Akai FORCE just stepped into a new league. The 3.5 update brings the most powerful upgrades ever: pro-grade plugins, MPC workflows, and performance tools—all in a setup that stays off the grid.
Akai Professional, a leader in music production gear, has just released its most significant FORCE update ever: FORCE 3.5 is now available as a free public Beta.
For the first time, FORCE fully integrates with the MPC®3 operating system, unlocking advanced workflows, DAW-style control, and full support for Akai Pro’s acclaimed plugins—entirely standalone. What once seemed out of reach for independent producers is now built in. FORCE 3.5 redefines what it means to create professional-grade music without a laptop.
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“FORCE 3.5 Beta marks a defining moment not just for the platform, but for standalone music production as a whole,” said Andy Mac, Creative Global Marketing and Artist Relations Manager.
So, what’s new in this update?
Thanks to plugin support compatible with AIR, Akai Pro, and Native Instruments (MPC Edition), you can now use virtual instruments on FORCE without any computer or extra software—just plug in and start creating studio-quality sounds instantly.
One of the most exciting features is the addition of the powerful additions in FORCE 3.5 is MPC Stem—a feature that lets you isolate vocals, drums, and background music from any track. Whether you’re remixing, rebuilding beats from classic breaks, or crafting live mashups, this tool opens up new creative possibilities. (MPC Stems licence required.)
Complementing this is the new ability to automate tempo changes, arrange tracks in real time, and build dynamic performance sets. With Follow Actions, musical sections can trigger based on preset rules, adding spontaneity and depth to your live shows.
If you’re moving between platforms, full MPC sequence import makes it easy to carry your work over to FORCE. The update also enhances keygroup synthesis and introduces selectable warp algorithms—giving you tighter, more accurate control over time-stretching and pitch without unwanted artefacts.
To streamline your workflow, FORCE 3.5 introduces new navigation modes like Main Mode, XL Channel Strip, and Sounds Mode, helping you manage tracks, instruments, and effects more efficiently. Faster sample loading and expanded export options—from stems to complete projects—make the entire system more responsive and studio-ready.
For producers looking to expand their sound palette, FORCE now supports Native Instruments’ MPC Edition sound packs such as Analogue Dreams, Cloud Supply, Sway, and Faded Reels—all optimised for seamless performance within the standalone ecosystem.
The update also includes a suite of instrument and effect plugins that bring professional-grade sound design tools to any FORCE setup. Each one is fully optimised for 3.5 Beta and available for individual purchase.
And as a limited-time bonus, Beta users receive the AIR Music Tech Multiband Filterbank plugin for free—an extra tool to shape and refine your sound with precision. With these updates, FORCE enters a new era—more powerful, flexible, and delivering greater value to producers worldwide.
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