Akai MPC Key 61 Standalone MPC Synthesizer

About: Akai MPC Key 61 Standalone MPC Synthesizer

Introducing the Akai Professional MPC Key 61, the revolutionary new standalone production synthesizer keyboard powering the next chapter of the MPC legacy. Building on the history of powerful sequencing and revolutionary sampling, MPC Key 61 adds the most advanced next-generation virtual instruments and effects to MPC, adding to its arsenal of industry-leading music production tools. And now, with the addition of a 61-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch, the MPC experience ascends to an unprecedented level of creative interaction and expression, delivering the world’s most powerful and complete standalone workflow.

Key Features

• 25 cutting-edge instrument plugins
• Expressive 61-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch
• Powerful 4gb RAM / Quad Core Arm Processor – no need for a computer
• 16 RGB velocity-sensitive MPC Drum Pads with aftertouch and Note Repeat
• Assignable Touch Strip controller
• 2 Mic/Line/Instrument inputs with high-end mic preamps
• Onboard Audio Interface with premium AD/DA converters
• Vibrant 7” color Touch Screen with Multi-touch & Gestures
• Powerful 128 track MIDI sequencer
• Onboard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• 4 assignable Q-LINK Controller Knobs
• Pitch Bend/Modulation wheels
• Dedicated Transport section
• Accepts Class Compliant audio interfaces and MIDI devices
• 4 discrete Line outputs
• 8 audio tracks
• 8 CV/Gate output jacks for modular integration
• MPC3 Desktop Software DAW for Mac/PC included

Breaking Sound Barriers

Inside MPC Key 61, experience a new dimension of sound like never before. Powered by 25 plugin instrument engines at your fingertips, and with over 6000 cutting-edge presets, MPC Key 61 delivers the most modern-day sound pallet ever programmed in a production synthesizer. Each plugin instrument features advanced synthesis, deep parameter editing, and modern effects developed for a truly inspiring musical experience—all designed with a fast and vibrant touch interface for an intuitive and compelling workflow. Immerse yourself in a world of sound.

Keys to Expression

The MPC Key 61 features an incredibly expressive and playable semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch to drive its world-class sounds with dynamic responsive control. With players and producers in mind, technology and artisanship were combined to breathe inspiration into every performance. The MPC Key 61’s keybed is designed to deliver the highest performance experience possible connecting the dots between sound and feel. The 16-velocity sensitive RGB pads on MPC Key 61 are the same award-winning pads as the MPC One. In addition to the iconic MPC pads are the renowned Time Correct, Swing, and Quantize features of MPC that continue to endure as mainstays of modern music production.

Plugin to a World of Effects

MPC Key 61 includes over 100 state-of-the-art effects ready to load across your music productions for mixing and mastering. Insert lush and spacious Reverb & Delay effects to your tracks, add bounce and punch to your drums and mix using modern or vintage style compressors and limiters. Experience plugin FX like never before only inside MPC Key 61. MPC Key 61 is the world’s first production synthesizer incorporating modern day vocal FX plugins which can also be used for the most creative sound design.

Touch Strip and Hands-on Control

The onboard assignable Touch Strip Controller is a catalyst for new ways to control, create and interact with your own signature sounds. Dedicated Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels mean an added touch of expression to elevate your compositions. Bend the notes of your synth and lead sounds in Fabric XL, add gentle vibrato to your stringed instruments in Session Strings, or dial in the speed of the Organ’s rotary Leslie cabinet and hear your parts swell with a wide chorused tremolo.

Surround your Creativity

MPC Key 61 will connect your entire creative studio and workflow together. Connect up-to 32 MIDI devices via USB with MIDI Multi, expand your Audio I/O to 32 inputs and outputs using Class Compliant audio interfaces, or connect your vintage synths using MIDI In/Out/Thru. 8 CV/Gate jacks allow connections to a wide variety of modular gear and more. Onboard WI-FI/Bluetooth allows for wireless synchronization with Ableton Link and MPC OS Updates, and an additional SATA storage bay allows for volumes of expandable sounds and tracks.

Standalone Vocal Production and Recording

The MPC Key 61 has an onboard 24-bit Audio Interface with high-end preamps and AD/DA converters. Individual gain knobs control the input of the combo XLR/TRS 1⁄4” inputs with phantom power for driving condenser microphones. 2 main outputs, 2 sub outputs and an additional headphone output further allow for expansive connections. Capture pristine vocal tracks and process them with the onboard AIR Vocal Suite, or record guitars, bass, or any instrument for the ultimate in recording and sampling capabilities.

