AKAI Professional MPC Key 61

The MPC Key 61 from Akai Professional combines the power of the current MPC Generation along with proven operation with a pleasantly playable 61-key keyboard that generates velocity and aftertouch. Most of the controls, including the razor-sharp 7" multi-touch display, are identical to the other MPC models. Added to the MPC Key 61 are several keys for the transport section, direct access to sounds, transpose for the keyboard, pitch bend and modulation wheel, as well as an assignable ribbon controller used to control effects, note repeat and other functions. By merging a keyboard, sampler, sequencer, and various synth plug-ins with thousands of sounds, high-quality effects and intuitive operation, AKAI has created a multi-functional all-in-one instrument that is ideal as a studio and live centre for musicians of almost any genre. Designed as a professional standalone sampling workstation, there is hardly a discipline with which the MPC Key 61 could not be finished. Thanks to well-thought-out operation and the good workflow of the MPC series, the instrument is emphatically results-oriented. Overall, the MPC Key 61 is designed very live: due to the significantly larger housing between all controls more space, which is also used for additional labels. Four knobs, which can be freely assigned in four groups or assigned to certain parameters in the respective plug-ins, make screwing with sounds and effects a pure pleasure. Thanks to Wifi and Bluetooth, wireless music equipment such as a blow converter can be connected to the workstation and used to play the sounds.

Memory size

The Akai MPC Key 61 offers an internal memory capacity of 32 GB ex works; likewise, a 16 GB Factory Library is already included in the memory! The size of the working memory is 4 GB RAM. As further interfaces, two USB 2.0 slots are available for external hard drives, or the connection with MIDI controllers. There is also a flap on the bottom of the device, under which an additional SSD hard drive can be installed in a few steps.

Connections for Studio and Eurorack

The back of the MPC Key 61 is pleasantly versatile. In addition to the keyboard there are the foot pedal connections Expression, Sustain and Footswitch. This increases the expression possibilities at the keyboard with the usual pedals. MIDI communicates via the connection trio In/Out/Thru as well as USB. This is perfect for anyone who wants to run additional equipment such as a rack synthesizer or DAW with the MPC Key 61. In its capacity as a sampler, audio inputs must not be missing, of course! Two inputs with high-quality 24-bit converters bring every signal to the desired level; 48V phantom power and switching between line and instrument are also integrated. For signal output there are four 6.3mm jack sockets, which can be configured 2x stereo, 1x stereo and 2x mono or 4x mono. If this is not enough, you can expand the instrument with a class-compliant USB device (e.g. USB audio interface) and up to 32 audio outputs. Eight freely configurable CV/Gate outputs allow the connection between the MPC Key 61 and a modular system. Also other synthesizers, which have CV/Gate inputs, can be controlled by the MPC Key 61 in this way.