Akai MPC Key 61: Gamechanger or Hype?

[@coopdeville8215]

Just picked up my Key 61 today... I don't even want to try convincing anyone to get it because I would be wasting my breath. You REALLY have to have this in person to understand the feeling you get making music on it. You gotta want it. Made tracks exactly like what was in my head. Just amazing. Premium feeling and just inspiring overall.

[@darrickkeels6387]

It's a wonderful keyboard. The "Big 3" (Roland, Yamaha and Korg) better not underestimate it.

[@ablack9431]

@@darrickkeels6387 you only have to listen to the zencore synth engine to see they are finished, horrible compressed weak sounds.

[@TheEtbetween]

It;s a MPC live with a keyboard.

[@pierrefitch]

How you still enjoying it I’m about to pick one up

[@Damianthelovetour2024]

Ya. This is there first step into there flagship keyboards imagine the next 2-4 versions refined. Wow

[@bradfordnlandry]

Darrick, I have been doing a deep dive on this and I cn say you do your homework before you do your videos. In other words, you do the hard work before you speak. I just wanted to let everyone know! Best of luck in 2024!

[@darrickkeels6387]

I appreciate that

[@N-trepid1]

Excellent real world review! Impressive musicianship by the way. Love the time you spent on the keybed. This unit has me intrigued.

[@shenrei]

Fantastic video. I ordered one last week from Sweetwater but looks like I won't get mine until the end of the month. I wanted something to use that would make it easier for me to sample/drive my hardware synths and also not be in front of the computer with a mouse and keyboard. I figure with this and a simple stand I can move it anywyhere (garage, backyard, living room) and not be tied down to my PC. Sometimes the best inspiration is to change your environment. Perfect.

[@wesleyeaster9116]

Hands down best video I’ve seen so far on the board, thank you for sharing in depth

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching

[@Mopantsu]

For someone that is not a trained keyboard player and just wants to make 'songs' this seems like the ideal setup. For those who are not live musicians and just want to put down tracks and construct something that sounds current it's the perfect fit, all the while being powerful enough for the studio producer and experienced musician alike (within certain limitations and let's face it, limitations can push an experienced musician to be more creative, just like how you use the pads to overcome instant transitions). Personally I have not been into music making for several years and always wanted to get back into it but computer DAWS just don't do it for me. I always wanted to have everything in front of me to get the creative juices flowing and this seems like the perfect 'compromise'.

[@stevecoscia]

This is a terrific video - glad I made the time to watch. The in depth comparisons and analysis to other workstations adds objectivity. I found your Sequencer, Track & Instrument footage (starting about 33:00) to be the most helpful in terms of this keyboard's workstation value and user-friendliness. You're also a great player. Thanks.

[@shotfrmbehind]

Thank you for this. Def gonna get one. Love your channel.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching

[@timothyjohnson3727]

This Video!!! The comparisons to other top keyboards…The explanation of effects utilization, the MPC UI knowledge, the musicianship, the clarity in explanation, the straightforward pros/cons, This hands on honest review…AKAI, you may owe this man something.

[@daltonskerritt6751]

You always do an excellent review and in debt

[@leboholmes6576]

Great great video! I’m sold!

[@mrguitar5051]

I just picked this keyboard up for a grand, this is a very complex many possibilities, keyboard. As a guitarist, I needed a versatile sequencer with the Ability to play midi and WAV files into a mastered song. This keyboard is awesome and great, sounds with endless possibilities with its hardware and software capabilities.

[@joonglegamer9898]

Great video, I'll just add one detail: You can hold the SHIFT + MENU button to get to the BROWSE sounds mode, what is so special about that? Well you can PRE-LOAD sounds for your entire LIVE performance it there into memory so you don't have to wait for the LOAD times for your performance, just thought I'd throw that in here, otherwise I really enjoy your review Darrick, I have the MPC Key 61 too as well as Montage, and various Rolands with the Supernatural engine. MPC KEY 61 is the easiest workstation I've ever used, but it's also insanely deep, there are so many hidden quick gems to learn, lots of specialized shortcuts that Reviewers are just about to find out about.

