Akai has officially confirmed that the MPC Sample is on its way, with a full launch due to land on 24 March.

The portable hardware sampler is believed to be inspired by the Akai MPC60 and MPC3000, and was leaked by a retailer based in the US earlier this month. Akai has now shared an official image of the unit on its social media pages, and you can sign up for alerts on its launch via the Akai website.

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Limited information is available right now, and most of what we know about the MPC Sample still stems from the original leak. We will continue to update this article with more information as we get it, but here is all we know so far.

What is the Akai MPC Sample?

The Akai MPC Sample is a portable hardware sampler inspired by the MPC60 and MPC3000. From photos of the unit, it looks as though it will rival other successful hardware samplers from recent years from brands like Roland, with its SP-404Mk2, and Teenage Engineering’s EP-133 K.O II. Casio also teased a new handheld sampler at NAMM 2026.

What are the key features of the AKAI MPC Sample?

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From the retailer leak, the MPC Sample is reported to feature a sampler engine, a sequencer, and an effects processor that puts the workflow of vintage MPCs into a compact, modern format [via Synth Anatomy]. Its effects are believed to include a granulator, ring mod, Lo-Fi, colour, delay, reverb, half-speed, chorus, flanger, phaser, beat repeat, and more.

The leak also claimed that it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a microSD card slot, an internal microphone, a built-in speaker, and USB-C connection. Photos also show a colour display, and it’s also believed that no computer or DAW is required to use it, just like other compact sampler units on the market.

AI-generated Akai MPC Sample mockups exist – and yes, they are very fake

It’s worth noting that due to the speculation surrounding the launch of the MPC Sample, numerous AI-generated videos purporting to show the unit have found their way onto the internet. Like this Sora-generated video, in which the unit’s controls and text are typically distorted. Or this one, which features a 5×3 pad grid instead of the confirmed 4×4 grid. What you see in the above Instagram post is what’s been posted by Akai – so that’s the real deal.

When will the Akai MPC Sample be available?

No launch date is yet confirmed for the MPC Sample, but it does look like the official announcement has been moved forwards in response to the leak. The official release date should be announced, along with more information about its features, on 24 March, 2026.

How much will the Akai MPC Sample cost?

The leak suggested that the MPC Sample will be priced at $399. The official pricing should be revealed on 24 March with all other further details.

To sign up for alerts about the MPC Sample, head over to Akai Professional and input your email address.

The post Everything we know about the Akai MPC Sample so far: Features, pricing and availability appeared first on MusicTech.