Akai Pro Announces Flex Beat Update

US The long awaited plugin release for MPC Standalone 02/11/23

Akai Pro has unveiled an update to Flex Beat, a plugin release for MPC Standalone. A spokesperson told us, "Flex Beat is the acclaimed plugin for beat manipulation and sound design. Designed with the versatility and functionality that are hallmarks of Akai Pro, Flex Beat aims to provide a fast, inspirational, and practical solution for enhancing beat-based music production."

Here's the details direct from Akai Pro...

Features At A Glance

16 performance pads for pattern presets

Pad play modes for Loop, One Shot and Hold behaviour

Pads are MIDI controllable using MIDI sidechain input*

Preset banks for instant inspiration

Ability to launch quantized patterns, so your music never skips a beat

Large library of pad presets with a preview function

Detailed pattern editor with snap, adjustable curve types and envelope tools.*

Export or import pattern presets in .fnv format compatible with Gross Beat ™*

Dry / Wet mix

* Desktop version only

Take Control Of Your Sound
Designed for utmost versatility, Flex Beat features 16 performance pads equipped with a diverse array of pattern presets. Whether users seek Loop, One Shot, or Hold behaviour, Flex Beat's pad play modes are designed to meet every need. Furthermore, these pads are MIDI-controllable, granting full control in both studio and live environments.

Preset Banks: Inspiration at One's Fingertips
Creative blocks are no match for Flex Beat's extensive range of preset banks, which serve as an immediate source of inspiration. This is complemented by a launch quantization feature to ensure music remains consistently on beat.

Sound Mangling at One's Fingertips
This plugin offers an expansive library of presets that inject instant character into tracks. From DJ scratches to trance gates, an array of sonic options awaits exploration. Flex Beat also supports .fnv preset imports and exports, compatible with Gross Beat™, broadening the sonic palette even further.

Flex Those Creative Muscles
The intricate pattern editor in Flex Beat provides a level of control commonly reserved for high-end DAWs. Features like snap-to-grid, adjustable curve types, and envelope tools enable precise sound shaping.

QLINK Mapped Controls for Easy Sound Editing
Optimised for vivid touchscreen displays, the plugin's interface incorporates Q-LINK mapping to put essential controls within easy reach. This user-friendly interface speeds up the editing process through immediate feedback and touch controls.

Run It Back
Flex Beat includes three unique pad playback modes--One Shot, Loop, and Hold--that facilitate experimentation with rhythmic patterns. Simply select a mode and explore new rhythmic landscapes.

Not Just for Beatmakers
Though crafted with beatmakers in mind, Flex Beat finds its utility extended to sound design and FX creation, making it a valuable asset for professionals in film, TV, and gaming industries. Even seemingly inconsequential audio files can transform into a multitude of new sonic possibilities with Flex Beat.

Availability

Flex Beat is available now in VST, AU, and VST3 formats. It offers full support for MPC standalone and desktop systems running version 2.12.2 or later. A 10-day trial of the AKAI Flex Beat desktop plugin is available for download.