Akai teased its MPC Sample Key on Instagram and said it plans to open-source the device's software so the modding community can modify it. The Verge has received exclusive images of the upcoming instrument. Akai has not yet said when the device will launch or how much it will cost.
According to The Verge, the Sample Key shares many controls with the MPC Sample, including three context-sensitive encoders and a large main encoder. The report says it appears designed for pitched sample playback rather than chopping drums. The "chop" button from the MPC Sample is missing. The Sample Key has a 25-key keyboard, dedicated pitch and mod wheels, octave buttons, and buttons labeled "chord" and "arp." The Verge says these likely enable a chord playback mode and an arpeggiator, and that they appear to replace the chop function.
The report also describes a dedicated looper and a function called "Swarm," which replaces the Flex Beat effects on the MPC Sample. The Verge says it is not clear what Swarm does.
Like the MPC Sample, the Sample Key has a built-in mic and speaker. The Verge has not seen the back panel. It says the front-panel configuration suggests the device will have MIDI and CV outputs for integration with modular synthesizers.