MPC Key 61: New FCC Filing From Akai

Uncle Dieppe wrote:The 23rd June was the date Andy Mack said they were going to Release the New MPC OS

I’d say Akai if they intend to release it are more likely to drop the Mpc Keys this week at Namm which starts 3rd June

I do hope that the model Storch has is only a prototype,and Akai have changed the design slightly for the final version I’m not a fan of those rubberised buttons like the live has,if it’s commanding a premium price needs to feel premium I much prefer the clicky buttons like the X/One Has and massive faux pas if they leave out the 16 OLED Encoders also needs to be available in 76 and 88 Hammer weighted options too, also have a 10” tiltable screen like x as well and massively expand on the I/O.

If the processor and RAM are not seriously updated either it’s gonna be a flop in the keyboard community,simply using the same internals as the X isn’t gonna persuade many people to jump on it,it’s just gonna be just a fancy midi keyboard Controller with a Live bolted on

It's unlikely that Akai will be at Namm 2022. They're not listed in the show's directory and their usual location looks like it's taken by another company. Some majors companies like Roland is also not exhibiting this year, probably due to bypassing for the winter Namm 2023, I assume may be resuming in January to get back on normal schedule. May be the reason that Akai made the announcement for an OS update in advance that they have the OS coming out on in June. I don't think Akai wants to get into the competitive workstation market and produce an 88 or 76 key MPC, that would take a lot of investment capital, that could sink their profits because Akai is not known for keyboard workstations. But an extension to their current line is an evolutionary process that fits in line with what they're making at the moment. The Key 61 is just a new member to the Akai family for those who wants or rather have a keyboard version of the MPC beat machine. The Key 61 is more about keeping up and beating NI Maschine to the punch, rather than a hunger for something new and innovative in my own opinion. If Maschine in all it's technology didn't exist, we would be getting ready for another MPC X mk2 beat machine rather than an innovative keyboard. Akai know their is a market for those wanting a sampling MPC keyboard, so they are evolving in that direction. And if they come out with a price tag of only $1999 for this keyboard, then they expect to sell a million of them and reap a nice profit. I always assumed they would sell this Key 61 for close to the flagships of today, or what they sold the Alesis Fusion for years ago.

Have you guys seen the new Oberheim OB-X8? That synth sounds great! Oberheim opening back up for business is the best gear News I heard all year. Oberheim knows how to make synths that sound musical in my opinion (just reiterating my point about the importance of gear companies making instruments that sound musical). I like how some of the old EMU, Ensoniq, Oberheim, and Roland synths sounded so warm, thick, vibey, and musical. I don’t know what Akai staff member is doing listening tests for Akai before they release new instruments. Whoever’s doing Akai’s sound engine design and listening tests needs to be fired . I just want Akai to release a musical sounding keyboard sampler synth. Is that too much to ask for, Akai? Sorry guys I’m commuting to work board and ranting .

[quote="jabberwalky"][quote="monkito"]
Back in the day manufacturers added presets with added FX to the factory sounds to the 'factory' banks because consumers would audition sound modules live in a brick-and-mortar retail store to get a feel for overall sound engine capability but would leave the 'user' bank presets dry. [/quote]

I can understand the sentiment and point you're making, but how far back in the day was this? Ever since the D50 in 1987, synths have relied heavily on the built-in FX as part of the sound design tool box. Hype is definitely a descendant in philosophy of things like the D50,Wavestation,M1, all of which used FX.

I think Hype sounds pretty good and is "relatively" flexible.

My issue with Hype is that the presets define what waveforms/oscillators and things can be used. They should just enable a fully configurable "modular" version, with the 6 blocks freely assignable to any oscillator/sample/modulator. It can do it clearly, but they wanted to dumb it down.[/quote]

For sure synthesis engines have been including effect(ed) presets since way back. I definitely remember auditioning Roland and Alesis products with timbres that relied on effects for their signature character and subtle evolutions. I also remember auditioning presets from smaller manufacturers like the early Novation products (original supernova rack) that were on display at Sam Ash and Guitar Centers in Northeast US in the late 90s and while some presets were effect(ed) thesr effects were usually incorporated as accents to the core timbre and generally not used after the fact _additions_ to the synthesis engine.

