MPC Key 61 First Impressions | R&B Beat Making

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  • Опубликовано: 12 янв 2025

Комментарии • 101

  • @BarzaYah
    @BarzaYah 20 дней назад +4

    I've been eyeballing this keyboard for months now
    I'm a natural keyboard player (played my whole life.. I'm now 37). Started producing in 2010 while in the military. My homie was over the sound at the church I played for and told me I should start making beats. I had a motif 6 at that time; and although he taught me how to operate pro tools and I bought logic as my first daw.. I LOVED producing on my motif!! I would always get the ideas out, and just record the audio into logic.
    I went thru alot getting out of the military (2013) going thru depression, ptsd, ups and downs in life, but I always kept my computer lol! But...I did lose my storage unit which had all my physical instruments in there, including my saxophone (my BABY) my guitar and MY MOTIF 😮‍💨.. i just took my losses and moved forward u kno.. don't really have the mindset for regrets I just adapt and learn my lessons..
    I will say tho.. after getting out that slump I started to take creating music seriously. As you did in your last video (I related to SOOOOO much) I hated to just give my beats out to people who werent giving as much effort to create something special as I took every single beat seriously. So I started to write myself. Another obstacle, another learning curve. But I got mothing but time! And here I am years later. I have relocated from NC to CA 7 years ago and now finally in a space where I'm comfortable enough to release music. And I find my desire to start making beats on a keyboard heavier than I've ever felt in my life!!
    I just remeber the excitement/thrill of using the sounds in the board and playing each and every sound. No loops. All perfomance. All FEEL. I just have been wondering what that would translate to. This artistic version of me now and the creative producer I've always been.. I came across the akai 61 key months ago, and have been having issues every time I try to buy it for some reason.. so I took it as a sign.. (it's not finances btw lol I have the bread for it *humbly stating*) I just put it on the back burner..
    But with this video, my brother MAN... I might just take a trip to guitar center tomorrow 😅. But seriously bro... from a gem to a gem. Thank you!! Ik you don't know me at all lol but I've been watchimg you and you ALWAYS inspire me. I just wanted to show my gratitude.
    If I can show any more support lmk how. Because..I could be wrong..but I'm led to believe you NEVER NEED TO STOP THIS!!! It's so relaxing and so inspiring in so many ways i just can't figure out where to begin. But just know bro. You are loved!! And appreciated!! Stay blessed and stay shining!!
    WE SEE YOU 🤞🏾👑

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад

      Thanks bro - And thanks even more for sharing your story with me. We have very similar stories and I'm starting to see a lot of similarities among people who have a love for music creation.
      Man when I tell you that I know loss! I've learned to win and lose and look the same the whole time. I truly know that feeling you're talking about. It can be so stunning and shocking that all you can do is either quit (which we know we can't do) or take a deep breath, pick ourselves up and press forward (and learn from those experiences, like you said). Those are the moments that show you just how strong God is, how much He can protect our sanity and how specific His plan is for our lives.
      I have to selfishly say bro - I really hope you do end up getting it because even though we may never physically cross paths, it does feel good to me knowing that there are so many people who are using the same board and can share experiences (and tips, etc.). I think it'll put you in the mind of a modernized Motif. But whether you get the Key 61 or not, I'm glad you're embarking on this "new" journey and are always growing as a musician and a person.
      Thanks again for sharing your story and for the kind words bro. And just know that as much as I'm able to inspire, comments like this one inspires me and gives me that extra push to keep going. God bless you and much love to you my brother! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @xhy20x
    @xhy20x 22 дня назад +16

    Whatever you do, you create magic. The magic comes from you, not the gear...

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +6

      Thanks fam! Totally agreed. I'm a huge proponent of using what's available to you. This was a purchase I considered for a while, not because I just had to have it, but because it would enhance my workflow and make things more efficient (while providing some inspiration). I appreciate you checking it out. 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @BarzaYah
      @BarzaYah 20 дней назад

      🔥🔥🔥​@@melotheproducer

  • @Jerikowsp
    @Jerikowsp 22 дня назад +11

    this man made the best rnb beat i ever heard on a keyboard

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +1

      Wow - I appreciate that fam! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @samuelnaron
    @samuelnaron 22 дня назад +7

    Lovin the sounds from the MPC!!!
    Anything u touch turns to Gold Melo!
    Happy 10k subscribers too bro!
    You deserve everything that God has given you! 🙏

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +1

      Same here bro - The sounds are definitely inspiring! And I really appreciate that brother! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @BeatsNBed
    @BeatsNBed 20 дней назад +3

    Love the beat my man! Welcome to the MPC Key 61 family! Truly the best workstation on the market!

