Force

Standalone Music Production/DJ Performance System

Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, announced the release of its standalone Force music production/ DJ performance device, with clip launching, step sequencing, sampling, synths and a 7-inch multi-touch display. Force is designed for the user who wants a standalone product with the latest in modern workflow techniques, free from being connected to the computer. Force is the first standalone music production device that truly captures the modern clip-based workflow.

Force features an 8x8 RGB clip launch matrix, a 7-inch full-color touch-capacitive multitouch display, 8 touch-sensitive knobs with graphical OLED display, 2 audio inputs, 4 audio outputs, MIDI and CV I/O. Together, this comprehensive versatility affords the user an unprecedented degree of creative freedom and expression, while remaining totally free of the constraints of being tethered to a computer.

Additional features include time stretching/pitch-shifting in real time, a comprehensive set of on-board effects by AIR Music Technology, plus the TubeSynth, Bassline and Electric synth engines. It also boasts an additional synth called Hype, a preset and macro-based synth combining several different synth engines into a single easy-to-use package. Force also has the ability to record 8 stereo tracks.

Akai Professional Force Stand Alone Music Production and Performance Workstation Features:

Standalone – no computer required.
8x8 clip launch matrix with RGB LEDs.
7" full color capacitive multitouch display.
Mic/instrument/line inputs, 4 outputs.
MIDI In/Out/Thru.
4 configurable CV/Gate outputs.
MPC Sample Editing.
Automatic BPM detection, real-time timestretching and pitch-shifting.
8 touch-sensitive knobs with graphical OLED displays.
4 powerful, fully-editable synth engines.
16GB of on-board storage (over 10GB of sound content included.)
Full-Size SD card slot & 2 USB 3.0 slots for thumb drives or MIDI controllers.
User-expandable 2.5" SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD.)

Force is aptly named, since this unit truly delivers a new level of creative force and energy to the music production/DJ performance world. With its Ableton Live-style workflow, 8x8 clip launch matrix, touch-sensitive knobs with graphical OLED displays, 7-inch multi-touch display and total freedom from the computer, users will experience a degree of creative expression and spontaneity they simply can't find anywhere else.

Play. Perform. Produce
Redefine your expectations. Force blurs the lines between contemporary music production solutions and next-generation DJ performance technology, setting the precedence for a new industry standard. Fusing clip-launching, step sequencing, sampling, synth engines and tactile touch screen control into a standalone, performance-driven device, Force combines must-have modern functionality with an ultraintuitive workflow that harnesses your creativity for maximum expressive capability.

Sounds
Out-the-box, Force comes preloaded with 10GB+ of must-have sounds from industry leading sample content providers including SampleTools by CR2, MSX Audio and Sample Magic. With 248 Kits, 16 Demo Projects, 2500+ Loops and 500+ patterns, Force's core library provides immediate access to the most sought-after sounds to inspire your creativity from the get-go.

Multi-Touch Display
The heart of your Force experience. Launch Clips, browse your sounds, edit MIDI data, manipulate samples, apply XYFX, sculpt synth sounds and much more all from Force's 7-inch full color capacitive multi-touch display.

Matrix
Tactile control for an unrestricted creative flow. Trigger scenes/clips, step sequence, finger drum in MPC 16 Pad Mode and play note data with an expandable 8x8 clip launch matrix with radiant RGB backlighting.

Control
Discover new ways to enhance your performance via 360-degree rotary encoders with OLED feedback – smart assignments and multiple modes provide immediate real-time access to all core controls or link to any assignable parameter for a truly customized experience. Capture and playback any changes with real-time FX automation.

Command
Experience total control of your performance. Navigate your project, control clip/scene playback and access critical mix control (mute/solo/cue) right from the hardware with Force's ergonomically-positioned controls.

The Ins
Load your samples from either USB Thumb Drives or SD Cards – there's even a dedicated SATA drive bay for internal storage expansion. Capture audio with (2) XLR/¼-inch combo inputs with phantom power, switchable to line/instrument level.

The Outs
Route your audio to two stereo ¼-inch outputs, selectable per track within Force's UI. Use the headphone out as a cue bus to audition clips/scenes. Take control of your modular gear with four independent CV/ Gate outputs and unite your peripheral MIDI equipment courtesy of MIDI In/Out/Through ports.

The ultimate side-cart and a solo centerpiece in its own right. Force provides the pinnacle in liberated performance capability that roots your focus on delivering the ultimate performance, whatever your next set demands.

Remix
Seamlessly import stems, loops and one-shots into Force's 8x8 clip matrix and set playback modes including loop and trigger settings to remix and reimagine your tracks on the fly.

