The MPC KEYS 61 "Problem" - I Kinda Get Why Benn Jordan´s Pissed

Hello my friends, just wanted to share my thoughts on what I think the Keys means for the future of MPC, and why it might not be where some of us want it to go...
Join The Midlife Synthesist Patreon page and join the Fam!
/ midlifesynthesist
THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! You guys are amazing fam🙏🏼
Iain Edye, David Exton, Alexander, Zaffin Music, Mark Pittman, Franky Gun, Haraldur Ölvir Jónsson, Andy Davis, Tjeu Horsch, Devin Glass, Luke Stark, Digable Creative, Guido Gloor Modjib, Matt Smith, Luca Argentiero, Jason Seibert, Gtdandy, Juan Ignacio Donoso, Craig Terry, Sebastian Duarte, Eric Caplan, Virus Music, Lost in Stars, Semyon Boyko, Sean Kearney, W. Aaron Waychoff, NoiseTheorem, Maxime Robin, W. Aaron Waychoff, Teknolust, Scroggi, Kevin Braiden
Want to get your own MPC and help support the channel? Use one of the affiliate links below to get your own MPC with the great folks over at Perfect Circuit!
MPC One: bit.ly/3BBBsEt
MPC LIVE II: bit.ly/3eTCeD9
MPC X: bit.ly/3hZR9Oa
(these are an affiliate links, I get a small commission for your purchase at no extra cost to you, and that way you can help me keep this channel going! thanks!)
Great article regarding actual usable RAM on the MPC by MPC TUTOR: www.mpc-tutor.com/how-much-me...
(other amazon affiliate links)
My KZbin Video GEAR:
Main Camera: amzn.to/2To7AKL
B Cam: amzn.to/3kSc8kE
20mm Lens: amzn.to/30dXZ9v
Zoom lens: amzn.to/3kRVxx4
Monopod: amzn.to/30ajEPV
NTG Videomic: amzn.to/3ijXqRJ
follow me on instagram: @midlifesynthesist
contact: [e-mail]

[@michaelhayden2753]

As a professional musician trained in Classical and Jazz, I bought this MPC Key 61 right away. It is a dream come true for me. I travel with it and produce with it all the time. I use the pads for drums and the keys for everything else. The 2 inputs for recording my friends is awesome. The ability to use it stand alone, without a computer, is super fantastic. But the most clutch part of this device is the ability for it to connect to the internet on its own for software updates. Best investment I've made in a long time for recording and producing music. Akai is winning with this device.

[@nathandjshort]

i agree i cried while opening mine brotha

[@remyvegamedia]

Honestly, I've been wonder how proficient keys players have been using the Key 61 and how the Key 37 would work out. I've seen a lot of people using the Key 61 and now 37 in the same way they use every other MPC and it really makes no sense to me... I'm considering getting a 37 for a moveable keyboard/synth for sketching ideas. A year later, is it still working for you? I'm a total stranger who is very curious haha.

[@followyourpassion8378]

So, is it possible to create an arrangement with say 5 internal voices from the Stage Piano and Studio Strings plugins without the MPC running out of RAM/CPU?

[@Learn2oo]

MPC key 61 is my first legitimate instrument since grade school, I’m a total beginner just learning the basics, and from that perspective, I AM HAVING AN ABSOLUTE BLAST ON THIS MAGICAL KEYBOARD. And the drum pads are softer/more sensitive than the MPC X. The key definitely has better rubber drum pads imo

[@MikeGano]

I attempted to make a track with 8 plugins. My CPU was averaging around 40%, but I still experience bugs and glitches. Practically I’ve found I have to keep it under 20% to be safe. Also thanks for this real breakdown MLS! I always appreciate and respect your perspective.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing brother. I’ve had the same experience. I try to keep the cpu and ram under control and use the MPC as sampler/drums/midi sequencer as part of an ensemble, but if I want loads of vsts and fx all in one place, I go elsewhere. 🤟🏻

[@kb420ps]

I bought the Instruments Collection, which gives my MPC X all the sounds of the MPC Key 61. I tried to load up 6 plugins, and the MPC X gave me an error saying I was using over 85% of the ram. I guess that's why Akai gave the MPC Key 61 twice the ram of the X.

[@machiavelli4428]

Yeah for the price when you just should never have to do that

[@EulogyfortheAngels]

@@kb420ps so basically the MPC X has the internals of a $150 Chromebook.

[@gmorb666]

Record as audio as a workaround.

[@GrayGhostDog1]

I liked your assessment, but I have a few bullet-points I would like to bring up for others to think about... the modern day MPC-line pretty much has had DAW-like features from its inception. It has the MPC software for your Mac or PC... connect the standalone unit up to computer and it acts as the controller and audio interface for the software... software can use the MPC plugins and/or 3rd party VST's... sequence, sample, arrange, etc., etc. Standalone-mode is well-known at this point, but Akai has added several "plugins" built-in to the devices to go along with its intuitive sampling and sequencing capabilities. Even in standalone-mode it has quite a few DAW-like features. Some of the units have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the capability to install an internal drive... latest firmware have implemented the ability to be updated wirelessly. The MPC is a workstation... it's just a different type of workstation than a Yamaha MODX, Roland Fantom, or Korg Nautilus. All of these instruments have their strengths and weaknesses... you have to pick the right tools for the job.