[@philippebackprotips]

MPC Live 2 for me but yeah, very good tool.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Oh yes I am aware that you can load 8 plug-ins at a time and switch freely between them with no loading. Also like I showed in the video you can mute and unmute them. But I am not aware of a way to have a "setlist" of sounds and songs that can be loaded into the RAM so that it is ready to go. For example. The Montage allows me to play 8 sounds from the keyboard at once. I can quickly pull up another 8 sounds that are completely different in less than one second. All of the workstations on the market can do that. The Montage/MODX and Fantoms use proprietary flash systems to accomplish this. The Korg Nautilus and Kronos use streaming to do so. That's the only real big glaring weakness I see in the MPC Key.

[@joonglegamer9898]

@@darrickkeels6387 I have the Montage too, so I know about SSS, but the AKAI MPC series is first and foremost a Sampler and a Sequencer, it has 128 Tracks and 8 Audio tracks as well, I think on those 128 Tracks you can also use Samples, so you should be able to use Samples (with your own edits, applied filters, ADSR and other settings which most synts have) as standalone voices in Ram, so that counts as well I think.

[@darrickkeels6387]

@@joonglegamer9898 Oh yes! That certainly counts my friend. If Akai implements SSD streaming or gives us the ability to “cache” projects and sounds using the RAM it will take major market share from the big three. It has already upset the apple cart with it superior sampler and sequencer. Always good to see you on my channel. I see you everywhere on KZbin.

[@joonglegamer9898]

@@darrickkeels6387 Thanks :) Well yeah, I'm everywhere because I'm trying to learn what the other MPC users are sharing + share the stuff I learn from other MPC users, fast tracking way to knowledge.

[@marcusholder495]

Stay blessed brother we love you and thank you for the wonderful video

[@hailey0675]

Outstanding review! Thank you for the highly informative comparison to other workstations on the market!

[@bsdguy]

The best review of the MPC key 61 on YT? Great job! The MPC key 61 is a game changer!

[@polabear7921]

Great review!!!as I am new to your channel and I subscribed..will continue to support you!!and your playing is immaculate and inspiring..

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you so much!!!

[@polabear7921]

@@darrickkeels6387 very welcome

[@remoteviewer8524]

Single, most useful video of the Akai MPC Key 61 I've seen so far. The first 18 minutes especially was an awesome staccato of data. I write this as a nervous owner to be, awaiting delivery of the most expensive musical item I've ever purchased. Your coverage/review was most reassuring in its honesty, and I loved you getting lost in the sounds available. Thank you.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikebreezy248]

This is the most expensive piece of music gear you've bought? Are you new to this? I'm poor and in an urban environment and so far this craft has me like 100000 in the hole lol

[@remoteviewer8524]

@@mikebreezy248 New? My first MIDI keyboard was in 1985 hooked up to an Atari ST, but music is a side hobby and so tend to buy smaller & cheaper items to add to the collection of mainly modules.

[@Lockit467]

I’m so excited thank you 😊 Darrick!

[@soundsfortoday3623]

This was a very thorough comparison with other boards. You really make one think of many features that are/are not found in other boards. Still sitting on the sideline and watching and listening.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching!

[@cdauterive1]

Derrick, are you self taught? Why did you buy the mpc 61 with all the others you have?

[@babysunn2]

@@cdauterive1 Much Better Work Flow, Adequate Quality Sounds for a Standalone and 128 Tracks with the Capability to Add 16 Effects Per Track... That is what He Stated In His Tutorial... ijs.

[@pheldonmajors2999]

Bro. What chops! Great vibe! Thank you for sharing!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate that.

[@HayDigital]

“Most powerful review on the market” I’ve watched this video start to finish, I’ve gone and ordered one. Can’t wait to check it out 🎉

[@timinie]

I watch a lot of youtube review videos (on random stuff), but I've never seen so much dedication to one as you did. Thank you for that!

[@1155074]

Best Akai MPC Key 61 review ever, very comprehensive and very honest

[@Seabee203]

I get goosebumps everytime you play. Fantastic musicianship.

[@sooesoss6063]

Thank you, you broke it down very well... also your a GREAT piano player!!!

[@roymoxley2587]

This is one of the best combos workstation and keys out there In my opinion. I own a mpc live 2 one of the easy thing I ever learned how to use for real . I’m still learning after only 4 months

[@hungryformusik]

Amazing video. How you play with nails is astonishing. Everything is possible!

