Akai MPC KEY 61 - Best of both worlds
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- Akai just dropped the MPC KEY61. Let's check this new workstation keyboard out, focusing on the hardware. It's more powerful than the previous versions of the MPC's and it also comes with a lot of brand new instruments.
As a current MPC user, this one brings a new but yet familiar workflow to the beat making process. I think it's a great studio piece and all the new updates we got in the 2.11 update enables this one to be a beast of a device for people like me.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this - Let's get into it in the comment section!
Thanks for supporting what I do here. A great way to show some love would be to become a Patreon even though I don't offer anything special in return right now. / accurate
Much Love/ Acc
Disclaimer: This unit was sent to me by Akai as a loan unit for a limited time.
Here goes the usual spiel:
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I get so excited when NI or Akai introduce a new type of product because you know the other company is going to try to match it and surpass it. Inevitably they end up forcing each other to create better stuff and we all get to reap the benefits. Specifically, I’ve been wanting this EXACT product from Akai or NI ever since the first time I used a keyboard workstation. So pumped!
Right! Workstation keyboards has been out of fashion for long and it’s time to bring it back.
This fits me perfectly since it has the MPC workflow and still feels like the other MPC’s. A similar device by NI a would be very interesting too! Only time will tell.
Thanks for watching man!
yeah, look at how this MPC Keys resembles a Native Instruments controller 🤣
I would love a keyboard that can run Kontakt on its own. They might go for a "Maschine Keys" or something based on Maschine+, which I kind of don't like because they went with an Atom CPU instead of ARMv8, despite using a custom Linux build, so Massive X never, aside from the mixed opinions on that groovebox that has me steering clear of it. Well, there's always "Maschine+ Mk2" at some point in a few years, I'll be sticking to my Mk3 controller and other gear for now.
@@BeauTylerMakesMusic absolutely, and if they start stealing Yamaha's, Roland's , and Korg's thunder in the rompler keyboard space, those companies will be forced to step up their game and stop skimping out on us like they've been doing for years now, and we win in the end 😁
@@Jason75913 😝
The only major change I would make would be to have 16 q-link knobs to make it more of a synth.
This looks very cool. I was most productive when I had everything at my fingertips in a single device as opposed to using a daw. Definitely worth considering.
This device is brilliant! OMG!
it looks epic
Reminds me of an advanced ASR 10 Keyboard!!!!
AKAI KEY 61 is the new Ensoniq ASR-10 on steroids 😍
wow! this is a great piece! killer work, akai
They really did it. They finally made what we all have dreamt of since the early 90’s. I never thought I would see the day before I left this earth.
That being said ….. for nearly 2k dollars it really is sad it’s not metal.
And finally …. What ever the next version of this is …… that’s gonna be THE next legendary piece of MPC history mark my words.
I'm impressed at how good the piano plugin sound. I tried the demo on my mpc x and I was blown away.
Totally agree! Both that and the Stage EP sounds really good to me 😀
its actually very nicely organized, I really like the layout and small details like led for octaves etc
Huge step in the right direction, but I personally don’t think I’ll consider an MPC again until they get a better sequencer. It doesn’t need to be a full blown DAW style sequencer, but something visual so I can tweak my parts after I lay them out. I had the Live II for a couple years so…I mean I know the tricks to put a whole song together, it just never felt intuitive.
Oh, also, more than 4 effects per track would be nice… And perhaps some sort of open interface for Sound Card manufacturers to be able to allow us to setup how our cards are working with the MPC, I had some huge issues with sample rates I couldn’t fix… lol. I loved the MPC, just not enough to see past the issues I guess. But if things keep improving I may well be back.
Would the arranger on the Akai Force be a solution to your sequencer problem, or am I misunderstanding?
@@wilsoncj yes
@@wilsoncj If it were on the MPC Live II or the MPC KEY then yes, it would be.
Facts
@@artisans8521 Right, I mean, I said “per track” and that’s what I meant. I’m aware we can use the four busses to throw on four more effects, but I prefer to use my busses as busses (ie., for effects that are to be used on multiple tracks). And yeah…I probably could bend the rule in some cases but, honestly, that’s part of the issue with the MPC’s setup. Getting things done requires sooo many needless compromises it’s just kind of ridiculous.
