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Akai Professional's Force, MPC X and MPC Live NOW Feature Ableton Live integration in latest update

New firmware delivers wireless Wi-Fi control of Ableton Live’s session view, mixer, effects and instrument macro controls using Force, MPC Live and MPC X’s touch screen, pads and Q-Links

This is the update you have been waiting for! Hot-off-the-heels of a sucessful beta program, Akai Professional has announced the public release of Force firmware v3.0.4 and MPC firmware v2.7 that includes the highly anticipated Ableton Live Control.

Force and MPC come pre-mapped to Ableton Live with clip launching, control of the mixer and control of Ableton macros. Ableton Live Control functions wirelessly over a Wi-Fi network via Ableton Link or users can connect an ethernet cable between Force and their computer. This is an unparalleled level of Ableton integration from a standalone device. Ableton Live Control mode has been carefully designed to enable users to instantly switch between standalone operation and Live Control mode without ever stopping playback from either ecosystem.

The evolution of MPC cannot be ignored. Version 2.3 saw standalone synth engines, v2.4 introduced a suite of 28 must-have effects from the critically-acclaimed DSP gurus at AIR Music Technology, and v2.6 added functionality to input automation in both the Step Sequencer and Grid Editor (not to mention Ableton Live Set Export facilities). With 2.7, be prepared to redefine your expectations for the ultimate beatmaking tool with the latest update for MPC Live and X that now includes wireless Ableton Live Control.

MPC Live and MPC X now come pre-mapped to Ableton Live for an instant performance and production setup. Users have complete command over Live’s clip launching, mixer and instrument macro controls wirelessly via Wi-Fi network Ableton Link or by ethernet connection using a USB to ethernet adapter. Ableton Live Control mode has been carefully designed to enable users to instantly switch between standalone operation and Live Control mode without ever stopping playback from either ecosystem.

With Ableton Live Control integration, Akai Professional’s standalone MPC series bridges the two platforms seamlessly for expanded creative flexibility. Fusing MPC’s production prowess, critically-acclaimed synth engines and a rapid, intuitive workflow with Ableton Live, any creative endeavor is literally a touch away.

3.0.4 Touch User Interface Features

Matrix Tab -The Matrix tab displays an 8x8 section of Live’s Session View marked in the Live GUI by the colored session ring. Users have a complete overview of—and immediate access to—the scenes, clips, play status, recording status as well as control over playback, recording quantize functions and scene / clip management

Mixer Tab – The Mixer Tab provides instant access to Live’s key mixing functions, divided into three views for control of Levels, Main mixer parameters and Sends. Using Force’s touch interface, control any slider/knob or bring up a full screen editor for precise adjustments

Device Control Tab – The device tab controls the device on the current track at Ableton Live’s Blue Hand position, providing control and key visual feedback on Ableton Instruments and third-party plugins

Control Bar – At the top of the touch user interface, users can customize the Control Bar to display preset displays for Session, Arrangement and Performance modes including BPM, Phase Nudge Down/Up, Metronome, Follow, Overdub, Automation Arm and more

3.0.4 Hardware Features

Pad Matrix – Force’s pad matrix can be used to control clip playback and clip recording

Force Knobs – Force’s knobs have been premapped to Ableton Live’s key parameters, clearly identified by the OLED screens which indicate the parameter that is being controlled. As a default, knobs 1-8 control track volume; deeper adjustment of any device at Ableton’s Blue Hand position is catered for using the banked 9-16 knobs

Hardware control – The force Hardware controls now come pre-mapped to Ableton Live covering everything from track selection, scene launcing, mutes, solo, record arm, and much more

2.7 Touch User Interface Features

Matrix Tab – The Matrix tab displays an 8x8 section of Live’s Session View marked in the Live GUI by the colored session ring. Users have a complete overview of—and immediate access to—the scenes, clips, play status, recording status as well as control over playback, recording quantize functions and scene/clip management.

Mixer Tab – The Mixer Tab provides instant access to Live’s key mixing functions, divided into three views for control of Levels, Main Mixer Parameters and Sends. Using MPC Live’s or MPC X’s touch interface, users can control any slider/knob or bring up a full screen editor for precise adjustments

Device Control Tab – The device tab controls the device on the current track at Ableton Live’s Blue Hand position, providing control and key visual feedback on Live’s Devices and third-party plugins.

Control Bar – At the top of the touch user interface, users can customize the Control Bar to display preset displays for Session, Arrangement and Performance modes including BPM, Phase Nudge Down/Up, Metronome, Follow, Overdub, Automation Arm and more.

2.7 Hardware Features

MPC Pads – MPC Live and MPC X’s 16-pads can be used to control clip playback and clip recording

MPC Q-links – MPC Live’s and MPC X’s Q-Links have been pre-mapped to Ableton Live’s key parameters. With MPC X, these assignments are clearly identified by the OLED screens, which indicate the parameter that is being controlled. As a default, Q-Links 1-8 control track volume; deeper adjustment of any device at Ableton Live’s Blue Hand position is catered for using the banked 9-16 Q-Links

Hardware control – The MPC Live and MPC X Hardware controls now come pre-mapped to Ableton Live covering everything from track selection, scene launching, mutes, solo, record arm and much more

For more information and to download the latest firmware, visit akaipro.com.