[@joelcarloaymat]

What's interesting to me is that you'd think with all of the history and resources these companies have that they would would come to the same conclusion their user base share. You nailed the exact sentiment the majority of groovebox users share, and the reason why most of us choose to make music on a groovebox rather 100% in a daw. The charm is in the limitations and simplified workflow that let you rough ideas out quickly. Adding more unnecessary features isn't going to improve on that. I've said this before, this is by far one of the best channels on KZbin. You dont post as often as all the other KZbin synth/gear related channels but you dont need to because the quality of your videos are so high. Please keep doing what youre doing. You are one of the best channels on KZbin because of it 👍

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Man thank you so much!! I hadn’t been notified of this comment but let me tell you I appreciate it and you profoundly🙌🏻 cheers my friend!

[@heliotron8042]

I've been waiting decades for a good simple sampler with keys like Roland's DJ70, with an editor, more octaves, more storage and a good sequencer. An MPC with keys should be the solution. But instead of using the full power of the hardware for these purposes, it came as a heavy workstation. This forces me to continue producing without a sampler, using the LoopStation 505mkii, some synthesizers and Circuit Traks on sync.

[@heliotron8042]

@@MidlifeSynthesist Wouldn't it be possible to reduce the weight of what's in the Key61's hardware to make it perform well as a traditional sampler with sequencer?

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

Now I want a Coffee Mustang.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I’ll talk to Ford about it🤣❤️

[@l.a.beltranmusic4554]

It's funny watching people get all bent out of shape because some dude on KZbin does not like their favorite piece of gear. Ben is entitled to his opinion, and people are free to disagree.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Exactly, everyone’e experience is different and valid, and we learn more from each other when you have a different experience than I do. If we have the same experience and knowledge, how can we grow? Thanks for watching!

[@koalemos1679]

That and it has legit issues. Mine has had a borked audio input since the new update. It crashes a LOT. I regret buying mine.

[@justinc9777]

Agreed. I never understood why people feel the need to devote themselves to a faction in the first place. Ben made legitimate points and people cant take the criticism, they only want to hear its the greatest thing ever. Frickin internet weirdness 🤷. I personally am not about any MPC but would never disparage or tear someone down because they are. Use whatever makes you happy to make music i say, but if its flawed its flawed

[@NoxBoxdy]

😕😏😑🛌

[@FirstSkyWalker]

Agreed, I watched Darrick Keels, who’s also a professional musician, keyboard player. Look at his review: "Akai MPC Key 61: Beating Its Competition?" and "Akai MPC Key 61: Gamechanger or Hype?". He does compare it to keyboard in the same price range. He tracked a complete song on the MPC Key 61, without any issues. And he compared the MPC Keys to other keyboards from Yamaha, KORG and Roland.

[@jello-tarzan]

Very helpful, thanks! Nice videography, as always.

[@chrisdavies9143]

I picked one up, have had it just over a month now. I think Benn's video was pretty fair, he praised what should be praised (some of the sounds are really good) and he criticised some of the things that should be criticised (bugs, memory limitations, load times). In my time I haven't had too many crashes/bugs but certainly more than I have come to expect from a retail product. I've also made a lot of music on it, because it is very quick and simple to throw together ideas. I do believe they were going for the DAW in a box with it but actually for my workflow and fairly limited producer chops, it works. But some of the design decisions are bizarre, the fact that you can't sort non-plugin sounds (expansions, other MPC products) by type/instrument. Even the favourites tab is just a random collection with no real sorting. And the lack of a proper instruction manual is frankly unforgivable. Mixed feelings for sure, it mostly feels like something that needed more time in the oven, but I'm hoping that over time, Akai give it the attention it needs.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

It’s kinda been that way since the the first MPC Live came out. I had it for a year and sold it cause it was missing some key workflow/quality of life features. Few years and updates later, I bought the Live 2 and it had everything I wanted from the original. Suppose a similar thing will happen with the keys, but it’s not a good business practice to use your customers as beta testers as Benn said👍🏼. Hope you enjoy the Keys and it takes you to some amazing musical places my friend! Cheers!

[@andrewdoucet3029]

This is a great video. This will sound nerdy-but the pace of and care for the writing makes it all come together for me. Well done, and thanks!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much my friend! I truly appreciate this feedback as I do try to put my maximum effort in here🙏🏼 see you soon!

[@willmcelroy6376]

HERE HERE!!

[@koraamis5568]

I feel like coming from a completely different side. Never bought the MPC with the intention to use it as a sampler, but as a sequencer. This has always been difficult to explain, but there are more people like that, there are many who think of the MPC as a sequencer, remember its called originally "MIDI production center", not sampler or drum machine. Even the MPC 60 has 4 midi outs and 2 midi ins, those are not necessary for sample chopping. MPC always was a workstation from its inception. Trust me there were many people just happy to see an MPC with keys and better plug ins, they just need to get going. Right now, it is the only keyboard with a decent sequencer on it, far from perfect, but it was urgent that some company filled that gap. The shortcomings are probably caused by a lack of competition, it is not Akai`s fault that all other sequencers are so bad. I wich there were more options, but there aren't so they had to do it.

[@petestrangeproductions1699]

Wow! That's only reason I bought the Mpc 2500 four years ago. 👍

[@s.gharavi1614]

Ditto

[@TokyoScarab]

Honestly the Fantom G filled more or less all of these sequencing needs and that was back in 2008. 100 some odd channels of internal and external MIDI, and 24 audio channels. It's honestly odd that a piece of gear made 10 years later has more shortcomings in that department.

