Powerful Standalone Sequence and Sampling
Akai Professional has combined its legendary MPC platform with a keyboard workstation for the first time! The new MPC Key 61 is one of the most feature-packed standalone production tools ever produced. Akai's MPC changed music forever in the late '80s once pop and hip-hop luminaries got their hands on it, and this MPC Key 61 features refined versions of MPC tools with additional pressure-sensitive velocity pads, pad memory, 63 function buttons, and much more. Use the MPC Key 61 as a standalone workstation; a controller/input for DAWs, MIDI devices, or hardware synths; as a sampler; and almost anything else. Moreover, MPC3 software provides integration with Native Instruments software instruments and expansions. The onboard LED display features a spacious 8.5-inch x 5.5-inch touchscreen, and the MPC’s 16GB flash storage comes loaded with 10GB of preinstalled content ready for use right out of the box. Plus, it’s easy to expand the MPC’s storage thanks to a Type-A slots for USB drives and a SD slot, a feature that Sweetwater MPC enthusiasts are excited to embrace. Legions of devotees are lining up to snag this piece of MPC innovation — order yours today!
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Endless ways to sample and create
Together, MPC software and keyboard workstation tools are a force to be reckoned with. There are endless ways to apply the MPC Key 61. You can use it as a sampler, as a controller for analog synths, as a MIDI controller in a DAW, or simply as a standalone production studio using onboard sounds, instruments, and software plug-ins. The device has a plethora of I/O options: dedicated 5-pin MIDI in, out, and thru, two USB-A slots, eight CV/Gate outputs for connecting modular analog gear, two combo XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs, and much more. Plus, the MPC Key 61 supports Ableton Link over Wi-Fi so you can wirelessly connect with and use Ableton Link supported apps.
Tailor-made for production with dedicated OS and RAM
With so many features onboard, the Akai MPC Key 61 ensures lightning-fast performance via onboard RAM and a dedicated operating system powering its tools. In short, it’s a standalone computer built for music production — no PC, extra software, or purchases necessary. And while it's a fiercely independent device, the MPC Key 61 also plays well with others with endless ways to connect analog and digital devices.
Modular storage with limitless sample size
The MPC Key 61’s 16GB flash storage comes preloaded with roughly 10GB of classic Akai content. Expanding the onboard storage with your samples, sequences, and more is easy by using the two USB 3.0 slots for thumb drives or Type-A slots for USB drives and a SD slot. Such features make the MPC Key 61 practically future proof with plenty of ways to ensure storage never runs low. What's more, the MPC Key 61 places no limit on sample sizes — the only thing that will ever restrain your sample size is available storage space, which means more room for experimentation and high-quality audio.
Generous track allotments
The MPC Key 61’s sky-high track count gives creators incredible room for self-expression. Hardware sequences can contain up to eight audio tracks, while a sequence in the MPC3 software can contain 128 audio tracks. Up to 128 MIDI/drum/VST tracks at 16-, 24-, or 32-bit resolutions up to 96kHz are possible as well. And that’s far from this device’s limit. There’s additional support for up to eight stereo tracks and another 128 MIDI/drum/VST tracks from external hardware. Subtle features like these are just one peek at what’s made the MPC essential hardware for producers, beat creators, and artists of all kinds for decades.
Harness the power of MPC3
The MPC Key 61 is fully compatible with Akai’s state-of-the-art MPC3 software, representing the next evolution in standalone music production. With MPC3, you can elevate your creativity using Native Instruments’ renowned software instruments and expansions. MPC3’s all-new user interface features the workflow-enhancing Main Mode and the transformative Linear Arranger, making your production process smoother and more intuitive. The advanced keygroup multi-sample synth engine opens the door to a universe of creative possibilities, offering automatable parameters, a Dual Filter section, advanced envelopes, multiple LFOs, per-voice drift LFOs, and more. Additionally, MPC3 provides advanced automation on the Master Track and Submixes, with multiple parameter macro controls and a Disk Streaming feature that loads large projects in seconds. Moreover, MPC3 allows you to choose one of three curated editions of the Native Instruments Komplete Select bundle for free. When inspiration strikes, MPC3 software empowers you to take your tracks anywhere.
The MPC legacy
Picture this: the year is 2007. A 60 Minutes camera zooms in on Kanye West as he taps out a simple beat on an Akai MPC. Interviewer Bob Simon remarks, “I don’t think anyone would believe you’re doing that all from this one rhythm machine.” And yet, it was true. Indeed, the MPC platform’s tools built some of the most memorable hip-hop tracks of all time, a big reason why it continues to be a popular choice for both beginners and professionals. Now, the Key 61 version builds on that MPC’s legacy with an array of features not found on previous models.
Akai Professional MPC Key 61 Features:
- Standalone music production center — no computer required
- Sequence, sample, or connect to a DAW, MIDI device, or analog synth hardware
- MPC3 software provides integration with Native Instruments software instruments and expansions
- Backlit LED-color display with touch control
- MIDI In/Thru/Out
- 16 pressure-sensitive pads (RGB-backlit), 8 banks, and 63 function buttons
- 4 fully assignable, touch-sensitive Q-Link knobs for any parameters
- 8 configurable CV/Gate outputs for modular gear control
- Hardware supports up to 8 audio tracks while software supports up to 128 audio tracks and 128 software MIDI / drum / VST / keygroup / CV tracks
- 16GB flash memory with a SATA slot for adding a SSD or HDD
- Ableton Link and Bluetooth 4.0 support
- Wide assortment of I/O including USB, XLR, 1/4-inch, TRS, and more
- 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphone outputs
- Power supply included
- Includes 2 licenses for MPC3 software