[@kenflagg]

One of the reasons I haven't ditched my old Motif ES7 is because switching between sounds is instantaneous, totally critical for live sets. Thank you for calling that out!

[@leboholmes6576]

I can listen to him playing for hrs!

[@ricok987]

I have one on order. I am going to use this for music composition and recording. What I still think I will do-is do the final mix in the DAW, only because of the ease of doing it in the DAW. But, everything prior will be on the Akai only-including over dubbing, which is the key element. In the past I have found over dubbing can take a song from one direction into another, and if you save all the different takes, you can pick and choose the best-which could be vastly different than the original take. I just wish I didn't have to wait until August to get it. I already have 10 songs ready to go.

[@EshockT]

Wow, the way you play the strings.

[@renechang2406]

Excellent. Nice video. This is answering alot of the questions I needed to be answered. Very informative and easy to listen to. Not boring and you flow through the explanation.

[@alldhat-n-den-sum4190]

Hi Darrick, I was watching other KZbin channel reviews on keyboards workstations etc, and most people were making me frustrated because they don't actually tell you what the real pros and cons of having various keyboard workstations, even when they have "how to instructions" and comparisons, they don't really go into telling you what the real practical differences and advantages are. And then you came up in the search where I actually asked KZbin for "akai MPC 61 keys functions and buttons" . And that's where you turned up and I'm so glad I found you, and I am now a subscriber. So glad you mentioned all the keyboards. I myself I've always been a Roland fantom fan and I fell in love with the G Series fantom because it has so many features that are similar to the akai MPC 61 keys along with 40 seconds of skip back sampling, various auto chop methods for samples, as well as manual chopping for samples, real-time time stretch, 128 linear track sequencing along with 24 audio tracks, recordable automation of various parameters including that of the effects, parameters. And back to the the audio tracks the G Series has a separate mixer and effect inserts for those audio tracks and much more. Also better ram memory expansion etc and I can go on and on but, I had the 2019 Fantom however, I was forced to sell it for the reasons you mentioned. Such as the limited non linear sequencer and basic poor sampling capabilities. And so stuck with my G Series Fantom. I most say I do think the Fantom sounds really really excellent, and has much more better Daw integration, although limited to logic AND Appleton (I think it would have been good if they included Cubase, Studio One, FL Studio, Reason and Reaper, I use Reaper). Anyway just want to congratulate you on doing the best explanation on KZbin by far regarding the pros and cons and comparisons of keyboard workstations and I thank you so much for that... big big big big big up and bless One love.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Wow! Thank you so much!

[@ursullavandenbord2322]

Man what a great review. This synth is for me !!! Thanks a lot !!!

[@earldjjones]

Just found this review this afternoon after ordering my mpc 61 just this morning. After watching this I know I made the right decision. Thank you for this brilliant review and your expert playing! I can't wait for my mpc 61 to arrive!!!

[@darrickkeels6387]

It's an excellent machine

[@ANDREGILKEYSr]

Thanks for sealing my deal man....this was AMAZING! =)

[@starlight2474]

Darrick thanks for a great overview and demonstration of this new production powerhouse Akai MPC Key 61. I think Akai has a gamechanger!!!

[@drk1825]

What a great review!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate it

[@obyte1world522]

Very detailed overview. I think this is what I'm looking for...

[@kevinlbrockway]

Got mine! Love it. Now what I REALLY need is some of your talent!! Great video as always.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@ursullavandenbord2322]

Superb CELLO !!!!!! Incredible. Is this sample modeling ???

[@DungeonStudio]

Great review! I'm so stoked about this keyboard! After using a Yamaha EX5 and Roland SP-808 years back, I was like 'why can't these get fused together?' And Akai looks like they read my mind! Just love the look, the features, and the intelligence behind this gem!

[@Eric-om2xs]

Thanks for this great video. I'm hoping Akai will release a larger version with more buttons, faders etc. for better live control and with 73+ hammer action keys. That would be the ultimate workstation keyboard.

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

So many of us have competing workstations .. This is a great idea .. Great video

[@furrymonsta1591]

stringswerk at 29:00 i bow to thee. Unless Roland/Korg do some serious updates on Fantom-0 and Nautlius then Im sold. Hoping for an 88 key version but will pair with TS12 if not. You totally changed my mind.

