Akai Professional has released an official software development kit (SDK) for its MPC hardware, opening the platform to third-party developers who want to create custom synthesizers, effects and other plugins for compatible standalone instruments. The new MPC Plugin SDK provides a development framework, build tools and documentation for creating software that runs directly on MPC hardware.
The SDK is published through the GitHub organization of inMusic, Akai Professional’s parent company. It provides developers with a C++ framework, plugin templates, example projects and cross-compilation tools for building instruments and effects compatible with the MPC’s plugin host.
One particularly interesting aspect is the SDK’s support for AI-assisted development. Its documentation includes instructions for working with coding agents such as Claude Code and OpenAI Codex. Developers can describe an instrument or effect in natural language and use an AI coding agent to generate the underlying C++ code, build the plugin and prepare it for installation.
The SDK includes examples of synthesizers, stereo delay effects and drum instruments, along with tools for designing touchscreen interfaces and assigning controls to the MPC’s hardware Q-Links.
The latest update also introduces advanced Arrange Mode editing tools, AAX support for Pro Tools, deeper MPK controller integration, MPC Beats mode, new 8×8 performance modes for MPC Live III and MPC XL, and workflow enhancements across MPC and Force.
Features:
- Official development framework for creating third-party MPC instrument and effect plugins.
- C++ plugin framework with support for audio processing, MIDI, transport synchronization, parameters and program states.
- Cross-compilation tools for supported MPC hardware architectures.
- Example synthesizer, drum machine and stereo delay projects.
- Tools for designing custom touchscreen interfaces and Q-Link controls.
- AI-assisted development workflows using coding agents including Claude Code and OpenAI Codex.
- Plugin validation, testing and packaging utilities.
- Host simulation tools for testing plugins before installation on hardware.
The release represents a significant change in Akai’s approach to its hardware ecosystem. While the MPC operating system itself is not open source, the SDK provides an officially supported route for independent developers to expand the platform with their own instruments and effects.
In his latest loopop video, host Ziv Eliraz takes a deep dive into the update, and discusses how he created his own custom plugins:
Pricing & Availability:
The MPC Plugin SDK is available free of charge from inMusic’s GitHub repository under the MIT license. Compatible MPC hardware requires OS 3.10.1 or later and External Plugin Support to load third-party plugins. Visit the Akai Professional MPC release notes for firmware information.