Mashup
Import multiple stems, then tune and time-stretch your content for immense mash-up potential – all content syncs to your master BPM so you never miss a beat.

DJ
Seamlessly assign tracks to Force's crossfader, load full tracks, stems or loops to Force's 8x8 matrix - fuse with scene/clip payback for an unrestricted DJ experience.

XYFX
Add impressive flair to your sets by harnessing the power of Force's multi-touch display and on-board XYFX. Apply filter, modulation and beat repeat effects in real time to individual tracks or select outputs.

Ableton Link
Connect Force to your wireless network and sync your project with any Ableton Link compatible application or hardware device, including our iconic MPC Series.

Warp
Never miss a beat, thanks to Force's dual custom real-time time stretch algorithms and auto BPM detection for effortless syncing of all audio within your project to your master BPM.

Cue Mix
The perfect drop. Prep your mix with dedicated cue assign controls and a cue mixer for all audio assigned to outputs 3/4 or via the cue-blend control on the headphone out.

At the heart of Force is an intuitive clip-centric workflow that forms the creative core of your performance. Combine multiple Modes with Plugin Tracks, MPC-Style Drum tracks, Audio tracks, Keygroup tracks, MIDI tracks and CV tracks to define clip types, then sculpt clips via step sequencing, drum pad performances and note data.

Audio Tracks
Capture Audio from the dedicated combo inputs, load/sequence samples from Force's browser or resample from another track.

Drum Tracks
Browse the expansive factory kit library or create your own with samples loaded from USB thumb drives or SD cards. With full MPC Sample Editing functionality fused with 16-Pad or Step-Sequencing performance Modes, it's simple to create your perfect groove.

Plugin Tracks
Hard-coded into the Force Architecture are four premium synth engines, each with full editing capability for immersive sound sculpting potential. Sequence via a traditional piano roll, apply the onboard Arpeggiator or switch up to Note Mode for instant access to intelligent chord, progression and scale options.

Meet the Synth Engines
Break out of a sample-based workflow with four synth engines from leading developer AIR Music Technology:

Hype | Cover everything from hard-hitting plucks to sultry melodic leads with this preset and macrobased synth combining multiple synth engines (wavetable, FM, subtractive, sampling) and a giant preset library into a single easy-to-use package
Tubesynth | Emulate the sound of classic vintage analog poly-synths with an advanced analog modeling algorithm, packaged with five integrated AIR effects
Bassline | Access the sounds of a classic mono synth with variable oscillator waveshapes, sub/fifth oscillators, LPF & HPF options and four integrated AIR effects
Electric | The ultimate in classic e-piano emulation with Pickup, Envelope, Bell and Noise parameter sections, five AIR effects and dozens of pre-sets to get you started

Keygroup Tracks
Load multi-sampled instrument keygroups and playback samples chromatically via a MIDI keyboard or Force's pads. Using the on-board autosampler, create your own keygroups from your outboard synth gear and sound modules for instant recall within your project.

MIDI Tracks
Send your track's MIDI data to an external MIDI device including synths and drum machines. Connect your peripheral studio outboard to Force and sample your gear to an Audio track.

CV Tracks
Get the most out of your modular rig. With CV tracks, send your track's MIDI data to external devices via Force's 4 CV/Gate outputs.

The ultimate creative sketchpad. Under the hood, Force provides musicians of all disciplines DAW-centric capability for an immersive, creative experience without limitation.

Realtime Sampling
Using Force's sampler, capture audio from combo inputs or resample from within the Force project. Add up to four real-time insert effects while recording and assign captured audio immediately to Tracks and Programs all in a truly effortless live workflow environment.

MPC Sample Editing
Without doubt, Akai Professional's MPC series cements the most advanced sample editing capability modern production demands. With Force, trim, crop, chop, process and manipulate samples with all the power our iconic MPC series provides. Seamlessly assign and layer samples and sequence via Force's RGB pads or the touch display.

The Perfect Groove
When it comes to capturing your performance, Force instantly adapts to your needs with all the critical tools modern DAWs provide. With an on-board step sequencer, MPC pad modes, legendary MPC Swing and a touch grid editor, capturing and honing your MIDI data for the perfect groove is just a touch away.

Looper
Resample your clips or capture audio from Force's collection of inputs and discover the endless creative possibilities of looping. Backed by an intuitive Touch User interface and full audio routing capability, Force's Looping capability is perfect for studio-centric inspiration or adding something truly original to your performance.