[@terryd1]

Love your playing. It makes education and insight you are providing so much more enjoyable, and you know its coming from someone who knows what they are talking about! Instant subscriber.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you!!

[@RIC032555]

Congrats! You did explain thoroughly the most important features music makers are looking for in a workstation. I will definitely consider this as an addition to my KORG EK-50.

[@trevorwoodley3897]

Love to see this kind of MI gear expertise and in-depth analysis from a brotha. Subscribed. There are things that the garden variety caucasian vlogger's cultural blindspot misses, and they tend to only respect/reference rock approaches to production.

[@coopdeville8215]

I honestly can say that as soon as I saw this video posted, I said Finally! A review I can trust hands down, I have the Big Fantom and the MODX and could relate to what he was saying. I am a producer and not a gigger and agree with Derrick's assessment. I know gig keyboard players and they made my Fantom sing like I have never heard but for me, I produce and and hate using computer based arrangers ... This was just the Buy Now video I was waiting for since I had already done my own research but since I am so attached to all my gear, it was hard for me to decide whether to sell my Fantom which I have only played twice in 2 years of owning it, or keep it and let it collect dust. The trade off is a no brainer after this video. Thank you and don't stop giving your honest detailed position on keyboards. You are a lot like my old band director. Very disciplined.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

I also have a Fantom and I’m in the same boat thinking about the MPC keyboard

[@caseareanjohnson9258]

I also own the modx contemplating if I should do a trade

[@wattage2007]

Usual quality video again Darrick. I love the way you get half way through a sentence then get distracted by the piano and beautiful chords ensue 😀

[@cresk]

Best review I’ve come across in a looooong time!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you!

[@antonharmacinski276]

I really like the way you described the features while comparing them to other devices instead of just a list of the features themselves. It helps put into perspective of what you are getting for your money. I enjoyed your review style. TY for posting this vid.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching!

[@benbowman7730]

Great video. You articulated it perfectly. Just ordered one... can't wait to see some more content on the Key 61 so I can understand it better.

[@Spidouz]

I wish Akai would release a MPC Keys 76 and 88. And as a Maschine user, I would also love NI to come with a Komplete Kontrol “Studio” that would also have a 7” touchscreen, Pads, knobs and faders… that would be a nice competitor. Competition is always good for the end users, it brings better products at lower price. I can only congrats Akai for making the MPC Keys, which is (IMHO) the best step in the right direction to have a perfect “workstation controller” that could be both standalone workstation and a fully integrated workstation controller to work with all our favorite VST/AU plugins and Sample Libraries… best of both world!

[@narfsounds]

Fantastic review! Very detailed and finally a review from an actual keyboard player. Great playing too!

[@sharingmatters]

28:15 the cello is like sounds from heaven ❤

[@musikone1780]

Derrick, wow. Such a great job on this video.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you!!

[@jp4751]

Very thorough review. Looking forward to more videos, and seeing how you incorporate all the gear together.

[@dilankarun9172]

While watching this, didn't realize I had already subscribed to the channel awhile ago lol. Instant comparisons by rote memory of other keyboards (Some I'm looking at). Masterful tutorial/review, by an excellent keyboard player. Love how Derrick over-came the load time issues by using the pads. Genius. Makes this gig worthy. Hey Akai, pay the man ! (I hope they at least gave you a free keyboard). 😀

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you! Maybe Akai will listen to to you lol!!!

[@jazzlegend]

One of the best reviews I’ve ever seen on a keyboard. I immediately subscribed! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you!

[@galastar257]

By far the best review of this keyboard. Well done.

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate it!

[@vincebu6441]

For audio book production and all my other projects this is the keyboard that will do it I believe.. Your expertise is taken into consideration because you've been there and done that. Very appreciated.. Subbed and love the channel!!

[@keneokpareke1753]

Great video, and great keyboard. This really is a game changer for production and home studio use. Though, I'm a live musician, and for live play, I think this falls short. Without sliders and panel synth controls, and with the loading lag, etc etc, I don't have much use for this. And when I'm doing detailed studio work, I'd want to use a computer anyway.

[@Andy-Kach]

Great overview!

[@TheKendallmstr1]

The best overview of this fine instrument. Thanks!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you!

[@flamwork06]

Finally been waiting for this one excited!

