Akai Professional MPC Key 61 Synthesizer

General

Akai already comes backed up by a rich MPC-based history which all started when they took the Roger Linn designed LinnDrum (which was a great idea but notoriously unstable), developed their first drum machine and made the world a better place. Without the Akai MPC, hip-hop as we know it would never have been possible, and as such, the MPC quickly became a tried-and-true concept. Bringing things back to the present, you might think that an MPC unit always takes the form of a desktop module loaded with drum pads, but you'd be wrong. Enter the Akai Professional MPC Key 61 synthesizer.

The Akai Professional MPC Key 61: Underground to Mainstream

The MPC Key 61 may not be the only synth that offers a sequencer and stack of sound options, but as soon as you start adding up all of the features, the sheer quantity nudges this model to the front of the pack. At its core, the MPC Key 61 is relatively similar to the MPC Series models that came out a little while back. These are units that provide a classic MPC-based experienced coupled with an extensive on-board sequencer, a full-colour touchscreen and an expansive sound engine. Along with a set of drum pads, the MPC Key has all of that, and then with a 61-note after-touch keyboard thrown on top, meaning that this synth isn't purely focussed on hip-hop, but has been set up to do virtually anything.

The MPC Key 61: Under the Hood

The value of the MPC Key definitely sits in the range of options on offer. You're getting 128 sequencing tracks (drum grid, piano roll), a 192 polyphony, over 100 plugin effects, a clip-launcher and an arpeggiator. Twenty-five plugin instruments are also provided along with eight audio tracks, more than 800 MPC drum kits, and a jack or XLR microphone can even be plugged in at will. In terms of plugin instruments, you're set up with a generic sample synth, a four-operator FM-synth, a library of grand pianos, strings, electric pianos, organs, a virtual ARP 2600 and more. And, when you do plug in a microphone, it's supported by effects like pitch-correction, a doubler and harmonizer. Basically, you're getting a whole lot of everything under one hood.

Other Awesome Features

Beneath all of the built-in software, this is one potent instrument. The clear 7 inch display has a 1200 by 800 pixel resolution - more than enough for serious sequencing. Wifi functionality is included as well as Bluetooth. There's even an Ableton Link and 32 gigabytes of storage space, 16 gigs of which is taken up by the factory-loaded sounds, and an extra 4 gigabytes of RAM is provided to ensure super-fast performance. And there's more: a CV/gate, an ethernet port for the Ableton Link, and a USB stick port. Basically, what Akai have managed to do is take all of the fluid workflow of a computer and stash it inside a synth, offering a tactile, fully tweakable experience that takes things out of the box.

• Please note: From the 1st of November up to and including the 31st of December, 2024, every MPC Key 61 comes with the Ultimate Workstation Bundle. All you need to do to claim this software pack is register your purchase via the InMusic website after creating an account. The Ultimate Workstation Bundle includes:
• Instruments and effect plug-ins:
  • Jura
  • Jura Chorus
  • Mini D
  • Air Flavor Pro
  • Soft Clipper
  • Flex-Beat
  • 808 Sub Factory
  • Ring The Alarm
  • MPC Stems
  • Delay Pro
• Expansions (15x):
  • Neo Sunset
  • Pad Thai Vol 1
  • Rawcuts
  • Rawcutz Premier Beats
  • Trap Soul & RnB
  • Dark Parallax Vol 1
  • OB Rising
  • Chilled Trap
  • Definitive 90s RnB
  • Future Dimensions
  • Hook City Trap n Soul
  • Tim Kelley Presents
  • Making Lo-Fi Beats Masterclass
  • Urban Roulette
  • Vintage Provider