Akai MPC Key 61 - Recording a Beat with Plugins, Drums, and Vocals

Welcome to another day in Akai MPC Key 61 land! This amazing keyboard is so inspiring! In this video I walk through recording a beat in the Akai MPC Key 61 with plugins tracks, a drum program track, and a couple vocal audio tracks. I also talk about using the track mute functionality in the MPC Key 61 to build out your song.
The more time I spend with the MPC Key 61, the more I like it. Stay tuned for lots of videos to come!
This is a long video so feel free to use the links below to jump around:
0:00 Introduction
1:04 Project Setup
4:35 Setting up MIDI Tracks
10:35 Recording the Beat
15:45 Mixing the MIDI Tracks
16:45 Setting up Audio Track
17:26 Recording Vocal
18:00 Adding Vocal Effects
19:02 Recording Harmony
19:40 Using Track Mute to Build Song
23:06 Conclusion
24:20 Saving Project
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE if you're new and hit the LIKE button if you enjoyed the video!!
Looking to purchase the Akai MPC Key 61 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!

[@Lucas_777__]

I finally got this keyboard! Thank you for all the tips and tricks it helped a lot

[@myreasoning]

This is the best walk through on the MPC I have seen.

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!!

[@myreasoning]

@@DSoundman Hi, can you do a quick video on how to hook up an outside audio source such as an Iphone or Ipad to sample with? I can't figure where to connect and I don't want to buy a DJ mixer. Thanks

[@DSoundman]

I’ll see what I can do! :-)

[@Samsjamms]

This is great, thank you!! 😀 Keep 'em coming!

[@robertsylvester9421]

Great video! Very easy to understand and follow along with my Key 61 as I watch.

[@PrisonLaParis]

This is the video that sold me the rest of the way on the MPC key 61. awesome video!

[@geraldbailey3843]

Excellent tutorial. The best and most detailed demo for first time user of the Key 61. Well done ! Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dragonheatbeats9944]

This is awesome…I’m a Hip-shop producer and Emcee (rapper) but my son took piano lessons and played violin, viola & Cello in orchestra.. I bought him an MPC One at first, but he is more of a keyboardist..so we got him the key 61 instead.. he loves it but he doesn’t know what workflow will be best for him making songs and beats.. since he generally writes notation or plays out whole songs on keyboard.. where as my style in hip hop is create an 8 bar loop with all the elements, then use track mute in song mode while using automation to bring things in and out as desired… I’m glad I found your channel cuz this style is better for him, well actually a few of your other videos where you play everything out in one long sequence…I believe he will be more productive now with these videos to watch, thank you

[@TheDigitographer]

Well done. The best demonstration I’ve seen thus far. Very encouraging easy on eyes. Will watch multiple times over. Liked and subbed. Thks😂😂😂🙏

[@pianoforever]

I'm ordering the Akai Key 61 because of this fantastic video and the music style your are doing, I haven't seen anybody doing something no even close to what you are showing here. I am looking forward to the coming tutorial videos, thank you very much 😊👏👏👏.

[@chuckberkeley]

This is one of the better tutorials on building a track from scratch. I will subscribe!

[@johnmatrix414]

Very inspiring, Thank you so much for the video 👍

[@davebass9990]

This is the best video I've seen as far as going thru each track and loading sounds for them,as well as explaining the variety of functions. I Subscribed because you're good at this and you have great clear audio and video quality. This channel's going to blow up!

[@mwachner]

Day 3 with my new MPC Key 61 - this was really helpful thanks!

[@Bassynater2500]

This video got my like and subscribe! It saved me from returning this keyboard, I was getting lost in the software because I'm used to recording through garage band/a computer. I thought I couldn't add more than four plug ins or audio tracks, you shared the steps and informations so easily and I'm back in love with this instrument!

[@Aetek]

Great video. I enjoy watching the MPC for other genres like hip hop. The workflow is also very successful and helps me get started with my MPC One. Many Thanks.

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@roberttaylor9241]

Nice work! Keep the videos coming!

[@KB-py6jd]

Wow just bought the keyboard after viewing your videos. Thank you so much.

[@localtrack1966]

Your channel is excellent. I really like the clear and concise way you explain stuff and your positive attitude is great. Keep up the good work Douglas 👍🏻

[@petersinclair-gunn9527]

Thankyou man so helpful real easy to use 🕺🎶🕺🙏

[@MichaelJLove-km1oq]

I just recently ordered this keyboard. I have watched a few videos on the Akai MPC 61-Key, but this video was by far the best. I will be watching the rest of the videos to help me get acclimated to this incredible instrument. Thank you very much.

