The vMPC2000XL Emulator has the look of the original and is available as a standalone application or as a VST2/VST3/AU plugin.
German music website beat.de has reported that developer Izmar has created a free software emulation of the classic Akai sampler/sequencer the MPC2000XL. The vMPC2000XL Emulator is available for Windows, macOS and Linux via OSX or Windows installer. Once installed, the software creates a folder for users to place and access samples. Izmar advises users that “Files in that directory are name-mangled by the emulator just like on the real 2000XL! This means you shouldn’t put the only copy of some important files there. Your data might become corrupted.”
Beat.de said the emulation would bring “the dirty sound and rough feel of the MPC classics directly to the desktop” and described it as “hacky and limited by today’s standards, but this is exactly where its magic lies”.
The Akai MPC series of samplers are one of dance music’s most loved pieces of studio equipment. They are famous for their intuitive workflow, punchy sound and unique groove and timing. Roger Linn, designer of the influential LM-1 and LinnDrum drum machine designed the first MPCs. With their pressure-sensitive pads and front panel control, they were intended to be intuitive, playable instruments. By combining a sequencer and sampler, the MPC enabled producers to create tracks without a recording studio.
The vMPC2000XL has the ‘retro cash register’ look of the original MPC and emulates its sequencer too. It can load and save most of the original MPC2000XL formats including APS, ALL, PGM, SND, MD and WAV. Users can export to WAV and the app also offers basic MIDI in/out. This app hasn’t been approved by Akai and the website contains the disclaimer that the “…emulator is not affiliated with inMusic and use of the MPC® and Akai Professional® names has not been authorized, sponsored or otherwise approved by inMusic.”
Download the vMPC2000XL.
While you’re here…have you seen our MPC 2000 enamel pin badge? Wear your heart on your sleeve, or at least your sampler on your jacket. Learn more.
