AKAI MPC KEY 37 vs other MPCs, Force // How it competes as a synth and workstation // Review

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Gear used in this video:
► The little MIDI controller is Mezzz from Sleepy Circuits
Cool Holographic scopes?
► The scopes I use aren't real - I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle.
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:10 Overview
2:55 Keybed
4:25 Buttons
6:55 No strip
7:20 Connectivity
8:00 New USB MIDI
9:20 Storage
10:40 Content
11:05 Portability
11:20 Pad size
11:40 Q-links
12:00 Pros & cons
15:55 Outro
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NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@siryba8855]

Rocking the BoC in the opening. ❤

[@MaxMockett]

Honestly nearly gave me a heart attack.

[@GirthUnitz]

What a sweet BoC surprise indeed

[@Grauskegg]

Yeah, got the goosebumps as soon as he started playing

[@malwinalamch7435]

i stopped listening to what he is saying haha

[@thatmidlifevlogger4463]

What is the BoC?

[@IsshmanGarcia]

***MPC v2.13 dropped today, mainly for Key 61/ 37, but it does add 2 new features to us regular MPC users. 1. You can now set a specific project to load everytime you turn on MPC. 2. You can now download directly to the INTERNAL drive on the MPC. The new v2.13 manual is available on your account

[@smurphio]

I know I've said this before, but you are the BEST reviewer on planet earth

[@AkaTengu]

Thank you for the deep dive and mentioning the need for sequencer/arranging improvements and still needed disk streaming!

[@hovermotion]

Wow there's so much new amazing stuff out there its mind boggling...thanks for your review on the Mpk Mini Plus ..👍🏻 Always a pleasure to watch your videos even if I am not interested in buying the product... Jim

[@thorstenstreckbaum791]

You’re just the best, honestly. Thanks man.

[@mentalmikebeats]

Thanks Loopop for another great review.

[@dessiplaer]

Thanks for the demo. This looks pretty cool!

[@MurderToCassette]

Akai needs to put the modulation matrix from the MPC 4000 in this new MPC range, its miles better than whats in there currently. As a Key 61 owner, it would be a godsend in these machines for those of us who enjoy creating and shaping sampled sounds.

[@straighttalk2069]

I love the way Akai embrace the concept known as a multi-touch display.

[@shawndiggz8904]

Great video! I would like to see this in retro MPC color.

[@eurotium]

At this price point, with what this unit does, it's in another level... I have a novation control XL, I made a template program for it. Briefly, I routed first 8 tracks to the 8 internal busses, and just assigned the faders to control bus levels, so I always have direct fader control of 8 tracks (which I can expand with the knobs, etc) and this makes this a powerhouse for my modular / synth setup. If you use a midi > cv interface, you have plenty of CV control for your modular. If you use an external sound card with multiple inputs, you can even insert effects for individual external instruments and use each, separately, in realtime. MPCs are just beasts at this moment. And this one, with the amount of features it has, and at this price point, is a must buy.

[@AkaTengu]

I’m doing the the same with with an SL mkIII and my Live. Did you get yours setup with all the transport controls working? I’d definitely be curious to see what one of the keyboard MPC feel and flow like.

[@joebaseballparks3189]

Yet another phenomenal rundown by loopop. Great analysis on your part!

[@rob2323]

Boards Of Canada nice demo

[@axelcodr]

Exactly my thoughts and so lovely that intro

[@simonfrancis223]

Thanks for this review also it was informative and well put together : )

[@Raymond0Brien]

That Olson Intro 🫶🏼

[@teashea1]

organized and articulate - nicely done

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Thanks to AKAI for more mobile musical production & playing gadget and thank you, @loopop for your excellent presentation with comparison giving us more vivid ideas and understanding. Cheers!

[@lordundhimself1310]

Still waiting for the Force Keys🔥😂

[@loopop]

Yes please

[@orpheuscreativeco9236]

I would love a hybrid of this and the Force 😵‍💫

[@mungewell]

If you are adventurous, the DIY community has shown that the Force FW can run on the MPC hardware.

