Akai today announced Force 3.5 – a free update that they call their biggest update yet.
Here’s what’s new in Akai Force 3.5:
- Plugin Instruments and Effects: FORCE now supports new plugin releases from AIR, Akai Pro, and Native Instruments (MPC Editions), offering seamless integration of professional-grade sounds directly within the standalone system.
- MPC Stems separations for sampling, remixing and mashups: Users can isolate vocals, drums, and music elements from tracks, ideal for sampling, remixing, and live performance creativity. (MPC Stems License Required)
- Tempo automation, follow actions, and new arrangement tools: Advanced performance sequencing empowers users to create evolving arrangements and dynamic live sets with greater control.
- MPC sequence import, advanced keygroup synthesis, and warp algorithm choice: Offers expanded compatibility and flexibility with MPC workflows, enhanced sound manipulation, and precise audio warping.
- New modes: Main Mode, XL Channel Strip, Sounds Mode, and more: Upgrades navigation and workflow efficiency, giving users better visual control and faster access to instruments, tracks, and mix parameters.
- Significant speed boosts including faster sample loading and expanded export options: Streamlines production by reducing load times and offering more ways to export stems and sessions efficiently.
- Native Instruments Plugin and Expansions MPC Editions compatible with Force. Users can purchase – Analog Dreams, Cloud Supply, Nacht, Sway, Homage, Lone Forest, Faded Reels, Hazy Days, Rare Vibrations, Global Shake
Akai Force 3.5 is available now as a beta release.
They need to improve the midi editing experience on the touchscreen. It looks like it’s still the same as the MPC. At least you have the physical grid pads so it’s not as bad as the MPC.
I’m very grateful to Akai for providing this Beta for Force users. It’s an excellent machine made better by this new level of support. It got off to a rocky start because it felt unfinished but now it’s a great hybrid of the MPC and Ableton Push experience. I’m so glad I got one when I did.
Akai Force would be my desert island synth. Smashing sequencer, synths, and effects.
Only thing that sucks is Ethernet midi. Not being able to use the good old usb for AT LEAST midi, let alone audio, is BS.
No, I don’t want to have to use MPC software as a shell/host to be able to use usb midi within my own sequencer of choice.
Oh, it’s beta? That could have made the headline.