Best SD Cards For Akai MPC Live III
Expert recommendations based on Akai MPC Live II specifications
Recommended Spec
SD / SDHC / SDXC (Full Size) (U3 / V30 or faster)
The MPC Live II streams samples and audio tracks from disk during playback. Use a U3/V30 SD card, or an SSD in its internal SATA bay for the largest libraries.
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Official Akai MPC Live II SD Card Requirements
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Format: SD / SDHC / SDXC (Full Size)
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Minimum Speed: U3 / V30 (30 MB/s write)
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App Performance: A2 (Recommended) (Required for OS/Apps)
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Maximum Capacity: Up to 2TB
Why these requirements? The MPC Live II is a battery-powered standalone that streams audio directly from disk during playback. Long samples, audio tracks, and large drum kits are read off the card in real time as a project plays. Because it is built to be gigged with, a slow or flaky card is the difference between a clean set and an audible dropout in front of an audience. Use a full-size UHS-I U3/V30 card so sustained read speed comfortably keeps pace with multitrack sample streaming, and format it as exFAT (or in-device) for stability. Akai supports cards up to 2TB, so size the card to your whole library rather than a single project.
Detailed Specifications
Type
SD / SDHC / SDXC (Full Size)
Min Speed Class
U3 / V30
Write Speed
30 MB/s
Recommended Size
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Max Capacity
2TB
Top SD Card Recommendations
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| SD Card | Verified | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I
Full Review
|
V30 | Up to 120 MB/s |
|
$$ Check Price | |
SanDisk Extreme SD UHS-I
Full Review
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Lexar Professional 633x SD (Blue Series)
Full Review
|
V30 | Up to 45 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
Open in full compare toolSee how the recommended cards for Akai MPC Live II stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.
recommended
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SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I
$$ · Premium- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 250 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 120 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB
Pros
- Among the fastest UHS-I SD cards
- with V30 and fast buffer clearing.
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Extreme.
recommended
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SanDisk Extreme SD UHS-I
$ · Mid-Range- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 180 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 90 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- V30 SD card that covers most 4K cameras.
Cons
- Clears the buffer slower than UHS-II cards.
budget
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Lexar Professional 633x SD (Blue Series)
$ · Budget- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 95 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 45 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- Budget V30 SD card.
Cons
- Slower than Lexar Silver and Gold.
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I
The SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I reads up to 200 MB/s with a SanDisk reader and carries a V30 rating. It covers 4K in most UHS-I cameras and clears bursts faster than the SanDisk Extreme.
Target User:
Professional photographers and videographers, content creators requiring fast storage
Best For:
Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Smartphones & Tablets
Choose SanDisk Extreme PRO over the standard Extreme for enhanced write performance and V30 speed class guarantee. The Extreme PRO also outperforms the other premium storage options in terms of read/write speeds.
SanDisk Extreme SD UHS-I
The SanDisk Extreme SD UHS-I reads up to 180 MB/s and writes up to 90 MB/s. Its V30 rating covers 4K in most cameras up to about 200 Mbps.
Target User:
Content creators, videographers, and mobile device users requiring high-speed storage
Best For:
Action Cameras, Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras
Consider the SanDisk Extreme over other mid-range options, such as the Lexar Professional 633x or the Kingston Canvas Reactor, which offer similar performance and reliability without the added luxury features.
Lexar Professional 633x SD (Blue Series)
The Lexar Professional 633x SD is a budget V30 card that reads up to 95 MB/s and writes up to 45 MB/s. It covers 1080p and 4K up to about 100 Mbps.
Target User:
Hobbyists, amateur filmmakers, and professionals on a budget
Best For:
Mirrrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Smartphones & Tablets
Consider this option over more expensive alternatives when seeking a budget-friendly solution with reliable performance. In comparison to some entry-level options, this card is a significant step up, but may not keep pace with more high-end alternatives. However, for those on a tight budget, it's a great way to avoid overspending on SD card capacity and speed.
Featured Products on Amazon
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Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
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Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
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Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for Akai MPC Live II?
The Akai MPC Live II takes a SD / SDHC / SDXC (Full Size) card rated U3 / V30 or faster. 256GB or 512GB or 1TB covers most owners, and the maximum is 2TB. Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
What is the maximum SD card size for the Akai MPC Live II?
Up to 2TB. Akai states the MPC Live II's full-size SD slot supports virtually all drive sizes (SD/SDHC/SDXC). Format the card to exFAT for cards over 32GB, or format it inside the MPC, for the most reliable results.
Why does my MPC Live II glitch or drop out when playing samples?
It is usually a card that can't keep up with sample streaming. The MPC streams audio off the card in real time, so a slow or worn card causes stutters and dropouts, especially mid-performance. Switch to a name-brand U3/V30 (ideally A2) card to maintain a steady sustained read speed.
Should I use the internal drive bay or an SD card?
Both work, and the SD card is the simplest expansion. The Live II has an internal 2.5" SATA bay for an SSD, but a fast full-size SD card is the easiest way to carry a large sample library and move it between machines. Many users keep their library on SD and reserve the SSD for recording.
Is V30 required for Akai MPC Live II?
Yes. V30 guarantees 30 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the Akai MPC Live II free of slow loads, stutter, or write errors. For load times, the A2 (Recommended) app rating matters more.
What size SD card should I get for Akai MPC Live II?
256GB covers light use; 1TB suits heavy use. The maximum is 2TB.
Can I use older or slower cards with Akai MPC Live II?
Not below U3 / V30. Slower cards cause slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Check the card label for the U3 / V30 mark.
Does the brand matter for Akai MPC Live II?
Yes. SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung and Kingston cards meet their rated speeds. Buy from the brand's store or a major retailer: counterfeit cards sold under those names are common on marketplaces.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Akai MPC Live II?
A card slower than U3 / V30 causes slow loads, stutter, or write errors. A card over the maximum capacity or in the wrong format may not be recognized.
How long will an SD card last in Akai MPC Live II?
Several years in normal use. Cards usually fail from wear or counterfeit flash, not age. Replace yours at the first write error, corrupted file or "card not recognized" message.