[@ToyKeeper]

+1 to all of that. I love my Force but want some keys built in instead of needing a separate keyboard.

[@EricMorello]

I've had an MPC One for a little and never realized you could double-press buttons instead of using the shift key!

[@Bilpokat]

Yep sorry cuz

[@rebediskomse7153]

Thanks for that intro, amazing!!!

[@TheGonzBeats]

Really wished they would've added 8 knobs and/or faders. Wouldn't made it feel more like a synth with sampling capabilities as opposed to a sampler with synth capabilities. Guess I'll just keep rocking with my Force until then. It's a shame they haven't added the mixer screen from the Force to the MPCs too.

[@Reyescult]

The 16 Q-Links on my MPC X make a world of difference when editing samples, etc. I have previously owned an MPC Live , MPC One and Key 61 as well, and working with 4 Q-Links is awful by comparison. Having at least 8 would make sample editing much easier as at least you could have 4 each for start and end point editing.

[@TheLexikitty]

Really love the layout, hope the Chord mode comes to other MPC units. Was hoping for a Locate button but oh well. Thank you! 💞

[@MRAHBB]

Real MPC users know those locate buttons epitomize workflow

[@letsgobrandonpodcast]

what's locate button? do you need it?

[@EulogyfortheAngels]

I've been on the fence for a MPC for awhile now, and this one is exactly what I've been waiting for. When the Key 61 came out, a lot of people wanted an 88 model. I'd much rather have a 37 key model since I already have a great 88 key midi controller.

[@Tommass79]

Same here 💯

[@CourtWatchAu]

@@Tommass79 I think a 37 MINI keys wouldve been better, then you dont have to reach across the width of a full keybed everytime you use the screen knobs or pads, I think Konatkt Kontrol S should make a 37mni key too with the nice screen

[@bengalinsky4300]

Be careful, the user interface is dogsh*t. Everything is multiple screens away from where you need it, and good luck copying notes in the piano roll. Try before you buy imho

[@CourtWatchAu]

@@bengalinsky4300 Thanks, I think they shouldve put some knobs above the screen too so they can be easier to match up with the screen, Maybe Akai shoudl make a 37 mini key with a MINI Intel PC inside and a 2nd screen so then we can run windows, a daw and all our fave VSTs :)

[@TheLogicalProgress]

What 88 key midi controller do you use?

[@pekkon]

This is my dream gear❤

[@Pepijn_a.k.a._Akikaze]

Well explained and elaborate enough! Akai means red so the color suits the instrument. I have owned an X for several years and although the firmware has some serious limitations not mentioned here, like the impossibility of recording sysex, it has become one of my main sequencers, thanks to its USB connectivity. I like the form factor and accept the compromises made.

[@alexanderaultman]

Love the BoC intro

[@toddwmac]

Tight and professional.... your trademarks. Thanks!

[@mikehoncho5469]

I gave up on the MPC workflow and went with the Force. My mind flows with it. I still have my MPC but it never gets touched and is going on reverb.

[@johnnyparker2128]

@mikehoncho I had a similar approach but then I left Force for a standalne Push 3. Push does a lot of things differently that I can't wrap my head around.

[@wildphilgaming]

I'm coming to Akai from MV-8000 workflow which is ssssoooo super intuitive and easy and straight forward. Had my MPC Live 2 for almost a year now and still struggling with the workflow. I literally look at my MV-8000 sitting on a shelf now not even hooked up and debate going back constantly. I really don't use the Sampler part of these machines, and stick with an Emu Emax II or Akai S5000 for my samples as they don't eat up the machine's ram or processing and add texture to the sounds, so they're basically fancy midi sequencers for me...but the workflow. It's so bad on MPC's. Especially for long-format (5+ minute songs) that don't use a ton of loops.