[@wilcandou]

I have to say the MPC-X is awesome for my application in the studio HOWEVER, if traveling and to just jot down a few lines via the keyboard is handy too. Great clip!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate it.

[@allenholmankus8880]

Excellent review from the perspective of a pianist / producer. In your future videos covering this keyboard, please review and talk about polyphony related matters eg. how many instruments can be loaded into memory at once (only one at a time vs multiple instruments and their "patches"), which instruments have the lowest and highest polyphony, and if more than one instrument can be active in RAM, the maximum polyphony available for all "patches" across all loaded instruments. Thanks and keep up the good work!!

[@danielscott7985]

I love this video. I have learned a lot about this through your comparisons to your other boards. brilliant

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching!

[@michag68]

Just ordered one. Coming from MODX7 where just making an 8-bar sequence turned out to be wayyyyy more complicated that planning a mars mission - and that is with YT-videos talking you through the process (with lots of 'it might seem strange, but in Yamaha's philosophy....'). Anyhow. I'd like to have a machine built for music creation. Coping with crappy UI is my daily job. It looks like Akai found the answer. Great video, many thanks!

[@bahaasadak3661]

Darrick, excellent video thank you so much ! man you are a great player tapped into many different styles ! AWESOME

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you!

[@CRV1958]

Thank you Darrick for this review. I have been waiting to hear your take on it. Considering the software and sequencer features are the same on all the MPCs from what I have heard..... and the Keybed being what it is, and the lack of sliders for on the fly fast adjustments....... hmmmmm. I think I just roll with the MPC one and use my Kurzweil K2700 and Roland Integra 7 and use the MPC mainly just for the sequencing features. In that Area ... the MPC does shine big time and the sampling as you stated. The Keybed to me would drive me nuts. Not only for the 61 keys but that dead light feel like it looks like it has. Not a taker for me. The sound transition delays can be overcome as you stated but....... thats another shortcoming that needs a work around and personally..... I have seamless with everything I have. The Board looks good though and if Akai comes out with an 88 version with weighted keys..... and also some sliders for basic control...... Then I would be there. Thank you very much for your work and videos. Excellent, Honest, Well thought through, and comprehensive . Much Appreciated. !!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate it!

[@maximumguitarage]

Your videos rule bro! ✊

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@mikeanz2833]

Excellent job as always Darrick!

[@immersivenarrative]

Love the playing and the more lenghty look at it.

[@the_real_iceman]

This is how you do a review! Thank you so much for sharing, it helped me a lot! Subbed!

[@mortonharwood9836]

The lack of seamless sound transitions is the one and only reservation I have with this thing or else I'd be grabbing on immediately. I've loved everything else I've seen from it so far. I may still grab one anyway for studio work, I just don't know how I'll implement it live since I make use of footwitches and seamless transitions for sound switching on my Nord constantly. Everything else about this board is friggin sweet though!

[@namenaim1560]

Nice playing and saying Darrick. Thanks.

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

WOW! I'm now just seeing this video and with all the detail that you've covered, I am now convinced in getting the new Akai MPC Key 61! My Motif XF7 finally gave out a few days ago [after having it since 2011] and it was a toss up between the Montage and something else. I didn't even consider the new Akai MPC Key line because I thought it would've been a downgrade but not even close to a downgrade at all! Upgradeable SSD? Up to even 2TB is more than enough for me! Of course that can never be fixated! The more the better! LOL! And, because I've ONLY used the Motif XF7 I never thought that Akai would even come out with a full out Workstation. Other than questioning if the RAM can be upgradeable, the Akai MPC Key 61 is going to officially be my NEW Keyboard/ Workstation! Taking a loss in the number of keys but with my playing style, I found that I wasn't even really using the last Octave. Thank you so much Brother!!!! Btw, your channel is so underrated! We need to get you exposed more and get more subs!!!! Let's go!!!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching

[@djsun1]

excellent overview of this awesome beast of a keyboard! my son just finally saved enough for one and just got it. all i can say is wow 😮 we have both just been pretty much in sonic heaven, it’s that good! well worth the price imho and we just barely started scratching the surface of what it can do! Look forward to checking out your other videos and thx again for the inspiration!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching!

[@Lockit467]

Awesome playing bravo 👏

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you so much!

