New Species of Production Workstation

The Akai MPC Key 61 represents a bold evolutionary step in music production technology, seamlessly merging the beloved MPC workflow with a fully-featured keyboard workstation. This isn't simply an MPC with keys bolted on - it's a thoughtfully integrated hybrid instrument that caters to beat-makers, keyboard players, and live performers alike.

A Fresh Approach to a Classic

When reviewing the MPC Live II, the author had unexpectedly found themselves using it as a go-to synth and sound module by placing it on a laptop stand with a USB keyboard connected. Akai has taken this improvised setup and transformed it into a purposeful design with the MPC Key 61. The result is a versatile production powerhouse that can serve multiple roles: synth/sampler, performance instrument, live control hub, or traditional beat production center.

The physical design makes an immediate impression. The solid construction features a semi-weighted 61-key keyboard with performance wheels along the front edge, while the gently raked rear section houses the touchscreen and control surface. In a nod to MPC tradition, a 4×4 pad grid using the compact pads from the MPC One and MPC Studio is positioned for easy access. The innovative Touch Strip (first introduced on the MPC Studio controller) provides additional performance control, particularly effective when paired with the Touch FX plug-in.

Despite having only four rotary encoders plus a data dial (compared to eight on some competitors), the 7-inch touchscreen handles much of the interface interaction. Hardware buttons for modes, views, and common operations minimize menu diving. The rear panel delivers extensive connectivity options including audio I/O with microphone/instrument preamps, MIDI, CV, USB host/client ports, and more.

The semi-weighted "synth" action keyboard feels substantial and responsive, with aftertouch that engages smoothly without feeling fragile. While the keys are slightly shorter than some comparable keyboards, they remain very playable and stable.

Reimagined Interface

Powering up the MPC Key 61 reveals a significant departure from the traditional MPC interface. Rather than the familiar grey boxes of the classic MPC Main view, users are greeted with an inviting, graphical sound browser grid. The default "Awakenings" sound loads through the new flagship Fabric XL workstation synth, offering immediate playability with almost instant preset loading, even when switching between different instrument plug-ins.

While MPCs have historically been associated with drum kits and sampled instruments, the platform has evolved significantly in recent years with the addition of multiple virtual instruments that run natively on the hardware. The former flagship Hype, a versatile workstation-style synth with multi-mode wavetable, virtual analog, and sample-based oscillators, has now been joined by the even more impressive Fabric.

Sonic Arsenal

Fabric follows a dual-layered, sample-based synthesis approach with full programmability. Users can select from various sound banks and blend them together, with the "XL" variant adding a third percussion layer. Multiple pages provide control over filters, envelopes, modulation, and effects.

The sonic palette extends far beyond these two powerhouses. For acoustic pianos, AIR Stage Piano offers four multi-sampled models: Yamaha C7, Steinway D, Bechstein upright, and "Workstation." Electric piano enthusiasts can choose between three engines: AIR Stage EP (with Rhodes, Suitcase, Wurli, and Pianet models), a Fabric variant, and the established Electric plug-in.

The Organ plug-in earns special praise, with the touchscreen perfectly complementing its drawbar interface. Multiple vibrato emulations of classic models and an amp+rotary speaker simulation round out the package. The inclusion of three pedal inputs further demonstrates Akai's commitment to making the Key 61 a serious stage keyboard.

Studio Strings showcases the expanded RAM capacity, allowing users to play individual sections or full string ensembles with various articulations. Although articulations aren't real-time switchable like some computer-based libraries, users can load multiple instances and split or layer the keyboard. Performance parameters like vibrato, strength, and glide can be controlled via mod wheel, aftertouch, and velocity.

The synth collection includes established MPC plug-ins like Tubesynth, Bassline, Solina, Odyssey, and Mellotron emulations. The newly added OPx-4 brings modern FM synthesis to the platform, expanding sound design possibilities.

A standout effect called "Flavor" provides additional sonic character, emulating various amp and speaker types alongside vinyl effects. This module contributes significantly to the impressive low-end presence in many of the factory presets.

Performance and Control

Unlike traditional synthesizers with dedicated sound-shaping controls, the panel relies on context-sensitive encoders that automatically map to parameters in the current screen view. Users can navigate between different screen sections by tapping or paging. Pressing the Edit button brings up the full user interface for the current instrument or kit, where the touchscreen becomes the primary interaction method. Many instruments and effects are specifically designed to take advantage of touch control, with the organ drawbars being the most obvious example.

The browser interface allows quick navigation between multiple tracks with different sound assignments. The Key Ranges view enables users to create splits and layers across the keyboard, effectively creating keyboard "combis" while maintaining the underlying MPC track structure. The drum pads serve as track mutes in this view.

For live performance, the Mix view provides easy access to level controls, muting, soloing, and effects assignments for all loaded instruments. Routing options and access to submix groups, returns, and masters allow for complex mixer configurations tailored to specific projects or performance scenarios.

Live Performance

The revamped browser isn't just for sound selection - it includes powerful organization features for live use. The Favorites tab stores bookmarked device patches, while dedicated Performances and Set List tabs help performers organize their material. Performances typically store particular combinations or configurations, while Set Lists contain a series of Projects intended to be opened in sequence throughout a show.

This flexibility allows performers to approach live situations in different ways. Keyboard players might run an entire show from a single project, recalling different setups from individual tracks or sequences. More complex performances could incorporate backing tracks, stems, loops in Clip Groups, and live instruments, all managed from the MPC Key 61. Vocalists can take advantage of the microphone inputs with phantom power and use the AIR vocal effects for auto-tuning and harmonizing.

