NEW Akai MPC Key 61 - The Future of Standalone Production!

[@AndertonsKeyboardDept]

Hope you enjoyed our overview of the Akai MPC Key 61! Let us know in the comments what kind of videos you would like to see with the MPC Key! ❤️

[@chrisdavies9143]

Maybe a shootout between this and a couple of competitor workstations (Mod-X, Nautilus etc) where you have to create a short song on each so we get a feel for the workflow, which ones are quickest, most user friendly etc.

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

I’d love a critical look at the acoustic instrument and electromechanical engines. As a keyboard player I want to have a feel for how well these stack up to similar instruments and plug ins on the Kronos and Fantom series.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Really would like to see a classical jazz or Orchestral composition done in this. I have yet to hear any brass sounds.

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

@@EverettDudgeon138 Excellent point! I've heard some good string demos but yeah I'm with you. If this has a strong acoustic side, it could replace - or augment - my aging Kronoses.

[@acolytetrader7768]

A nice short smooth jazz composition using the MPC keys, want to hear what the Guitar, brass , electric piano patches sound like

[@judddredd8617]

Andy is just the best at showing what MPC hardware can do. I've watched all his MPC Beats Academy videos and I don't even use it!

[@SessionsWithMike]

🔥 🔥 Akai has been listening and the additional new plugins with higher polyphony for key players is a solid move!

[@martysmagicalmusicmancave]

This looks really refreshing. As a player who’s owned so many different boards in the past , it’s so nice to see something new ! And not just a slightly improved / changed version of what’s already been done.

[@JamesBermingham]

This is Nuclear. The competition will be put to sleep for a long time after this. Gobsmacked. 😶😲 I’ve got the MPC one, and recently got the Roland Fantom O-6, but I think I may need to replace it with this … 🎹🎵💻 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jaybeetdown]

I would man. I have an MPC one and barely touch it because my workflow is on the Renaissance and MODX6. The transport controls on the moc one don't have that skip back function that's critical to the way I make music. This has that and more.

[@DisInfoWars]

Bro it's tempting but the sounds in the Fantom and MODX are superior imo. If you had a choice would you pick a VST instrument from AiR or sounds from Roland, Yamaha, Korg etc..?

[@JamesBermingham]

@@DisInfoWars Valid point. It’s probably just the GAS hitting hard on AKAI’s shiny new toy 🎹🌟

[@peterjessop1878]

@@DisInfoWars Most of the Roland sounds are pretty average. Multi samples are generally tired and old.Yamaha sounds are good and the FM engine probably better than what’s in this box, but who knows. This is a much better sampler so great for creating your own instrument. Would be nice to see a comparison, but I think this is a winner.

[@wm1573]

No you dont.... You're just victim of GAS this piece of equipment won't make your music any better. Focus on your skills not spending 20k on useless hardware

[@djra-b3906]

Akai wiped them off the map with this one this keyboard is mines..

[@maximumguitarage]

This keyboard 🎹 rocks ! Just got one in and immediately was off to the races making music. Very high quality sounds.

[@mrdyer1006]

this just skyrocketed to the top of the workstation discussion at 1699. it beats out the fantom 0 in several ways which i would consider its closest competitor.

[@ljules44]

Fantom 0 has faders

[@mrdyer1006]

@@ljules44 true. what is the application of the 8 faders in a beatmaking scenario? individual track volumes?

[@ZTAudio]

The Fantom and MPC make for an almost perfect pairing, IMHO.

[@mrdyer1006]

@@ZTAudio elaborate! And are you talking the big boy or the fantom 0

[@legitimatefrenzy]

I see your point but fantom can do 16 parts right?

[@hansolo28]

I love this dude’s reactions to Andy playing lol. 😂 He sold me!

[@1881Gordon]

This thing is a production beast! Good Lord. What a Product! Big round of applause for Andy Mac and Akai 👏

[@swiftmello123]

Its the selection of sounds it’s the workflow it’s the sequencing it’s the sampling it’s the connectivity it’s the quality mic preamp’s the phantom power the CV gate, the keys the splits, the layering, the ribbon strip it’s an MPC with keys and more because it comes with amazing plug-ins You get it for $1800 there is so much to this particular workstation and a lot of people won’t admit it because they spent thousands and thousands of dollars on other equipment but this is what you’ve dreamed of since you were little and it’s here now, so get 1 tb of ssd plug it in stop complaining and understand the rest is on you because this will take you where you want to go!