[@DSoundman]

Thank you for the kind words, glad it was helpful! Many more to come!

[@tperry5839]

🔥🔥🔥🔥fantastic

[@joeboubert1517]

Best video for a new owner. Thanks man!

[@mikifiorini]

Brilliant explanation. Good job. Thanks

[@thomashoff2368]

Unbelievable Thank you for the excellenz Tutorial and the nice Music ❤

[@randolfpanguio]

Finally someone that broke it down Great video👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@Fragaboom]

Just received my key 61 today. This is a great walkthrough.

[@DSoundman]

Congrats! Thanks!

[@Firstmajortomlikestoticker]

This is great video

[@georgea.henryjr.5191]

Just looked at your video 1:40am eastern standard time. I love your video. Brother you created a great song just like that from your own creativity and DROPPED IT on the Akai 61 keys Music Production Center.I love that Akai so much! Someday I have to get one! I'm not a professional musician. But my experience from since my teenage years is playing the drums. I have over 40 songs I've created on the AKAI XR-20 BEAT PRODUCTION MUSIC CENTER. Great Video Brother!

[@mikeanz2833]

Great Job!, just got the 61,new to the mpc this really helps get me started.

[@DSoundman]

Thanks! Congrats on your new keyboard!

[@audiobunny1767]

Thanks to you and these videos, i just bought one of these, haha!I had a Live II which I sold a few months ago now I wish I had of bought the Key 61 instead. Grest vidro series snd looking forward to watching more! Thank you ❤🙏

[@gatlinproduction]

Bro. You smoke 💨 that. I thought I was tight. You did your thang. Very Nice 👍. I was looking to buy me a 61 Key to go with my MPCX. Great Video.

[@Yercom_Media]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial! 👍

[@hunter599]

Perfect

[@MiguelExhale]

Fresh.

[@halohat2286]

Excellent, Subscribed.

[@renmad0078]

Thanks a lot for this tuto, 😊👍

[@a2roland]

Great Job!

[@Petsublak]

Hi, great explanation really appreciated. Subscribed 👍

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@pheldonmajors2999]

Thank you so much!

[@MichaelDaniels241]

I recorded my first project like this on ASR 10 and yes im glad Akai did this ....and Yes I own it....I thought for awhile behringer was going to cloane Ensoniq...But Akai beat them to it...Great Job

[@tLs3AllBizz]

Awesome video! It's hard to find content that gets to the point of the title. Too many creators like to hear themselves talk. 👍

[@darrickkeels6387]

Well done!

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@PaulTheTrombonist]

thanks!

[@philfab5]

Great thankyou.

[@forrestcitygroove]

nice toturial

[@robson7123]

Fantastic 👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Grüße aus Deutschland 🙋🏼‍♂️

[@dersanftekrieger]

Please, never stop this programm with akai mpc key. You are a perfect teacher and a top Phil Collins Singer. Amazing voice, little bit better than Phil

[@DSoundman]

Thank you!

[@matthewgaines10]

You move through a MPC like you're quite familiar with them. Hot knife through butter. Nice presentation.

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@immagood2]

Just found your channel. Love what you are doing! Quick question: How do you export a completed idea?

[@Musicsharmony]

very nice

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@michaelgrant5312]

Loving this beat and I think you should release it either with your own vocals or you bring in a artist to voice on it cause i think you have a hit on your hands with this beat

[@BuckpLAYZnOGAMEz]

You have awesome Tutorial videos bro, keep them coming ! Quick question , is there a way to change the pitch of your samples on the MPC key 61 ?

[@france4me117]

Douglass, you're an absolute time saver ... These tutorials are so super welcoming and greatly appreciated :) I ma simply glued to your channel as at least I'm getting some information about the Akai MPC Key 61 and more so, the Nord. Speaking of Nord, I ended up changing my order and instead of Nord Piano 5 88, I'm getting the Nord Grand which makes more sense being a Classical and Jazz pianist ... My options are either going for this Akai MPC Key 61 or a VST combo of Apple M2 MacBook 13" with LogicPro and a brilliant library such as Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra CORE ... What is your opinion? Thank you kindly once again and God Bless You Jean-Claude

[@rashaidanderson4403]

Liked and subscribed

[@giuseppeverdi6260]

Thanks

[@Trailer_Sailor]

Nice example of mixing. Question; how might you incorporate a harmonica into the mix & do you think using the "Green Bullit" is more advantageous given the mixing options?

