Hi Diki,

Yes, it is true that creating musically engaging beats from scratch on an MPC box is actually harder than triggering 1 finger professionally programmed styles on arrangers.

Yes, the basic workflow of sampling sounds, assigning them to pads, creating a 2 to 8 bar loop, creating a sequence and launching clips can be done effortlessly on an iPad. It is amazing to see how far technology has evolved and made everything so affordable.

At the same time I applaud AKAI for creating the ultimate hardware sequencer, drum machine, sampler that embodies the original vision of Roger Linn. The build quality, ergonomics, functionality, processing power, sounds and effects on the MPC XL are close to perfection.

I watched an engaging documentary on Roger Linn. He designed the LM-1 Drum Computer in 1980. It had 18 sampled drum sounds and sold for $5,000. The LM-1 was featured in 1981 in the top 10 hit – “Don’t you want me Baby” by Human League. It was featured in hits by Prince.

The LinnDrum was released in 1982 for $3,000. This was featured in several Pop Hits:

Time after Time by Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Eyes without a face by Billy Idol (1983)
Take on Me by AHA (1985)
Everybody wants to rule the world by Tears for Fears (1985)

Roger’s company ran to financial troubles. He joined AKAI. He released the MPC 60 in 1988 that initially sold for $5,000. This model was followed by the MPC 60 II, MPC 3000 and MPC 5000.

His invention led to the birth of Hip-Hop. He stated, “I can only make the brush, the artist chooses what to paint with it.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTek99yM6TA


I think the MPC XL represents the final incarnation of Roger’s dream. This would not have been possible without AKAI’s expertise on hardware manufacturing and business acumen. They have released over 15 MPC models over the past 38 years, each one pushing the envelope of what can be realized in a standalone box.