Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
By Supersonic Sun Nov 05, 2023 7:32 am
Hello eveyone,

After many hours of testing and researching the KORG Nautilus, Fantom -06 and the Akai, I have decided that the AKAI wins. The sounds and onboard DAW are simply next level.
My only concern is - Can this machine be used as a live gig setup. Example - Can the sounds be setup for a song, then saved into favorites folder or similar so the entire setlist for the night can be easily accessed. Simply name the patch (or performance, what ever the AKAI uses) as the song name, create the list, and have that list displayed on the screen so each song is displayed, simply select the next song, then the next, then next....

I was unable to find this function while test driving it, and the "work station expert" who I wanted to but it from, failed to show me how to do this.

It is an important feature to have, and I think it would be strange that AKAI would have included such a feature.

Let me know people!!
By T-Funk Sun Nov 05, 2023 6:04 pm
I have all three workstations, as well as a Yamaha MODX6+. The Akai MPC Key 61 can definitely be used for live performances. For a set list, create a track with the patch needed for each live song. You will probably want to order the tracks according to the set list.

That said, the Korg Nautilus 61 would be my preferred choice due to its, in my humble opinion, superior key bed. The non-standard keys of the Roland Fantom-06 and Akai MPC Key 61 feel odd under the fingers, but are manageable. The keys on the Yamaha MODX6+ are down right pathetic.
By Supersonic Sun Nov 05, 2023 10:17 pm
Thank you T-Funk!! Thats exactly what I wanted to know. I also have the MODX-7, the AKAI will be replacing my Roland JUNO DS. Totally agree that the keybed on the MODX is the worst on the market. The keys bend into all sorts of shape when pushed into anything more than a basic soft touching chord.
Anyway........The KORG is wonderful. But the AKAI has sounds!!
Have you used the AKAI in a live performance scenario? Is it simple to set up that setlist?
By T-Funk Mon Nov 06, 2023 1:35 am
Supersonic wrote:Thank you T-Funk!! Thats exactly what I wanted to know. I also have the MODX-7, the AKAI will be replacing my Roland JUNO DS. Totally agree that the keybed on the MODX is the worst on the market. The keys bend into all sorts of shape when pushed into anything more than a basic soft touching chord.
Anyway........The KORG is wonderful. But the AKAI has sounds!!
Have you used the AKAI in a live performance scenario? Is it simple to set up that setlist?


I mainly bought the MPC Key 61 for the studio. I brought it to two gigs when I first got it. The only problem was playing fast licks was not as fluid. The slightly smaller keys threw me off, and has taken time to get use to them. It was very easy to setup.

That said, my main live setup is a Roland RD-88, Korg Nautilus 61, and Sequential Prophet 6. I am fairly happy with the said setup for R&B, Neo-Soul, Jazz, and Gospel gigs.