1st, great tech video as always. 2nd any MPC anyone purchased at the time whether just released or not is a great option. I like the fact that they all share the same software just different hardware knobs and buttons, because I can interchangeably share production with friends to create a project together. 3rd, you always sneak in a feature I didn’t know how to execute for example: to save a favorite preset, Goto Favorites hold a square to save and delete! Lastly, your style of MPC reviews and tutorials are so different in a technical perspective from other presenters on RUclips. Please keep this positive information coming
So I picked up the Key 61 over the Key 37 recently. I like this current generation of MPCs a lot. I started with the One, got the Live 2, and now I'm on the Key 61. I wanted the larger keyboard and 4GB of RAM. The thing that sucks is that I had already bought all the "new" plugins that come with the Key 61, so I kinda wish I had waited and not purchased them, but ah well. The Key 61 is the best MPC to me, even over the MPC X SE, because the integrated keyboard is so fantastic. For a lower price than the X SE, you are getting that extra 2GB of RAM, plug an amazing keyboard which would cost you more to purchase in addition to the crazy price of the X SE. The X SE should be what the Key 61 is right now price wise, but I doubt Akai is going to drop the price any time soon. The 4GB of RAM kind of "future-proofs" the device to me, and with the recent Stems update and the soon to come MPC 3, I think having more RAM will be beneficial more than it will not. Time will tell, but I'm happy with my Key 61 and I know there are a lot of people happy with a One+ which is just fine. I'm still a novice at playing the keyboard, but Its cool that I can hook up my MPC Key 61 to my Playstation 5 in controller mode and practice/learn in the RockSmith+ app/game.
It's because he's so mellow. He doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles going on like a lot of other channels do. No crazy animations or effects, but he's such a nice guy it comes through the video.
I love the 37, I was weary about the ram but form factor, worfflow, mobility has definitely won me over. Reminds me of the ASR-10 as far as all in one, the Mpc addition is what puts it on top. They really did a good job of making the Mpc more versatile as it is a legitimate synthesizer and production platform. More ram would make this the ultimate stand alone.
Yesterday I was literally thinking why there isn't comparison between 61 & 37. You have a great channel. I would choose 37 over 61 because it looks more fun and portable and hot to the touch (RED)! lol
Thanks! I actually recorded this a couple weeks ago. We're just now finishing up some content for the rest of March. My Wife and I juggle a production schedule while doing RUclips ❤️
Man i been looking at 3 of these 61 37 and box. So hard to Decide which to get. Appreciate the videos u been doing. Helping me decide which one to start my mpc journey.
Thank you! Good news is once you learn one (and you like the workflow) any other MPC will be easy to pickup and use. So if you don't like a Key 37, return it, and pickup a Live or One, you're pretty much up to speed where you left off.
@@teftymusictech nice! Appreciate the reply man. Leaning towards a standalone to go on the hydrasynth deluxe. I like the hardware jams u been showcasing with it.
I was watching another YT on the Key 37 and the Ableton Control is on the Key 37 but you have to go thru the menus to bring it up. Thanks for your video and I'm started to think about getting the key 61 now versus the key 37.
I was SO CLOSE to buying the Key 37 but decided that the One Plus made more sense for my space and requirements. I played around with a Key 61 and loved it. Nice keys
Thanks again for an intuitive video,the comparison to the KEY 61 was great,I WOULD OF PREFERRED A TEST OF THE KEY37, VOID OF THE PRESET SOUNDS THEN RUN A NEW TEST OF THE CPU WITH ONLY THE PLUGINS,SINCE YOU HAVE BOTH (**HINT**).SECONDLY, I NEVER KNEW THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE INTERNAL STORAGE..WOW..MY ADVICE IS A NEWER --ARMS CHIP(X3588),8 Core ,rather than the primitive (RX3288) as you mentioned in your previous video,or Akai should specialize in the build, like any computer company, rather than to impose on the consumer ...leaving them powerless ,IMO.. THANKS AGAIN
this is the video that helped me decide to get the 61. great video. already have the live two for travel and the s2400 is my go to instrument but i wanted something to switch the vibe up with and take me back to the 90’s when i had that yamaha psr 350 christmas edition. lol. great video and thank you.
If for some reason you have a need to get both…you can just download the additional software at no additional cost….I brought my key 61 before the 37 came out and realized that the 37 would be a better fit….
Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it. At 9:29, were you saying that one would need to feed their bass or acoustic guitar, into a DI box before feeding into the key 61 or so they have this built in? Thank you
Hi there. Many thanks for your brilliant, informative videos. I have a question that I can only hope you reply to! I SO want the 61 but have some reservations that you can definitely help with if you get the time…The main question is about the cpu. I keep seeing that running strings, pianos and pads from Fabric etc. takes up so much of the cpu that the keyboard simply can’t cope with the strain. In short I want to create my own samples, beats etc but also have a number of plugins as mentioned above. In your view is it worth me buying the keyboard….can it cope? Lastly, do you think Akai might release a 76 or 88 note version with more power? Again, thanks for what you do and will keep ,y fingers crossed you can reply.
Hi thanks for the comparison ! It is possible to send midi over usb for control Vsti/plugin in a DAW when it's in software mode (i know it's possible in Standalone) ? I use the MPC sofware in Ableton Live, i want to control MPC software and also sometine control regular ableton channel with the keyboard without switch in Standalone mode.
They should make the Key 61 in that hot RED🔥colour, it's like the Emulator II in some ways, I wonder if the keys feel similar. The Key37 is like a Mellotron and given it comes with that plugin, it could be a good cheaper alternative to buying a digital Mellotron 🤔
Looking for some advice. Currently own mpc one. Will adding a midi keyboard be a comparable ugrade to the 37 key? Also is it worth it to jump to 61 key, or will the upgrade not be great enough to justify the cost? Thanks
I really want the Key 37 but that red color is so jarring. Even if it were boring black it would be much better - ideally id love to see it in the retro color way.
You missed that fact that the Key 61 has bay underneath with a SATA connection so that you can add an extra SSD internally. If it works like the Force and the Live II, then the drive shows up in Windows when you connect via USB in controller mode. So it is easy to drag and drop projects and sample libraries back and forth. Unlike the Force, all of the MPC series are still missing disk streaming, which is a shame because it really opens up the system for recording and looping. Customers have been asking for it for years but Akai seem deaf.
Thanks for the feedback Thomas! I actually mentioned the ssd drive expansion in the video when I was talking about the Key 37 only having the SD card for data. I didn't mention the internal ssd bay was underneath the Key 61 and maybe that's why you missed it. And hopefully disk streaming arrives at some point. Fingers crossed!
Really nice comparison video! You mentioned that the Key 37 usb cable works differently. If I understand correctly, I won't need a MIDI out cable into my interface to get my MIDI information into Ableton from standalone mode?
Correct, the USB-B port into the computer (or another device like an MPC) will act as two additional 'USB-Midi' ports in the standalone options for the Midi ports on the Key 37. The Key 61 does not have this and apparently it's a hardware specific feature, so it's not coming to the older MPCs :(
Too bad they dropped the extra 5 pin midi in/out ports, my live has 2 midi in, 2 midi out and essential to having ability to control external midi samplers without an additional hardware to send multi midi thru from single mid in out. It’s called the MPC for a reason, MIDI Production Center, lacking on midi ports is a big reason I would not get this.
The key 61 is 2 years old. It feels like plastic and the keys should be weighted for the price. I passed on it for that reason. Feels like a cheap Chinese toy.
1st, great tech video as always. 2nd any MPC anyone purchased at the time whether just released or not is a great option. I like the fact that they all share the same software just different hardware knobs and buttons, because I can interchangeably share production with friends to create a project together. 3rd, you always sneak in a feature I didn’t know how to execute for example: to save a favorite preset, Goto Favorites hold a square to save and delete! Lastly, your style of MPC reviews and tutorials are so different in a technical perspective from other presenters on RUclips. Please keep this positive information coming
So I picked up the Key 61 over the Key 37 recently. I like this current generation of MPCs a lot. I started with the One, got the Live 2, and now I'm on the Key 61. I wanted the larger keyboard and 4GB of RAM. The thing that sucks is that I had already bought all the "new" plugins that come with the Key 61, so I kinda wish I had waited and not purchased them, but ah well. The Key 61 is the best MPC to me, even over the MPC X SE, because the integrated keyboard is so fantastic. For a lower price than the X SE, you are getting that extra 2GB of RAM, plug an amazing keyboard which would cost you more to purchase in addition to the crazy price of the X SE. The X SE should be what the Key 61 is right now price wise, but I doubt Akai is going to drop the price any time soon. The 4GB of RAM kind of "future-proofs" the device to me, and with the recent Stems update and the soon to come MPC 3, I think having more RAM will be beneficial more than it will not. Time will tell, but I'm happy with my Key 61 and I know there are a lot of people happy with a One+ which is just fine. I'm still a novice at playing the keyboard, but Its cool that I can hook up my MPC Key 61 to my Playstation 5 in controller mode and practice/learn in the RockSmith+ app/game.
