Akai Professional

Akai Professional is a prominent name in the music industry, best known for its revolutionary MPC series which shaped modern electronic music and hip-hop. The brand traces its roots back to the Akai Electric Company, a Japanese firm founded in 1946 by Masukichi Akai and his son Saburo Akai. Originally starting as a manufacturer of motors and tape recorders, the brand transitioned into a powerhouse of digital music production throughout the late 20th century.

Today, the manufacturing of Akai Professional hardware and software controllers is primarily handled in China to take advantage of global supply chain efficiencies. Despite this, the research and development often occur in the United States and other global hubs under its current ownership. The brand remains a staple for DJs, producers, and live performers worldwide.

Since 2005, Akai Professional has been part of the inMusic Brands family. This move relocated the brand's strategic headquarters to the United States. As part of this large conglomerate, Akai shares resources with other legendary brands like Numark and Denon DJ, ensuring it stays at the forefront of digital Sampling, MIDI technology, and music production software development.