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад +1

      I appreciate that bro - Man I think I made a great decision! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @JONESOUNDS
    @JONESOUNDS 21 день назад +3

    🙌🏽 🎹 *Let’s GOOOOO! Superb CHOICE. You’re Gonna LOVE The Key 61 Just Like I Loves Mines My G. Rock ON*

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      I appreciate you stopping through my brother! I know you're a master on the the Key 61, so I might come get a few tips from you every once in a while. I'm loving it though man! 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @JONESOUNDS
      @JONESOUNDS 21 день назад

      *Glad to hear it! I got you my g!*

  • @Blacksonaudio
    @Blacksonaudio 21 день назад +3

    It’s like King Midas, as I was told. Everything that he touch turns to gold”~ RunDMC… it’s not just the tool. It’s the craftsman. This sounds like the tool inspired the artisan fr fr! Those Akai sounds are crazy good and you pulled out a banger. Best at what you do in this YT-verse! Inspiring

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      Thanks brother - That really means a lot. Yeah, this is one of those tools that definitely inspires! 🙏🏾✊🏾

    • @BarzaYah
      @BarzaYah 20 дней назад

      ​@@melotheproducer 🔥🔥🔥

  • @adamb.6359
    @adamb.6359 21 день назад +4

    Melo my guy! Dope vid as always. You made me feel more confident in my decision to go with the key 61. I had it for a few months now. I really like being able to create without the computer. And once 3.0 is done I’m sure arranging will be a breeze in stand alone. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more cookups. 👊

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +2

      Thanks bro! I'm looking forward to 3.0 as well. I haven't really looked into the new features (of 3.0), but I'm loving the Key 61 as-is right now. I'm loving the ability to "disconnect" from my computer and just make a quick beat. Thanks for checking it out fam. 🙏🏽👊🏽

    • @BarzaYah
      @BarzaYah 20 дней назад

      🔥🔥🔥

    • @BarzaYah
      @BarzaYah 20 дней назад +1

      ​@melotheproducer exactly!! Disconnect 🔥🤞🏾👑

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад

      @@BarzaYah I appreciate it bro! 🙏🏾✊🏾

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад

      @@BarzaYah 🫡💪🏾👑

  • @amajorkeys
    @amajorkeys 21 день назад +5

    Wow big bro!!, You rocked this man!. I know you are gonna love this keyboard man. It’s on my list to get as well 💯🙏🏽

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +2

      Lil bro - I appreciate you man. You know I thought about you when I finally got this. Your words really made me miss that hands-on approach. And I've seen what you can do with an MPC, so I know you're going to love it..🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @amajorkeys
      @amajorkeys 21 день назад +1

      @@melotheproducer This video inspired me alot!. I love my MPC, but the keys 61 is up my alley lol. The hands on approach always works great.

    • @BarzaYah
      @BarzaYah 20 дней назад +1

      ​@melotheproducer that part!!! Hands on approach is what's missing today!!

  • @Bashanvibe
    @Bashanvibe 20 дней назад +2

    Dope congratulations to your new baby!!!! Dope vibe as always
    🔥🔥🔥🔥

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад

      I appreciate that my brother!!! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @TeddyTed808
    @TeddyTed808 22 дня назад +3

    I love my Akai MPC Key 61. It is the centerpiece of my studio when not working in a DAW. With an 8-channel USB-compliant audio interface, other workstations, synths, and other instruments can be integrated.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +1

      I'm loving it too. I could definitely see this being a studio centerpiece. I remember back in the day when a lot of people had the older MPCs as the center of their production studios. A lot of them didn't even have a computer yet. Thanks for watching bro. 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @TeddyTed808
      @TeddyTed808 22 дня назад

      @@melotheproducer I was one of those guys, but eventually switched to Master Tracks Pro run on a Machintosh SE30. Fun times in the 90's.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +1

      @TeddyTed808 Wow...So you're one of those guys I always admired. 🫡💪🏾

  • @KeyfloMusic
    @KeyfloMusic 21 день назад +3

    Def supporting the RnB pack brother! Keep up the great work!