[@johnborges9201]

Cool video! I'm new to this whole synth thing so forgive me if my questions are obvious. At the end when you were building out the sound, could you mute and un-mute the individual drum sounds? Or would it make more sense to just record the individual drum parts to different tracks? Instead of plugging in a mic, could you plug in a guitar (let's say by running the guitar through a multi-effects unit)? And lastly, is there anyway to cast the screen to a bigger external touch screen like a tablet or touch screen computer monitor? Thanks

[@B-free7]

Thanks for that video I just bought the mpc 61 key last month,you mentioned at the end how to name and save the song,my problem is how to find the song once it's saved and pull it back up?go to folder or project? and what about recording guitar ?

[@derdo7516]

this helped me alot :D like from GER TY Soundman

[@kenzoblytheproducertv4934]

Good video…Akai Gang🌎🌎🌎

[@DSoundman]

Thanks!

[@shan5445]

Very good song just to make on the fly.

[@CRV1958]

Well Done ! Very clear explanations of the features your covering. How do you like the actual Keybed?? Thanks for posting.

[@DSoundman]

Thanks! So far I really like it!

[@philfab5]

Novice question. I’d like to have some drum patterns ready to use, is that an option. Thanks, been watching the vids you’ve done. Great stuff.

[@TheKASINOINC]

This is a great into. Im looking at 3.2K to buy this (own an S88mk2 NI Keyboard, along with KUCE 13 (Komplete Ultimate 13 Collectors Edition.) SO, point is, its a huge purchase...BUT, im 80% there.. Ive just never used Akai..so i need to do research. This helped.

[@THEREALTWISTEDINSANE]

Do you know how to write touch strip automation?

[@KB-py6jd]

Amazing. What speakers are you using? Sounds so clear. Thanks.

[@fredflintstone1428]

Great video. I've just done my first demo and this thing is deep. I'm coming from an AKAI FORCE, where the mixing is much more like a traditional console. It will be better when (if?) AKAI combine the mixing features and possibly the arrange feature of the FORCE and bring them into the MPC Operating System.

[@stringsnare]

How do you like the force compared to the key? what do you use more? im so split between the force, the key 61, and the fantom 08

[@fredflintstone1428]

@@stringsnare After owning the Key 61 now for about 8 months, I can say it is one of the best pieces of equipment I've ever bought. I sold the Force. If your music making is more 'traditional' (ie. you record the parts you play or sequence) then the Key 61 will fit into your workflow. If you don't play instruments very well and rely more on finding samples and piecing them together, then the Force may suit better. I have my Key 61 hooked up to a Tascam Model 24 traditional mixer via one USB lead and the Key 61 then becomes not only every synth I've ever wanted, the computer /sequencer to build a track, but it also becomes the hard disk recorder / multitrack which can be output on separate channels to the Model 24 for mixing in the 'analogue' domain, making the comment I made above more redundant. I've just 'remade' Depeche Mode's 'I just can't get enough' , with the Key 61 doing all the parts.......it's amazing.

[@stringsnare]

@@fredflintstone1428 this was exactly what i needed to know - i play real instruments but also use software instruments (pianos etc). i need a standalone box that has some DAW capability (something like a portastudio but capable of more) - i hate working on my PC because I work in IT. i also need something that can record guitar parts, and audio parts. this was what i wanted to know. how does it handle recording audio? also i read there is a limit of 8 audio tracks? what if i want to record like 16 little guitar overdubs? also, does it have a built in looper by any chance? thanks for helping me. i wish they'd make a key 88.

[@fredflintstone1428]

