Behringer has unveiled the KICK, a prototype standalone music production device featuring a design reminiscent of the Akai MPC One. The upcoming machine has attracted attention for its combination of sampling and sequencing capabilities and an open-source software approach that could allow developers to create alternative firmware.
The device was highlighted by music technology publication Synth Anatomy on October 26, 2026, following the appearance of its development project on Music Tribe’s official GitHub repository. Although the announcement provides details about the hardware and software, Behringer has yet to confirm the KICK’s retail price or release date.
A familiar design with a different approach
The KICK features a touchscreen interface, 16 RGB performance pads arranged across eight banks, four assignable knobs, a jog wheel and a touch strip. Its overall layout bears a strong resemblance to the MPC One, a popular standalone production device from Akai Professional.
However, the KICK is not an Akai product and does not run Akai’s MPC operating system. Instead, Behringer is developing its own platform, with publicly available source code that could encourage independent software development.
The proposed workflow combines several functions commonly used in electronic music production, including sample editing, step sequencing and looping. The published specifications also list more than 300 built-in effects, potentially giving producers a range of options for shaping sounds without relying entirely on external processing.
Connectivity for modern music production
The published specifications indicate that the KICK will include MIDI input and output, USB-C, USB-A, stereo audio input and output, a headphone connection, an SD card slot and four CV/gate jacks. A 12-volt DC power input and an RJ45 connection labelled LINK are also listed.
These connections could make the device useful in studios that combine standalone beat-making equipment, MIDI keyboards and other electronic instruments. Its stereo audio input may also offer a route for recording sounds from external sources, although the precise sampling workflow and recording capabilities will need to be confirmed.
For producers who prefer hardware-based music creation, the combination of sampling, sequencing and external connectivity could make the KICK an interesting option. Its actual usefulness, however, will depend on the stability and completeness of the software delivered with the finished product.
Open-source firmware could set it apart
One of the most notable aspects of the KICK is its open-source development strategy. Music Tribe’s public repository includes source code associated with the main application, audio engine, hardware communication protocol and Linux system image.
Making software source code available could allow developers to examine how the system works, experiment with new features and potentially create alternative interfaces or workflows. This approach may also give the product a community-driven development path beyond the manufacturer’s own updates.
There is an important distinction between releasing source code and delivering a mature, community-supported operating system. The availability of code does not guarantee that alternative firmware will immediately be practical, reliable or easy to install. The extent of future customisation will depend on the hardware, development tools, licensing requirements and contributions from the community.
An unusual addition: AI camera functionality
The development repository also lists an AI camera intended for gesture control. This suggests that Behringer is exploring ways to introduce camera-based interaction into the music-making process.
At this stage, the published information does not fully explain how the camera will operate in practice, which gestures it will recognise or whether every proposed feature will appear in the final commercial version. Its value to musicians will ultimately depend on how reliably it can control useful production functions.
How it compares with the Akai MPC One
The KICK and the MPC One share a broad design philosophy: both are built around performance pads, a touchscreen and an integrated music production workflow. The MPC One, however, already has an established operating system and a mature ecosystem of production features.
The KICK’s open-source approach could offer a different kind of appeal, particularly to musicians and developers interested in customisation. Nevertheless, similar hardware layouts do not necessarily translate into equivalent capabilities. The quality of the sampling tools, sequencing workflow, effects, storage management and software support will be essential factors in determining how the two devices compare.
Until the KICK reaches a more mature stage, a definitive comparison of their real-world performance would be premature.
Price and availability remain unconfirmed
As of October 27, 2026, the KICK remains a development-stage product, and an official retail price and launch date have not been established in the cited announcement. It is therefore too early to determine whether it will compete with the MPC One on price or offer a compelling alternative for producers working with limited budgets.
Its eventual reception will depend not only on affordability but also on the quality of the finished hardware, the usability of its software and the level of support it receives after launch.
A promising project still awaiting its final form
Behringer’s KICK introduces an interesting proposition for the standalone music production market: a familiar pad-based workflow paired with a software platform intended to support open development.
If the company delivers reliable hardware and a capable production environment, the device could attract beatmakers looking for an alternative to established closed software ecosystems. Its open-source strategy may prove particularly significant if independent developers build useful tools and maintain them over time.
For now, the KICK should be viewed as a promising prototype rather than a confirmed replacement for the Akai MPC One. Its final specifications, software performance, price and availability will determine whether it becomes a serious contender in the market.