I really love your work. The style on how you cover your content is well produced.
It's because he's so mellow. He doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles going on like a lot of other channels do. No crazy animations or effects, but he's such a nice guy it comes through the video.
Found me a used 61 for close to 800 bucks love it
I love the 37, I was weary about the ram but form factor, worfflow, mobility has definitely won me over. Reminds me of the ASR-10 as far as all in one, the Mpc addition is what puts it on top. They really did a good job of making the Mpc more versatile as it is a legitimate synthesizer and production platform. More ram would make this the ultimate stand alone.
Yesterday I was literally thinking why there isn't comparison between 61 & 37. You have a great channel. I would choose 37 over 61 because it looks more fun and portable and hot to the touch (RED)! lol
Thanks! I actually recorded this a couple weeks ago. We're just now finishing up some content for the rest of March. My Wife and I juggle a production schedule while doing RUclips ❤️
Concise information and excellent delivery.
Well done concise and straightforward.
Thanks!
Man i been looking at 3 of these 61 37 and box. So hard to
Decide which to get. Appreciate the videos u been doing. Helping me decide which one to start my mpc journey.
Thank you! Good news is once you learn one (and you like the workflow) any other MPC will be easy to pickup and use. So if you don't like a Key 37, return it, and pickup a Live or One, you're pretty much up to speed where you left off.
@@teftymusictech nice! Appreciate the reply man. Leaning towards a standalone to go on the hydrasynth deluxe. I like the hardware jams u been showcasing with it.
I was watching another YT on the Key 37 and the Ableton Control is on the Key 37 but you have to go thru the menus to bring it up. Thanks for your video and I'm started to think about getting the key 61 now versus the key 37.
Thanks, man. I love your approach, you are great musicians and great youtubers. Keep it going, maybe put up more jams if you may!❤
I was SO CLOSE to buying the Key 37 but decided that the One Plus made more sense for my space and requirements. I played around with a Key 61 and loved it. Nice keys
Thanks again for an intuitive video,the comparison to the KEY 61 was great,I WOULD OF PREFERRED A TEST OF THE KEY37, VOID OF THE PRESET SOUNDS THEN RUN A NEW TEST OF THE CPU WITH ONLY THE PLUGINS,SINCE YOU HAVE BOTH (**HINT**).SECONDLY, I NEVER KNEW THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE INTERNAL STORAGE..WOW..MY ADVICE IS A NEWER --ARMS CHIP(X3588),8 Core ,rather than the primitive (RX3288) as you mentioned in your previous video,or Akai should specialize in the build, like any computer company, rather than to impose on the consumer ...leaving them powerless ,IMO.. THANKS AGAIN
The 37 is perfect for bringing to a live jam at a bar.
this is the video that helped me decide to get the 61. great video. already have the live two for travel and the s2400 is my go to instrument but i wanted something to switch the vibe up with and take me back to the 90’s when i had that yamaha psr 350 christmas edition. lol. great video and thank you.
Great comparison! Thanks for making this. I love the Key 37 form factor but wish it had the balanced inputs of the Key61.
Honest review 😊
If for some reason you have a need to get both…you can just download the additional software at no additional cost….I brought my key 61 before the 37 came out and realized that the 37 would be a better fit….
Thank you for sharing your good school of thought.
Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it.
At 9:29, were you saying that one would need to feed their bass or acoustic guitar, into a DI box before feeding into the key 61 or so they have this built in?
Thank you
A black 37 is the MPC I want.