[@_P_M_]

I assume the goal of Akai for the MPC is to become a DAW. You get a dedicated controller with dedicated software, plug-ins, and you buy it all from Akai. Kind of like what Apple did when they bought out Logic (Wanna use Logic? Gotta buy an Apple). Akai could even set up a leasing program for their plugins like software companies have done. It's actually a good move for them. MPC's have a devoted following.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I think it’s their end goal as well. They have a long road ahead if that is the objective though, both in software and hardware. Like I said, hope they make a third branch of products (as in force, mpc, akai daw?) instead of piling on the MPC and making it more buggy as it goes along. I think version 2.10 was my favorite, but that’s just me

[@boydw1]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I've been looking at getting something like the Akai Force, and I WANT it to be essentially a DAW in a box, like a large groovebox with DAW like capabilities - the immediacy of hardware, without the typical limitations. There's things I like about the Elektron boxes, but they're all too limited for my taste. I feel like all the best features of the whole Elektron range should be combined into one much more powerful box.

[@GrayGhostDog1]

The MPC has been a "DAW" for years... MPC Studio...MPC Touch... MPC Studio Mk2. These units interact with the MPC software installed on your computer. MPC software is a DAW.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Man, I sure do love your videos. Thanks for another fantastic presentation, Midlife.

[@joegrant413]

Got mine last week as my first MPC. So far so good. Look forward to your thoughts as always!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hope you enjoy it and it takes you on the very best musical rides my friend! Keep us posted on how you get along with it👍🏼

[@mitechko]

In my current setup, the MPC is mostly a sequencer and a drum machine. I find the whole sample flipping music culture a bit alien (although I do agree with your arguments about cheating :) ). But I think the addition of virtual instruments is not just Akai (or InMusic) trying to branch into other markets. As you yourself said, these instruments can and do act as placeholders for the sounds you might add later. And that is invaluable, especially for a more portable device like Live II (which is what I have). I can compose my tunes without hooking the MPC into anything (well, maybe a MIDI controller) and then once I have something going, I can go and plug it into an actual synth and sound design the shit out my base or lead or whatever.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

This is way🙌🏻🙌🏻 (fellow live 2 owner and same usage😜✌🏻)

[@keshermedia]

I travel 100%... total road hound and want something that is fully integrated and works without all these adapters and bs, also must works with other mpc's that show up from time to time. The Key 61 checks all the boxes and is completely comparable with my library... so this is a no brainier for me, now i just need some dinero! 👍👍👍

[@agerven]

Well said. Crystal clear and pointing to the essentials. Yes, we would all like to be presented with the best solution for all our non-instrumental work, but that is never going to come. Simply because there are too many partial side tasks, and too many process steps involved. I once found my almost best solution in Notator for the Atari St (yes, that long ago) in a midi recorder and notation generating sequencer. It was a breeze to work with. Later followed, and improved by Logic, made by the same people and extended with synchronized midi and audio tracks (never could afford that). If, and when you find any partial solutions for your creative and mastering processes that are a breeze to work with, stick to it and keep the fun and enjoyment as the important part of your music making.

[@josephjfk4755]

I really appreciate your view, but for what it’s worth, I have always used the MPC primarily as a standalone device for coming up with ideas with the built-in synths. Yes, I will likely replace them later, but I don’t really use it as a sampler. I’m sure that’s a waste, but not my thing. So I’m excited with the changes they’ve been making. The most concerning thing to me was the pricing with the new plugins, which were completely out of touch with reality.

[@mh22xv]

Ok. So I recently got the keys and think it’s awesome. Coming from making music on workstations like the Montage and Nautilus I find that the keys is fantastic. It’s sequencer is far beyond the Korg and the Yamaha for several reasons but first, for me at least, the piano roll and being able to move/drag notes around on the graphic ui when editing. I find the keys to be awesome to use as a controller for my other synths and gear when recording via midi. So I’m really happy with it. Maybe BJ just had a bad unit. I’ve not encountered any bugs yet. I for one don’t feel it’s bad to have more sounds to play with so the plug-ins don’t bother me. But hey, I’m knew to the MPC so maybe it’s because I don’t use it in the expected “MPC” way.

[@JasonCova]

Excellent video. Appreciate your insight and thoughts.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much!

[@fredflintstone1428]

I love it. It can record analogue inputs (real instruments), it can record 'pattern' style or just record the whole song as one pattern. It's a sampler, sequencer, mixer, though I'll be happy when the mixer interface of the FORCE comes to the MPC software.

[@TheAudioDabbler]

Great video, I have the Akai Force and I really like it. I could use it for church alongside a midi controller but that is just one more thing to have to take each week, alongside my guitar, ukulele, cajon, pedal board. I thought about getting the MCP Key 61 for church. I dont switch a lot of presets, and could get by with a a piano and a pad and maybe some strings. I currently use my iPad and a 25 key midi controller but want to expand and I am hitting limits with my 7 year old iPad pro 12.9 gen 2. So I am either going to upgrade my iPad or get some sort of stage piano. Advise?

[@coachangeln]

I love your philosophical breakdown on this topic. I don’t even own an MPC, and I was fascinated with the video.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

❤️❤️ thank you so much! I love discussing concept instead of listing specs on the devices we love, so I’m happy it resonates🙌🏻 cheers!

[@kb420ps]

Great points, and I agree. I think that Akai has lost it's way in an attempt to make it a DAW in a box with included synth sounds. I also think that Native Instruments did the same thing when they attempted to make a standalone Maschine instead of simply further evolving the software itself. When it comes to Akai, I would have been satisfied with an MPC with a super stable OS and some new effects. With Native Instruments, I would have loved to have seen a Maschine update with a scalable UI for high resolution monitors, and native VST3 support.

