Here's A First Look At Akai's Two New Standalone MPCs

Last year, Akai sent studio rats into a frenzy with the announcement of newly-revamped MPC production hardware hitting the market. The MPC Touch, fit with, you guessed it: Akai's first-ever touch display, was geared towards mobile and live live production setups. But now the internets have caught wind Akai's next move: fitting those colorful displays to in-studio models akin to the old 2500 and 5000 rigs.

According to FACT, the new machines are geared towards laptop-free production schemes, distinguishing themselves from Akai's recent updates on the MPC (the Studio and Renaissance models) by running as standalone units with built-in memory and sequencing capabilities. Which is to say that you can completely cut the cord off with these new models. Up top you'll catch a first glance at the MPC X (the studio machine) and down below, the MPC Live (an updated version of last year's MPC Touch.) Both models are expected to be officially unveiled at next weekend's NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.

Producers be warned: they're pretty, no doubt. But they'll run you a heavy penny. The MPC X is expected to sell for $2,199, while the MPC Live is slated to retail for $1,199. Time to start saving those checks if you're in the market. Otherwise, Craigslist is still a damn-good resource. See them in action in the clips below.