[@ToyKeeper]

Akai Force? This is The Way. The workflow is soooo much better than MPC. I love mine, but it'd be nice to have a smaller version with keys and a tilted screen and a battery.

[@amstadeathhardcore816]

​@@ToyKeepertop will be with battery and sound reproductors inside

[@yotrakzproductions7324]

For those who may be turned off by the 8GB limitation and use that as a deterrent to buying the 37, my experience in the past three days of using mine says you may be missing out on a very unique and fun workstation. Everyone creates their music differently and that may determine the amount of RAM one uses. Judging by its size and compactness I’m guessing that AKAI was looking at it from a portability perspective especially when on can always connect the device to their computer and continue on with a project if needed. This device is definitely a “go between” and not necessarily a stand alone. There’s nothing else like it on the market right now. Personally I hate working in the studio. And, in my opinion a larger RAM construction would imply that the device would be geared for that studio musician market. Making music is becoming more simple now, just look at music production apps as proof. Also, more RAM also means additional processing to store/read it at an effective speed which may mean higher production cost as additional requirements for what started out as a cheap dollar for data are added. Personally, everything I create is from a mobile/portable setup. I find the 2GB build inconsequential when considering what I get in the total package.

[@steviehustlingnetwork3129]

wonderful Review Thank you

[@spdycar13]

I need to use the gear I have and stop looking at all the new products. 😂 Seriously though, great video as always.

[@learnerslikeus]

Thank you for full-sized keys, Akai!

[@JesusIsTheWord]

I cannot wait for these to be back in stock

[@JRosevelt]

Why bother going to anyone else to learn about new hardware releases?? Loopop is the official Ambassador of music hardware!

[@higherself7129]

Loopop is the only person I have ever Patreoned to. Love you man

[@loopop]

Much appreciated!!

[@lpsc_zzz]

the red is kinda growing on me 👀 looks good, thanks for the review!

[@daniel_dumile]

red makes it hard to skin, as most skins dont cover the side ported area, so you have to choose something that looks good w/ red (not much from experience). Black or retro white is much more flexible.

[@lpsc_zzz]

@@daniel_dumile I’ve worried about that as well - my black MPC One has a skin but I’d keep the key 37 stock, since red is actually my favorite color 😅

[@Kinglex-gg6vb]

Excellent fuc@$ing review! Bravo!👏👏👏👏

[@powermix24]

MPC one is still the best option IMO. 61 Key has 4 gb of ram if you need a keyboard version. This seems like AKAI is just milking the line of MPC's till the last drop lol.

[@Jason75913]

milking it as much as possible, as always

[@mikemeengs5720]

Pretty nice and another great review, Pop! And I agree...why oh why can't more hardware include an "undo" button?

[@JeffShuck]

I've fallen hard for the Akai ecosystem the last couple of years. Just love what they are doing -- I think they are hitting it on all cylinders. If this had a battery and that awesome MPC Live II speaker, I'd be so in. Great form factor.

[@vinylselektaz6475]

Cant wait to use this with Ipad Apps

[@CentaurusRelax314]

Can you explain? What apps and for what purposes?

[@akdm82]

I have wanted a true full workstation in this form-factor for a long time. Not a bad price either. There are a few limitations that concern me though. Primarily the 8 plug-in track limit and the low amount of RAM. What I REALLY want is for Roland to make a Fantom-0 37 key synth.

[@akdm82]

@@vjfxtheory it could be a subset. I actually think it could be done. It wouldn’t be to replace my full sized Fantom but as a portable to work on stuff when I can’t take my Fantom

[@josephkissel6062]

I came so close to buying a Fantom-06 at the end of the year but ultimately passed. If there was a 49 or 37 key version, I would have purchased. I think the big difference between F-06 and Key 61 is there is a lot of unused panel space on Key 61 and almost none on F-06. To make a 49 key version would be to almost make a completely different instrument (although I think it would be painless enough to lose the pads.)