[@NunyaB1s]

I've been watching the keys launch with exactly this worry in mind. I will be upgrading from my aging K2661, but not yet. I've definitely decided that I prefer dedicated tools as opposed to all-in-ones. Even though I have all of the Kurzweil's options I don't use them all, not even close.

[@elvinlewis4233]

I agree. I have several "groove boxes" and the Force and MPC I found was the easiest way for me (singer/songwriter) to get my songs produced.

[@isaacjones5385]

People are gonna use it in different ways, as a sequencer, for the drum pads, as a sampler. Akai first made it as a Sequencer so it wouldn't be far fetched if they got back into focusing on that. I have Mpc Key 61 on the way, I had one Mpc 2000 that I got rid along time ago and I've just been using plugins on Fl Studio ever since. I bought the Mpc Key 61 because I wanted another sampler and, to get that plus a keyboard all in one is a blessing in itself. I was gonna get the Fantom but I already have Roland cloud so this will be a great controller for that. I think this keyboard will be a plus for me, and I love new gadgets.

[@sinewaymusic]

I personally don't think of the MPC as a dawless DAW or some jack of all trades type of device. To me, it's all about the workflow of being able to make music without relying on other synths, hardware or DAWs unless you *want* to. Don't get me wrong, it *is* a DAW in a box - I just think that categorization misses the point of what the MPC is all about. The beauty of the workflow lies in its (re)sampling capabilities. Bounce something, mangle it, add some effects, flatten it. Hit Copy+pad1, pad2 and you just made a copy that you can mangle even further. It's so quick and inspiring as a way to add unique spice to your tracks. The MPC had made me look at sampling in a totally different way compared to how I approached production on the DAW. Samples are essential for all kinds of genres. Crucially, though, if the MPC didn't come with the built-in plug-ins, I never would have bought one and realized how amazing this workflow is. To me, the synths are so convenient, and more often than not, I find that they are just what I need, which means I can skip the hassle of plugging in my external synths for the most part. To conclude, to me, the plug-ins are essential and were the gateway drug for me who isn't into sample-first genres like hiphop. I'm not the kind of guy that would go and sample other songs. Instead, I resample, reverse, add Granular and other effects to bring atmosphere into the instrumental tracks I made (mostly some kind of mellow trance for lack of a proper genre). With all this said, I would definitely love to see an MPC update that focused on the core: quality of life workflow updates, bug fixes, optimizations, etc - instead of charging for more plug-ins.

[@willmcelroy6376]

Amen!!

[@EARTH.HARMONY.SOUND.HEALING]

Looking at this mostly for the autosampler for somekind of solution replacement for my laptop for my NI Vst's/NI Keyboard. I've tried the MPC workflow so many times but have given up.. but wondering if it will be great just a autosampling keyboard... the price went down quite a bit! thanks Midlife!

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

I appreciate your in site to this keyboard as I have had it on my possible purchase list. I was not aware of its differences between it and say a Fantom. I may have to do some additional research to see which one I would be happier with.

[@josephs2791]

Is there any chance you'd do a video on multi sampling your synth? Like how you set it up and everything? I've tried to watch some videos but when I do it I fuck it up lol I have many patches on my polybrute I'd love to multisample but I'm sort of an idiot when it comes to menu diving for setting stuff up like this

[@thepatzer]

Looking out for that fridge, toaster, waffle maker, blender as the perfect outboard unit for the Mustang Espresso platform! Hope the latency isn’t too bad.

[@Echolimabravo321]

Great honest video!!

[@murmerjangle3016]

I came back a year later to re-listen to your very fair and articulate commentary on this near miss keyboard. I'll wait for a gen 2, thanks.

[@mucy2807]

Great review & point 👍🏻✌️

[@sinwithsebastian]

Spot on, I hope AKAI will implement granualar synthesis ….. Develop the sample part further and simplify the workflow

[@luminaaband450]

thank you sir!

[@WoodysAR]

I love my Akai ADVANCE 61. It makes VST Software Analog analogues fun... I miss my EMU EMAX II ...

[@edgaba]

I agree with you in seeing this keyboard for what it is. I’ve been searching for something that has an easier and quicker workflow. I am totally new to MPC I’ve always seen it as a drum machine and I play/write mostly jazz, Latin and Pop of course I have Omnisphere and all the Spectrasonics stuff, Native Instruments, UVI, etc. however sometimes working in a DAW can be frustrating or better said it can be an inspiration killer because of constant updates and plug-ins not working for one reason or another or the OS changed and well… it’s always something. When one has an idea or wants to come up with one you want to do it in a fluid fashion and I believe that’s what Akai was aiming for and is a fact that most of the Demi videos I’ve seen from Akai demonstrate that. The keyboard has so much feature integration with a DAW that you’re not slaved to just using it or it would not be as complicated to transfer stems to a daw like it is on the Korg Nautilus. If you can lay down and sketch an idea on a keyboard quickly like you can in the Fantom 0 and perhaps further develope it in a DAW that’s awesome. Akai takes it a step further adding fx plug-ins and sound sources like Fabric XL yes they may be CPU intensive however running Omnisphere, Keyscape! Trillian and East West Samoles Play has slowed down my system more than once and eventually you have to bounce to audio to free up system resources. I think Akai is on the right track one could finish a song entirely in the MPC key 61. Ow not every song has to have 8 plug-ins and one thousand parts to be a good song. They have included 2 XLR inputs with phantom power, the ability to interface with any device via USB , you can upgrade your HD etc. so Akai is moving on plug-in territory? Good for them companies have to evolve right now Korg and Roland should pay attention they could learn from them. Korg and Roland have been recycling the same keyboards from the 80s and 90s in different packages all of them with serious limitations. But we got to see them for what this keyboards are which is a color in a larger palette that we use to make our paintings. I think Akai is going in the right direction and I’m about to order my Akai Keys 61 oh yeah! And I’m selling the Nautilus.

