Akai MPC Key 61

The MPC Key 61 is the first-ever MPC keyboard, combining the legendary MPC workflow, a gigantic offering of virtual instrument plugins and a 61-note semi-weighted keyboard. It's a revolution in standalone music production machines, and a powerful, ultra-versatile tool for today's music creators and producers.

The MPC tradition continues
For decades, the renowned MPC production machines have been a mainstay of contemporary music production. The rigorous sequencing and ultra-precise sampling workflow have played a major role in shaping some of the biggest hip-hop, pop and electronic music tracks over the years. The standalone MPC platform has built on this rich history to deliver innovative mixing and virtual instrument plugins, an intuitive user interface and cutting-edge technology that meets the demands of the modern music producer. The MPC Key 61 continues this rich history and spirit of innovation to write the next chapter in the great MPC story.

Breaking down the wall of sound
The MPC Key 61 features an exceptional selection of sounds, including 25 unique virtual instrument plugins and over 6,000 presets with the most modern sound textures and tones to suit any style of music. From timeless acoustic instruments to the most futuristic synthesizers, the sonic capabilities of the MPC Key 61 brilliantly span the entire harmonic spectrum.
The MPC Key 61's flagship Fabric XL virtual instrument plug-in is an ultra-powerful synthesizer featuring the most dynamic and powerful sampled acoustic instruments and synthesis engines ever developed for contemporary music production. The vast selection of presets on Fabric XL is powered by a revolutionary multi-sampling synthesis engine that delivers outstanding performance and cutting-edge sound.
The powerful OPx4 4-operator synthesis engine puts classic FM sound right at your fingertips. Built around an elegant interface, OPx4 takes you into a whole new world of sound design, effects and advanced parameters.
The Stage Piano, Session Strings, Stage EP and Organ virtual instrument plug-ins provide professional-quality sounds from acoustic and electromechanical instruments used in world-class productions.
Stage Piano features an extraordinary collection of acoustic instruments, including a Steinway® grand piano and a Bechstein® upright piano, offering a full range of rich piano sounds
Session Strings includes a complete set of orchestral instruments, designed to be a secret weapon in the composer's toolbox. From delicate solo violins to formidable ensembles of strummed instruments, Session Strings puts everything you need to create string layers of great depth and breadth in your hands.
The Stage EP sound meticulously reproduces the tones of classic keyboards like Rhodes, while the FM Electric Piano faithfully reproduces the trimbling of a Wurlitzer® and more. The Organ plugin literally screams through its Leslie speaker simulation, with the very soul and spirit of the mighty B3.

Key to your creativity
The MPC Key 61 is the first MPC to introduce a 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and precise velocity detection, literally bringing virtual instrument plugins to life. With two high-end mic preamps with phantom power, combined with a 24-bit onboard audio interface with high-level AD/DA converters, the MPC Key 61 offers an authentic MPC sampling experience for vocals and all instruments, while introducing new ways to transform, shape and define your own sounds with the 140mm programmable Touch Strip controller and 4 Q-LINK encoders.
From customising your own sounds, to composing and fully recording your melody ideas, to making finished productions, the MPC Key 61 is the most complete music production tool on the market for modern music makers.
The 16 velocity-sensitive RGB drum pads with aftertouch provide a world-renowned and unparalleled MPC rhythm creation experience. With the built-in transport system and renowned MPC workflow, creating rhythms and sequences is easy. With its interface based on a stunning 7-inch multi-touch colour display, you can quickly and easily move from browsing thousands of sound presets to sequencing your ideas and then finishing them off with high-end effects developed by AIR Music Tech. Finally, the 4 programmable Q-LINK rotary encoders are perfect for controlling all effect parameters and for real-time automation.

The cornerstone of your production universe
The MPC Key 61 fits perfectly into any studio environment thanks to its wide range of inputs and outputs. With USB Class Compliant ports, easily connect up to 32 MIDI devices via USB with Multi MIDI, expand your I/O range to 32 inputs and outputs via USB Class Compliant audio interfaces, or connect your vintage synths via MIDI In/Out/Thru ports. For modular enthusiasts, the MPC Key 61 features eight 3.5mm CV/Gate outputs to connect all your modular machines and synthesizers, while dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels provide extensive control, depth and texture.
The four on-board 1/4" TRS audio outputs can be configured as dual stereo outputs, or four mono outputs, while the two XLR/jack combo inputs allow you to sample and record from mic, instrument or line level sources using the ultra-transparent preamps and high-end AD/DA converters. Finally, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth modules allow you to sync with Ableton Link or update the MPC's operating system, while the SATA storage bay is perfect for adding sounds and tracks to an additional hard drive.

Standalone power at your fingertips
The powerful features built into the MPC Key 61 are designed to provide a smooth, seamless standalone creative workflow. With 4GB of RAM, MPC 2.11 operating system, 32GB of internal SD memory with an onboard 16GB factory library, an extensive I/O array, and a dedicated SATA bay for SSD storage expansion, the MPC Key 61 has everything you need for modern music production.

"Sound has always been the hallmark of the MPC," says Dan Gill, senior product manager at Akai Professional.  "Our warm, punchy samples, unique swing and groove, and seamless sequencing have all been heard in countless major music productions. We are extremely excited to continue this legacy with a new benchmark, adding a remarkable set of virtual instruments and production tools for the modern music maker. The MPC Key 61 offers all music creators, regardless of style, a diverse palette of inspiring sounds and tools to create today's hits, and even develop tomorrow's new sounds and styles.