You can now load your Akai Force, MPC X and MPC Live projects into Ableton Live
Firmware updates for all three products
![Akai Force and MPCs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GS49wM3XdDgwbCHwRBnpqm-320-80.jpg)
One of the biggest USPs of Akai’s Force, MPC X and MPC Live products is that you can produce music on them without the need for a computer.
However, there are going to be times when you need the flexibility that only a desktop-based DAW can provide, so we’re pleased to be able to report that, thanks to a couple of firmware updates, all of the aforementioned products now offer Ableton Live Set Export functionality.
The transition from MPC/Force to Live is said to be seamless, so you can easily continue to develop your tracks in Ableton’s software. Other features of the new firmware - version 2.6 for the MPCs and version 3.0.3 for the Force - are listed below.
Both updates will be available this month from the Akai Professional website.
New in MPC Firmware 2.6
- Grid Automation - Users can now input, edit and view automation in Grid Edit and Audio Edit.
- Step Automation - Users can now input, edit and view automation in the Step Sequencer.
- Support for up to eight submixes in the mixer window.
- All-New TUI layouts for Akai Vintage effects.
New in Force firmware 3.0.3
- Grid Automation - Users can now input, edit and view automation in Clip Event/Region editors.
- Step Automation - Users can now input, edit and view automation in the Step Sequencer.
- Functionality to export all clips or export a single clip - users can now export the clips in their Force project to audio, MIDI or MPC Pattern files.
- Matrix Mode enhancements - Users can now copy, paste, create and delete clips from the Matrix mode.
- Convert to Keygroup function - On a Drum track, users can quickly convert a sample assigned to a pad into a Keygroup track so they can play the sample chromatically.
- Improved external keyboard support for scales selected in Force.
- New Step Sequencer Mode - Mono Lanes, perfect for single line melodies and basslines.
- Support for up to eight submixes in the mixer window.
- Force now works as an audio interface in Computer Mode.
- All-New TUI layouts for Akai Vintage effects.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.
![All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qALb3YUpxPT2TNZWNYvob3.png)