Akai parent inMusic opens its music gear to mods

inMusic, the parent company of Akai, Moog and Native Instruments, plans to give modders more access to its music hardware and software. CEO Jack O’Donnell told The Verge that the company wants to provide a “toolbox” and the “inner workings” of devices such as an MPC or Sample.

The plan includes open-sourcing code for devices such as the recently teased MPC Sample Key and offering developers a software development kit (SDK) to make modifications easier and reduce the risk of bricking a device. inMusic has begun sending devices to developers ahead of the Sample Key’s official release. O’Donnell said the company still wants its official software to be stable for artists performing on stage. He also said it wants to provide a reset button so people can experiment without losing what they have.

At NAMM, the music manufacturers’ convention in Anaheim, inMusic plans to showcase Creator Lab, where musicians can try hacking 22 new products across its brands. That includes Moog products, despite their analog designs. O’Donnell said the company could support modifications by building a platform that works around the circuits’ analog parts.

Other gear makers have released or announced open-source products, including Erica Synths, Polyend and Behringer. Elektron, meanwhile, bars links to hacks and modified firmware on its official forums, citing the risk of bricking devices, blocking future updates or affecting warranty coverage. It does not ban general discussion of modifications. O’Donnell said trying to wall off modders would be a losing battle.