Akai Professional has released an official software development kit for its MPC hardware, enabling third-party developers to create custom synthesizers, effects and other plugins for compatible standalone instruments. According to Synthtopia, the MPC Plugin SDK provides a C++ framework, plugin templates, example projects and cross-compilation tools for building software that runs directly on MPC hardware.
The SDK is published through the GitHub organization of inMusic, Akai Professional’s parent company, and is available free under the MIT license. Synthtopia reports the documentation includes instructions for working with AI coding agents such as Claude Code and OpenAI Codex, allowing developers to describe an instrument or effect in natural language and generate the underlying code.
The SDK includes examples of synthesizers, stereo delay effects and drum instruments, along with tools for designing touchscreen interfaces and assigning controls to the MPC’s hardware Q-Links. Synthtopia notes the latest MPC update also adds Arrange Mode editing tools, AAX support for Pro Tools, deeper MPK controller integration, MPC Beats mode, new 8×8 performance modes for MPC Live III and MPC XL, and workflow enhancements across MPC and Force.
Compatible MPC hardware requires OS 3.10.1 or later and External Plugin Support to load third-party plugins. Synthtopia reports the MPC operating system itself remains not open source, but the SDK offers an officially supported route for independent developers to expand the platform.
For more information, visit synthtopia.com.
