If you’ve been a dj, producer or making beats over the last decade or so then you’re likely familiar with Akai’s original line of MPCs which functioned as samplers, sequencers and drum machines, used by the biggest names in the business. Having any one of their MPC’s in your arsenal, even as a touring dj or artist, meant that you could create on the go and had a great piece of hardware, unreliant on laptops or computers.
While many welcomed the addition of the Akai MPC Renaissance, an MPC that used the computing power of your laptop to really harness creativity, what was lost was the feel of the actual machine, and Akai was known for making a durable machine. Face it some are just more old school then others.
Well if you’re a dj, remixer, producer, electronic artist or other connoisseur of music creation, Akai’s latest device may have you heading right out to your local Guitar Center (in the coming months)
Akai has introduced the new Rhythm Wolk. It’s a vintage inspired drum machine and bass synth that is a stand alone piece of hardware. Everything is inside the box, just like old times.
This machine, which Akai describes as an “authentic analog instrument inspired by the classic beat makers”, feels just like beat makers of the old days, dating back to the TR-808. Of course new processors mean that you can take the original 5 installed drum kits on the Rhythm Wolf and tweak them to your hearts desire. You can alter the tempo, tuning, amplitude envelope and volume of each drum sound, and in real time.
The bass part lets you adjust the oscillation, filters, and filter envelopes in a number of different ways, the possibilities on both the rhythm and the bass side are endless.
Everything is controlled on board with the various tuning/adjustment dials. Beats are made using 6 familiar feeling MPC touch pads so your fingers can do the beating and it’s all backed by a 32 step sequencer. You can get your creations out to the world via USB, Midi or by normal analog outputs making it a cinch to wire it to your mixer or mobile set up and just play.
The best part is, this machine, which may have cost $800-$1000 years ago comes in at just $199 and is expected in late spring or early summer.
