Akai MPC Sample: Open firmware announced for groovebox
· re:union Radio editorial · 1 min read
Akai va ouvrir la groovebox portable MPC Sample aux firmwares personnalisés, aux systèmes d'exploitation alternatifs et aux développements communautaires.
Akai opens MPC Sample firmware
Akai has announced that it will open the portable groovebox MPC Sample to community modifications. In an Instagram video, the manufacturer showed that users will be able to add custom functions or install entirely new operating systems. The standard software remains intact and is set to receive an upcoming update featuring new options for deliberate sound destruction.
Extensions and software development
The demonstrated software additions were created using vibe coding, with assistance from the Claude AI assistant. Examples shown include a polyphonic virtual-analog synthesizer with an oscilloscope display and a bass instrument loaded directly onto the hardware. Furthermore, a custom operating system build provides several integrated sound engines:
- An FM engine
- A wavetable synthesizer
- A chiptune synthesizer
According to Akai, the SampleKey companion unit is being opened up in the same manner and runs the same synthesizers. Akai's parent company, inMusic, intends to provide developers with early hardware access, release software components as open source, and supply an SDK, although the full scope remains unconfirmed. This move follows one day after Behringer announced its Kick sampler with open firmware.
Source: Amazona
