Akai opens up the MPC Sample Key firmware and bets on AI-coded mods

Akai hasn't formally announced the MPC Sample Key yet, but it is already showing what the modding community has managed to build for it through vibe coding. Rather than fight the wave of hackers and custom firmware developers, the company has chosen to embrace it: developers are getting early access to the device, and its firmware will be open source.

Keys instead of pads

The MPC Sample Key is a 37-key version of the budget-friendly MPC Sample. It will likely run some version of the same software as the MPC Sample, adapted for a traditional keyboard along with pitch and mod wheels. Unlike the pricier MPC Key 37, the Sample Key has no pads: samples are played from the keys.

What the modders built

In short Instagram Reels, Akai showed several vibe-coded mods. They add synths to the device, including Native Instruments Massive, as well as virtual analog and FM synths. One clip shows the unit running an entirely custom operating system with "several different synths in it."

The clips also indicate that the same "community" features will come to the regular MPC Sample, which is shown running a few synths written by Claude. That could mean Akai intends to open-source the entire MPC Sample platform.

The company's stance

CEO Jack O'Donnell told The Verge that inMusic brands, Akai in particular, plan to work with the modding community by seeding early devices to developers. The company also intends to open-source some of its software and release an SDK.

Source: The Verge