MPC Key 61

JesterMgee
JesterMgee Member Posts: 3,223 Expert
edited October 2024 in Tech Talks
https://www.akaipro.com/mpc-key-61

Thoughts?

I'm pretty impressed with what this thing can do without a PC attached. Having used many of the on-board instruments already being able to switch this thing on and do what the Maschine+ can kind of do, but with ability to easily do splits and layers (what KK still cannot do). Possibly not for the DAW user but certainly a great option for the performer or someone who wants to sequence things on the go.

$3100 AUD tho is a pretty costly device

I've learned to be cautious of anything new from AKAI before tho since this is based off the very popular and reliable MPC platform I suspect things such as performance would be pretty stable and some of the issues I have heard of the M+ having stuttering etc may not be as much of an issue. Really like the workflow of it, looks like fun especially without the headache of an attached computer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7JdVD2Gdyw


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Comments

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 3,223 Expert

    From keyboardist POV I would prefer the other leaked unit with Force-like shape.

    Any further info on that?

  • JBlongz
    JBlongz Member Posts: 19 Member

    This is what we asked NI to do a few years ago. If they can combine the jam, maschine, and Kontrol properly, I’m in. I don’t like the clock on the new MPCs anyway good pressure for NI though

  • Maciej Repetowski
    Maciej Repetowski Member Posts: 708 Guru

    This MPC keyboard runs on quad core ARM processor so I don’t know if NI would be up to it. After all, ARM is like a voodoo magic to them 🤣🤣🤣

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 3,223 Expert
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/21739#Comment_21739

    Yeah, some out there don't want ipad/touch software, I think the appeal of things like the MPC, Maschine+ and hardware is it isn't a lifeless piece of glass. I have used ipads since their creation but have gone back to physical controls from the "convenience" of touch devices. I prefer my Push and MCU over the Touchable App by far, I prefer the use of a Stream Deck instead of app based macro controls for my PC and it comes down to tactile feel and the ability to do things without looking.

    Without getting nerded out by the specifics of what runs under the hood, the videos that I have seen reflect what made the MCU so popular.... fun. It just looks like a lot of fun, seemless and swich. It doesn't fit my workflow as I like using a PC based DAW at my core but damn it, it's a step towards a synth and sampler all in one with the full sequencer workflow and all that juicy IO to do things with, not to mention the fact it can also connect additional audio interfaces and USB devices to expand it.

  • Maciej Repetowski
    Maciej Repetowski Member Posts: 708 Guru
    https://www.soundonsound.com/news/akai-launch-mpc-key-61

    It says there that this MPC runs on quad core ARM processor with 4GB Ram.

  • Eric Rabb
    Eric Rabb Member Posts: 47 Helper

    Well, Akai has taken the lead again. Seems like Akai listens to its user base and implements improvements in a timely manner. Now once everyone starts selling off NI MASCHINE+ and other hardware, and NI sales start to slip maybe then we can get NI to implement what the user forums are requesting. That being said, this maybe the beginning of the end for NI. After all this is 2022. Native Instruments seems now definitely last in the sequencer department. Akai’s arranger/song mode is a beast and looks very simple to operate and powerful! I’ve been watching Akai roll out the Keys61 workstation, hell they even got Scott Storch doing promo for the Keys61. But…. I love the new backup feature implementation on Maschine software, the new sampler feature also. But it really doesn’t have an impact on workflow. Time equals money! I hope NI understands this aspect of the music industry, where simplistically is key and endusers are a critical component in getting intellectual property ideas to the coders to create the next improvement or implementation of new ideas 💡 I really can’t believe NI is just not in the game anymore, I wish I knew what’s going on in there, and why they can’t get stuff done that the users want in a timely manner. It’s jus sad man. 🤦🏾

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 3,223 Expert
    edited June 2022

    Yeah but if I wanted to faff around with cables, hubs, dongles and connect a snake pit together I’d just use a capable laptop. The appeal of something like the MPC is the fact you don’t have to do all that ******. Switch in and go.

  • RedwardMc
    RedwardMc Member Posts: 84 Advisor

    NI just needs to integrate Komplete kontrol keyboards better with Maschine... Lock to different groups, key splits and layers, aftertouch, also edit komplete kontrol knobs in Maschine. The NI workflow is better than MPC, they just need to finish their half-assed products.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 249 Newcomer
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • Tigersharc
    Tigersharc Member Posts: 77 Helper

    I think all of this is exciting. I'm glad NI gave us a new Play/Expansion, it will be purchased shortly..... And I love that Akai took the time to produce the new MPC Keys. I actually just sold a an MPK 61 and 25 to GC for my S61 Mk2's. Had I known this MPC keys thing was real I may have waited. It will be interesting to see if there is an S61 plus in the works. I would in fact buy one maybe two. This is all fun times, competition in this way is good because we are seeing all this creativity rejuvenated.

  • olafmol
    olafmol Member Posts: 227 Pro

    Maschine vs MPC/Force is all about preferred workflow. They are very different, imho NI Maschine is more like a "groovebox" attitude that i know from the early days of grooveboxes (Yamaha RM1x, Roland MC-series etc.), while MPC these days seems more like "DAW in a box with touchscreen and 16 drumpads".

    Re Ipad: a lot of people prefer a more tactile UX than only a touch-screen, ie a dedicated device.

  • D-One
    D-One Moderator Posts: 3,681 mod
    edited June 2022

    I'm curious to know how many people will actually be buying this and what kind of customer, with a 2k price tag it's pretty close to pro-level keyboards that are famous for their sound, if AKAI's plug-ins are top notch in that department perhaps it can compete.

    NI could do this if they want, they just need to stick an M+ inside a KK-S; not really sure whats the advantage of that VS just buying the two separate devices other than being more practical for live/session keyboard players. New HW won't really fix what the majority complains about...

    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/21744#Comment_21744
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/21745#Comment_21745

    Dont they all run on quad ARM tho? At least the MPC One and Live II both have quad ARM CPU's... not sure about the X and Force since it's not on the spec list but I doubt it would be different (maybe dual-core since they're older?)

  • nightjar
    nightjar Member Posts: 1,325 Guru
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/21765#Comment_21765

    Won't be a need for cables, hubs, dongles, snake pit.

    An M1 iPad connected wirelessly to a "dumb" hardware controller optimally designed to work with a "pro" level music creation app could be very much switch on and go. And MUCH more vibrant in development than embedding the brains and "main display" in an expensive stand alone device.

    PLUS! B separating a less expensive "dumb" controller from the needed "brains and main display", the controller can have MUCH more flexibility for the consumer to swap out their controller of choice... number of keys, pads vs keys, breath controllers, whatever they want to use to interact.

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 3,223 Expert

    Still doesn’t sound enticing to me, it’s more pieces you need to setup and wireless is always a great reliable option at a gig (iPad, keyboard, interface, pads) then software on top then content…..

    let the kids have their iPad, the men will take the hardware option. plus, you are talking about things that “may” be possible, not what you can setup and gig with now.

  • Eight4aWish
    Eight4aWish Member Posts: 55 Helper
    edited June 2022

    I upgraded from the Maschine minus to an MPC Live 2. Seems to be the right time to switch while there are still buyers for second hand Maschine hardware. Took all my expansions with me courtesy of kit-maker, preset-maker and Akai’s expansion builder.

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