance is designed to give you the ultimate MPC experience by not just working alongside your computer, but seamlessly integrating with it, making it an ideal choice for a modern studio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkF-evh5msA
For more information on the Akai MPC Renaissance, click the link below: