The MPC Sample is my new favorite portable beat maker

Akai's MPC Sample is a $399 portable, battery-powered beat maker that returns to the brand's sampling roots, eschewing the complex DAW-like features of modern MPCs. It features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, a 2.4-inch color screen, built-in mic and speaker, and robust sample chopping tools, drawing design inspiration from the classic MPC 60 while competing with devices like the Teenage Engineering KO-II and Roland P-6. Despite minor drawbacks like limited resampling and a cumbersome step sequencer, its intuitive workflow and excellent pads make it a standout in the portable music gear market.