Akai MPC Key 37 - Initial Setup & First Use Tutorial

The brand new Akai MPC key 37 is here and I'm ready for it! In this video I walk you step by step through setting up the MPC key 37 for the first time, turning it on, and give you some tips and tricks to getting started using it fore the first time! Like a little brother to the MPC Key 61, the MPC key 37 packs a big punch with sounds and features, but in a nice portable package!
Contents:
00:00 Introduction
00:53 What's Included
02:40 Plugging In
05:10 Turning it On
05:50 Connecting to WiFi
07:25 Activating Plugins
11:00 Selecting and Playing Sounds
14:16 Recording a Quick beat
23:17 Conclusion
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Looking to purchase the Akai MPC Key 37 or other music gear? It helps support my channel for no extra cost to you if you buy through the link below!
www.zzounds.com/a--518275/
Thanks for watching and comment below with any questions you have and I will answer them as soon as I can!

[@dog242clicker456]

Synth person since the 80's but new to the MPC-Akai system it was very confusing until I watched this. Very easy to follow tutorial it makes sense now thank you!

[@raphaelgrisoni5919]

same here. good starter video. thanks

[@Spotlightgopz]

This was so helpful, thank you so much. I got the MPC 37 yesterday and I’m loving it right now. I love being untethered from laptop.

[@wm1573]

From a computer to a computer. Modern Mpcs are literally just computers with a cut down daw lol

[@tuncayarig]

I really want to thank you. For these beautiful explanations in the simplest way. You are truly the one who explains this tool best.

[@kyleb.7746]

Amazing tutorial! I just bought one of these with no experience in MPCs what-so-ever. You've given me a baseline to work with. Thank you

[@Justin-rj5pq]

Best video on the mpc key 37 I've seen! You do a wonderful job explaining everything in detail. Can't wait for more! ❤

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@pushinkeys]

Ordered mine last night, coming on Monday, needed this to see the basics, been over 15 years since I worked with an MPC so I’m sure things have changed.

[@graykeyzmusic]

what a beautiful walk thru for this device!!!

[@djjohnsimmons]

Great video and instructions for those new to MPC/the Key 37. Looking forward to seeing more on this machine; thanks!

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@charlesflint9048]

I have one arriving tomorrow, so thanks for the info😊.

[@gwraigddaproductions162]

This is so much better and than the manual for me as this is my first mpc product, thankyoy

[@SleepyEyezCarter]

I’ve had mine for close to a week now. Love it…. And yes I will be checking out any of your content on the Key 37….

[@Don_Dotta2786]

thanks for creating these types of vids. Im used to work with software but all works the same but these tutorials does help me alot understanding the mpc key 37 faster. I couldnt get a project stable but after watching this video i cooked something nice up. THANKS AGAIN!!

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@momoky_]

THANKS!!!!! Waiting more tutorials! 🤟🏻

[@stuntmanmadeit]

My fabric xl and all the other Akai plugins are downloaded and working fine on the key 37

[@aviondavis4019]

Thank you bro can’t wait to get my key 37. And learn Mpc 😊

[@The1AndOnlyMichaelAngelo]

I can't wait for the tutorials for the Key 37 from you! The Key 37 seems to be more on the MPC One+ side of things, as far as button layout, workflow, etc..., than the Key 61 I believe. I mean, the MPC Key 37 has A/E, B/F, C/G, D/H buttons at the top and so much more. The buttons are completely different and I'm sure they have the same functions but I don't have the Key 61, nor have I owned an MPC before. Mine finally came in over the weekend and it dawned on me that although I know enough to record tracks, there's SO MUCH MORE I need to learn about the Key 37. Thanks Brother! GOD Bless You!

[@DSoundman]

Congrats on getting the 37! I’m planning to come out with lots of videos on it! Like you said, there’s enough difference between the two that it warrants its own tutorials!

[@The1AndOnlyMichaelAngelo]

@@DSoundman Thank you and thank you Douglas!!!