Stay blessed 🙌
You too fam
Thanks for doing this! Jazzed about this. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on sounds.
Thanks!
I have a video in the works on Fabric XL and Stage EP ;)
I’m so torn between getting a live for the portability or staying my ass home with one of these lol. I’d never see the Sun 🤣
I’m waiting for Native Instruments to drop their standalone keyboard.
Me too
Might Be a long wait
Akai Force has Session View and Arrange View like Ableton Live. I don't understand why they didn't implement this technology already created in FORCE in this Key 61. This worktation with so many instruments is where it makes more sense to have Seesion View and the Arrange view. Not having these specifications I'm even more relieved because it saves me €2000.
Maybe that will come later as the Force Keys 61........................
They keep force and mpcs separate.
@@maikhock2847 yes, we know
Cuz they are probably leaving that for the force line…..
Really hoping for Push Keys Standalone one day! .... maybe that's why AKAI not making it based on Force flow instead? :)
If this thing came with a way to run 3rd party VSTs thru it it would be a game changer. But for those of us who already have a midi keyboard and an MPC it doesnt really make much sense
Facts I have the mpc live 2 and mpk 2 midi keyboard so I'm straight.
I got a midi and live 2 n I still got the 61 key way better
@@Diceicecharliebeats why though
Thanks for breaking it down the way you did
Thanks for watching and commenting the way you did
Really well made video, thanks for going into detail.
Akai changing the game and kicking NI's butt
Don’t sleep on N.I they cooking something special in the lab.
@@99MUZIK will wait, but for the past 3-4 years Akai went beast mode
As soon as Native Instruments drops something like this I’m in!!
Stop motion unpack?! I never knew I needed it, thanks!
I own NI Komplete Kontrol S61 and loving it, but thi device is way more than that! It is more advanced and standalone. Looking forward to trying this in a store or studio
Great video bro. Nice to see you still at it.
Accurate beats!!
Thanks man, great video.
Excellent 👌
I am glad they sent you this. What a monster.
Nice brisk & well articulated overview! 👍
Love your animation intro. Awesome.
Looks cool
Thanks very much for the video revirw man.
Its been a while since i last came here. Its good to see you, and good to enjoy your cool beats and cool spirit ;)
Finally AKAI nailed this. Finally..!
I hope, they also keep the disk-streaming feature ..which was introduced not that long ago..
I reckon it does.
I'll be waiting for the review on the instruments.
Cheers from Portugal ;)
great video. thx.
15 years after the Roland Fantom G series.
Another great demo. Please post your videos in the new akai 61 key face book group.
Akai makes epic stuff - Finally competition for Roland, Yamaha and KORG.
I drew this board up 20yrs ago NO LIE!!!!
Love the video thanx for the info
Would love to see a mini keys 3 octave version with rechargeable battery. MPC KEY 37 MICRO!!!
Ouff! That sounds too cool to ever happen :p
dope idea
Your overviews/reviews are far and away the best out there, thanks brother. I was just telling a friend that if it had been my job to bring the MPC Key to the world (fantasies are fun!) I would have wanted modified software in order to incorporate some sort of arranger mode (like that on the Force). I realize this would have made the project much more complicated, and perhaps more expensive. But it makes so much sense for a product like this, and they (Akai) already have a proven and popular arranger on the market in a different device. I also wanted 16 q-links. At least 8. 4?! C'mon Akai, what's up with that.
Yep I’m snatching one
Emmanuel Chukwunonso don't worry. When I first started setuping I felt the exact sa. Just keep ssing around with a DAW and you
These workstations have come such a long way since I bought the Yamaha SY85 years and years ago…
I don't need it...but I still want it.
I know that feeling
Vendors: Hook up Accurate with a studio space to comfortably move around. At this rate, we won't be able to see him! He's put in the work!
Haha! I’d love that!
I got the key to my new studio space the other day. Moving in soon enough :)
Superb video, looks ace, price is good.. and the new instruments!!...ooh!
Thanks!
Yeah, the new instruments are really good. I have another video on the Stage EP and Fabric XL are leasing in a few days. They’re all really powerful
It's better than I thought 😉😉😉😉😉
Excellent introduction video on what seems to be a good new product by AKAI. Native Instruments will need to move ….
Thank you!
