Akai MPC Live II
The MPC Live II is a pro-tier standalone workstation with 128 tracks, battery power, and built-in speakers. It's Akai's portable flagship for all-in-one, computer-free beatmaking anywhere. The high track count and self-contained design make it a fit for producers who want to finish tracks away from a desk, no laptop or external monitors required.
Scores
BreakdownHideOverall72±6Caliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
Scores
BreakdownHideCaliber-forward blend — tier caliber + within-tier price rank 30%, value 25%, confidence 20%, compatibility 15%, upgrade path 10% — renormalized over applicable dimensions; excluded here: compatibility (no ecosystem dimension).
The ± band on the overall score reflects sourcing confidence — wider when fewer specs are verified.
How each score is computed: our scoring methodology.
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| device type | workstationFlagged | Flagged |
| tracks | 128Sourced | Sourced |
1/2 detail specs sourced · 1 flagged for verification. Amber rows are flagged for verification — we show them as reported, not confirmed.
Verdict
Best for
- battery-powered standalone production
- all-in-one with built-in speakers
- portable flagship beatmaking
Who should skip this
- Buyers wanting the cheapest entry — this is a flagship 128-track standalone, priced accordingly
- Desk-bound producers who never leave home — much of the value is its battery-powered portability
- Beginners — an all-in-one workstation this deep has a real learning curve
Where to buy
List price $1,199
Prices are a guide and can change — confirm the current price on the retailer's site before buying.
Prices last checked Sep 1, 2026 — retailer prices change often, so click through for the current price.
Some links may be affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; rankings are never influenced by it.
Compatibility
No platform-specific compatibility requirements — this works in any standard music production setup.
Upgrade path
Buying today, the Elektron Digitakt II scores higher for less — the smarter pick in grooveboxes unless you specifically want this one. See it →