[@The1AndOnlyMichaelAngelo]

@@DSoundman You'd might know this, and if so, I'd love a tutorial on what and how to use song mode (if there is one), and being able to arrange the tracks to make a full song and exporting? So sorry if it sounds a bit too much. You would literally be the ONLY one putting out tutorials on the MPC Key 37 right now Brother.

[@donnie1581]

I bought an MPC Studio controller last July then I saw this coming and just had to have it. I"m loving it!

[@The1AndOnlyMichaelAngelo]

@@donnie1581 Its simplicity, yet with so much functionality and even portability just hits the sweet spot all around! The SD card capability comes in clutch as well. The Key 61 didn't have one, although it had the capability of installing a bigger drive. I almost got the Key 61, and that technically would've been my first MPC ever but I'm glad I waited Bro!

[@evertvdb000]

Excellent tutorial covered everything i wanted to know thx

[@seregamelnik9381]

Thank you for your tutorial. First time user, very confusing. It explains me how to start.

[@RubenSmith]

Big fan of this channel!!!!

[@PawelSzuszkiewiczMODX8]

Great Video. Explained a lot !!!

[@DaBumpMan]

🔥🔥You're a life saver🙏🙏

[@lazaruslaser]

Thanks So Much for Your Video...

[@trackquestmusic]

Nice Info setup...

[@BlueJavaTN]

Thank you - great help with my first MPC! Looking forward to more videos. One is to cover USB Midi Direct - adding something like an iPad into a live set.

[@DSoundman]

More to come! Thanks!

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

Great video bro. Thank you 🙏🏾 so much . I subscribe

[@arterrebuck7233]

Hi, thanks for the video. I’m looking for forward to you putting out a video for beginners starting from the beginning and making beats and maybe sampling I’m less interested how it compares to other models because this is my first MPC unit. Thanks.

[@sinord5288]

Thanks very much

[@gand808]

I appreciate this video. I want to learn how to use the 37 Keys. I'm an entry-level music creator. You will do well making a beginning lesson course on how to use the 37 Keys.

[@System-1541]

All of the plugins that work on any of the different hardware MPCs work with this, including Fabric XL. The only thing you need extra ram for is if you're going to be using a whole bunch of sampled instruments like stage piano and stage strings etc. You'd run out of space quickly with 4GB of ram if you filled the tracks with instruments like those on the keys 61 as well. If you use synth plugins, do resampling of things like the "Stage" instruments and use smaller sample packs like a sane person; you'll find that 2GB is plenty. Other things like your computer or phone don't do well with 2GB of ram because they are busy with so many other things than what you're using it for (sensor data, usage data, tracking your every move data...). The MPC has all its resources dedicated to the project you're working on, so 2GB of ram is really a lot in that context.

[@gwraigddaproductions162]

Great stuff mate ….. so he full

[@TheStircrazys]

so im new and would love to create my own music thanks for the video

[@daroanvimusen]

Tonight I discovered a very interesting trick in the Hype plugin software version, it probably also works in the hardware. And it is an effect similar to the sostenuto pedal of a piano. It's about raising the RELEASE to the maximum while playing a chord, then lowering it down and voila! the chord stays and you can play low notes around it, so much fun!

[@didierbouville4335]

Great video as usual. Which USB port should I connect my arturia minifuse 1 sound card to in mas MPC Key 37? USB A or USB B? THANKS !

[@overseerhafenntakasen4148]

Please do a video on Midi Learn/mapping for the MPC key 37 in controller mode, Im having issues?

[@culturemax234]

🖤

[@spirospapatheo8893]

Can i store in it ,my plugins,virtual intruments,orchestras midi instruments etc?

[@philissogers4272]

Also you went out of the 37 and in into you audio interface ?

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

Question 🙋? If we plug in an interface in the usb spot, how would we install drivers for USD interfaces?

[@philissogers4272]

I have a question … can you how to track into a daw with the 37 ?