Yeah, the competition has a new level to rise to 😀
Excellent video. Very intriguing instrument. I'm actually toying with the idea of a standalone unit for a hybrid setup for when I want to go DAWless and possibly perform. I already own the Touch which works great. As time goes on, hopefully I'll be able to try a Key 61 at a Guitar Center at some point. Thank you
Thank you!
This could definitely be solution for that. Giving it a real try is always a good idea :)
Thanks for watching!
@@AccurateBeats I would start with this and the Roland Jupiter XM and build from there
Interesting keyboard. I've always liked the key interface starting on piano. But silly only 4 qlinks though. Would love some qlink faders like the 2500
The faders... what for? Describe in detail.
@@otobotrecords for qlinks. They can be used to control anything. The mpc2500 had them and they were fantastic.
@@slakk5093 Rotary encoders are infinite and therefore more practical IMHO. I think Akai should have put more of those from the MPC X with displays on the Key 61.
@@otobotrecords yes rotary are more practical, but faders are useful as well. For different things. The 2500 had rotary & faders. There's ample room on the Key, so would have been nice to have a bank of faders.
@@otobotrecords wait for mkII
Pretty cool, but I love the launch format of the Force better. I can't believe the prices of the plugins for us older users too.
🔥🔥🔥
Looks good but if it doesn't have a linear style arranger then I can live with out it.
that was fantastic ,looking fwd to the overview of some of the sounds , especially the electric pianos as I was going to buy a dedicated stage piano but struggle to justify the cost just for piano , Ep sounds , I have a Mpc one and this would be an easy transition plus having some of the piano sound if there good
Thanks!
I’m working on a video covering the Stage EP piano and the Fabric XL synth and I gotta say that the Stage piano sounds fantastic!
Great introductory video Accurate. I'm sure we are going to see a lot of people with this in their studios. I already have enough 61 key synths in my studio and two classic MPCs. I'm okay, this isn't for me but it will be great for those with a small set up who has the space and wants the new tech.
Verry nice! One question, can you sample on your keys? Like ensoniq? Like you can split your sample on the 61 keys?
yes
I am waiting for the 88 key version.
Ooooo. You fancy.
Yo got it bro!! Wow!!! I knew you would get this master piece. Damn I need one ASAP!!! Starting to save now. I'll be banging out on this by September for sure!!!💯💯💯
can you play drum programs with the keys instead of the pads?
Looks like a good 'desert island' synth/sampler
I need the mpc original cream color with upgrades.
Keylab mk3 is waiting in the wings and watching.
Wow that’s a big ass footprint. 😜
That's a big fella right there
It is!
Looks like a challenge for Native Instruments😄
For sure! A standalone Maschine+\ komplete kontrol keyboard would be something… it really would
Why do companies feel like its ok to put out something without usb c in 2022
USB-C would definitely be something, you’re totally right about that
I’m getting mad looking at it
I want one ☝️
But mpc one is here wiv me
man I hope they make 49!
Joom puck! Excellent
I'm so glad Akai started with the cheaper non-keyboard workstation (One, Live, X), but it is great to see this unit out there now as well. Using a keyboard with the MPC is great, but I think more people need a smaller non-keyboard unit.
Yeah, now they have products available for most users… That’s pretty cool.
A 49 key would be awesome!!!
are the new instruments coming to the other Live series? I saw someone else post about OP 4 but there's no information on it
I’m gonna keep praying Korg release a MegaSampler.
I’d definitely be up for that too! The more the merrier :D
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Although I would LOVE to have this new toy, I would need to really be a whole lot more active writing and producing to justify getting the new gear (and I would like to wait for updated versions of the keys, besides… perhaps with the same battery portability as the MPC Live. (I had heard that you cannot add SSD with the key 61, but I hope you are correct about it.)
It looks good.....
You know! I was considering buying a vintage Ensoniq EPS 16. I’m not sure why… I sold mine 20 years ago, and I thought I wanted it. Then I ran across this video, and I thought, why why. 😂...
great video ✋🏻
Do you know if the MPC key 61 can run as a soundcard with Cubase , to record a mic , record the sound of MPC and to control Vst in midi with it ?
I wish AKAI would work with other companies than AiR. They've made some good stuff but the reality is AiR is more of a budget VST company. They're good at making a variety of affordable and versatile plugins but it shows in the quality of a lot of their stuff. It has that tinny, thin, washy VST sound.
