Akai's MPC Live completely redefines the portable sampler workstation. It includes most of the key elements that make the MPC X freakishly cool, trading a share of surface-level control, the extended I/O, and some screen size for a lightweight and compact body that can run on rechargeable battery power. Like its big brother, the MPC Live actually runs the MPC 2.0 software platform for completely standalone operation, but you can also connect it to your computer. A set of 16 amazing pads, four Q-Link encoders plus a master encoder, dedicated buttons, and a 7" multi-touch display deliver an impressive amount of control, so although this MPC is more complex than any old-school model, you'll never find one that's easier to learn than the MPC Live.