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Akai MPC1000 - Image 1

Akai MPC1000

DesktopDigitalPolyphonic

Back in 2003, this compact powerhouse shrunk the MPC legacy into a bag-friendly desktop unit, making pro-level beatmaking portable for the first time without sacrificing the soul of Akai's sampling tradition.

At its core, it's a 32-voice stereo sampler and 64-track sequencer with 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads across four banks, perfect for expressive programming via the 16-level function that varies level, tuning, attack, decay, or filter per pad. Sample at 44.1kHz/16-bit with 16MB RAM standard—expandable to 128MB via EXM128 option—and store everything as WAV files or MIDI sequences on Compact Flash cards up to 2GB, with easy USB drag-and-drop to computers. Dual two-pole filters (low-, band-, high-pass) per voice, two LFOs, and effects like Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, plus a master 4-band EQ or Compressor, all while resampling outputs through three stereo analog outs, digital I/O, and a headphone jack. Two Q-Link sliders add real-time tweaks, and its 330 x 228 x 76mm frame weighs just 3.45kg for gig-ready mobility.

Over two decades on, it's earned cult status among hip-hop and electronic producers for its intuitive workflow and rugged pads that hold up, though some note the plastic build feels less premium than bigger siblings—still, the sound and sequencing keep it a go-to for vintage vibe hunters.

Released

2003

Status

Discontinued

Synthesizer
Format
Desktop, Workstation, Drum Machine
Type
Sample-based
Internal Battery
-
Voice
A/D
Digital
Polyphony
Polyphonic
Oscillators
-
Oscillator Type
-
Voices
32
Tracks
64
Filter
Yes
Envelopes
-
LFO
2
Effects
2 general effects: Chorus, Flanger, 4-band EQ, Bit-Grunger, Compressor, Phaser, Tremolo, Auto Pan, Reverb. One Master effect: 4 band EQ, Compressor
Expression
Aftertouch
No
Velocity
Yes
MPE
No
Additional
-
Software
-
I/O
Audio In
-
Audio Out
3 stereo
Headphone
1
MIDI
-
MIDI Type
-
Ports
-
Wi-Fi
No
Workflow
Arpeggiator
-
Sequencer
-
Mod Matrix
No
Memory
-
Measurements
Dimensions
330 x 228 x 76 mm
Weight
3.45 kg
Last updated Feb 25, 2026