[@TRUE-LION]

At 2:27 it would be Ave Mcree the MPC gatekeeper that took offense.

[@kristoferkristensen9021]

I will buy this next month. What I initially meant to buy was an Aturia controller. For a few hundred euros more, I could get semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, an MPC and a full blown sampler, plus a whole mess of onboard plugins, sounds out the wazoo that I can jam with without having to start my computer. The value is incredible. I hope to perform on stage at some point and I'm certain it will be good enough for me.

[@cesarenriqueherviasmartine9244]

Hola, felicitaciones por los magníficos y objetivos comentarios sobre el Akai MPC. Agradecería mucho tu opinión acerca de cuál de los siguientes teclados es mejor en cuanto a timbres, ediciones, efectos y secuenciador: Korg Nautilus o Akai MPC. Te agradezco de antemano y te deseo el mayor éxito.

[@professorplums722]

Hope you can help folks - I have new Roland Fantom 7, MV8000, MPC 5K, Akai DPS 24. I do not want to use a computer DAW but I have too much gear. Can this replace the Fantom, MV8000, 5K? I keep hearing about the 8 audio track / 8 virtual instrument limitations on each song (a project or whatever they call it). If there are 25 "plugins" is that 25 virtual instruments? Can I use 8 of those max but any number of "sounds" (programs I think they are called in Akai speak) from each virtual instrument so....if for example we take Fabric XL as being a virtual instruction which has hundreds of programs / patches in it - can I use as many as those patches as i want as long as I don't try to go beyond 8 x different plugins / virtual instruments? I can't seem to find an answer for this. You may think I am nuts getting rid of the Fantom but I have too much gear, the pads are not velocity sensitive and the sequencer is rubbish (imho). I did have a Fantom X, G and their sequencers were great, velocity pads - great. I am looking to reduce kit and ultimately maximise the small amount of free space I have in the house. I just need to understand this 8 virtual instrument limitation - I hope it doesn't mean I am limited to only 8 "patches / programs" from the 6000 or so sounds / patches / programs (I don't know what Akai calls them). Thank you in advance.

[@cesarsjogren]

You spoke everything on my mind. 100% agreed!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thanks for watching fam❤️

[@FirstSkyWalker]

I watched Darrick Keels, who’s also a professional musician, keyboard player. Look at his review: "Akai MPC Key 61: Beating Its Competition?" and "Akai MPC Key 61: Gamechanger or Hype?". He does compare it to keyboard in the same price range. He tracked a complete song on the MPC Key 61, without any issues. And he compared the MPC Keys to other keyboards from Yamaha, KORG and Roland.

[@MakeLifeExtraordinary]

I have also used it to track complete songs with external instruments, such as guitar and vocals. I think most people don’t play around with it long enough to understand how powerful a device it actually is. Plug-in that this thing has alone are worth it’s weight in gold. You have guitar/bass amp and speaker simulation. You have a ton of vocal plug-ins, including harmonizer and autotune(for those that truly need it). along with a ton of other plug-ins. Not to mention every effect known to man. Plus a host of mastering tools... On top of that, you can record to either MP3/WAV, or you can choose to save out each track on their own, in order to mix and master on your PC or Mac. Which gives a quick way to review the sound of your project on any audio device you choose, like your car, radio or anything. The sounds and instrument emulations that are included are phenomenal. With the ability to tune them any way you want to and add effects. Which is another huge positive, being able to add as many effects as you want to per instrument, and I believe six or eight on the entire mix. The NPC key 61 has 4 GB of memory as opposed to 2 GB of memory on the MPCX. The memory situation is a curious one as far as how to conserve it. With something like an entire sound pack, such as Fabric XL, it loads the entire suite of sounds into memory instead of just the one sound that you may need for your project. Which I guess is good if you’re going to use it and the sounds in it as your primary source. But if you start loading in other symptoms from other sound packs, you can easily fill up that memory. That is something I think they truly need to work on. To allow you to only load in the sounds and the samples that you need as opposed to the entirety of a sound pack. Which generally only happens with the plug-ins. If you choose a standard sound pack outside of the plug-ins, you just load in the sound file that you want to use and that’s it. Not every sound in the pack. Regardless, I think that some of the reviews of this product are made by people who truly don’t understand how to use it. It could easily be used to play out, live by simply designing the sound, you need, whether that be by layering or splitting and saving them out as user files, and then adding them to your favorites. Lined them up how your Setlist is lined up and you could simply go to your favorites and load up each, song by song. The only issue being that, you can’t have more than one favorites list, so if you were going to use it for both live, playing and recording… There’s no way to have two separate folders for each. Also, as somebody else has said… There is no way to sort those files out, either by name or by instrument type. Which would be really nice. The good thing is, the software techs over at Akai are really good at listening to the fan base and adding features that they want/need. It still amazes me to this day that this company updates even it’s oldest products with the newest firmware/software. That says a lot about their dedication to their fanbase… as other companies would simply phase you out and force you to buy their new products. I’m really enjoying this and I’m not somebody who does House, dance or rap. I use it to quickly write and record. rock/pop and country for myself and artists who record under my label and it works fantastically for getting those ideas down quickly for demos. If I need something more, then you can transfer each track by itself over to a WAV file and send it over to your computer to work on your DAW. The great thing about this, is it has a button for pretty much every function. So everything takes just seconds to get to. As opposed to jumping through menu after menu on the computer to do what you need to do. Which is why it is such a great blessing for quick demos. I’m still exploring it and learning new things. Trying to learn this thing inside and out, so not only can I teach myself and improve my workflow… I can teach others how to use it more efficiently, and hopefully get the word out there between myself and other people about how wonderful this thing is. I truly hope that Akai keeps adding more plug-in instruments and sound packs. Keeps improving memory usage. I would love to see them add some acoustic bass and guitar plug-ins. I would also love to see them add a ton of high-quality acoustic drum sound via an acoustic drum plug-in. That allows you to change drum types, drum sizes, sounds, effects, etc… for those of us, who use it for rock, pop, and country. With time and input from users, I think this is going to be an incredible instrument. Because it can do pretty much everything and it is all streamlined… There will be nothing on the market that can beat it. You already get a ton of instrument for the money… That of which would cost $3000 plus from other manufacturers.

