The Power Duo of Music Production: Akai and Native Instruments Unite
In the realm of music production, Akai and Native Instruments have often been compared to iconic rivals in gaming, reminiscent of how Nintendo faced off against Sega. While both brands provide an extensive array of similar equipment, musicians are often polarized in their preferences; some prefer the distinct workflow offered by Akai’s MPC series while others lean toward NI’s Maschine system. However, a new era may be dawning for creators as these two formidable entities join forces. Excitingly, the MPC platform is set to integrate with sound packs from Native Instruments.
Revolutionizing Music Creation
This collaboration signifies a major shift for users of devices like the MPC Live II or Key 61—those owning various standalone music production gear from Akai can now access premium sounds from Native Instruments for their compositions. This integration is monumental; many musical genres owe a debt to the pioneering MPC workflow that transformed beat making. Concurrently, NI is renowned for its exceptional instrument libraries and audio assets.
A Visionary Perspective
“This partnership connects two legendary brands to create a unified ecosystem for creators,” stated Matt Dircks, CEO of Native Instruments. “By merging Akai’s iconic hardware with our vast array of sound libraries and tools, we’re pushing the limits on what’s possible in music creation.”
To delve deeper into this groundbreaking alliance, we consulted famed instrument designer Roger Linn—the original architect behind the MPC concept since its inception in 1988. Although no longer affiliated with Akai directly, he believes that integrating NI instruments into Akai hardware will yield significant benefits for both companies and emphasized that this collaboration places MPC devices on track ”to become as essential as classic instruments like guitars or pianos.”
The Evolutionary Journey
Linn praised contemporary iterations of MPD products by noting how far they’ve advanced since 1988’s MPC60 model; he argued that modern versions like Live II maintain a nostalgic warmth while transitioning towards functionalities typically found within digital audio workstations (DAWs). The introduction of Native Instruments sounds further enhances this evolution.
However, there are some limitations worth mentioning; currently available integrations will include only Play Series instruments and specific genre-focused Expansions tailored exclusively for the MPC platform—full access to complex synthesizers such as Massive X or Kontakt remains outside reach at this time. Initially launching mid-February will be five expertly customized instruments along with five Expansions designed specifically with compatibility in mind—more offerings may soon follow based on user reception.
A Glimpse into Future Possibilities?
We reached out to Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments regarding potential future compatibility allowing Maschine+ standalone groovebox users access to sound packs from Akai—but no plans exist yet aimed at broadening integration options between platforms.
MIDI Controllers Get Smarter
The collaborative effort also extends towards MPK controllers where support will soon be introduced via NI’s innovative Native Kontrol Standard (NKS), enhancing control capabilities across NKS-compatible plugins right from within MPK devices themselves—the software update expected by late February promises pre-mapped controls alongside simplified navigation features.
This initiative expands functionality dramatically by adding over 1,800 additional compatible plugins and instruments through NKS—a movement echoed through third-party companies including M-Audio and Novation who plan similar integrations shortly thereafter.
A Rewarding Partnership Unfolding
To commemorate this exciting new partnership between two giants within music technology sectors: all existing owners of MPK Series controllers stand poised to receive Komplete 15 Select at no cost—a curated selection featuring an eclectic range highlighting exceptional quality effects & virtual instruments offered freely regardless if purchased recently or not!
Sitting at forefront remains Roger Linn himself who continues innovation through his company which specializes products such as LinnStrument—designed meticulously tracking multiple touch dimensions presenting acoustic-like expression blended seamlessly into digital mediums—forging paths beyond conventional limitations whilst still honoring past legacies set forth including collaborations co-designing trendsetting drum machine Tempest together luminary Dave Smith sadly departed in recent years whose influence resonates profoundly throughout industry evermore shaping art form deeply intertwined culture worldwide today!
