Akai Professional MPC Key 61 Production Synthesizer - Ex Demo

Full Description

25 studio-grade instrument plugins – a vast sound palette

Being the first-ever standalone synthesizer from Akai, the MPC Key 61 is an all-encompassing music production centre, providing all the tools you need to create powerful and emotive music. With a fully standalone design, Akai has incorporated 25 cutting-edge instrument plugins that span everything from classic FM synthesis to meticulously multi-sampled acoustic instruments. Each plugin instrument is unique in style and sound, including classic real-world sounds such as stage pianos, organs, session strings and more. The exceptional sonic versatility of the MPC Key 61, makes it a powerhouse for music production. All in all, the MPC Key 61 features over 6,000 sound presets, allowing you to get started straight out of the box.

World-class acoustic sounds such as the iconic Steinway grand piano and the Bechstein upright are included as well as a range of other rich piano tones. Utilise the power of an orchestral string section via ‘Session Strings’, with in-depth parameters for articulation and more. As well as classic, real-world sounds, the MPC Key 61 also features cutting-edge synth engines such as ‘Fabric XL’. This flagship virtual synthesizer provides you with one of the most dynamic and versatile synth engines ever created. Fabric XL comes complete with a myriad of presets which are all powered by a ground-breaking, sampled-based synthesis engine.

Standalone design with weighted keybed and built-in WiFi/Bluetooth

While you can use the MPC Key 61 alongside your favourite DAW/music software, its standalone design allows you to create without boundaries. At the heart of the MPC Key 61 is a semi-weighed keybed with aftertouch, providing exceptional expressivity when playing in melodies, drum patterns and more. The MPC Key comes equipped with 4GB of onboard RAM with a powerful Quad-Core Arm processor, allowing you to quickly navigate between sounds and settings for an optimised workflow.

The powerful 128-track MIDI sequencer allows you to create massive soundscapes and fully-fledged songs using the intuitive arrangement capabilities and powerful onboard controls. It even features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity which can be used in a variety of different ways. You can use the onboard WiFi connectivity to access Ableton Link wirelessly, allowing you to sync your arrangements and sounds across multiple applications from the MPC Key 61.

Classic MPC pads and assignable touch strip controller

The original MPC pad design helped to shape modern music creation, providing a new and unique way to interact with sounds and interact with samples. Because of this, it was championed by the hip-hop and dance community and revered over the years for its unique workflow and easy-to-use design. The MPC Key 61 takes this classic design concept a step further; incorporating the classic MPC pad design with velocity-sensitive backlit pads on the main control panel. You can use these pads for chopping samples, finger-drumming, creating melodies and a whole host more. The pads feature aftertouch and note repeat functionality, which aids in creating rhythms and melodies.

You can also interact with sound and effects using the onboard assignable touch strip controller. The touch strip has long been a staple in modern MIDI controllers and keyboards, allowing you to swipe your finger to trigger effects and control parameters from created sounds. For example, assigning the touch strip controller to the LFO of a bass patch will allow you to create classic, dubstep-style bass sounds by moving your finger up and down the touch strip.

Integrated audio interface and colour touch screen

The MPC Key 61 is a one-stop-shop for all your music production and recording needs. It even features a built-in audio interface with premium-quality AD/DA converters to ensure every nuance is captured from your vocal/instrument performance. The audio interface combined with the powerful production capabilities makes the MPC Key 61 the ultimate portable studio. You can navigate between settings, sounds and parameters using the onboard 7-inch colour touch screen. The multi-gesture screen allows you to control sounds and effects using the award-winning AIR Music tech. You can also assign and control parameters using the 360-degree rotary Q-Link knobs – perfect for automation!.

High-end mic preamps and versatile connectivity

Continuing its all-encompassing design, the MPC Key 61 features two mic/line instrument inputs complete with premium-grade mic preamps. You can use these preamps to capture studio-grade recordings from condensers and other studio mics. Designed to blend into any studio setup, the MPC Key 61 features a variety of connectivity including 8 x CV/gate outputs (3.5mm) – perfect for incorporating modular/synth gear. Class-compliant USB ports allow you to connect a range of digital devices including MIDI controllers, audio interfaces and even removable storage. 1/4-inch TRS audio outputs feature a dual-configuration design, allowing you to use them as dual-stereo or four-mono signal paths. If that wasn’t enough, the MPC Key 61 comes complete with MPC2 desktop DAW software for use with PC/Mac.

What’s Included

• MPC Key 61
• Software download card
• Power cable
• Quickstart guide
• USB cable safety
• Warranty manual

Features

• Standalone synthesizer/portable music production studio
• 25 cutting-edge instrument plugins
• Expressive 61-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch provides natural feel and smooth playability
• Powerful 4GB RAM / Quad Core Arm Processor – no need for a computer
• 16 RGB velocity-sensitive MPC Drum Pads with aftertouch and Note Repeat – classic MPC pad design for finger-drumming, sampling and much more
• Assignable Touch Strip controller for controlling sounds, parameters, effects and more
• Two Mic/Line/Instrument inputs with high-end mic preamps
• Built-in audio interface with premium AD/DA converters
• 7-inch colour touch screen with crisp, vibrant display
• Multi-touch/gesture design when interacting with touchscreen
• Onboard 128-track MIDI sequencing for creating powerful and in-depth arrangements
• Integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity (Wi-Fi can be used to wirelessly connect to Ableton Link)
• Four assignable Q-LINK controller knobs with 360-degree rotary control
• Pitch/bend modulation wheels
• Dedicated transport section
• Class-compliant USB connectivity for use with audio interfaces and MIDI devices
• Four discrete line outputs
• Eight audio tracks
• Eight CV/Gate output jacks for modular integration
• Complete with MPC2 Desktop Software DAW for Mac/PC

Specifications

• Keys: 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
• Pads:
  • 16 Velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, RGB-backlit
  • (8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons
• Knobs:
  • (4) 360-degree touch-sensitive Q-Link Knobs
  • (4) Q-Link Knob columns accessible via Q-Link button
  • (1) 360-degree encoder for display navigation and selection via push
• Buttons: (44) dedicated function buttons; white-, red-, or green-backlit
• Touch Strip: (1) Multi-function, touch-capacitive control strip
• Display: Full-colour LED-backlit display with touch interface
• CPU:
  • Processor: Quad-core ARM® processor
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 32 GB, expandable via SATA connections
• Connections:
  • (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) Combo XLR/TRS inputs (1 stereo pair)
  • (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS sustain pedal input (TS compatible)
  • (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS footswitch pedal input (TS compatible)
  • (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS expression pedal input (TS compatible)
  • (4) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS outputs (2 stereo pairs)
  • (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output
  • (8) 1/8" (3.5 mm) TS mono CV/Gate outputs
  • (1) 5-pin MIDI inputs
  • (1) 5-pin MIDI outputs
  • (1) 5-pin MIDI thru-port
  • (1) Ethernet link port
  • (2) USB Type-A ports
  • (1) USB Type-B port
  • (1) IEC power input
• Power: 100 V – 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 65 W
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 986 x 313 x 96.7 mm (38.8” x 12.3” x 3.8”)
• Weight: 8.1 kg (17.9 lbs.)
• Product Code: MPCKEY61XUK