Best SD Cards For Akai MPC Live II
Expert recommendations based on Akai MPC X specifications
Recommended Spec
SD / SDHC / SDXC (Full Size) (U3 / V30 or faster)
The MPC X streams samples from disk and has a full-size SD slot that runs at UHS-I speed. A U3/V30 card with an A2 rating handles large programs.
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Official Akai MPC X 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 X is the flagship standalone MPC, and like the rest of the line it streams audio directly from disk. Large kits, audio tracks, and long samples are read off the card in real time as a project plays. Its big-screen, studio-centric users tend to keep enormous libraries, so capacity headroom and a steady sustained read speed matter most. A fast full-size UHS-I U3/V30 card (ideally A2) keeps sample streaming glitch-free; if you want maximum headroom for big multitrack sessions, the MPC X's full-size slot also accepts UHS-II cards (they run at UHS-I speeds but are still excellent). Format to exFAT (cards over 32GB) or format in the MPC, and Akai supports drives up to 2TB.
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-II
|
V90 | Up to 260 MB/s |
|
$$ Check Price | |
|
SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I
Full Review
|
V30 | Up to 120 MB/s |
|
$$ Check Price | |
Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
Full Review
|
V90 | Up to 299 MB/s |
|
$$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
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SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II
$$ · Premium- UHS RatingUHS-II
- Speed ClassV90
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 300 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 260 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- V90 UHS-II card for high-bitrate video and fast bursts.
Cons
- High cost per GB.
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SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-I
$$ · Premium- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 250 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 120 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB
Pros
- Among the fastest UHS-I SD cards
- with V30 and fast buffer clearing.
Cons
- Costs more than the SanDisk Extreme.
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Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
$$ · Premium- UHS RatingUHS-II
- Speed ClassV90
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 300 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 299 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Pros
- One-piece molded body rated for drops
- water and bending. Writes up to 299 MB/s.
Cons
- Expensive.
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.
Sony TOUGH G-Series SD
The Sony TOUGH G-Series is a V90 UHS-II SD card that reads up to 300 MB/s and writes up to 299 MB/s. Its one-piece molded body has no ribs or write-protect switch to break, and it is rated for drops, water and bending.
Target User:
High-end camera users and professionals in rugged environments
Best For:
Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Action Cameras
For users looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Lexar Professional SD card or the Delkin Devices Power SD card, which offer similar performance but at a lower price point.
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 X?
The Akai MPC X 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 X?
Up to 2TB. The MPC X has a full-size SD/SDHC/SDXC slot and Akai supports virtually all drive sizes. Format cards larger than 32GB to exFAT, or format inside the MPC, for reliable recognition.
Does the MPC X benefit from a UHS-II card?
It accepts UHS-II cards, but the slot runs at UHS-I speeds. A quality UHS-I U3/V30 (A2) card is all the MPC X needs for smooth sample streaming. A UHS-II card will work and is a fine choice if you also use it in a faster reader, but you don't need to pay the UHS-II premium purely for the MPC X.
Why does my MPC X stutter when loading big programs?
Usually a slow or worn card. Because the MPC streams audio from the card during playback, large programs with many long samples expose a weak card as stutters or load errors. Move to a name-brand U3/V30 (A2) card and keep the library on a card sized for your whole collection.
Is V30 required for Akai MPC X?
Yes. V30 guarantees 30 MB/s of sustained write, which keeps the Akai MPC X 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 X?
256GB covers light use; 1TB suits heavy use. The maximum is 2TB.
Can I use older or slower cards with Akai MPC X?
Not below U3 / V30. Slower cards cause slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Check the card label for the U3 / V30 mark.
Should I use more than one card with Akai MPC X?
For long shoots, yes. Two mid-size cards cost about the same as one large card, and a failure then loses half your files instead of all of them.
Does the brand matter for Akai MPC X?
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 X?
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 X?
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.