@@stringsnare First off, the keyboard is not brilliant. It's not the worst I've ever played but is no match for my Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MkII....but then again, that keyboard cost half of what the Key 61 cost and is just a 'dumb keyboard'. The bonus is that the Key 61 is nice and light and is fully portable. As far as handling audio, the Key 61 can playback 8 stereo tracks. If you've grown up with tape recorders, then all you need to do is plan what you want to record, then perform workarounds to be able to do it. For example, if you have say 16 guitar parts you know you want to record, then they're probably not going to be playing all at once, so maybe you could combine them between tracks? If they are all playing at once, then you could convert them to 'samples' within a 'key program'. If you listen to my track called 'Time to live again' or 'SOS Australia' , these feature loads of vocal samples that were made into huge key programs that were then triggered via different midi notes. soundcloud.com/you/tracks All it needs is a bit of figuring out but I do believe there isn't anything that couldn't be done with the Key 61 perhaps other than the realism of a huge sample library such as Native Instruments or Spitfire Audio programs. I have a 64Gb RAM Quiet PC that I bought in 2021 with cutting edge CPU and memory specifically for orchestral simulations. The Key 61 cannot produce that kind of realism but I don't use it for this. Use it to replace the kind of pop / rock stuff I used to do to tape, then hard disk recorders and DAWs. It does have a built in looper that I haven't yet tried, only because it's easy enough to record audio straight. If I looped it, presumably it would then already be combined and I wouldn't be able to 'mix' it. This is something I recently did on a track with backing vocals. I recorded 7 tracks, played them out to the Tascam Model 24 and recorded them pre-mixed (with EFX) back into the last spare track. I then saved it to a new song and kept working, knowing I could go back if the pre-mixed vocals needed tweaking.

[@KaMLohgaRh]

Such A Clean and Refreshing Track,,straight from the Heaven ❤

[@Wevic42]

Simple and easy

[@souldreamer702]

Ordered mine a couple of days ago !!!!

[@DSoundman]

Woohoo!

[@souldreamer702]

One question. Can I import other plug ins ? Sounds from Kontact Aurtiria ect ?

[@CharlesGreenemusic]

I have a question. How do I load a drum loop (wav) into a track, and sync it to the tempo of the sequencer?

[@efgdf]

Can I use this synthesizer as a MIDI controller, that is, to assign functions to the softsinthes that I have installed on my computer through the faders and knobs?

[@ChrisP3000x]

Great video! Is there an easy way to switch screens for muting audio and midi, or a way to see audio and midi on the same screen?

[@DSoundman]

Thanks! I haven’t found one yet, but if I do, I’ll keep you posted!

[@france4me117]

Hi Douglass, great review indeed, however I don’t seem to think that the Akai MPC Key 61 is designed for suitable for Jazz and Classical !!!! What are your thoughts about that? Also, I ended up getting the Nord Grand which will arrive in 3 weeks time and is very anticipated :)

[@runeb4440]

Can you tell me : Do the Akai 61 support, or, work with the Studio One (5 or 6\Sphere) DAW ??? Don't know where to ask ... Thx in advance 👍💚😎

[@damonbruce3944]

What mic are you using? Great video!

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

Awesome video!!! A few questions: 1) SSD is upgradable for sure and I love that but Is the RAM upgradable? 2) Does the MPC Key 61 come with a vocoder? Thanks Brotha! NEW SUBSCRIBER HERE TOO!

[@magnusjohansson295]

Very instructive indeed. Is there a limit to the number of bars a pattern can be?

[@mh22xv]

Man… great tutorial! You are so methodical and clear. On top of that a song that I can relate to musically, that’s almost exactly the type of music I make. Good to hear that it’s not constrained only to beat making music types that’s almost solely what’s on YT videos. This instrument seems very intuitive to work with and inspiring. I have a couple of workstations (Montage 6, Nautilus 7 and the MC707) with great sounds but the workflow is not that streamlined as this I think. Seriously considering selling some of my gear to get this one. I’m a hardware guy that like to use nobs and faders instead of mouse and keyboard even though I realise the convenience of a daw and it’s possibilities. The MPC keys could be the golden middle way… It will be hard to choose what gear to give up though… feel free anybody in the comments to give some advise on what to let go, thanx in advance 🙂. My instruments: Korg Nautilus 73, Yamaha Montage 6, Roland MC 707, OB6, Moog Subsequent 25, Yamaha YC 73, Roland JU-06A, Roland JX-03, Roland JD-08, Elektron Digitone, Novation SL MK3, UNO Synth Pro desktop and last but not least a Squarp Pyramid for sequencing everything. Question: how many banks and midi channels can the MPC Keys setup and sequence (the pyramid has 4 banks of 16 midi channels/tracks each)? Seems the screen is a great way to visualise what’s going on in the tracks when sequencing midisynths (the pyramid’s display is pretty small). I like the keybed of the Novation and it’s pads but if the MPC has a good feeling keybed and if it could work as a controller with the same amount of ways to change parameters on the other synths, then I could do without the SL. Haven’t used the JD as much as I thought I would so that one could go as well (have enough Roland’s I think, if there is such a thing of enough of any synth 🙃). Getting an MPC would increase the diversity sound wise I think. Sorry, got lengthy here. All the best to every one and looking forward to more videos in your music style Dsoundman! 😀

[@DSoundman]

Thank you! In regards to using the MPC Key as a controller, I haven’t tried it yet with Pro Tools or any other DAW so I’m not sure how well integrated it would be. I have a feeling that similar to the MPC Studio, it may only work well with the MPC2 software, but id love to find out different! I’ll know more with time as I dig into more of the various avenues around this keyboard!