Mix
Using Force's Track and Pad Mixers, set levels, pan, assign insert FX and send source audio to any one of four internal sends for all program pads, project tracks and the master output. With dozens of processors and effects from the AIR FX suite (made famous by ProTools), all controllable via smart assignments on the rotary encoders or the displays on the touch user interface, discover a fluid, immersive mixing experience without compromise.

Technical Specifications

Pads (64) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, RGB-backlit Knobs (8) 360° touch-sensitive knobs (1) 360° encoder for display navigation and selection via push (5) 270°

knobs for gain, mix & level adjustment

Buttons (56) dedicated function buttons; red-, amber-, or green-backlit

Display 6.9”/176mm (diagonal) 5.9” x 3.7”/150 x 93mm (width x height) Full-color LED-backlit display with touch interface

Connections (2) XLR+1/4” (6.35mm) TRS inputs (Input 1/2) (4) 1/4” (6.35mm) TRS outputs (2 stereo pairs) (1) 1/4” (6.35mm) stereo headphone output (1) 1/8” (3.5mm) MIDI input (1) 1/8” (3.5mm) MIDI output (1) 1/8” (3.5mm) MIDI thru port (4) 1/8” (3.5mm) CV/Gate outputs (1) Ethernet link port (2) USB Type-A ports (1) USB Type-B port (1) SD card slot (1) power adapter input

Power via power adapter: 19V, 3.42A, center-positive, included

Dimensions (width x depth x height) 13.8” x 15.3” x 2.85” 350 x 389 x 72.5mm

Weight 8.53 lbs. 3.87kg

Standalone Music Production/DJ Performance System

Standalone – no computer required | 8x8 clip launch matrix with RGB LEDs | 7" full color capacitive multitouch display | Mic / instrument / line inputs, 4 outputs | MIDI In / Out / Thru | 4 configurable CV/Gate outputs | Remix, mash-Up, DJ and produce with 6 Track types for complete audio / MIDI / CV sequencing and performance capability | Performance Modes including 16-Pad Drums, Notes, Smart Scales, Chords & Progressions | MPC Sample Editing | Automatic BPM detection, real-time time-stretching and pitch-shifting | 8 touch-sensitive knobs with graphical OLED displays | 4 powerful, fully-editable synth engines | 16GB of on-board storage (over 10 gigs of sound content included) | Full-Size SD card Slot & 2 USB 3.0 slots for thumb drives or MIDI controllers | User-expandable 2.5" SATA drive connector (SSD or HDD)

Redefine your expectations. Force blurs—no, eliminates!—the lines between contemporary music production solutions and next-generation DJ performance technology, setting the precedent for a new industry standard. Fusing clip-launching, step sequencing, sampling, synth engines and tactile touch screen control into a standalone, performance-driven device, Force combines must-have modern functionality with an ultra-intuitive workflow that harnesses your creativity for maximum expressive capability.

Trap Performance and Tutorial

Tutorial - Live Performance with Force

Akai Pro Force - The Sizzlereel

The ultimate side-cart and a solo centrepiece in its own right, Force provides the pinnacle of liberated performance capability that roots your focus on delivering the ultimate performance, whatever your next set demands.

Remix

Seamlessly Import stems, loops and one-shots into Force’s 8x8 clip matrix and set playback modes including loop and trigger settings to remix and reimagine your tracks on the fly.

Tutorial - Launching Clips with Force

Mashup

Import multiple stems, then tune and time-stretch your content for immense mash-up potential – all content syncs to your master BPM so you never miss a beat.

DJ

Seamlessly assign tracks to Force’s crossfader, load full tracks, stems or loops to Force’s 8x8 matrix - fuse with scene/clip payback for an unrestricted DJ experience.

Tutorial - Using the Cross Fader

XYFX

Add impressive flair to your sets by harnessing the power of Force’s multi-touch display and on-board XYFX. Apply filter, modulation and beat repeat effects in real time to individual tracks, select outputs or tracks.

Ableton Link

Connect Force to your wireless network and sync your project with any Ableton Link compatible application or hardware device, including our iconic MPC Series.

Warp

Never miss a beat, thanks to Force’s dual custom real-time time stretch algorithms and auto BPM detection for effortless syncing of all audio within your project to your master BPM.

Cue Mix

The perfect drop! Prep your mix with dedicated cue assign controls and a cue mixer for all audio assigned to outputs 3/4 or via the cue-blend control on the headphone out.