[@rebelkleff6250]

I honestly agree wholeheartedly with the whole video. So well said 🤞🏻

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you for watching my friend❤️ cheers!

[@jazzbwooy8889]

Love the vid! Exactly on Point! I hope Andy Mac and the others at AKAI get to see this. I'm still using my beloved 2500s, but I'd be open to upgrade, IF there was a viable alternative. And the current versions just aren't.

[@WillRoan]

I think you are spot on. The fact that the cpu maxes out so quickly is a bummer

[@RaystudiosProduction]

Thanks 🙏

[@amfimoll9428]

Good vision. Fully agree.

[@spirospapatheo8893]

Can you install software plugins from other companies ,like orchestras,virtual intruments, etc?

[@JeffHopkinsMusic]

Externally sequencing the MPC still has bugs which makes it unusable in a lot of situations. Ie, two midi channels coming in to two separate tracks (each set to just their respective midi channel), any notes on the same midi note value will interfere with each other CROSS channels. Channel 1 can turn notes off on channel 2 etc.

[@robinhammar9210]

Can confirm this. Midi OFF messages seem to apply to all channels.

[@arte.marcelo.castro]

It also cuts off the same note played with the pads. I bought an MPC for live performance and discovered in horror that I could NOT hold a note om my midi keyboard and play the same note on another plugin with the pads.

[@JeffHopkinsMusic]

The bug has been around for years, I have a bug report in, but more people who open a report the better

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

This is what I mean! Akai should focus on perfecting what the MPC already does instead of going all over the place. The thing is special enough for it to need more frosting. Thanks for watching my friends!

[@Sawtooth311]

Yes, same here, this problem is not getting the attention it needs.

[@iroseland]

so.. we are getting the bend prepped to start playing live. That is good news. I have been desperately trying to simplify the stage rig so I don't have to screw around too much on setup and reduce the odds of gear failure at a moment we wouldn't need that happening. As a result, I was seriously considering the keys. Benn's video was a life saver as there is nothing there, I wouldn't have run into as well.

[@BrentODell]

The first thing I ever saw from you was your video asking whether going 'DAW-less' really matters when things like the MPC are, essentially, a DAW-lite at this point. Great channel.

[@dave3987]

Made great beats with Yamaha rs7000 and the modx6 I might get the mpc one I heard it can sequence 8 tracks please enlighten me.

[@g.e.holliday9375]

Stand Up... "Coffee... & The Mustang"

[@CJtheCynic]

All points valid. Thank you.

[@stevekirkby6570]

With the plugin synths, you could, for example create a sound that is exactly what you want, and then multi sample it and then forget the plug in. Hence creating a new sample instrument and not limited by the 8 plugin limit. It's just offering you a way to get sounds without resorting to lifting someone elses or sampling a phrase. All good.

[@Midi-olo-gist6758]

I think you're right. I have the MPC studio and I love it. I use like that a complete DAW experiment machine and I love. After Cakewalk sonor went out of business I was pissed. So I just do all of my experimenting with my MPC studio. Yeah it's limited but I'm still kicking ass and taking names creatively. Stay blessed bro.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@klmberezina274]

Thanx for this crystal clear point of view! MPC is for me : a powerful drum machine/sampler in itself, and the brain of a set-up with external gear. Yup, full tracks can be made in the box, i do it too. But when I see limitation used alone, i see none used as a brain/sequencer and sampler.

[@klmberezina274]

So keys 61 or MPC... Same vision, just a different form factor!

[@davidasher22]

That espresso analogy what’s tight!

[@RIP_Milhouse]

Great take!

[@ap0ria]

We’re starting to see this mega parent corp, inMusic Brands, begin to cheapen and widen their brand devices. The keys being the current prime example. Unless the true fans of the MPC start to get a little more real about how poor the expansion past sampler is going, we can expect to see that sampling core functionality take a back seat while the focus on half baked functionality widens the addressable market and ruins the MPC soul over time.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

That’s what I’m worried about👍🏼 thanks for saying it so well🙌🏻 cheers my friend!

[@laurencecousins7727]

That's a great critique

[@nStueckKuchn]

My Akai Force just became my main sampler and midi Sequencer for all my synths, i rarely use the plugins, the effects are way more important for me :)

[@Mr.Gump5780]

The Key61..It’s my favorite MPC and I’ve had several.

[@ModePhaser]

I liked my MPC One but it was just so tedious to work with. In the end I felt if I was going to be using a "Daw in a box" anyway, I'll just use my mac book pro. So I sold it. Great video brother!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Lol, I get it bro👍🏼 had the same feeling with the Maschine mk3😅 it’s funny but after being pretty much dawless for a few years, I’ve started enjoying the Push2 alot lately🤷🏻‍♂️ humans are funny aren’t we? Thanks for hanging today! Cheers!