[@zoeygirl]

Classic Andy demo, love to see it!

[@mixedbyasharp]

Looks like Akai's version of ASR-10. Fantastic.

[@digitaldiezel5870]

One machine to rule them all! If that’s what your looking for. Akai now has an instrument/workstation/DAW for every type of producer to use. I’m still loving the FORCE! Others, the MPCX, Live 2, or the One, even the Studio. Akai wins the game! Why buy any other brand of workstation?

[@JeffShuck]

This is awesome. The 2.11 update to the MPC is fantastic and I'm seriously tempted to add this to the studio. Great work Akai on continuing to innovate while also supporting their existing gear.

[@anijon]

Akai just changed the game. That screen is fantastic.

[@theclaverman]

I think AKAI pretty much has hit the nail spot on with this product (and I say this even after only watching the introduction)

[@namagenshu]

they just need to sell Andy Mac! his energy and ease at which he does stuff on the Akai products is inspiring. don't own any Akai products, but have watched a lot of MPC videos just because of him. didn't know he was this good on the keys too.

[@antgeeze7129]

Thanks for allowing him to not just play some thirds but really produce…He quickly was able to drop 2 gems…allowing us to see the capabilities of this instrument-all in one….he had a usb stick attacked, I assume to save the project as recording 🤔 maybe.. digital to audio conversion indeed sounded great from here yet hanks for confirming there in the room

[@WarrenPostma]

It's nice to see some fresh thinking and a new concept in the serious giggable keyboards with serious digital power, and lots of hands on controls and a live dawless workflow.

[@ChristopheTornieri]

That’s a really nice piece of gear! Congrats AKAI! I own a Komplete Kontrol MK2 with the Komplete ultimate suite but It is still tempting! Especially because NI has such a slow development cycle. It takes ages for them to add new features even the simplest ones. But like they said, it is the future of sound so we probably have to be patient!

[@StephanieSante]

The future of Sound 'LOL'

[@jsmacks11]

Looks good. MPCs where known for their user friendly sequencers. Its great that they went serious in adding synths to the arsenal making a standalone unit. The price point is pretty nice as well.

[@mrdavies7894]

I'm sorry, but all I can hear is Nigel Tufnel saying, "Listen to the sustain!" In all seriousness, I really love that this is out. A lot of people have been asking, "But who's this for? What's the point?" It was an interesting epiphany to realise that was a question worth asking, especially since the moment this thing first leaked I knew I was interested. For me, the biggest thing is that there hasn't been a proper _sampling keyboard_ since the '80s (okay, maybe the K2000), even though there have been plenty of workstations that offered some sort of sampling as a feature. And, of course, sampling has long been a part of drum machines and trigger pads. But, to echo Jack's point, there's really just something about having it actually in a keyboard and actually not apologising for what it is and what it does. And Akai taking it to the hilt by offering a workflow they successfully pioneered, not trying to go feature-to-feature with the K Y and R of the world. (And also not to diss especially R for introducing proper sampling in the latest Fantom update!) But yeah, this is different. And I like it.

[@mrdavies7894]

Oh! And another cool thing! I love the plugin and soft synth in hardware that they're doing! Yes, it's what all the kool kidz are doing these days, but so far it feels different from the homogeosphere of The Other Ones. Who knows, maybe Akai will screw it up, but maybe they'll keep not caring that they're doing something right and keep doing it!

[@notime2stop]

These Pads go to 11!

[@mrdavies7894]

🤣

[@fiscaldisco5234]

Damn. I’m kind of a workstation hater, avid Maschine user over MPC, and I can’t deny this is an amazing piece of gear. If I was starting out and didn’t have any gear, no doubt I would get this as my first piece of gear.

[@bharumusic]

I hear you! I prefer Maschine over MPC but I can’t knock this! Native Instruments should be in this space too, but Akai’s taken the plunge to innovate first 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ChristopheTornieri]

@@bharumusic Native instrument user there too but I agree NI has to wake up. Their développement cycles take ages even for adding basic features. But hey, like they say NI is the “future” of sounds so no rush for them.

[@Wolverich]

Definitely my story, I'm a guitarist with a love for producing and this is my first piece of studio gear. I love it so far!