At the heart of Force is an intuitive clip-centric workflow that forms the creative core of your performance. Combine multiple Modes with Plugin Tracks, MPC-Style Drum tracks, Audio tracks, Keygroup tracks, MIDI tracks and CV tracks to define clip types, then sculpt clips via step sequencing, drum pad performances and note data.

Trap Performance and Tutorial

Audio Tracks

Capture Audio from the dedicated combo inputs, load / sequence samples from Force’s browser or resample from another track.

Tutorial - Creating and Recording Tracks

Drum Tracks

Browse the expansive factory kit library or create your own with samples loaded from USB thumb drives or SD cards. With full MPC Sample Editing functionality fused with 16-Pad or Step-Sequencing performance Modes, it’s simple to create your perfect groove.

Plugin Tracks

Hard-coded into the Force Architecture are four premium synth engines, each with full editing capability for immersive sound sculpting potential. Sequence via a traditional piano roll, apply the onboard Arpeggiator or switch up to Note Mode for instant access to intelligent chord, progression and scale options.

Tutorial - Notes Mode

Keygroup Tracks

Load multi-sampled instrument keygroups and playback samples chromatically via a MIDI keyboard or Force’s pads. Using the on-board autosampler, create your own keygroups from your outboard synth gear and sound modules for instant recall within your project.

MIDI Tracks

Send your track’s MIDI data to an external MIDI device including synths and drum machines. Connect your peripheral studio outboard to Force and sample your gear to an Audio Track.

CV Tracks

Get the most out of your modular rig. With CV tracks send your track’s MIDI data to external devices via Force’s 4 CV/Gate outputs.

Meet the Synth Engines

Tutorial - Using Plugin Instruments

The ultimate creative sketchpad. Under the hood, Force provides musicians of all disciplines DAW-centric capability for an immersive, creative experience without limitation

Realtime sampling

Using Force’s sampler, capture audio from combo inputs or resample from within the Force project. Add up to four real-time insert effects while recording and assign captured audio immediately to Tracks and Programs all a truly effortless live workflow environment.

MPC Sample Editing

Without doubt, Akai Professional’s MPC series cements the most advanced sample editing capability modern production demands. With Force, trim, crop, chop, process and manipulate samples with all the power our iconic MPC series provides. Seamlessly assign and layer samples and sequence via Force’s RGB pads or the touch display.

The Perfect Groove

When it comes to capturing your performance, Force instantly adapts to your needs with all critical tools modern DAWs provide. With an on-board step sequencer, MPC pad modes, legendary MPC Swing and a touch grid editor, capturing and honing your MIDI data for the perfect groove is just a touch away.

Tutorial - Step Sequencer

Looper

Resample your clips or capture audio from Force’s collection of inputs and discover the endless creative possibilities of looping. Backed by an intuitive Touch User interface and full audio routing capability Force’s Looping capability is perfect for studio-centric inspiration or adding something truly original to your performance.

Tutorial - Live Looping

Mix

Using Force’s Track and Pad Mixers, set levels, pan, assign insert FX and send source audio to any one of four internal sends for all program pads, project tracks and the master output. With dozens of processors and effects from the AIR FX suite (made famous by ProTools), all controllable via smart assignments on the rotary encoders or the displays on the touch user interface, discover a fluid, immersive mixing experience without compromise.

Tutorial - Mixing with Force

Out-the-box, Force comes preloaded with 10GB+ of must-have sounds from industry leading sample content providers including SampleTools by CR2, MSX Audio and Sample Magic. With 248 Kits, 16 Demo Projects, 2500+ Loops and 500+ patterns, Force’s core library provides immediate access to the most sought-after sounds to inspire your creativity from the get-go.

Tutorial - Browsing Samples

Ableton Live Integration

Experiencing Limitless creative possibilities has never been easier. Force comes pre-mapped to Ableton Live with clip launching, control of the mixer and control of Ableton macros over a Wi-Fi network via Ableton Link - or an ethernet cable between Force and your computer. This unparalleled level of Ableton integration from a standalone device has been engineered to enable you to instantly switch between standalone operation and Live Control mode without ever stopping playback from either ecosystem.

Shift K3Y

In this performance video revolutionized we hook up British DJ, producer, singer and songwriter Shift K3Y performing “Rhythm of the Drum” using nothing but Force.

Force in Session - Shift K3Y

Just Blaze

In this video we hook up with American hip hop producer and DJ Just Blaze in NYC, discussing his thoughts on how Force revolutionizes his live performance workflow.

Force in Session - Just Blaze

Neon Vines

In this performance video, we hook up Austin (TX) based, producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Neon Vines performing “Worth it All” using nothing but Force.

Force in Session - Neon Vines