News
Akai Professional Announces 3.0.1 Firmware Update For Force
Akai Professional has announced the new 3.0.1 firmware update for Force, its standalone live performance and music production device, that introduces a number new features and workflow refinements.
Building on Force’s already-impressive capabilities, the 3.0.1 update introduces a highly innovative Launch/Note mode – now users can simultaneously harness the creative power of Force’s Note mode while launching clips on a split, single pad layout. Also included in 3.0.1 is the inclusion of the Mother Ducker and Mother Ducker input effects plugins – recently added to the MPC platform in version 2.4, this pair of processors allows users to create side-chain effects effortlessly via inserts within Force’s mixer window.
3.0.1 also includes a number of workflow refinements including:
- Updated recording preferences allowing users to use fixed length clip recoding
- Improved auditioning of sample and loops within Force’s browser – now, files with embedded tempo information will audition in sync with Force’s master BPM
- Drum program enhancements –users can mute or solo pads in a drum program using Force’s hardware control surface
- Force can now load FLAC and OGG files
- The AIR dynamics plugins Compressor, Channel Strip, Maximizer, Transient and Noise Gate now have metering to clearly indicate the input/output levels and the amount of gain reduction applied.
Force Highlights
- Standalone – no computer required
- 8×8 clip launch matrix with RGB LEDs
- 7” color capacitive multitouch display
- Mic/Instrument/Line inputs, 4 outputs
- MIDI In/Out/Thru via 1/8” TRS inputs (5-pin DIN adapters included)
- (4) configurable CV/Gate outputs to integrate your modular setup
- (8) touch-sensitive knobs with graphical OLED displays
- Time stretch/pitch shift in real time
- Comprehensive set of AIR effects and Hype, TubeSynth, Bassline and Electric synth engines
- Ability to record 8 stereo tracks
- 16GB of on-board storage (over 10GB of sound content included)
- 2GB of RAM
- Full-Size SD card slot
- User-expandable 2.5” SATA drive connector (SATA or HDD)
Pricing and Availability
3.0.1 will be available as a free update early February 2019, with Force being priced at $1499.00 and becoming available internationally in February 2019. For more information, visit akaipro.com