[@TerranceMoore]

Andy is incredible! 🔥🔥

[@antgeeze7129]

SO good!! Well worth my time today!! Very good interview!! Wise to just let this guy go and just do his thing,, he’s the best!!!

[@Sawtooth311]

I have an MPC One and I ran out to buy this on day one! Worth every damn penny! For me and my workflow, this is a musical dream come true! I even plan on using this as a live stage keyboard with an old Roland A-37 to complete an easy two tier set up. I

[@Sawtooth311]

In two tier set up one board cuts out when you play the same notes on each keyed. Also, expression pedal doesn't work for most CC messages :(

[@FlatWHDF]

These two are hilarious!! Love it

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Interesting- it sounds really good - there seems to be something special going on with the sounds- like it’s is production ready and not as obviously digital as other workstations out there.

[@mrdavies7894]

They had me at “Solina Strings”. ;)

[@acolytetrader7768]

Andy is a GOAT at his art

[@DeyquanBowens]

This is basically a KORG Triton with modern technology!

[@Jason75913]

on a f***ton of steroids - then again, the Triton is an M1 on a f***ton of steroids, yes, technology evolves quick and gradually getting quicker, too

[@DeyquanBowens]

@@Jason75913 facts! 💯

[@hudson24dc]

This is a dream keyboard

[@scottguenther-lee2214]

SO f'n amazing. Been a long time Akai MPC person myself. Love the vibes man! 👊❤

[@unknownfilmmaker777]

Great video. I love the jam at the end.

[@revp01]

Great video. Love Akai’s work on this. Still wondering about studio & live workflow elements. Is the sequencer only “beat maker style” pattern & step or can it be linear as well? Also why no faders/sliders for mixing, organ & synth playing? I’d love to get away from my DAW many times but we need a linear sequencer in these modern workstations. I think only the new Kurzweil K2700 is addressing this and there are a few things it’s missing.

[@algodley6099]

Game changer. I'm mad i didn't wait a lil longer before I bought the mpc live 2.

[@Jason75913]

Live 2 plus a controller of your choice or use a Fantom-0, better than trading up that Live2 for this, honestly

[@hatchtambu]

i remember back in late 1983 when i bought my korg poly 800 asking the chuck levin dealer about a keyboard that could do what this new akai can now do today. the guy called a few of his coworkers over and asked me to ask the question again, i did and they all laughed at me and said there was no such keyboard.

[@bullet1218]

Man....every video is bringing 🔥

[@brucebryant4103]

Great gear. Need in my studio so compact and fast. I can see also using live unlocking the multiple keyboard setup

[@dolo747]

Wow. I'm with you 100% with your OCD comment. Glad I'm not alone.

[@balkatron1]

Always enjoy your reviews! Great job!

[@msld_sound]

This looks amazing! I would've loved to hear more technical details like key action, boot time, etc. I've avoided workstations because of abysmal boot times.

[@mrdavies7894]

Other videos have noted that the load time for different setups can be significant. Also, there’s (currently) no “audition” option for Sounds, so it takes a few seconds to load new sounds before you can play then. These are definite impediments depending on your workflow, which I think means learning how to really use this machine if you’re interested in it.

[@narfsounds]

Is it an MPC for keyboardists or a keyboard for MPC users? Either way, I’m betting that this will be the biggest product of the year.

[@particular_noise]

the GAS is strong with this one. never owned an mpc but always wanted one. this might be the one

[@superprim12]

great job!! Akai and Andertons!

[@reedereed]

Korg, Roland and Yamaha are taking notice to this board, specifically Korg I think since they were the king! This is definitely what a workstation keyboard SHOULD be in 2022!

[@damonsiegiel7855]

pause it at 11:20 jacks face says it all he's diggin it lol

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

I really like a couple things here, without stopping every time you lay down a track and switch sounds...the ability to mesh as a single unit with my DAW...I was looking at a Fantom but this is something I will give a good hard look at... Oh, and as always...you guys freakin ROCK!

[@muzikman2008]

Thats why i bought an MPC Live 2 for the seamless playability in recording and playback, you literally just hit record and build up sequences and tracks on the fly, then blend them using song mode... changed my workflow forever, i could never finish a song before, now i can! lol... superb bit of kit.

[@matthewgaines10]

Fantom now has some great DAW integration as does MPC. It’s a tough call. My bias would be toward the MPC keys but I think Roland may have better patches.

