Akai ProfessionalSamplers
Linux-based standalone MPC generation
This entry covers Akai Professional's standalone MPC line, which runs the MPC software on an embedded Linux system without a computer. The line started in 2017 with the MPC X and MPC Live and later added the MPC Live II, MPC One and MPC Key 61, the first MPC with a built-in keyboard. Models share 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads and a multi-touch display, with 7-inch screens on the Live, Live II, One and Key 61.
Existing mods patch Akai's update images rather than replacing the application. Reports on mpc-forums in 2026 suggest rooting newer firmware on second-generation hardware (Live II) is harder because the update image is checked, and that the patch has to be redone after each Akai update. Akai has made no statement on this and the reports are unconfirmed.
Reverse-engineering project for Linux-based MPCs and the Force: SSH-enabled update images, an image extractor and maker, IamForce2 to run Force software on MPC hardware, and a control-surface library.
| Version | Date |
|---|---|
| SSH image for MPC 3.4.2.13 | undated |
| SSH and bootstrap images for Force 3.3.0 / MPC 2.14 | undated |