[@user-ge2vy5uq8i]

Hi, I'm a Korean fan!! I have a question What cable should I buy to connect to the audio interface? main a cable plugged into!! Thank you at all times~ :)

[@blewits9474]

Brand new Mpc user here. This is great, particularly all the set up stuff. One thing I’m confused about is Akai gives you a bunch of sample packs on the website when you register. Do you need to download them into the Mpc or are they already there and the packs are for the mpc2 software?

[@MickaelSchaack]

hi can i put my own vst ???

[@KellyLearnsToWait]

Also, are there a lot of finger drum sounds that already come in the device? Or do you have to download plug ins? sorry, im really new want to know how to work it a little BEFORE considering getting it. thanks for your help 😄

[@MateoLucas-pr2kq]

Can I use an Akai to play along with my guitar?

[@CharlesBronsun]

What brand and size of sd card are you going with?

[@KellyLearnsToWait]

hi, Does the device work without wifi? Like AFTER its connected and upgraded can you use it and everything in it without the internet?

[@MateoLucas-pr2kq]

Question, sir. Can I connect my guitar into the mpc 37 key?

[@MrCcfly]

so on end what comes from plugins with it ?

[@macscope]

I had the same problem with Wi-Fi had to update manually. I’m on the latest update 2.13 now but if I try to update it’s says the same error hopefully in the next update they fix the issue 😢

[@dog242clicker456]

Same here, I manually updated it but I had to wait around 8 hours for it to update my plugins. Hope they get it sorted.

[@leorrasmusic]

So you need to plug in cables from your audio Interface to hear a Sound? I thought there is an audio Interface intern?

[@entyce66]

i can’t wait to get mine i have the mpc x but i still want this hey btw how do you get your audio so clean and no lagging do you sync in post or you have a connection that goes direct into your camera? thx

[@DSoundman]

Thanks, I sync the audio in post!

[@djkanyon]

Creating an account... trial plugins on hardware FFS... why do i need this when i have a laptop? Any use cases?

[@duxmania984]

Can you transpose your own wav samples on keyboard keys? Best regards, great video

[@donnie1581]

Yes you can create your own "keygroups" from samples and play it on the piano keys in scale.

[@LubomirVelev]

ОК, would you please answer one big question of mine that has not been answered on any platform till now: How many parts multitimbral are these MPC Key 61 and 37 instruments without connecting them to computer (without MPC 2 software)? Can each MIDI part be on different MIDI channel?

[@mrLRVandross]

How to add more tracks in. The same sequence without running into problems

[@cecil3115]

Thank you for a great breakdown - I still have one question that I can't find a solution for anywhere. Can I use the pads and keyboard independently from each other? For example - thinking specifically for live performance - can I hold down a keys chord and trigger separate one shots with the drum pads?

[@DSoundman]

Thanks! I think you could use key ranges to split a couple sounds and accomplish what you’re looking to do. I’ll mess around with it and see if I can give you better direction.

[@garyking4032]

Just came across this as a possible live instrument for me. Cab we load VST's (Pianoteq/Hammond B3x) into it too, and layer multiple instruments?

[@DSoundman]

Unfortunately you can’t use non Akai VSTs in it, but you can layer up to 8 of the Akai VSTs.

[@matthewgaines10]

I suspect the Fabric XL issue doesn’t have anything to do with RAM because it’s installed and licensed to run on my MPC One and Live II with 2GB of RAM. There is no stated prohibition for Fabric XL to run on 2GB units being they gladly will sell you Fabric XL for any modern MPC, you can install it on any modern MPC, and it runs on any modern MPC. Get with Akai because you have a special issue.

[@DSoundman]

Yeah, I’ll take a deeper look. I’ve had a couple people mention that mine didn’t look right! 😂

[@dog242clicker456]

Runs fine here.