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад

      I really appreciate that brother! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @GamerGriaBros
    @GamerGriaBros 22 дня назад +3

    great sound selections! Excited to see more on the MPC Key 61

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад

      Thanks bro - Definitely more to come! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @DocFUNKist
    @DocFUNKist 21 день назад +2

    Beautiful melody...thanks for keeping real music alive,

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      Thanks brother - That means a lot! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @jp4751
    @jp4751 22 дня назад +4

    Great track. Remember your wood panel room tracks were fire from way back. I think for people that play keys the MPC Key 61 makes sense if you want the MPC workflow. It feels better to have the MPC and Keyboard integrated into one unit instead of midi connecting a keyboard and MPC and then having to set up the channels and such, turning to start the MPC and then repositioning to play keys.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад

      Thanks bro! You remember the "wood panel sessions" lol! I couldn't agree more about the workflow. It just makes sense. I think if I had a standalone MPC and were using it with a keyboard connected, I would probably sell it and get the Key 61just because of the all-in-one thing. But that's just for me and my workflow. I personally plan to take this board out and make music in other locations, so it just makes sense. Thanks again for watching fam! 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @jp4751
      @jp4751 21 день назад

      @@melotheproducer I still have my 2500, but I use the Key 61 as my main board/controller. I always wanted a MPC with a Keyboard all in one package since the MV 8000 first hit with the VGA out. I thought it would be great to be able to have the MPC midi capabilities to control other hardware, with a built in keyboard, and the ability to make midi edits with keyboard and mouse. The Key 61 mostly solved that for me although I don't find when I use it it controller mode that it is seamless between the unit and my PC. I still need to do more deep diving on it to be proficient. The main issue that I had to solve going from the 2500 to Key 61 was then having to get a midi router because I was using the 2 ins/ 4 outs on the 2500.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад

      @@jp4751 I agree about controller mode. I couldn't get mine to stop "looking for computer". But I'm old school anyway, so I just connected it to my MIDI interface like my other keyboards. I don't need the transport controls anyway because I have plenty of other controllers around for that.

  • @TheTonecii
    @TheTonecii 21 день назад +2

    Melo, you play them keys so mellow! That's awesome you got a new workstation. Im getting mine next month (Alesis V61). It's gonna be my first new keyboard in years.. Cannot wait! Beo, i didn't even wait until the video was over to tell you the first beat is crazy. I wanna hear what the next one sounds like, bit i really love the pad chords. Great stuff 👍🏾

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      I appreciate it brother. (I only did one beat in this one - I just showed the arranging process afterwards.) I'm excited for you. Let me know how you like it when you get the Alesis. Thanks again bro. 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @TheTonecii
      @TheTonecii 21 день назад

      @melotheproducer fa sho fam ✊🏾

  • @JSoulKeys
    @JSoulKeys 22 дня назад +2

    Wow, man, this is exactly what I need too! Fire beat as usual, man!

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад

      I appreciate it brother! Yeah man, it definitely inspires. 🙏🏾✊🏾

  • @rjsmoove460
    @rjsmoove460 21 день назад +2

    Nice! I bought my first MPC 2 months ago. I got the MPC One Plus. Like you I was really impressed in the sounds, I don't have to do as much tweaking to the sound like i had to do with other vst's. Akai did good with this one.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад

      Thanks fam! Man I'm not easy to impress when it comes to sound quality, but I really couldn't believe how good the sounds were and even how well they work on a keyboard. This isn't just good for their first keyboard - It's just good period. 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @trublz4
    @trublz4 22 дня назад +3

    Nice beat I love it … you can put the audition button on auto so that you just push the up or down button and it will automatically audition the sounds . I will be keeping an eye on your channel .