[@ronrobins3513]

Great video on MPC Keys from a players perspective. Myself I like the integration that the Akai Force has with Ableton and would like to see an “Akai Force Keys” edition. It would have all the benefits of the MPC software, (plug in instruments,robust sequencer,auto sampler etc etc) without the the baggage of the MPC multi layer “nested” filing structure. It can get confusing at times due to all the different ways to approach your workflow. Having your instruments/audio/midi performances on a single layer just seems more straightforward. I can always get the track count I need “in the box” and the hardware becomes a very comprehensive sketch pad, that I can also take out and play live.

[@toddtrillo7445]

awesome , that was a great overview and fantastic playing

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it!

[@SecretHymns]

I had a QS8 and I loved it, this is a nice machine for what my musical needs are. Definitely putting in my order today. Wish the keys were fully weighted but I can live with the semi weight.

[@ablesam]

Darrick, good to see you my friend. The Key 61 is a powerful piece of kit, just wish Akai would have released it sooner, since keyboardists really needed a production focused keyboard and not a performance oriented one like the big three have been doing recently. Thank you Akai for this piece of fine machinery. The MPC was always great and getting better, but having to attach a separate keyboard and all the cabling with that always made me think they needed to release a keyboard themselves. I'll be honest, Akai's keyboards haven't been the most popular, due to many reasons, but this one is different, it's a success for keyboardists who want that all in one functionality. I was hoping to give you a video idea that you can use: Performance synthesizer vs Production synthesizer. Which one to choose? How the big three are focusing on performance synths (K2700, Montage, Fantom and younger brothers) while Akai (and Korg but not too much) has been focusing on production based synths/groove keys (MPC Key 61, Force, Nautilus since it has a proper sequencer and audio tracks but lacking in editing functionality). The Nautilus is a workstation, so you can exclude it from the list, but its your choice. Notes which you can use and expand on: The production synthesizer is taken from the workstation's sampling and sequencing concept, but on steroids since it only focuses on those two primary features. So you get audio tracks, the 128 track midi sequencer and deep sampling and editing functionality. The front panel is suited towards that workflow. But it lacks the deep synthesis engines, live performance aspect and has loading times. You can guess the rest. The performance synthesizer is taken from the workstation's single tone and live/combi/performance concept, but now based around a mode-less design, and again on steroids for live performance applications with the front panel controls designed for live use. You don't get the 128 tracks of midi or audio, but you get an easy to use board with various deep powerful synthesis engines, simplified sequencer for live looping or laying down ideas and a rudimentary sampler for simple purposes. The workstations (Motifs, Fantoms, M3, OASYS and successors, Tritons) had too many capabilities which made them difficult to use. Therefore, each function was given its own mode. Live players loved the performance/combi/live modes as well as the single tone modes, and used the sampler to bring in their own sounds. Studio producers used the sequencer to lay down tracks, the sampler to record other instruments as audio and trigger them or put them into audio tracks, and didn't really use the live or single tone modes. Since the market research showed that majority of producers were moving to DAWs and keyboardists were switching to a soft-synth setup but still used workstations for their combi and single tone modes, keyboard manufacturers stopped with workstations and started working on performance synths. Roland was the first with the JP-80, but it flopped at the time. Yamaha came out with Montage and it was a big success, and then Roland came out with FANTOM, similar results as Yamaha. Korg are now working on a new product, but no one really knows what they are up to. Nobody seems to be focusing on high end production based hardware anymore, but all have moved to DAWs except for the MPC users. And here comes Akai with the Key 61. End of Notes. Add your own thoughts and ideas to it, and help everyone to decide whether they need to get a production or performance oriented synth, the ups and downs, who they are aimed and some more stuff. Many people have made regretful decisions on these brand new keyboards, and I believe a buying guide for these two categories will help clear up doubts. Oh, and mention your ideas and opinions on the future of workstations and standalone production. All the best!

[@Lockit467]

Awesome write up

[@sermar496]

Hi Darrick, many thanks for your loyality and fairness in this video, which I've enjoyed a lot. Not to mention your wonderful skill by playing - it was really, really impressive how your hands fly on the keys. Please go on. Music is fantastic. Take care, Sergio

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you!