[@yotrakzproductions7324]

Thanks!

[@turntheknob]

That intro… ❤

[@mycosys]

Are we gonna mention just how awkward/distinctive this thing looks? Just that could make the thing iconic XD

[@daniel_dumile]

I like how it's tilted up over the keyboard, looks nice I dont like MPC One+'s hard plastic buttons though, nor the layout of the helper white buttons in different places the MPC Live 2 has much nicer button feel and the layout makes more sense IMO (using shift-pads for menu > random small buttons everywhere)

[@daniel_dumile]

idk why they dont logically grouping buttons in the same area, why put them all around the jog wheel? It never felt right. Now 37 put the keys in 3x different places making it even more complicated

[@SynthfulDuck]

Looks like the MAX49, it's cool.

[@sudheeshkoshy5891]

very much useful bro

[@madupaul]

I would love a black version....

[@mb102]

The ability to controll and or Interact with a mixer midi Interface is what makes it pretty wild as a learning tool and small space production. Curse them if you want I do to but at the end of the day it's a new qwik and skick way to crank out nasty tracks of any genre and for that I'll always have respect for them....that one MIDI box company comes to mind...had built in arp made a few other units with hi i/o counts with lots of usb Intergration.

[@LyroLife]

The red color makes me feel trippy

[@ToyKeeper]

I'm still waiting for Akai's ultimate instrument -- the Force Keys Mini. I hope they'll make it some day. For now though, I get along just fine with a Force and Keystep.

[@zdravkodimitrov]

I'm waiting for the Space Force Keys Live X + SE, obviously in red 😂

[@bulletheadbeatz2296]

FINALLY, midi over usb is a thing for the MPC platform! (Currently, it's exclusive to the MPC Key 37 )

[@ajmccarthy3896]

Color aside, I love the form factor here. Very inviting.

[@GreenHoleSun]

I suppose this is a way to sell other colours in the future editions...

[@a2roland]

Thank You!

[@victorwilliams5398]

Love the color and the design!

[@craftform]

I completely agree that. MPC needs a proper clip launching workflow. Using it like a DAW with Audio tracks is not a good experience. Come on Akai, you have some really great hardware now, you just need the final push... merge the Force features into the MPC.... Clip launching, Macros, Arranger etc...

[@matthewgaines10]

That is accomplished by the Force. Buy that of you want clip launching. They make a device just for that purpose.

[@ToyKeeper]

+1 on finally merging Force and MPC to make something even better.

[@RobK496]

I love the idea of the MPCs. I wanted to get out of the box and bought the One. I just can't seem to click with the MPC software: it just feels convoluted compared to a DAW. Even though this looks like a minor improvement, it keeps on going in that -at least to me- counter intuitive workflow. I sold my MPC one and started my Eurorack with the money I got from that, never looked back. This definitely won't change my mind.

[@xadovitch6630]

I was a bit disapointed for the same reasons but now I think that, if an mpc is a very bad daw, it's still a killer sampler, a great sequencer, a multitimbral sound module with a multitude of great sounds in every genres, a midi controller, an audio interface, a midi hub, a submixer, a recorder, etc...

[@----248]

Same here. Loved the hardware of the mpc X, hated the software. Came back to my mpc 1000.

[@simonfrancis223]

Hi, Do you think this would be good for live performances too, in terms of triggering sequences and samples and being able to be expressive, improvising too? I'm looking to get completely new kit this year.. Samplers, Drum machines, Synths, Fun Gadgets etc.. I'm exploring what's out there atm. Have a limited budget, initially a couple of grand to see how I get on. I want to make experimental, cross genre..electronic, ambient, dance, jazz..but a whole load of other influences.. Eg: FSOL, Aphex Twin, The Orb, Mouse on Mars..

[@92M00NS]

I'm gonna write my next album on this.

