Review: Akai MPC Key 61
The step seems only logical: The Akai MPC has its origins in Hip Hop and sampling, where the typical producer setup consisted of a turntable for the chops, MPC for sampling and a keyboard workstation for the required instruments. The MPC Key, however, doesn‘t want to be just a sampler with a keyboard, but moves into the workstation segment, as mentioned in the introduction. Certainly with the aim of conquering the hearts of new users and genres away from Hip Hop. And this is not only evident in the lack of a turntable input …
An MPC at heart only
The features of the MPC Key are extensive: two stereo ins and outs each, two USB ports for data carriers, MIDI controllers and external audio interfaces, eight CV outs for modular setups, a MIDI trio, as well as connections for footswitch, sustain and expression pedals. There is also an Internet connection for updates, either via LAN cable or WiFi, as well as Bluetooth for using Ableton Link. For the job of a studio center, which a „music production center“ with audio tracks, sampler, internal plug-ins and sequencer definitely deserves, we would wish for more MIDI ins and outs. On the other hand, the MPC