[@randydaboss1097]

You were showing out with those strings 💪🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@prashunguha]

Mind blowing musicianship!!! MAGIC FINGERS..!!!👌👍

[@jeremyl5509]

Great video - definitely one of the best on this new keyboard. Would like to know how the piano sounds compared to the v-piano in the RD2000/Fantom? Also, the MPC Keys lack of DAW / computer integration - or really the lack of a build-in usb audio interface compared to the Fantoms 32x6 audio tracks over USB and enhanced integration with Logic/Live. Also, does the MPC Keys have set lists (similar to Kronos/Nautilus), can it create keyboard switch groups like on Fantom, how easy is it to set layered tones and keyboard split points, can MPC Key map controllers as easy as the Fantoms, "shift+". Fantom has two IFX (in serial mode), one MFX, one EQ and sends for overall chorus and reverb for each of its 16 tracks before hitting the overall primary FX and analog filter. What about analog/synth sounds in the MPC Keys - how much programming can be done - can sounds be created or customized similar to the Fantom/Kronos/Montage? Hope to see follow-up videos on the MCP Key, seems like a good start from Akai.

[@darrickkeels6387]

In my opinion the pianos sound just as quality as the V-Piano offered by the RD2000 and the Fantom. Granted everyone will have their own preferences. Just like amongst classical pianist some prefer Yamaha while others Kawai. Clearly both Grand Pianos are premium. The MPC doesn't the great DAW integration that the Fantom and Fantom-0 have with Ableton, Logic and MainStage. Roland hit it out of the park with that one. Its tight DAW integration is with the MPC DAW software. No audio over USB like the Fantoms, Montage, MODX, Korg Nautilus, Kronos, or Kurzweil K2700. That's a missed opportunity. But because the USB is class compliant it will accept an audio interface. If I plug in a Scarlett 18i20 I can use its 18 ins and 20 outs. Via USB from an audio interface the MPC Key is capable of having stereo 32 ins and 32 outs. The MPC does have a setlist function. You can have "keyboard switch groups" though you would have to utilize the sequences to do it. Layers and splits are set just as easily as the other workstations on the market. Mapping controllers is not quite as easy as hitting shift and wiggling a knobs like on the Fantom but not quite as daunting as doing it on the Kronos either. What the Fantom calls a multieffect the rest of the industry calls an insert effects. Long story short the MPC is far more advanced in the effects department. Each keygroup or pad can have 4 inserts. Each track can have 4 inserts. Each submix can have 4 inserts and any pad, keygroup, or track can be sent to a subgroup. Each pad, keygroup or track can be sent four returns and in each return you have 4 insert effects. Lastly 4 inserts can be applied to each stereo master. The synth sounds are on par with everything else hardware wise, but the editing parameters of such sounds are certainly deeper on a Fantom and the FM of the Montage. I'd argue that for most users the Akai is easier to use but certainly not as deep in the sound design department. It's a nice balance between ease of use and depth. Sounds can certainly be created and wildly manipulated on the MPC Key and with the more robust sampler most sounds can simply be sampled in. I will be making followup videos. I tried to do more in one video but my initial recording was over 3 hours long. That's simply too long for my editing time restraints😂.

[@trevorwoodley3897]

Did you even watch the video? Especially the first 10 minutes or so?

[@DeadMansPartyFilms]

Your playing is beautiful. Great video!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate it.

[@ronrobins3513]

44:14 It should be noted that the Fantom line has a very detailed Apple Mainstage Template. So a Fantom with built in audio interface, tethered to a MacBook/Air M1 would then give you additional options for sample storage.

[@fmartins777]

Amazing video, covering everything! Very impartial opinion with pros, cons, everything! Tks for sharing with us!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Thank you for watching!

[@PhilW222]

I think this keyboard will really shake-up the market, it seems so good for composing and recording. I’d like to see a combination of loops and linear recording (so like having your rhythm tracks as loops but being able to solo over them on a linear track) but all in all, it is so powerful. I think the likes of Roland, Yamaha and Korg better sit up and take notice before this eats their lunch!

[@CXtheproducer1]

You can play and program linear on any MPC, the bar count goes to 999 measures. You can use Clip launcher or just sample a sequencer and trigger it whenever you want

[@PhilW222]

@@CXtheproducer1 but as I understand it (and please correct me if I’m wrong), you can’t mix tracks which have 1 or 2 bars with tracks that have say 64 bars. It’s one or the other, but not together.