[@earlsfield]

love you ve chosen Olson for the demo. As as soon as the chord progression hit, I knew it's an hommage to BOC. Couldn't it play the piano in the background, and not only at the end?

[@loopop]

Thanks! I live record the piano while the bass/lead are still playing. It's very subtle in the mix to be like the original (though perhaps a bit quieter). The point was to live loop more than refine a production and mix - I didn't spend much time on it...

[@earlsfield]

@@loopop This one is on me, I was talking to my missus and haven''t seen the piano recorded, sorry mate. Great work as always. And yeah , the pad eats up that DX piano, in the original the pad has more drastic mod and lots of ring mod, which lets piano be heard barely tho. I must admit I missed it first few times.

[@stevekirkby6570]

Just reccomended this to my son as I have the key 61. It looks great.

[@hvhvgitaar]

Thank you for another solid review. I think this will be a successful product. The MPC platform is perfectly suitable for keyboard based composition and this makes that accessible for those with a smaller budget or desk. What I don’t like is the lack of XLR input and fantom power and the missing Ableton control. Especially the latter seems a bit of a stingy move by AKAI. The only thing that still stops me from jumping from Maschine is the lack of clip launching and arrangement functionality. Perhaps this is linked to the lack of disk streaming making those features too demanding on the CPU and memory management ? I do think this is the kind of device NI should have launched after the Maschine+ but I somehow have the feeling that NI isn’t that invested in Maschine any more.

[@arandomthought199]

Got goosebumps hearing Olson BoC

[@robertlundestrom473]

Hi, the new mpc key 37 is out and here is a thought. When it comes to the key modells there is virtually no beginner tutorials out there and i different groups new users are screaming for information and tutorials. I know you use the akai products ao wouldnt this be a perfect series for you to make tutorials on? I really love your way of teaching us stuff and think this would be great for your followers and all new to the mpc key.

[@stevewoywitka3258]

Good morning 🌄

[@jamestoth5934]

Very cool. I didn’t like the look of the red MPC One+ ( it actually deterred me from buying one ) but it’s a nice look for the Key 37.

[@gravyguns]

Does it have a virtual analogue, fm, or wavetable engine that allows you to create your own sounds from scratch?

[@ToyKeeper]

The plugins include a few types of virtual analog and some basic FM, fully editable, and there are additional plugins available.

[@EBMZEQUENZER]

Hey L.P. - do you by any chance know how to switch off Novation LaunchKeys 37 when not in use? Cheers 🥂

[@collinw4461]

Is there going to be MPE support for poly aftertouch?

[@DanielIvan707]

Will this play good with my laptop and Logic? Right now I use logic as a sound module and sample back into my MPC. Works fine but requires a audio interface. Can the 37 keys do this without a audio interface? Thanks

[@dwaynemusik]

You did something in this video i have been trying to figure out how to do on my key61 for the longest you played a one note chord with tge keypad instead of the pads how did you do that and can it be done on the key61 thanks in advance wow that took me by surprise!

[@jonnyhead]

BoC and loopop ❤❤

[@brainbox9219]

Would be great to have this, could learn how to play keyboard and also make some cool stuff along the way to use and reuse how ever I want, nice product

[@Proper.Sounds_Audio]

That sleepy circuits sneaky cameo 👀 I hope this means there's a loopop review of the mezzz! Really interested

[@Dolores5000]

Yes!!!!!!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@deformator2]

BTW, really nice music at beginning. Sounds like Boards of Canada.

[@loopop]

Thanks! I say it's them in the beginning :)

[@deformator2]

@@loopop Sorry, I didn't notice.

[@PeteClark-zd5dm]

Wow that's nice

[@VentureNW]

Thanks Loopop. I have a couple of questions - can you only load plugins from Akai or can you load your own, as well? Also, I believe you said no Ableton Live integration, like being able to control it, correct?