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +1

      Thanks fam - I appreciate that! I'm definitely open to suggestions and tips because it's brand new to me. 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @trublz4
      @trublz4 22 дня назад

      @ anytime bro bro is Williams gotta stick together

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад

      @@trublz4 💪🏽

  • @wrkeys
    @wrkeys 21 день назад +2

    Hey man dope,dope video. 🔥🔥 I was about to grab this last week, but decided not to, because when I went to GC to check it out, I did not like the keybed on it. I went with Native Instruments becuase of the sound library and the Fatar keybeds on all their keyboards are the same as the Nord workstations. I'm probably gonna grab the MPC key 37 still, although this vid may change my mind lol.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      I appreciate it bro. Yeah, the keybed was noticeably different from my other synths. It's growing on me though. Now the sounds - Man I honestly wasn't expecting MPC's sounds to translate so well to a keyboard. I don't think you can really go wrong with Native Instruments either because I really like their sounds as well. Thanks for watching bro! 🙏🏾✊🏾

  • @Ast3rixMusic
    @Ast3rixMusic 22 дня назад +2

    Wow!!! Sounds amazing on that MPC!!! Did you find having access to all the things in one place easier than individually recording into Cubase first? I love the layers that you built up in the chorus, versus, and bridge. I use the force to do all of my idea creation then dump into Ableton to finish like you used cubase. I have latency issues with recording direct into Ableton. I stopped recording direct a long time ago. I do better with the production phase with it.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      Thanks sis! Yes, I definitely found it easier (or at least much more convenient) having everything in one place. It reminds me a lot of my old Motif workflow. I feel that the faster I'm able to move, the more creative I can be, so hopefully that'll translate in the music. 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @Ast3rixMusic
      @Ast3rixMusic 21 день назад

      @@melotheproducer Sounds like it you were doing some smooth chord progressions in that jam. The harmonies were lush and loved it!! The bass you added as ridiculous!!! I love when you get in your bass bag that just makes it all come together!!!

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад +1

      ​@@Ast3rixMusicI appreciate that. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 The only problem I'm having is trying to restrain myself from playing with the the Key 61 too much because I want to save my learning experience for these videos lol.

    • @Ast3rixMusic
      @Ast3rixMusic 20 дней назад

      @@melotheproducer The music is soo much better when your having fun!!! You're sharing something special. Thank you!!!

  • @ipainthouses3084
    @ipainthouses3084 21 день назад +2

    I started music 1.5 year ago when i bought a MPC one + , didnt had the money for the key 61 , but i used another keyboard on it. I know a computer can do much more , but i love the mpc standalone workflow. Dont know if you know , but there is a beta mpc 3 , for standalone. It has more options. 🙏 from the Netherlands

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      Honestly, what you have is very similar. I do like having everything in one piece, but if you have the 2 close together, you can probably move just as quickly. This MPC standalone thing has blown my mind bro. I have been hearing about MPC 3, but I think I'll wait just a little while to be sure there are no bugs...I'm a little nervous about the beta thing lol. But definitely thanks for the heads up. Sending love from Atl my brother! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @monkihousemusik
    @monkihousemusik 21 день назад +2

    Amazing content. Love your stuff.

  • @majorkeyproductionhouse
    @majorkeyproductionhouse 22 дня назад +2

    Hot stuff!!! That Key61 looks fun. The last workstation I enjoyed was the Motif XS7.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +1

      Thanks bro! You know what - I'm actually going to find an XS or XF in the next few years. (I might just get the module though.) But yeah, I'm loving it. The Key 61 will definitely remind you of the Motif's workflow. 🙏🏾✊🏾

    • @majorkeyproductionhouse
      @majorkeyproductionhouse 22 дня назад

      @@melotheproducer I'm a kid (26-y/o) so majority of my production game has been in the box starting with FL9 and Cubase 7. So my older colleagues have been introducing me to legacy workstations these past 10 years. I'm excited for more of your content.

