AKAI Professional MPC Key 61
- 61 Semi-weighted keys
- Velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
- More than 6000 preset sounds and 25 plug-in instruments
AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 Review
Building on a rich history of powerful sequencing and groundbreaking sampling, the Akai MPC Key 61 delivers the most advanced next-generation digital instruments and effects ever brought to the MPC lineup. It adds to its collection of industry-leading music production tools, setting a new standard for creativity and performance.
For the first time, Akai Professional has combined their legendary MPC platform with a keyboard workstation. The new MPC Key 61 is easily one of the most feature-packed standalone production instruments ever made.
Akai’s MPC revolutionized music in the late ’80s when pop and hip-hop icons got their hands on it. Now, the MPC Key 61 features refined versions of classic MPC tools, plus added pressure-sensitive velocity pads, pad memory, 63 function buttons, and much more.
AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 Plugins, Sounds, and Samples
The MPC Key comes loaded with 25 pre-installed plug-in instruments, and there’s a good chance we’ll see even more added in future firmware updates. Pressing the Sounds button opens a browser, making it easy to choose from the available instruments and presets and assign them to your current track.
Two important new additions are FabricXL—a sample-based software synth that offers a wide range of sounds—and the OPx4 FM engine, which features four operators for creating classic FM tones.
In addition to these, the MPC Key includes the engines already available on other models, like DrumSynth, Hype, and Tubesynth synthesizers by AIR Music Technology, as well as emulations of the Solina String Ensemble, Mellotron, and ARP Odyssey. Other instruments include Stage Piano, Stage EP, and Organ for classic keyboard sounds, plus many more.
With such a large variety of sounds, the MPC Key really feels like a DAW packed with a comprehensive library of plug-ins. The best part is how easy it is to stay in the creative flow while coming up with new ideas.
Got an idea for some Rhodes chords to go with the drum beat you just created? Just switch to a new track, load up the Stage EP, and start playing on the keyboard. Many of the sounds are excellent and easily rival current software synths and commercial sample libraries.
AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 Sampling Process
Akai’s MPC range is famous for its powerful sampling capabilities, and this synthesizer is no exception. With 16 signature RGB drum pads and classic beat sequencing features, the MPC Key feels like an MPC One combined with a modern arranger keyboard.
Each pad on the MPC Key includes aftertouch and Note Repeat functions, allowing for expressive and dynamic pattern triggering—building on the MPC’s legendary legacy. Sequencing or layering your own samples with the built-in synthesis features makes it fast and easy to create and produce complete tracks using just this one keyboard.
Combine the sampling features with onboard transport controls, along with classic swing, groove, and quantization, and you get the iconic hardware sampling workflow that the MPC is known for. Whether you’re making tightly sequenced pop or the laid-back beats of east-coast hip-hop that made the MPC range famous, the MPC Key has you covered!
AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 Audio Interface
The MPC Key hardware features a two-channel audio interface. This is a function that’s starting to appear on many of the more premium workstation synths on the market. However, since the MPC Key comes in at a more accessible price point, this makes it a very appealing feature.
The interface’s combo inputs are perfect for line, instrument, or microphone connections, and they even offer phantom power for condenser mics. The only real limitation is your imagination.
Record guitar, piano, or vocals directly into the synth, then use the built-in effects and sample chopping to shape your recordings. Pair the MPC Key with a drum machine and use the sample pads to add extra textures. Connect other hardware synths in your studio to layer them with MPC Key sounds—the possibilities are endless!
Whether you don’t have any studio gear yet or you already own a wide range of instruments, the MPC Key 61 is designed to connect with whatever you have in your space. It fits comfortably into your existing collection of tools, or it can be the centerpiece to help you expand your setup.
AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 Connectivity
Ever since it was created, the MPC was designed to serve as the main hub of your studio, and this model is no exception. It features four audio outputs and a headphone jack (which, honestly, would have been more convenient on the front instead of the back, where it’s surrounded by everything else). For inputs, you get two 1/4”-XLR combo jacks with built-in mic preamps. The TRS inputs handle instrument or line-level signals, while the XLR inputs supply phantom power for microphones if needed. Each input also has its own gain control.
In addition to MIDI In/Out/Thru, the MPC Key comes with eight assignable CV/Gate jacks, making it perfect for running your modular setup as well. As a keyboard workstation, it also includes three pedal jacks for sustain, an assignable footswitch, and expression control.
Alongside a USB-B port for connecting to your computer, the MPC Key offers two USB-A ports, so you can plug in external controllers, storage devices, USB-MIDI synths, or even an extra MIDI interface. You can also connect a class-compliant USB audio interface to add more audio ins and outs. Finally, there’s an Ethernet port and wireless connectivity via WiFi and Bluetooth, ideal for things like syncing with Ableton Link.
- 100 Multi-effect algorithms
- 16 Velocity-sensitive RGB pads (8 pad banks)
- Assignable Touch Strip controller
- 7″ Colour multi-touch display with gesture control
- 4 Q-Link encoders and push encoders
- 32GB Internal memory, expandable via SATA connector for optional hard drive
- MPC DAW with MIDI and audio recording
- WLAN- and Bluetooth-enabled
- 4 Line outputs: 6.3 mm jack
- Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
- 2 Mic/line inputs: XLR/TRS combo jack, 48 V phantom power
- 4GB RAM
Why You Need the AKAI Professional MPC Key 61
Are you a keyboard player, hip-hop producer, beatmaker, or just someone who loves new gear? Then the MPC Key 61 is the perfect unit for you. With its built-in keys, internal plugins, and sample library, this unit has quickly become a must-have for many of us.
Released in 2022, the MPC Key 61 features Akai’s latest technology, designed to be their ultimate unit not just for this year, but for many years to come. While the price might be above the standard budget for some, when you compare it to other units and consider the performance it offers, it’s easy to see why this is the best option out there.
Conclusion
MPC with keys – unique, right? The brand new AKAI MPC Key 61 answers this question with a resounding “yes.” Its innovative Sounds mode, featuring a wide selection of plug-in instruments, transforms the classic pad sampler into a fully-fledged hardware production workstation.
Thanks to the built-in keyboard, you can play all these sounds right away—no need for an external MIDI keyboard. Of course, the legendary sampling workflow, powerful sequencer, and impressive connectivity are all still included, making this a true MPC at heart. Plus, with twice the memory of the MPC X, the MPC Key 61 handles larger projects with ease.
If you have any questions about this unit, please let us know in the comments below or reach out to the developer’s customer care team for more detailed support.
