Since it is also able to load third-party VST and AU (if you’re on a Mac) plug-in instruments and effects, the same caveats apply as with any DAW. The software runs in standalone mode as well as in VST, AU and RTAS plug-in formats depending on what you need and requires a relatively recent Mac or PC.
These are installed locally but can be moved to an external drive if you prefer. In total you get over 9GB of sounds with the unit and the option to add more through Expansion packs. In the box you get additional content, too, so in addition to around 3GB of loops and samples as standard you will find The Bank, one of AKAI’s instruments, plus one more which in our case was The 809, a drum machine. The hardware needs to be connected with the MPC software installed, and this comes on a DVD with updates available online. Most of the buttons are also backlit though their labels are not, so if you’re performing in a low-light environment a little extra lighting may be required.
As you might expect, the MPC Studio has 16 velocity-sensitive pads with backlighting that changes colour to denote pressure and other functions.
