The MPC5000 is the first MPC to include eight-track streaming hard disk recording, a 20-voice, three-oscillator analog synthesizer with arpeggiator, a new sequencing engine with 960 PPQ resolution, pad and track muting and mixing, 64 continuous sample tracks and 12 Q-Link controllers. There is even a new FX engine with 4 FX buses and 2 FX per bus.

The MPC5000’s virtual analog synth eliminates the need for external analog synth modules or buggy software based synthesizers. The new eight-track direct to disk recorder lets musicians produce whole songs in the MPC and then mix them down with the internal sequenced programs and any input thru source. Add the optional CD/DVD drive and producers can then burn an audio or data CD to the mix. More than 650MB of premium-quality sounds from Loopmasters are included to get musicians up and running with pro-quality production in seconds.

The MPC5000 is expected to land at retailers in Q2 - 2008 with an MSRP of $3,499.

The XR20 is a portable beat production station loaded with a sound set that is geared towards making Hip-Hop and R&B beats wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.

More than 700 pre-loaded sounds cover a range of drums, percussion, effects and instrument samples, while an integrated effects engine includes Reverb, EQ and Compression, enabling musicians to make complete backing tracks. A microphone input is included for mixing vocals over patterns. Bright, backlit pads provide visual cues for added beat precision.

The Akai XR20 is coming Q2 - 2008 to musical instrument retailers with an MSRP of $499.