[@jeffthomas4246]

That's a tight song bro!

[@StarMaze]

Native Instruments has some serious thinking to do !!!

[@Jason75913]

A keyboard that runs Kontakt and at minimum, runs Kontakt Factory Library, The Maverick, and Scarbee MkI will be the best keyboard on the market.

[@lamarcraven2314]

I just wanna know when are you gonna start a site that you teach classes? ‘ cause you definitely are an expert at this, sir and I appreciate you I just purchased mine so I would love to be able to learn from a person who knows in and out

[@vacation_generation]

Excellent piece of tech. Very cool.

[@rafik2910ify]

I want it , I need it ! The beast !

[@krushingbro6620]

i had heard Akai were coming with a new MPC was coming, is this what was meant? it seems amazing.

[@poerava]

16:14 That outro track was so fly

[@waynewilson8879]

I think in the world of portability and creating music on the go (back packing style) It's not going to replace the DAW/Laptop set up. Simply because its not broken

[@waynewilson8879]

@@defcreator187 ditch the laptop momentarily perhaps? In the end the MPC is one thing, the laptop is everything and far beyond music. It may be lame to you, but dragging that huge keyboard and using it on a train, plane or just about any transport is not as practical IMHO.

[@Khordmaster]

Khordmaster approved ✅

[@ThelIHTCIl]

Waiting for 88 version. It will be gorgeous

[@karl.weaver]

Same here, if you are a player, 61 doesn’t cut it, great technology.

[@zajtoja]

This is great. I want one, even though I would need a year to grasp it's features, lmao. I hope that hands shaking is recording stress related and not a health issue, I hope you doing good Andy!

[@strangefields5992]

Even once you grasp the features the mpc workflow lends itself to a lot of experimentation. You’ll always be discovering new ways to implement what you’ve already learned. I imagine this MPCkeys will be the same.

[@mickehaglund4119]

Looks and sounds amazing! Interested to know if this board is something to use live on stage?

[@OfficialStevenCravis]

Can this output separated midi files?

[@ChangeforJonathan]

Whoa My next investment for sure💯

[@matthewwhitaker4849]

Wow! This is amazing! Do you think someone like me who is blind can use this? I've been looking for something like this for a while. If this is something a blind person can't use at this time, I would love to help out by making it accessible for all to enjoy.

[@fredflintstone1428]

I would be really surprised if a blind person could use this simply because of the touchscreen interaction. I am sighted (but getting old) and find I have to scour the manuals these days as many of the facilities lie under extremely small icons sometimes. Good luck.

[@gregorywonderlike9852]

Any plans when Luke Edwards from Korg is gonna be back for another demonstration? We are all eagerly awaiting to see these two lovely chums back together soon!

[@lucygodfrey141]

Very enjoyable

[@16bitsound]

I need to link up with Andy's barber!

[@ricarcorpse]

I wanna see Marc Rebillet having fun with this bad boy.

[@zoomzoom3950]

Looks interesting!

[@andersong.m.1217]

Mano, só conteúdo top!

[@LeekowalskiWalker]

DIY version: MPC One, any keyboard, some gaffer tape.

[@DelScully]

I just bought a Korg Wavestate and was thinking of getting an Opsix and maybe some sort of all analogue synth to create a nice trio.. But now I'm not sure if I should do that or just get a workstation like this to create a bunch of sounds.

[@Jason75913]

Synths aren't an Akai strength like it is for Korg and Roland and Sequential and others. Also, MPC One + Novation SL Mk3 is a better deal over this Akai Keys. Cheaper and more feature-laden. It is common to combine Akai grooveboxes with synths from other companies.

[@DelScully]

@@Jason75913 that makes sense. I just really like the workflow idea! I've been thinking of even just getting a really good 88 key midi keyboard and some soft synths like arturia's.. It's all so expensive though. If only Korg would release thier opsix, modwave, and wavestate in modules!

[@Jason75913]

@@DelScully Korg supposedly stated they won't do modules anymore because they don't sell well enough. So their mini synths is the smallest we'll get. That trio of new synths are practically modules because you don't want to be using their junk keybeds too much. They also lack expression input, but can be configured to respond to it, besides aftertouch, so a controller is best to bring out their potential anyway. I especially like the Opsix so far. Modwave interests me. Wavestate sounds awesome, but post FX suck and I'm tempted to relegate to a texture and soundscape generator, which I'm not interested in. Using it for more straight-forward sounds renders it too redundant for me, better suited to someone without romplers. Opsix's reverbs are especially delicious, besides the synth just sounding really damn good.