[@CXtheproducer1]

@@PhilW222 You can, you know how on Korg M3 and Tritons where you can change the “track length” for each track? You can do it on the MPC. Meaning, if the sequencer is set for 8 bars you can record for 16 beats on track 1, 2 bars on track 8 and etc and this will repeat within those 8 bars.

[@PhilW222]

@@CXtheproducer1 ok thanks, my misunderstanding then!

[@jamesblock8735]

As usual you give a great review

[@pianokeyjoe]

They don't call me pianokeyjoe for nothing. Want to talk keybeds? The Akai MPC Keys uses the same keybed found on the M-Audio Venom synth(Chinese made parts). Has a metal keybed frame with thicker semi weighted keys like those of the Novation Remote SL49/61(Chinese made keybed). It is NOT the more quality made Italian brand FATAR keybed found in alot of synths and keyboards , but it is the higher end of the Chinese made ones. The Yamaha Mod-X uses a consumer grade all plastic keybed found on their cheap to high end portatone keyboards. The Montage uses a new style metal frame based keybed first found on the TYROS series keyboards that was an improvement of the DX7 metal frame and metal leaf switch keybed also found on the Korg M1,T3,etc. The Roland Fantom uses a purely ROLAND designed bed as the Roland Fantom X and VK series keyboards. Metal frame and semi weighted on those too. The Roland Fantom O? From what I am seeing these newer budget Roland synths and keyboards like the JUNO D, use a FATAR look a like all plastic keybed too.. The Roland PCR800 uses the same FATAR look a like all plastic bed too. And thats my rant on keys.. MPC keys, is great for the price but the keybed can be better.

[@allenholmankus8880]

DSoundman in a review today said that one of the things he didn't like was the keyboard on the Key 61 (in an [unfair?] comparison to the Nord Stage 3) -- he said the travel was too short and that the keys were too noisy ie "clicky". What is your opinion on this? How do the keys on the Key 61 compare to mid-range roland and korgs in terms of excess noise, travel? It strikes me that he is comparing apples to oranges so to speak espcially given the difference in price. Thank you.

[@darrickkeels6387]

First I will say it is an unfair comparison. The Nord Stage 3 Compact that DSoundman owns goes for $4199.99 in the US from Sweetwater. The Akai is 1899.99. Comparing the build quality of a keybed installed on a keyboard that costs more than twice the price is absurd in my opinion. As far as the travel is concerned he's right. It is not like the Nord. Like I said it is not as good as the Fantom, Montage, Nautilus, Kronos, etc. But it is on par with the Fantom-0. It doesn't feel "cheap" like a $150 M-Audio MIDI controller. But it doesn't feel like a Montage either. I think for its price it's about what we should expect. It feels squarely in the "mid-tier" section. As far as noise it isn't noticeable any "louder" than the Fantom-0 or MODX. Believe it or not my loudest keybed is the flagship Roland Fantom. But it feels great.

[@allenholmankus8880]

@@darrickkeels6387 Thank you Darrick for your detailed reply to my question regarding the key action. I like the synthesis/sequencer features of the key 61, but as a (very amateur) piano player I have a preference for piano type keyboards. Perhaps Akai will bring out a modular version of the key 61 for those who want to use it with a midi controller or digital piano that has a good piano-type keybed. Keep up the excellent reviews and perhaps in the future you could touch on the polyphony limits of the key 61 when using either a single plugin (eg polyphony limit of OPx4 vs Fabric XL vs plain Fabric etc) or when using multiple processor intensive plugins at the same time.

[@gazfunk]

nice overview. some nice playing skills too.

[@philippeleblanc856]

Preach brother!! Great review! And yes.... This is the one! Let's just call the key 61 "Neo".. the one!

[@DNYLNY]

Great review and so detailed

[@88mokeyz8k]

Darrick, Based on this video for Productions this is a must-have! Unbelievable the very best video on the Akai MPC KEY 61. I TOTALLY agree with your Pros and Cons! You maximize the use of all the Capabilities of a Keyboard workstation. Remarkable comparative analysis vs the Major Workstations of today! You expose powerful and additional ways to use MPC Key 61. A Gold MEDALS Tutorial🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