The Power of Sound
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.
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.
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.
Perfect Tune & Harmony
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. Fully record and mix the perfect vocals directly inside MPC Key 61’s standalone environment with 2 onboard high-end preamps. From modern-day vocal tuning FX, to doubling, to adding 4-part harmonies to your vocals—the AIR Vocal Suite delivers.
Touch Strip for 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. Bend, warp and manipulate sounds in real-time in ways no other synthesizer can. Touch capacitive assignable real-time Q-Link controls also allow for endless artistic ingenuity opening worlds of new creative energy for production and performance.
Dynamic Expression
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. The Mod and Pitch wheels bring depth and dimension to any MPC Key 61 keyboard part.
Scott Storch
Watch Super Producer Scott Storch breaking down his workflow and production approach using the new MPC Key 61 at Miami House of Hits studio.
Ultimate Sequencing Workflow
The MPC sequencing workflow is simply unmatched. With 128 tracks of internal and external MIDI, Keygroup Instruments, Clip Launching and 8 plugin instruments and audio tracks, MPC standalone has the power to capture any musical production.
30 Years of Legendary Sampling
From over 30 years of genre-defining sampling technology, MPC Key 61 brings the Full MPC sampling experience only Akai Professional can deliver. MPC Key 61 is the world's first true “sampling production synthesizer” with unparalleled MPC sampling features.
The Ultimate Feel and Groove
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.
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 ¼" 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 MPC2 Software
The bundled MPC2 Desktop DAW for Mac and PC supercharges the MPC experience with expanded track counts and support for 3rd party AU/VST plugins. MPC2 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.
Standalone Power at your Fingertips
The powerful features integrated inside MPC Key 61 were engineered for a seamless standalone creative workflow. Powered by 4GB of Ram, MPC 2.11 Operating System, 32 GB internal storage, a world-class 16GB onboard Factory Library, comprehensive I/O Connectivity, and a dedicated SATA bay for SSD Expansion, the MPC Key 61 comes packed with everything needed for modern music production.
Key Features
- Expressive Keybed with aftertouch
- Vibrant 7” Color Touch Screen with Multi Touch & Gestures
- Sounds Button for Fast Browsing
- 25 Cutting-edge Instrument Plugins
- Powerful 128 Track Midi Sequencer
- Assignable Touch Strip Controller
- 16 RGB Velocity-Sensitive MPC Drum Pads with Note Repeat
- 2 Mic/Line Inputs with high-end preamps
- Audio Interface with high-quality AD/DA converters
- Accepts Class Compliant Audio Interfaces and MIDI devices
- Onboard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- 4 Assignable Q Link Controller knobs
- 4GB Ram / Quad Core ARM Processor / 32 GB Internal Storage
- Pitch Bend/Modulation Wheels
- Dedicated Transport Section
- 4 Discrete Line Outputs
- 8 Audio Tracks
- 8 CV/Gate Output Jacks for modular integration
Key Specs
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) Pitchbend 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
- Internal 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)
- (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