DAW Integration with MPC3 Software

The bundled MPC3 Desktop DAW for Mac and PC supercharges the MPC experience with expanded track counts and support for 3rd party AU/VST plugins. MPC3 is the optimum platform for unrestricted creative versatility, delivering unprecedented surgical control and integration with the MPC Key 61 system. Run it as a DAW or as a VST/AU plugin in 3rd party DAWs like FL Studio, Logic, Ableton, Pro Tools, Studio One and more.

The Future of Standalone

MPC3 introduces a wide array of brand-new features, updates, and improvements to enhance the MPC experience, allowing you to create and express your ideas in a faster and more intuitive workflow. Designed for fast and intuitive operation, MPC3 accelerates the legendary MPC workflow with new features including Enhanced Main Mode, Linear Song Arranger, Studio Mixer, Advanced Keygroups, XL Channel Strip, and much more.  

Harness the power with Native Instrument Expansions and Instruments

MPC3 represents the next evolution in standalone music production, harnessing the power of Native Instruments acclaimed Play Series plugin instruments and Expansion Series libraries, redefining the future of creative possibilities.

The MPC Edition Play Series instruments put outstanding sound quality in an easy-to-use package. Each has a distinctive sound and character, with a selection of carefully designed presets and focused controls for modifying them. Whether you’re new to production or a seasoned pro, the Play Series can take your tracks anywhere.

MPC Edition Expansions are versatile packs that offer Native Instruments sounds, kits, and presets carefully designed for specific genres. From soulful hip hop to dub techno, Expansions have what you need.

MPC STEMS (Sold Separately) 

Akai Professional introduces the ultimate creative workflow with Stems Separation seamlessly integrated into the leading MPC series, powered by MPC3 Desktop Software. With MPC Stems, producers and beat-makers can now unlock unmatched sampling creativity by easily isolating drums, bass, music, and vocals from any audio, vinyl recording, or sample revolutionizing the art of sampling.

Experience lightning-fast workflow with superior sound quality, keeping you inspired throughout the creative process. Slice and isolate samples while maintaining chop regions across each of the four stem layers. Take complete control with direct manipulation of stem layers from the pads, adjusting volume, pitch, pan, start, and end points with instant responsiveness.

MPC Stems is now available to purchase for just $14.99 in customers’ Akai Professional Account. Experience the ultimate creativity with cutting-edge sampling technology and intuitive workflow, fully controlled by the latest MPC hardware. Step up your sampling production game today!

Specifications

• Keys: 61 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
• Pads
  • (16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, RGB-backlit
  • (8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons
• Knobs + Performance Controls
  • (4) 360° touch-sensitive Q-Link knobs for parameter adjustment
  • (1) Touch Strip multi-function 5.5” (140 mm) touch-capacitive controller with LED indicators
  • 360° encoder for display navigation and selection via push
  • (2) Pitch Bend and Mod Wheel
  • (3) 270° knobs for gain, mix & level adjustment
• Buttons: (44) dedicated-function buttons
• Display
  • 6.9” / 176 mm (diagonal)
  • 5.9” x 3.7” / 150 x 93 mm (width x height)
  • Full-color LED-backlit display with touch interface
• Memory
  • RAM 4 GB
  • Storage 32 GB (user storage, 13 GB pre-installed content),
  • 4 GB (MPC operating system), 15+ GB free-space for user storage expandable via SATA connections
• Power
  • Via IEC (Included)
  • Auto Switching Internal Power Supply (100-240v)
• Connections
  • (2) XLR+1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS inputs (Input 1/2) (w/ XLR Mic Preamps)
  • (4) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS outputs (2 stereo pairs)
  • 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output
  • (1) 5-pin MIDI input
  • (1) 5-pin MIDI output
  • (1) 5-pin MIDI thru
  • (8) 1/8” (3.5 mm) CV/Gate outputs
  • Ethernet Network port
  • USB Type-A ports
  • (1) USB Type-B port
• Other Controls
  • (2) Line | Instrument switches
  • +48v Phantom Power switch
  • 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS Footswitch jacks (Sustain + FS2) (Variable and switch compatible)
  • 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS Expression Pedal input