Beat-Making Heritage

Despite its performance keyboard enhancements, the MPC Key 61 retains all the beat-making capabilities that have made previous MPCs popular with electronic music producers. The device comes with specially designed drum kits that extend across all 61 keys, providing expanded palettes filled with loops, one-shots, and melodic sections. Having the keyboard alongside the pads enhances step sequencing, allowing instant sample selection while maintaining the pad-based gate pattern workflow.

A welcome new feature allows any sample from a kit to be converted into a Keygroup instrument in a fresh track, enabling melodic keyboard playing with the benefits of scales and polyphony.

While the MPC's sequence-based composition structure might not appeal to all workflows, its audio recording capabilities are particularly strong. The process is similar to DAW recording: creating audio tracks, assigning inputs, and recording clips into a timeline for editing. The Key 61's microphone inputs with phantom power (previously only available on the MPC-X) and instrument-level handling make it a comprehensive recording solution. New additions like an amp/cab simulator plug-in and a built-in tuner further enhance its utility for guitarists and other instrumentalists.

Context and Conclusions

The MPC Key 61 occupies a unique position between traditional beat workstations and performance synthesizers, potentially establishing a new product category altogether. Its display and instrument interaction surpass many devices in either sector, as do its audio track handling, connectivity, and storage options. The mixer and effects are more configurable than typical performance synths, and its expandability through USB hosting and audio interface support makes it exceptionally versatile for live setups.

As a production tool, the MPC Key 61 builds on the established MPC foundation while smoothing many rough edges. The new high-level user interface feels more approachable, though some users may still prefer alternative workflows for song arrangement and finishing. The ability to capture ideas standalone and then bring them into a DAW via the companion plug-in offers flexibility for different production stages.

For musicians who have moved away from multitimbral workstation synths toward a collection of standalone instruments and software, the MPC Key 61 presents an opportunity to rediscover the pleasure of exploring and playing a comprehensive keyboard workstation. As the reviewer succinctly puts it, this is "the performance synth for beat workstation users, and the beat workstation for synth performers."

Ecosystem Development

The MPC Key 61's innovations aren't confined to this specific hardware. Many of its features and UI refinements will benefit the entire MPC range through software updates. Additionally, Akai is introducing paid add-on plug-ins for the MPC ecosystem through www.thempcstore.com, including the Fabric Collection, Stage EP, OPx-4, Organ, and Studio Strings. These plug-ins are activated over Wi-Fi with content installed via SD card, establishing a new marketplace for MPC-native instruments.

Technical Specifications

Hardware

• 61-key synth keyboard with aftertouch
• 4×4 MPC pad grid (compact size, same as MPC One/Studio)
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Four rotary encoders and data dial
• Touch Strip controller
• Performance wheels (pitch and mod)
• Three pedal inputs

Audio

• Two combo XLR/TRS inputs with phantom power (48V)
• Mic/line/instrument level support
• Main stereo outputs
• Four additional outputs
• Headphone output
• Internal 32GB flash storage
• Internal SATA bay for SSD expansion
• USB-A host ports for storage, MIDI controllers, and audio interfaces
• USB-B client port for computer connectivity

MIDI/CV

• Traditional 5-pin MIDI In/Out
• Eight CV/Gate outputs (Eurorack compatible)
• USB MIDI host capability

Instruments & Effects

• Fabric XL: Flagship dual-layered sample-based synthesis with third percussion layer
• Hype: Multi-mode wavetable, virtual analog and sample-based synth
• AIR Stage Piano: Four multi-sampled piano models
• AIR Stage EP: Rhodes, Suitcase, Wurli and Pianet models
• Electric: Additional electric piano emulation
• Organ: Drawbar organ with vibrato and rotary speaker emulation
• Studio Strings: Orchestral string instrument
• OPx-4: Modern FM synthesis
• Tubesynth: Virtual analog synthesis
• Bassline: Bass-focused synthesizer
• Solina, Odyssey, Mellotron: Classic instrument emulations
• MPC drum synth engines
• Flavor: Amp/cab simulation and vinyl effects
• AIR vocal effects with auto-tuning and harmonizing
• Full complement of mixing and mastering effects

System

• Quad-core ARM processor
• Expanded RAM (more than previous MPC models)
• Support for 32×32 USB audio interfaces
• Wi-Fi connectivity for content downloads and updates

Software Integration

• MPC plugin for DAW integration
• Access to MPC Expansion store for additional content
• Up to 8 simultaneous instrument plugin instances
• Up to 128 tracks for sample-based content

MPC 3.0 Software Overview

Key Updates:

• Redesigned main interface with improved global overview
• Full-color track and pad mixer, drum grid
• New linear arranger (previously Force-exclusive feature), transforming MPC into DAW functionality
• XL channel strip for quick access to essential plugin features on selected tracks
• Disk streaming capability from internal hard drive
• Enhanced sound design with up to 8 layers per pad
• Advanced automation engine with drawable automation lines per track
• One-to-one track workflow
• Q-Link and X/Y Pad macro controls
• Direct-to-pad sampling
• Many new software instrument plug-ins

Technical Compatibility:

• Works with all instruments and effects plugins, including MPC Steams
• Supports legacy project imports
• Compatible with: MPC Live, MPC Live II, MPC One, MPC One+, MPCX, MPCX SE, MPC Key 37, MPC Key 61