I don't know how they capture the space for reverb but it's sounds awful and cheap. I put AiR above the likes of Studio linked but it's in the same ballpark. AKAI should be dealing with sound developers on par with Yamaha, Korg, Roland. If they did this machine would be untouchable. Maybe they will use different companies for future plugin instruments and effects but a lot of these sound like cheap bundles from Plugin Boutique
AKAI and AiR are the same company (owned by InMusic Brands). I think the reverb on the MPCs can sound awesome when you dial it in.
Akai should step over it shadow and work with the best of the best. Then they all will benefit.
Is there any video yours about Roland Fantom-0?
OMG! Did they send that to you?
Great video, Accurate. This product isn't for me, regardless of the cost, but I'm certain it will meet the needs of many. Blessings!
Thanks! I agree fully. This one will fit some people better than others :)
@@AccurateBeats ❤👊
Not for all, and I don't mean for the price (it will drop soon just like Digitone Keys or Force, probably around 1.800€). Lovely review✌🏻
Thank you! Sure, workstation keyboards isn’t for everyone. This is probably the best one I’ve every tried though :)
What does it cost? € 2399!!! Way way overprized!!!! Out of my league! And no tilted touchscreen, for this amount of Money it should have! Probably the first and last video I am watching about this expensive product!
Inflation is going up everywhere, better get used to it.
It’s a really great idea, and it’s kind of like Akai’s take on a Triton for the 2020’s. Akai always should have made something like this. For those who play keys and make hip-hop and electronic music, this is like an MPC without being stuck using drum pads for playing Rhodes and pads/strings.
That said, it is really expensive, but the Tritons were always 2 grand. It’s way out of my price range though. I wish they could have made it come in under $1500, but that might be unrealistic nowadays.
If you were just getting your first MPC today- would you get the 61 or 37? I’m not *really a keyboard player. But I like to noodle and space isn’t too much of an issue.
Funny but I kinda like it.Looks like Korg M50
Do you think think maybe they will unveil another with more keys and a similar build material as the MPC live with full size drum pads?
What would be SUPER DOPE would be in built speakers like the Live 2.
nah
@@Jason75913 why not?
@@producedbyhamzah3685 almost no one wants the added weight of shoddy speakers added in, that's why you won't see a speaker version of this
Should’ve put the pads on the right.
I'd like to of seen some faders on this an SD card
That’s one way to further divide your product line.
ok cool tx for the review... i can get it tomorrow but my issue is with bpm calculator engine...for samples, i wish was easy like on the Toraiz 16...let me know if there is an easy mode
Good video. It's an attractive product. I'm not the target demographic for workstation keyboards but I had lusted after the Ensoniqs in the past. If I didn't already have the One I'd be giving this serious consideration.
Want your thoughts on the new OPx-4! I feel it’s the best addition to the platform IMHO.
That’s unfortunately the one I’ve probably spent the least amount of time with. I find FM to be difficult and frustrating. The interface for opx-4 is honestly not the most inspiring one but it has all the controls you’ll need to make anything out of it.
I’ll dig into it in a few days :D
I just can’t get with it. I have one for sale. Like New. I didn’t even register it so all software downloads available. Also comes with Guitar Center extended coverage.
Can you show us a work flow with the new mpc keys 61.
It’s a upgraded MPC one
One question though off topic, where is the pad color program on the new mpc one update for 2.11
Really surprised that Akai beat Native Instruments to this kinda machine.
Yo Accurate! This is a dream come true for guys like me with a small studio space. I have an unrelated question though. When you got your alesis e-drums, did you struggle with device dropouts at all? My setup has about 6 usb connections and wasn't sure if getting a powered usb hub would solve my issues with dropouts and latency.
Thanks!
Well, USB hubs can be tricky but have you tried to plug it straight into the computer to make sure that it’s actually a USB related issue?
A powered hub can help but might also do nothing for you. If the bus for the usb connection on the computer is allocated to more than one port, the overload could be happening at that level too.
I’ve had issues like this before but not with my drum kit… Try different ports, without the hub to make sure that it works better like that before you run out to get a different usb hub :)
Thanks for the support!
Think it should have 16 knobs and parameter displays of each knob like the X. Think it’s a bit meh