Lately, I’ve been often asked what I think about the MPC Renaissance. So naturally I thought it would be a good idea to review this product. The MPC Renaissance is one of the latest additions to the Akai MPC family. To put this simply, it’s a beat machine controller with many functions. I’m gonna try to do my best not to sound too technical while reviewing this so bear with me.
I come from the time period where stand alone products ruled over everything else. In other words, a drum machine could work on its own without the need of a computer. If you had a keyboard, all you needed was electricity and in many cases just batteries. Nowadays, it seems that technology has forced everything to function with a computer. The MPC Renaissance fits in this category. I want to be totally honest in giving you what I think about this product. First, let’s talk about some facts.
Features
- Includes 2 XLR inputs , RCA turntable inputs, 2 stereo 1/4” outputs, and S/PDIF I/O
- Supports up to 8 pad banks (which is the most of all MPCs)
- 16 backlit MPC pads, adjustable backlit LCD screen
- Includes software with 9GB sound/loop library
- 128-track sequencing capability
- Includes 4 channel USB 2.0 audio interface and two-port USB 2.0 hub
- Classic MPC Swing and MPC Note Repeat
- Vintage Mode simulates sound character of the older versions of MPC
Requirements
- You will need either a Mac or PC
- Operating System for Mac is Mac OS X 10.6 or later DVD-ROM drive
- Operating System for PC is Windows 7 DVD-ROM drive
- 2 GB RAM will do the job, but 4 GB is recommended
Pros
- It allows you to transport samples and sequences from all existing MPC models
- Files that are supported include WAV, MP3, AIFF, REX, and SND
- You can adjust sample rates up to 24bit/96 kHZ
- It can be used with both PC and MAC
Cons
- Useless without a computer
- True performance of MPC Renaissance is based on the processing power of your computer
- Pretty bulky at a weight of over 10lbs and dimensions of 19.75″ x 12.9″ x 2.75″
- You must use a power adapter restraint so the power adapter cable won’t fall out
There is more information on the MPC Renaissance available here. In no way am I trying to sell this product, just sharing some thoughts. For today’s beat maker who is just starting, I think that this is a good investment. It comes with tons of sounds which is always a plus. The pads are said to feel like the earlier 
models for the MPC heads. Of course, I believe that to purchase something like this, you don’t have money to waste unless you’re rich I guess. What i’m saying is that you should be serious about your craft and not want to get this just because it looks cool.
Personally, I’m not a fan of needing a computer to make beats. The MPC Renaissance is a controller! According to the Akai website, MPC stands for Music Production Controller just in case you were wondering. That means, it depends on a computer to operate. If this machine gave the option to work strictly as hardware along with everything else, I’d grade this piece an A+.