Tag Archives: Akai Pro Force

Winter NAMM 2019: Akai Pro Force

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Wow! Winter NAMM 2019 is one week away and we’ve seen major new products everywhere.

The Akai Pro Force is a much-anticipated product — a standalone, Ableton Live-like workstation. Force is a clip-oriented production workstation with real-time pitch and time stretch. Force will include FX plug-ins from AIR Music Technology. Synth engines include TubeSynth, Bassline, Electric, and Hype. [Click image to enlarge.]

Here’s a dump of the features courtesy of Akai:

  • Standalone – no computer needed
  • Matrix of 8×8 RGB pads for triggering clips
  • 7-inch multi-touch screen
  • 1 push encoder wheel for navigation and selection
  • 1 crossfader A / B
  • 2 combo inputs Xlr / Mic Jack / instruments / line
  • 4 TRS outputs
  • MIDI In / Out / Thru minijack (minijack to 5-pin adapters included)
  • 4 configurable CV / Gate outputs
  • Remix, merge and produce with 6 different programs for complete audio / MIDI / CV sequencing
  • Performance modes including drum MPC, notes, smart note suite, chords and chord progression
  • MPC Sample Editor
  • Automatic detection of BPM, real-time time stretching and pitch modulation
  • 8 Q-Link touch-sensitive potentiometers with individual graphic OLED display
  • 4 powerful and fully customizable synthesis engines
  • 16 GB of internal memory (including more than 10 GB of sounds included)
  • SD card slot and 2 USB 3.0 ports compatible with USB storage devices or MIDI controllers
  • 2.5 “SATA connector internally (SSD or HDD) for an extension of the internal storage by the user
  • 1 Type-B USB port for connecting to a Mac / PC computer
  • 1 TRS headphone output
  • Weight and dimensions: 3.87 kg, 350 x 389 x 72.5 mm

Expected USA street price is $1,499 USD. The integrated display is a 7-inch, back-lit color touch screen.

Of course, the specs do not convey what it’s like to actually use the Force. [Oh, dear. This is already so cliched, I’m embarrassed.] Akai have deep experience with controller workflow, so the Force shouldn’t disappoint.

Akai intend to deliver Ableton Live controller capabilities in March 2019.

Copyright © 2019 Paul J. Drongowski