Why Akai and Moog Are Opening Their Hardware to Modders

inMusic is giving developers open-source code, an SDK, and hackable hardware across Akai, Moog, and Native Instruments. The shift shows how platform owners can turn enthusiast tinkering into an ecosystem advantage.

What happened

inMusic, the parent company of Akai, Moog, Native Instruments, and more, has decided to embrace the modding community. In an interview with The Verge, inMusic CEO Jack O’Donnell said, “We’re going to provide a toolbox to the community, we’re going to provide the inner workings of, say, an MPC or Sample so that people can do what they want.” That toolbox includes making the code for devices like the recently teased MPC Sample Key open source, while also offering developers an SDK to make modifications easier and lessen the risk of bricking a device.

The company is already seeding devices to developers ahead of the official release of the Sample Key, but O’Donnell stressed that reliability still matters. He said inMusic wants to “make sure that our official software is completely stable and good for an artist on stage,” adding that Fred Again cannot go on stage and discover his MPC is riddled with bugs. At the same time, he wants people to feel comfortable tinkering, saying the company will try to give them a reset button so they can experiment without losing what they have.

inMusic plans to make a bigger push at NAMM, the annual music manufacturers convention in Anaheim, with Creator Lab. There, technically curious musicians will get hands-on time hacking 22 new products from across its brands, including analog Moog gear. Other companies are moving in the same direction: Erica Synths released source code for its LXR-02 drum machine, Polyend open-sourced its Tracker grooveboxes, and Behringer announced open-source devices including a $150 clone of the MPC One called Kick.

Key facts

• inMusic is the parent company of Akai, Moog, Native Instruments, and more.
• CEO Jack O’Donnell said inMusic will provide a toolbox and the inner workings of an MPC or Sample so people can do what they want.
• The company plans Creator Lab at NAMM in Anaheim with hands-on hacking of 22 new products from across its brands.
• Behringer has announced a $150 clone of the MPC One called Kick as part of its open-source device lineup.
• Elektron has banned linking to hacks and modified firmware from its official forums, though it still allows general discussion of mods.

Our analysis

The move signals a shift from hardware as a closed product to hardware as a platform for community development. By open-sourcing code and providing an SDK, inMusic is lowering the technical barrier for modders while trying to keep official software stable enough for professional stage use. That dual approach matters because it acknowledges a tension many platform operators face: users will modify your product whether you help them or not, and official tools can turn a support risk into a source of ecosystem energy.

The urgency is striking. O’Donnell said this was not on inMusic’s task list five weeks ago. That suggests vibe coding and community-built firmware are moving faster than traditional product roadmaps, and brands that wait too long likely risk losing the most active tinkerers to competitors such as Behringer, Polyend, or Erica Synths. Elektron’s more cautious stance shows the other side: it banned linking to modified firmware over fears of bricking, future updates, and warranty coverage, but it did not stop general discussion. That is a meaningful line for operators to watch because it separates safety enforcement from community silencing.

For creators and social media managers, this story is not only about music hardware. It is a live example of how a brand can formally welcome an unofficial community without giving up product integrity. The Creator Lab format is also a content opportunity: hands-on hacking sessions produce tutorials, custom presets, before-and-after builds, and behind-the-scenes clips that can feed short-form video channels and keep a niche audience engaged around a product launch.

What it means for operators

• Create an official sandbox before unofficial hacks dominate. If your community is already modding your product, publish an SDK, open-source code, or at least documented guidelines so you can shape the direction and collect feedback.
• Offer a reset path. inMusic’s reset button idea reduces the fear of experimentation. A clear rollback or restore flow can encourage more users to try custom builds without abandoning your core product experience.
• Separate risky links from general discussion. Elektron’s approach suggests you can limit liability by banning direct links to modified firmware while still allowing conversation. This protects warranties and support teams without appearing hostile to enthusiasts.
• Turn hacking into content. Hands-on labs like Creator Lab can generate tutorial videos, creator interviews, and community spotlights. Build those moments into your launch calendar instead of treating modders as an afterthought.