[@The_Sonic_Ally]

ordered mine as soon as i could. hurry up andertons ! lol

[@r.e.d.62]

I note the sample chips were all done on the pads...no mention as to whether the same can be achieved on the keys...?

[@r.e.d.62]

Chops!

[@normski262]

Amazing gear !

[@shan5445]

I'm surprised you haven't got someone on that beat singing!

[@ChrisCastle-fh1jk]

The mpc key 61 is an awesome tool. It is not a synth. It is a music production sampling composer. Thus the MPC trademark three letter acronym

[@TsavosAlliance]

EPIC!

[@rhythm_guy]

This is what I need

[@glennanderson9947]

I now have to go break the news to my Montage that is being sacked.

[@DjFuNkysara]

Does it works without plugging in power ? Does it have internal batteries ? Stand-alone ?

[@thelibrarian3734]

How many sounds does the stage piano have?

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Really would like to see a classical jazz or Orchestral composition done in this. The strings sound excellent but I haven’t heard any Orchestral brass sounds or even things like saxophone. Also I don’t think the organ engine has a cathedral organ and the electric piano section doesn’t have a CP. yes, I understand I can sample these in but it seems odd to omit these (if they indeed are not included) if you are going to compete with other workstations. Yes I know a huge selling point is the ease of workflow but what is the selling point for someone who already has drum machines and synths? Especially since the MPC workflow can be had with other Akai devices.

[@Jason75913]

"what is the selling point for someone who already has" None, zero, not for you. This is for keyboardists, especially the ones without an MPC groovebox to begin with.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

I am a keyboardist, that's my point. What is this offering SONICALLY that other workstations aren't offering? Can it do an orchestral track? Can it do a rock track? Can it do a jazz track? This is what I want to hear. Half of the demos online are people making beats with it or doing the same style over and over. Mike Patrick and a few others seem to be the only ones playing anything interesting. I just want to see/hear how versatile this machine can be sonically outside of the EDM/Hip Hop genres. I understand that's their market but what we have is Akai bringing a keyboard to MPC users (the majority of whom don't even play keys) rather than bringing the MPC workflow to keyboard players and non MPC users. Feels like a waste.

[@Jason75913]

@@EverettDudgeon138 sonically, nothing, just another workstation that can also do those styles of music Clearly a waste for you, not for others who want better sampling capabilities, more memory for sampling, far more memory for storing samples, I've seen MPC users getting to work with more than one insert FX per channel, very unlike Roland workstation users and MODX/Montage users, and the list goes on. No value for you, but for others, plenty. It's not a hip hop keyboard if you don't want it to be, just like the other workstations can be hip hop keyboards if you want them to be. Just ignore this thing and go be mad somewhere else.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

@@Jason75913 I'm not mad. I genuinely want to hear this thing do other styles that's all.

[@fredflintstone1428]

@@EverettDudgeon138 I have a NI setup (Komplete Ultimate 11 with Symphony library upgrade). I've just upgraded to Ultimate 13 to get Kontact 6 (full) and all the other upgrade stuff like Quartet etc. I have just bought a NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 and it's been a game-changer when mocking-up orchestral tracks in Studio One. I also have a Presonus ioSTATION24c and a touchscreen monitor, along with 2 other 23" monitors and the workflow has never been better. This is how using a DAW with sound libraries should be. I also have just sold an AKAI FORCE. I've had the FORCE for a few months but just sold it to concentrate on the NI setup.......when along comes the Key 61. The FORCE is an amazing bit of kit, but I wouldn't dream of doing an orchestral mock-up with it.......the editing of key switches alone would drive me mad. IMHO you need a DAW with a large enough screen to see what's going on. Having said that, I absolutely loved working with the FORCE for certain types of tracks, and I can see the Key 61 fitting in exactly with that workflow. To have all the power you need sequencing, sampling, hard-disk recording and now keyboard too, is a no-brainer for me....that's why I've just ordered one. Here's the type of thing I do with the NI setup: soundcloud.com/altruistica/ave-maria-with-vox-20-04-2020 And here's what I did with the FORCE: soundcloud.com/altruistica/sos-australia I probably could have done the 'SOS Australia' with the NI setup, but the track turned out the way it did BECAUSE I was using the FORCE. This to me is reason enough to employ different tools.