[@contemptusmundi6508]

"Now we've" what? what did you do when the error came up. Happened to me too. Can't load 2 something it says

[@jimmiemaxson5416]

You might want to look into your fabric xl issue. Other people have the fabric xl on the 37

[@matthewgaines10]

Yup. It isn’t a limitation. It likely is a server issue.

[@DSoundman]

I’ll take a look. I’ve had a couple people mention this!

[@blewits9474]

I don’t seem to have fabric option on mine either. In UK

[@johnnelson3060]

Yeah I was expecting not to have XL when I activated fabric but woop there it is……I did run into the update issue but did the manual update….that was easier than I thought I would be….. I love this channel!

[@Muaddib-qb3xp]

Is there a tutorial like this one for the 61 key?

[@musicislife704]

They all work the same just shortcut buttons different

[@Leihaut]

Hello DSoundMan, what are you using to rest your MPC on in this video ? I'd love to find something similar.

[@DSoundman]

I use the On-Stage KS7350: www.zzounds.com/a--518275/item--MUPKS7350?siid=33655

[@lazaruslaser]

Just Received the MPC key 37 and am Really Nervous on the Programming aspect... Have a Live 2 ... but could not get the plug in's.. Akai Makes it a Huge Obstacle on Startup... Why Not include all the plug-ins etc on board like.... Every Other Keyboard/Synth.. just Sayin

[@azibebass2794]

what kind of stand is that ? great video but the way

[@DSoundman]

Thanks! I use the On-Stage KS7350: www.zzounds.com/a--518275/item--MUPKS7350?siid=33655

[@beatz_by_renz_914]

anyone know whuts up w the online update?

[@DSoundman]

I’ve been doing some reading and sounds like it’s a known problem that Akai is working on a fix for.

[@johnglennon5623]

I'm confused . So if im not connected to internet will i have no sounds . Like has it got built in sounds to start playing without connecting to internet

[@DSoundman]

No need to connect to the internet, it has thousands of sounds built in.

[@tomkent4656]

Wonder why they located the headphone output on the rear. Illogical.

[@Red-Viper-Red]

To go to headphone amp/mixer

[@ajmiller66]

I got the same error and then more problems and it’s sad that you just overlooked that.

[@DSoundman]

It’s a known error that Akai is working on resolving. I’ll keep y’all posted when I find out more! 😄

[@jaysnider1900]

@@DSoundman Hey the problem with the download error is you didnt select the internal drive. It says drive not available but if you touch Change on the screen you can choose the internal or external if you have one connected

[@slikdarelic]

i like everything except that power adapter.. thats wack.. it shouldve been a ground cable plug.

[@theonecalledvino8165]

It just hit me, this is an AKAI version of the Open Labs MIKO. That expensive workstation is no longer available, so AKAI made a version we can all have with all the new updated technology.

[@LaloRaj13]

They messed it up big time choosing the red color for this.

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

They know that some people will fall into the trap of buying things, thinking that it will make things better, e.g. plugins. Practice is what makes you better and not how many gadgets you have. This is the crap you get flooding the market when you get sale reps involved in music. How much do you want to bet that this will be out dated in a year?

[@SpeccyMan]

18:38 "It's a really quick way to see what they sound like." Do Americans really find the English language that difficult?

[@domi0929]

Please tell me you didn’t buy this

[@domi0929]

Maybe… dad

[@matthewgaines10]

@@domi0929 You act like he’s spending your money.

[@ambroseakwabi2790]

I bought 2! And they’ll customize mine to be indigo with mauve keys

[@jimlutz1290]

At this point in our collective intelligence, ANYONE whos considering buying the item is well versed in plug in this and remove twisty. If you have to go so rudementry, some B roll of isolated images would be a more professional approach. In fact, this is all time wasted - you should get into this item sparing us all this preliminary blah blah blag - it took you 5:11 to turn the thing on - Really ? ? ? ? 😲🥺😩

[@Drrolfski]

Not very informative tbh. A tutorial on how to plug a hardware device into a power outlet, are you kidding me? That's almost insulting.