Hi there. Many thanks for your brilliant, informative videos. I have a question that I can only hope you reply to! I SO want the 61 but have some reservations that you can definitely help with if you get the time…The main question is about the cpu. I keep seeing that running strings, pianos and pads from Fabric etc. takes up so much of the cpu that the keyboard simply can’t cope with the strain. In short I want to create my own samples, beats etc but also have a number of plugins as mentioned above. In your view is it worth me buying the keyboard….can it cope? Lastly, do you think Akai might release a 76 or 88 note version with more power? Again, thanks for what you do and will keep ,y fingers crossed you can reply.
Hi thanks for the comparison ! It is possible to send midi over usb for control Vsti/plugin in a DAW when it's in software mode (i know it's possible in Standalone) ? I use the MPC sofware in Ableton Live, i want to control MPC software and also sometine control regular ableton channel with the keyboard without switch in Standalone mode.
Thanks for doing this comparison video 📹 👍🏻 Excellent information about the two mpc keys.
Thank you!
Got the Key 61 before the 37 was offered. Still would do it again if I had the choice but the 37 is a great option.
They should make the Key 61 in that hot RED🔥colour, it's like the Emulator II in some ways, I wonder if the keys feel similar. The Key37 is like a Mellotron and given it comes with that plugin, it could be a good cheaper alternative to buying a digital Mellotron 🤔
Looking for some advice. Currently own mpc one. Will adding a midi keyboard be a comparable ugrade to the 37 key? Also is it worth it to jump to 61 key, or will the upgrade not be great enough to justify the cost? Thanks
I really want the Key 37 but that red color is so jarring. Even if it were boring black it would be much better - ideally id love to see it in the retro color way.
what?? i love that red so much!
Akai means « red » 😝
@@mistergrooveman1018 and?
You can get a skin and change the color if that’s the only issue you have 🤷
You missed that fact that the Key 61 has bay underneath with a SATA connection so that you can add an extra SSD internally. If it works like the Force and the Live II, then the drive shows up in Windows when you connect via USB in controller mode. So it is easy to drag and drop projects and sample libraries back and forth. Unlike the Force, all of the MPC series are still missing disk streaming, which is a shame because it really opens up the system for recording and looping. Customers have been asking for it for years but Akai seem deaf.
Thanks for the feedback Thomas! I actually mentioned the ssd drive expansion in the video when I was talking about the Key 37 only having the SD card for data. I didn't mention the internal ssd bay was underneath the Key 61 and maybe that's why you missed it. And hopefully disk streaming arrives at some point. Fingers crossed!
He talks about it at 3:45
Very Cool. Thanks!
the thing that puts me off about tech now is that u have to then buy the after market plug ins
Really nice comparison video! You mentioned that the Key 37 usb cable works differently. If I understand correctly, I won't need a MIDI out cable into my interface to get my MIDI information into Ableton from standalone mode?
Correct, the USB-B port into the computer (or another device like an MPC) will act as two additional 'USB-Midi' ports in the standalone options for the Midi ports on the Key 37. The Key 61 does not have this and apparently it's a hardware specific feature, so it's not coming to the older MPCs :(
@@teftymusictech that’s fantastic, thank you. One less cable I need to buy for now ❤️
Good info!
I think we need a new MPC with 48 mini keys, similar chassi to the MPC37 but with the same internal specs as the MPC Key 61
I’m dead ass getting the 37 just cause it’s red. I’ve opened a million black keyboards. I care.
What software do you use to record and edit your videos with?
Mpc
Too bad they dropped the extra 5 pin midi in/out ports, my live has 2 midi in, 2 midi out and essential to having ability to control external midi samplers without an additional hardware to send multi midi thru from single mid in out. It’s called the MPC for a reason, MIDI Production Center, lacking on midi ports is a big reason I would not get this.
Can I plug my guitar into this?
Yes
Key 37 looks sufficiently
You can almost get used 61 for the same price of a new 37
I can see my sd drive in controller mode
No comparison talked about regarding STIMS
STEMS just came out for the hardware versions, I made this video months ago. Also, they're exactly the same regardless of the MPC unit.
The key 61 is 2 years old. It feels like plastic and the keys should be weighted for the price. I passed on it for that reason. Feels like a cheap Chinese toy.
These new MPCs are god awful looking devices. All of them. Akai lost it completely.
key 37 has STEMS and the 61 doesnt
No…
Yeah, not true.
Stems will be for all MPCs once it's released. Not exclusive to the Key 37