[@rolandburt2856]

Watched two of your videos on this. This is just another product based on loops, sampling, and presets. Can it record audio tracks, sequence part changes , and record over those sequenced part changes? Not everyone thinks of composition or song writing as just adding and removing parts to the same repetitive idea. Ahem.

[@squeakD]

I’m remaining a bit skeptical until I see someone produce a composition with this board in more traditional genres using bread and butter sounds. People keep commenting on how it’s an all in one workstation, but every vid I see really shows this to be a Beat Makers Workstation. I’ve yet to see anything that would move me to switch from my current workstations. I keep hearing about Fabric XL for those sounds, but are they on par with the bread and butter sounds from current workstations (Yamaha, Korg, Roland). Fabric XL.., IMO seems to heavily favor Xpand2 with the more traditional sounds…, and those really are far from groundbreaking.

[@chrispritchard4676]

I very much agree. Are there no musicians or composers left to demonstrate any potential from these things. Or are they for techno geeks who love gadgets?

[@sidneythekidney12]

That's what it looked like to me also. Great hip hop beat making tool but I'd like to see somebody try to replicate "Breathe" by Prodigy on one or something like that.

[@TimmyGoesHard]

I'm new to the Akai work flow, and wondering can you sidechain sounds?

[@AndyMacMPCclub]

Yes

[@OMNS777]

@@AndyMacMPCclub jusT ordered the mpc 61 keys and traded my Roland fantom 06. Super stoked!

[@TimmyGoesHard]

Is there a way to use different scales like quartertones on the built in synths to give that middle eastern vibes?

[@drbop6951]

Would love to see a mini keys 3 octave version with rechargeable battery. MPC KEY 37 MICRO!!!

[@Fragaboom]

I would love to see a video showing how to create a sample. Would you go via a phonograph? Via mp3? Would it all go in via the xlr 1/4? Or can you bring an mp3 in via usb?

[@adamgogomoka5320]

Dopeness 👍🏾

[@hfugmann]

Awesome

[@MusicWizard85]

Akai Force + controller of your choice up to a full 88 keys OR MPC Key 61? 🤔

[@jaybeetdown]

Key61

[@londonsounds6212]

88 key weighted controller and a MPC One right up close to you so youre not leaning over a keyboard for every small tweak. You would still have money left over to buy a separate synth, a new microphone, new headphones, some sample packs, vst instruments, stands, wires and cases. You'd also have a bit left over to get some beer and a pizza🍕

[@Jason75913]

Force + controller

[@EduardoRohdeEras]

LoFi Hip-hop dream machine! I'll need some time to realize what this machine is capable to do, it's a really complex guy.

[@KB-py6jd]

Damn amazing

[@philfab5]

Love to see something on how to import drum loops, so I’m a useless finger drummer, I want Latin and stuff which I can’t play. I’d love to be able to turn on a loop without making it… stupid question??

[@555crooked]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@karl.weaver]

I’d buy this now but I need more keys, any plans for an 88key, or at least 76?

[@mistergrooveman1018]

Naïve question , is it possible to use the programm inside your Daw , as Logic Pro for exemple , As a plugin like maschine ?? Then you could keep your daw …

[@redsquares]

Yes, it can. MPC KEY comes bundled with MPC Software for free, which does all that you can do in the MPC (including opening its projects there) and use the mpc key in controller mode to control it fully. MPC Software is stand alone, but can also run as a plug in inside most daws. Check it out.

[@adamandlorraine]

I like the all in one vibes but not sure I could trust akai hardware again after owing the Akai mpk88. Failing keys and failing buttons all from day one and terrible pads. Returns/repairs very difficult with a 25kg keyboard. And possibly left without it for two weeks. Show me again in 3-6 months and see if all the knobs and buttons still work. To compare my Roland jv-80 took 17 years before the keys adhesive melted.

[@ageshero]

This is pretty interesting.

[@ageshero]

I hate to sound picky but I feel like this might be more attractive in a 25-49 key option though- 61 keys is kind of a lot unless you’re going to be playing on stage- which might be the intent. I was hoping they’d have gotten into the “plugin” synths more and what they do and cover

[@CrazedCrittic]

No HDMI output? If its a workstation I'd like to see it on a big screen.