  • @newegyptworship
    @newegyptworship 4 дня назад

    Melo. I see you are still in Cubase. Surprisingly I was wondering what you have been up to a couple of weeks ago. If you do not remember we met a long time ago at crossroads. I'm going to buy that RnB pack.. I know it's some heat in there. Good to see you still pushing that music bro.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  4 дня назад

      Yooooooo...My brother! Man come on - You know I remember you lol. Great to hear from you and to hear you still pushing. And thanks so much for supporting the loop pack. We gotta talk soon. 🙏🏾✊🏾

  • @raykane2063
    @raykane2063 21 день назад +2

    Wow this is actually the first MPC with a keyboard what took Akai so long to think of that. I might have to pull the trigger myself also. Thanks for the video I will use your link when I purchase it.🙏🏾

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      I appreciate that brother. Man I've been waiting patiently for someone to make something like this. I really did miss my old workstation workflow, but the sounds on my old keyboards honestly were just getting a little old to me. (I still love them though.) With the ability to update and add new sounds, hopefully this one will last even longer than my old workstations. Thanks again bro. 🙏🏽✊🏽

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 16 часов назад +1

      The key 61 has been out since 2022. If you're just finding out about it then just to let you know, if you prefer something smaller, there's also the MPC Key 37 available.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  16 часов назад +1

      @@apexone5502 I've known about it for a while, but I usually wait and consider my options before making major decisions (like which keyboards to add to my setup). 37 keys isn't enough for me personally, but thanks. 🙏🏾

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 14 часов назад

      @@melotheproducer oh nah, I wasn’t aiming my comment to you, lol. I was talking to @raykane2063 because his comment reads as if he’s just finding out about the Key 61. I remember you saying you took your time and waited before you made the leap, so I know you already knew. You’re cold with those R&B instrumentals, by the way. Keep up the good work, bro.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  10 часов назад +1

      @@apexone5502 Oh...I get it lol. I just read everything in context. I really appreciate that bro! 🙏🏾✊🏾

  • @love4melody
    @love4melody 22 дня назад +2

    Great review and great keyboard indeed!
    Bro that beat is simply beautiful...amazing!! Your production is just perfection. 💫🔥🫡

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  22 дня назад +1

      Thanks bro! I appreciate you. 🙏🏾✊🏾🫡

  • @krhym21
    @krhym21 21 день назад +1

    Melo you can use the mpc software to export all your tracks at once to your daw. Great video and beat BTW.🔥🔥🔥

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад +1

      I appreciate it fam! Are you connecting via USB to export? Thanks again. 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @JohnHallberg-v4o
    @JohnHallberg-v4o 2 дня назад

    Your music and a nice glass of merlot.

  • @JohnHallberg-v4o
    @JohnHallberg-v4o 2 дня назад

    Lovely music soulman.

  • @MarcusJamison-z4h
    @MarcusJamison-z4h 2 дня назад

    Fire 🔥 keep up the good work 🫵🏽🙌😎

  • @jerzboybeats
    @jerzboybeats 17 дней назад

    Yessir. That's how I feel about the Live 2 and a controller. I may eventually get the 61. I miss my X6. Which version of Cubase are you using. I notice a lot of similarities to Studio One.

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  17 дней назад

      From what I can tell, your current setup is pretty similar to the Key 61. And yeah, the X6 is a classic. Definitely a gem. I'm using Cubase Pro 13. The people who developed Studio One used to work for Steinberg (Cubase), so I wasn't surprised when I opened Studio One and it felt very familiar. Thanks for checking it out bro. 🙏🏾✊🏾

  • @gsmith11172
    @gsmith11172 22 дня назад +2

    Fire 🔥 inspiration

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад

      Thanks bro! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @shan5445
    @shan5445 20 дней назад +2

    Glen Jones

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  20 дней назад

      That's an honor - A classic R&B artist. Thanks fam! 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @JDoneRanitUp
    @JDoneRanitUp 19 дней назад +1

    🔥🔥

  • @clevelandflipper2856
    @clevelandflipper2856 21 день назад +1

    What base sound you use?

    • @melotheproducer
      @melotheproducer  21 день назад

      It's called "Open Square". (Bassline + Basic + Open Square) Thanks for checking it out. 🙏🏽✊🏽

  • @dwaynemusik
    @dwaynemusik 20 дней назад +2

    Man you are no joke lol

  • @BenBenSouthern
    @BenBenSouthern 12 дней назад

    🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @JohnHallberg-v4o
    @JohnHallberg-v4o 2 дня назад

    Hallo soulman ❤ from Dj John Sweden.