[@loopop]

No live integration, and you can only load Akai plugins (though you could multisample any plugin and move that over here)

[@dankeplace]

1 Akai Force, they got that right, how many MPCs and still getting them wrong?

[@SantiagoGT15]

I want an MPC so bad but other than the X SE they don’t offer much over my Octatrack or Polyend Tracker, am I missing something with all these other MPCs?

[@DJTrack77]

Great Video! One Question: Is there a "Ableton Live Controller" Mode in the Keys 37? It´s still missing in the Keys 61 :-(

[@loopop]

Thanks and no

[@repeatdefender6032]

Damn them, I love my MPC one, but this would be the perfect machine for me.

[@ARCSYS4049]

If this releases in other colors, I will buy one.

[@ploytuell1332]

Waiting vor MPC Guitar 6 String

[@user-yi5yd1yj3y]

Good concept but very UNDERPOWERED.

[@ph11n1x]

straight to Olson

[@Skaratak]

I really like Denon/Akai/SoundSwitch (just check my LED-mask DJ mixes) but still using that underpowered CPU from 2014 with 2GB of RAM is unforgiving. Why, inMusic? :(

[@Jason75913]

same entry-level CPU, no better than cheap Amazon Fire tablets, because it is inexpensive and good enough for most folks, I don't know why they won't upgrade to a more modern CPU, at least 8-core? but I can tell that all instrument makers need/prefer bigger profit margins than Lenovo tablets and Asus laptops, and undoubtedly do not sell anywhere near the quantities that those companies do, everything in pro audio is super low-cost and lower spec as far as circuitry versus everyday electronics, ignoring sound circuitry

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

Great reiveiw as usual (always more than a simple how to) BUT Akai why RED only (this and the MPC one) , i skipped the one for the color alone while it was previously availbale in black)

[@slowbass]

BOC Baby!! Let's Go!!!!

[@AdamsOlympia]

Wish they put the octave switch buttons bellow the mod wheels for easier reach during performance.

[@Lofilegacybeats]

The force is an MPC with a different user inter face made to attract ableton users.

[@user82938]

It makes a big difference.

[@ToyKeeper]

The Force's workflow is a huge upgrade... enough that I wouldn't even consider getting a MPC until/unless they finally merge in Force's features.

[@Lofilegacybeats]

Not so much

[@user82938]

@@Lofilegacybeats Thanks for posting your beats to your channel so people can judge for themselves whether to take you seriously.

[@johnnyparker2128]

Damn you Akai..........take my money and at 13:02 is music/info to my ears.

[@brucebell8562]

Thanks for this great video! However, the way you show the memory expansion slot bay on the bottom of the MPC 61 makes it look like the 37 has it too . . . which of course it doesn't as you say. Perhaps that point could be made a little more clearly?

[@SergeyCoder]

Yeahhhh! That’s what I need! 37 keys!!!

[@marcweiss547]

I bought a MPC ONE + 100 days ago. Wish I was smart enough to figure out how to work together with my Yamaha Modx6. I just can't figure it out. Love the sound quality on Akai. Maybe I will sell both and just buy this

[@JoshuaNeedham]

Missed the boat with no poly aftertouch. Hate the color but love the concept.

[@damelos4039]

Yeah....hate the color but...love everything else.

[@SynthgodXXX]

The 61 key version was interesting to me, but the 37 key is on target for sample packs and ergonomics! Sweet! Great video!

[@MyNameJeff..]

You can use the same sample packs in the 61

[@SynthgodXXX]

@MyNameJeff.. totally! When he said there was 4gb for ram / 3gb usability, I was like "@#$%, gotta go for th bigger one after all!"

[@maikvanrossum]

Not because of your review, as it's informative as usual and spot on! Its duration says it all… nothing really special or exiting to mention. I was hoping Akai would release some great new MPCs including some kind of next-gen software early 2024. But these kind of ‘same old same old’ releases could mean it will take a bit longer.

[@sunnyschramm9650]

uhh... perfect size!