15 thoughts on “AKAI Pro MPC Key 61 In-Depth Review”

1. Does it have actual user sampling (at least 10-20 seconds or so in stereo) or is just a multi-recorder-controller device? folks

   1. Its an Akai MPC so im not sure if your trolling or asking a serious question. It samples, auto-samples, slices/dices, and does everything the mpc line does, + the midi keyboard + more ports+ some new plugins and buttons. I suggest doing some research if your considering it. Not sure of the max length of a sample but im sure ive recorded more than 20 seconds.

   2. 10 seconds in 5.1 surround sound but as an extra plus it has cv/gate

   3. Yes, it samples. Keep in mind that any questions you have about how this functions will be answered on any documents or videos related to MPC Live, MPC One, MPC X, MPC Live 2, etc. etc.

   4. Any of the current MPC line provides the same kind of sampling that the old S series provided(with synthesis tools & velocity switching/layering and keygroup fades and cross-fading loop points with different loop travel options), in addition to the commonly expected MPC drum sample one-shots. There is also audio clip playback, which allows samples to be placed directly on the sequencer’s playback timeline, or they can be used like looping clips to be turned on and off.

      Sure… it’s not going to beat UVI’s Falcon or Native Instruments’ Kontakt with crazy amounts of sampler features. But it’s generally more powerful than any of the old S series rack samplers, and has the same sample bank structure and is multi-timbral.

      You also get a flexible sequencer with a touch screen & several practical synth engines.

      Typical sample memory available is around 600 megs. That’s a lot more than 10 seconds, even at 44.1 or 48 kHz and 32, 24 or 16 bit sample rates.

      If you have other hardware gear, you can auto sample it, using MPC’s sampling features.

      Frankly, if you do any kind of electronic dance music, in my opinion, at a minimum, the MPC One is a most have.

   5. Yes it has user sampling. It’s a full MPC with expanded keyboard functionality. Sampling and sequencing are its strong suits.

2. 1) Is it possible to delete samples you know you are not going to use too free up storage and sample space, space-hogging things such as pianos and electric guitars?
   2) Is it possible to a) hook up an external monitor to it or, b) use an iPad with it as an alternative touch display?

   Thanks!

   1. 1. You could delete sample content expansion packs files, but it’s not a good idea on any Akai platform as it can affect the OS, so I’d highly advise against.

      2. No, but technically the SoC used has hdmi output on the board. They have decided this could seriously affect the performance, especially as more features and functions are implemented.

3. The only dealbreaker for live use for me was the load times on samples. Everything else about this keyboard rocks!

4. I was hoping for something similar from NI, basically Mashine plus with built in keyboard.

   1. You can plug a komplete kontrol in with one usb and get perfect integration (four screens, 16 encoders etc.). I don’t really see the need for it to by physically attached. Mine is side by side and being able to play this way but then grab just the maschine when you need it is much more useful (imo). Better still, I’m running off a portable battery pack.

5. I wish this has the controllers that the Akai MPK261

6. Never had an MPC before, but I am sold. Love the price too.

7. so you get 4 less outputs, 2 less inputs one less headphone jack,1 less midi in and 3 less midi outputs but a bunch of the overpriced optional plugin synths which you’ll need Bec use it still doesn’t have enough ram or disk streaming to load multiple keymap presets. yeah ill stick with my MPC X.

8. NI should of done this already. I hope they get their sh1t together. Maschine + with keyboard that can run VST’s.