[@ModePhaser]

@@MidlifeSynthesist Always a pleasure my friend. 💯

[@craigharris424]

What are you creating with now? Since getting rid of the MPC One.

[@audiobunny1767]

Same Same 😂 lol

[@veselintenev4195]

Oh, I see the whole triad in the background...The Mood, The Habit and The Blooper...wow...

[@stevepottz111]

Spot on.

[@wireguy123]

Hey MLS...Do you own the MPC61 or just the MPCPlus or 2 Live?

[@audiobunny1767]

I sold my MPC Live II a few months ago after thinking it would replace MBP, and daw etc. As much as it was fun I realised I was expecting to much and actually more productive with my original set up. I totally agree with what you're sayin.

[@brainbox9219]

Nice haircut 👌🏾

[@dafunkycanuck]

I'm with you. I've got an MPC One and I really enjoy it but I'm not coming from a DAW background. I very rarely use the plugins or like you mentioned use them as a building block and then replace it later with a hardware synth. It does crack me up when I see people with the Keys still using pads to create their melodies but I can't critique too much as I'm no Bernie Worell.

[@hisfrequency]

I'm just thinking maybe I should take apart my Arturia KeyLab49 mkII, along with my MPC Studio, my Yamaha PSR EW 300, and my Novation Launchpad 49, my Model 12, my M2 Mac and build something different. I am barely getting my feet wet in Music Theory, a lot of the information being discussed is Alien talk. So for someone just learning music production would it be worth the investment of getting the Key 61 or just continue exploring my Arturia along with the MPC Studio, my M2 and produce great music? I am not producing live yet but will in about 6-9 months, however since I am learning the in's and out's of music production this maybe a good point to consolidate. Comments are welcome. TY

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

I'm having fun with my MPC1000 running JJOS2XL. Hasn't crashed on me or hit the limitations yet! 🙂

[@lordgeronimo72]

Good stuff

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thanks bro❤️

[@Proxima04]

Spot on.. I've found my MPC one, good for the reasons you've mentioned and as a portable machine to take on trips or muck around with some ideas. it's fine with Hype synth, and frankly I would love a granular mode worked into the sampler somehow, because of the music I write, but that's about it. I do think that one of the angles for the MPC Keys is it's DAW for MAC and Windows. no doubt the ambition there is really to try and get people over to that platform to finish projects in a bi-directional manner. and come away from Ableton, for newcomers that's possibly a cool option, but for an established Ableton user it's probably not going to happen, let's be honest.

[@KhalSwank]

good take

[@jacksp8de]

Just got the MPC Live 2 a couple of weeks ago. The UI is very weird for a new MPC user. I love it but It’s not that user friendly but I’m getting the hang of it. Definitely does not feel like a DAW to me, I actually wish it was more DAW like. That to me just means easier to use.

[@brunodiben]

nice video again, great conclusion "save the mpc" 😆. mpc x user here and Im ok with multisample instruments from arturia stuff, like the piano, still a great sampler, I think the "right" workflow on the mp should be open a plugin just to play something and inmediatly sample it to continue if the cpu level is at risk.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Lol “make mpc great again”🤣

[@grumomusic]

You've managed to put in words what I've thought all along. My MPC Live 2 is the replacement for my MPC1000, and I use it in the same way, but with the added piano roll, an arpeggiator with more functions, preset scales/modes, usb MIDI compatibility. light up pads with assignable colors, etc... And that's why people like me and you who still see it as "just" a sampler and MIDI sequencer can see past the bugs and issues (or don't even experience them as much as we're not trying to squeeze the last drop out of its processing power). I agree they've developed it to a point where there's a little too much going on and should focus on the core functions that made the MPC have such a loyal fanbase. I'd happily sacrifice the hype synth for a "select all" function in the piano roll! haha

[@maxsmart9116]

I was looking into the mpc live2 to replace my mv8800, which doesn't interact well with modern computers

[@DoctorNemmo]

That MPC keys is perfect for me. (That's until a Maschine+ Keys appears)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

All the more power and enjoyment to you my friend!!🙌🏻

[@CaptainProton1]

I would love to have a separate OS install for the MPC Live II so that only the sampling and seq plus a few fx where there. Like a really slimmed down install.

[@joonglegamer9898]

I kind of see what you're coming from and I partially agree with you and somewhat disagree, I'm an grumpy old man too so don't feel out of place :) I already had the Montage + your average Tascam Mixer/recording studio all-in-one thingamajiggy before I was introduced to the MPC universe. When I did get introduced it was because I bought the MPC KEY 61 on a whim - actually I applaud AKAI for releasing it to EVERYONE instead of just a bunch of reviewers, that earns some brownie points with me. I also kinda like that I got to be a part of this from the start, it was new to me - entirely new, and since I don't have the MPC knowledge other people with regular MPC's have - I had zero expectations from the old MPC's. And thus the only real bug I discovered was in the start, the Key 61 had a faulty keybed - it registers various velocities with various keys, that seems to have evened out a bit the more I use it. But I've noticed that I use the MPC key 61 far more than any others of my synths, and as with most of us....I have way too many toys. I have Rolands, I have Korgs, Yamahas etc. The entire enchalada. But the more I get to know the sounds that come with it the more I realize I gotta learn - and my friend ...it takes TIME. But what I like about the MPC and the number ONE reason I use it more than anything is the fact it's just record-and-go. I can sit down, play with sounds, and if I made something that amazed myself and forgot to record - I can just use RETROSPECTIVE recording, that function alone is amazing. Another thing I just love is the fact I can just set up a sound, press NEXT track, record and repeat, and the UNDO levels are long and unlike all the other standalone solutions actually goes way back so I can go as far back with UNDO as I like. And there's more - I love the fact there's no "one way" to record stuff, you literally have every recording option on the planet to fit your particular sound, you don't have to use timign and quantize, you don't have to record using midi tracks, you don't have to record audio tracks like on the multitrack recorder, in fact - you can do it YOUR way, there's ALL of these functions available, and they're silly easy to use. But as with everything - it takes time to learn something new.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Absolutely agree that the MPC is an amazing device my friend, just as I said in the vid, one of me favorites! Thank you for sharing and hope you continue enjoying the MPC KEYS for years to come!