[@bigcdub]

Definitely don’t get rid of the Montage and Korg… I have tha Montage 7, Kronos 2, and Live II, and other than the seamless workflow of the Key 61, the sound in no way compare to my other workstations. This is only an extension of my Live II…

[@shan5445]

It's still music of black origin, rock, classical, soul, jazz etc etc.

[@lonellallan3588]

Is there an option to download waves or some sort of VST for mixing ?

[@marcelosastre6776]

Este teclado se puede usar en vivo? Eh visto la gran cantidad de buenas cosas que tiene pero también eh visto que tiene mucho tiempo de carga de los sonidos.

[@jrf1962]

if you can sing live with the audio effects can you add vocoder and robotic voice and even harmony?

[@YOURFISHINGCHANNEL]

is it possible to build the song and mute the audio / vocals during the mixdown? like switching on and off so it doesnt repeat through out the whole song?

[@TCordy]

I'm still trying to figure out, how to get the FS2 working to be able to use it with play and stop.Any advice?

[@marcooni03]

Thanks you so much for your videos ,,, but please please please could you do us a video or PM me on what setting I need to be able to record midi and audio into my Daw. I have tried everything and cannot seem to have any joy……. I’m sure I read somewhere that the key61 will work ok with cubase. I’m just lost how to set it up when all my other keyboards work fine ???? Please help 😢

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

I need to know! Being that this is a Workstation and with Akai promoting how Producers/ Beatmakers/ Musicians are moving more and more away from DAWs, how (if any), are the Mastering affects? What is Mastering like on the Akai MPC Key 61?

[@ricseehu]

Hi! 08:00 What do you think about this plugin limitation? I would like to buy an MPC Key 61, but I am worried about it.

[@mpmi7588]

Can you make a video triggering the sounds on the pads with the keys? Including drums and multi samples?

[@DSoundman]

I’ll see what I can do! 😀

[@armoniacuscatleca6506]

Hi Douglas, how do I copy a 4 bar sequence and turn it into a 16 bar sequence without editing any audio?

[@jeremymoore2835]

Hey how was the gain imput on the MPC Key for the SM7B? I know they are pretty high gain mics. Did you go straight into the keyboard or use a preamp or boost like cloudlifter?

[@DSoundman]

I use a cloudlifter with that mic and I actually didn’t try it without. I’ll have to do a comparison sometime between the audio interface on the MPC Key vs my Focusrite and try it without the cloudlifter.

[@jeremymoore2835]

@@DSoundman Cool, and thanks for the content brother

[@jasonmartin1357]

Hey my friend how do I sync my Mpc key to logic?

[@pierrefitch]

Bro how you like the new MPC Akia 61 ? Just ordered one

[@DSoundman]

Love it!

[@soundkartel7912]

Is there a way to press the record button and record in Logic?

[@caseygreene9073]

Hi Doug, I sorted out my previous question thank you. Next question - I am trying to sequence my song in 6/8 . How do I set up my sequencer for different time signatures?

[@DSoundman]

Hi there, this video should help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4jJoYahZ6h0f7s

[@doordedeur]

The product sounds perfect, but it's more for studio use than for live use. A Korg Kronos can layer or split 16 sounds with indepedient effects. I don't see a performance mode in the Akai, to play more than one sound at a time.

[@he-man-music]

Wow amazing video! Quick question- does it support pitch correction for audio? Just curious

[@DSoundman]

Thanks! It does to some extent. Not like Melodyne level pitch correction, but there is an insert effect for vocal pitch correct. I’ll try to make a video on it at some point!

[@he-man-music]

@@DSoundman you are awesome sir! Eagerly waiting for the second part where you make a song out of this idea.

[@caseygreene9073]

Hello again Doug, My audio track will not record after 75 bars on any Audio track?

[@MiguelExhale]

How many instrument tracks can you record again?

[@DjazzStyle]

Wait, are your mic plugged yo the keyboard ? You’re talking through the keyboard? Nice!

[@taylorbutts8052]

at 10:00 when trying to begin recording the piano midi track into an audio file. No way to select the piano track. how do i fix this