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

Wow... I like what you just commented on.I too am an old guy with way to many synths, guitars etc...Im about to retire and am looking for one more board to learn in retirement. As a guitar player you can play all different brands and styles and the only thing different is maybe switch location or neck length...buying a keyboard though...that takes a commitment ...to learn and take advantage of. Like learning a new DAW. I like what you said about creating on this board after learning it, that it was easier and you use it more. If I buy this and have a similar experience, I would have enough money left to buy another guitar... 🙂

[@developmental08]

This is extremely wise video. It encompasses the thought process of jack of all trades master of none. And I really do hope that someone in the executive area of Akai listens to this video or watches it or something of that nature because it makes so much sense.

[@ToastedLordz]

I actually still use serato sample. that has been easy to use from day one

[@urielbruce8701]

I use serato sample, ableton and kontakt. I have a push 2 and a komplete m32. I am a fan of the maschine though. I wanna upgrade to the s61. I know the mpc is loved by everyone I just wasn't a fan and if I did get one, I would get an MPC 1000 to maybe a 2500 (depending on what I can afford) just to do drums because it does hit kinda different

[@mont-doggBeats]

Before DAW’s there was MPC 60, Mpc 60 2 and later Mpc 3000.

[@maxricemusic656]

Even as a studio producer and not a live performer (I make trap beats), the type of bugs the MPC have sound so draining and kills creativity. Most of the music equipment I have used, including ableton, has mostly been rock solid. I would rather get more limited digitakts than an MPC because at least the Digitakt won't crash or need firmware updates to have a fun jam with. Plus the DAW in the box vibe seems not worth it and like it would make me want to go to my DAW lol.

[@fremoth]

The problem is that they made a keyboard without all the sounds you get in a Yamaha, Korg or Roland. Keyboardist like me didn’t get the Akai key 61 because we have these boards and use it with the Live2, One and X seamlessly. We had no reason to purchase the mpc key 61. I love that they went towards having a daw in a box but without linear tracking the need for a additional linear daw to finish songs is needed. That sucks.

[@koalemos1679]

Akai need to make it where you can automatically change it's internal synth's presets per sequence. How can it be an MPC LIVE if you can't actually play an entire set on it?

[@markl7520]

very accurate opinion, i agree.

[@unclemick-synths]

Because I already have a One I'd not paid much attention to the Keys. Based on my experience of the One I am surprised that there wasn't a significant upgrade of the hardware for this. I don't load mine up with huge projects or stacks of plugins (in fact I rarely use plugins) but it's clearly not a computing hot rod! I have yet to figure out how I would gig with it because only a folk singer would have enough small-talk to cover the time it takes to load projects! 🙄

[@huntergalloway3944]

Fuck it. I’m just gonna do everything on my old ass Emax. Sequencer won’t quantize and it has 512kb RAM lol. Benn is totally right, but when I work on my older machines I can’t help but feel spoiled by my MPC Live. However, frequent and multi featured firmware updates don’t excuse Akai from using its customer base as beta testers for those updates. I bring up my Emax for one reason, its firmware was updated multiple times in its production. The way they had to do updates back then was to produced and ship actual EPROMs and floppy disks. That meant companies had more skin in the game and had to make damn sure the updates worked. I’m not yearning for the days of floppy disk, but it is something interesting I’ve noticed through the years.

[@maschinelab8598]

Im on the same boat. The plugins are A OK but they must not loose the horizon of what an MPC is.

[@pid58]

I took mine back with great sorrow😢

[@K24U76]

I really like my Keys, but honestly, I’m using the MPC keys as a midi hub to route all my external gear and record on. I also think that the Mpc keys is more of a studio piece of gear. And I do love that it has replaced my computer workflows for recording. I have also experienced lots of bugs and glitches and currently still experiencing sound cracklings when using it in multi track mode with my model 12, but learn to deal with it. As with any hardware gear, it’s good to know your limitations and as you mentioned, MPC is really trying to push being the all purpose machine when the fact reality is, it’s not there yet. It’s close though I must say.

[@teddybearasaurus]

I got to try the key61… i can see the workflow being cool if they had different plugins that worked without loading… The sounds button, and some of the other new buttons are cool🤷🏽‍♂️ also tried the new modx+ 8… it was a superior keyboard… not a sampler though

[@keithm.512]

Are these issues still around now?

[@khudson4901]

I'll have one soon. Most of the big bugs have been worked out. But as an old school coder, we took pride in delivering a product with no flaws. Nowadays, the Public IS THE PRODUCT / BETA TESTER. Buy at your own risk, if you think its worth the chance of no product problems. I really had my eye on something else, but the company has become evasive, customer service almost non-existent, reported to the BBB. A class action lawsuit in the making. Threatening Lawsuits the new norm.