I would assert that with modern hardware sound design 'modules' the addition of effects that function as ad hoc synthesis prameters is an outcome of better and cheaper effects engines... Back in the day, a single 'nicer' Lexicon 24/96 stereo multi effect module could set you back $2k. Anyone remember when Air first started releasing the same plugin suites we find in modern MPCs for native DAW environments like Pro Tools? These days we get multiple instances of the same effects chains for free. So, it absolutely makes sense that Akai/Inmusic would leverage the availability of these effects to augment their plugin synthesis engines. Nonetheless, these additions are just that, 'additions' to older than plugin synthesis engines. To that end, they often feel like afterthought bolt ons and not integrated core capabilities to the underlying plugin synthesis engine. For my part, when working within the confines and limitations of the Roger Lynn school of sequencing/pattern arrangement I generally prefer a more old school production paradigm which separates concerns such that if/when I use an effect as a synthesis parameter I would prefer to access that parameter from within the effect engine _not_ the synth engine.

I love the breadth of free synth and effect plugins Akai/InMusic provides for free with their MPC line and am grateful for the truly miraculous amount of DSP that is available for the price point of the contemporary MOV line. This said, to the extent that Akai/Inmusic is likely to continue rebranding 20+ year old effects plugins as bolt ons to their MPC plugin synthesis engines and continue to treat their effects engines as synthesis parameters, I personally wish that they would do so in a manner more akin to the Nord Modular, Creamware/Scope Modular, NI Reaktor, Max\MSP, Kyma Capybara, VCV Rack, etc. where the effect has audio rate and CV\gate control IO modulation that allows the effects to integrate more fully and fluidly with the synthesis engine. If we are gonna be breaking with the convention of separation of concerns around syntheses modules and effects, then why not do so in a way that is innovative and convention shifting in the same spirit that the original MPC 60 was innovative and paradigm shifting for music production. Akai/InMusic have a wealth of mothballed code at their disposal, it seems like such a waste to simply bolt on a new skin for old algorithms when these same algorithms could be fairly easily modified to accommodate a more innovative modular approach that could drive development of new styles of music and music production in similar ways as the old school MPC 60s and S900s changed the face of music...

TonyO. wrote:I wish Akai would put more focus on developing instruments/synths with musical-sounding sound engines. I really liked the way some of their old rack samplers sounded, like the S3000 for example. I feel like every since the Numark acquisition, Akai has been rolling out products with great features but lacking what I’d describe as warm musical texture and quality. When I compare Akai to Roland instruments, there’s no contest. The Roland Fantom for example sounds glorious, IMO. I was considered buying the Roland Fantom 06, but it’s my understanding it doesn’t include an Audio Sampler. I don’t need all of the advanced features Akai May or may not include in the MPC 61 Key (although nice to have). I do most of my sequencing and editing in Protools. I just need a sampler where I could use as a scratchpad to spread out samples across the keys and get ideas out. I was considering an ASR-10 but want to avoid buying a vintage piece of kit which may turn into a maintenance headache. I don’t know why gear companies aren’t interested in bringing to market a compact sampler synth that sounds musical? I like yo chop Vynls, so I’m literally considering buying the MPC 61 Key just for sampling. I’m not interested in the arranger and all the other features. The roland Fantom 7 looks like a beast but I think the size is too large and the price point is way more than I’d want to spend. But when I compare the sound of Roland instruments to Akai and Korg, I usually prefer the Roland sound engine. Korg stuff sounds dope too. Akai has great features, but some of their instruments sound really bad. This coming from a huge Akai fan.

I don't think Mpc instruments sound bad.
I actually like Hype and the others have their use, I would say they are standard.
But even an mc707 is superior as a synth engine.
Fantom is really at another level, light years ahead compared to Air instruments.
That's why I am saying that with 1800$ you can really get a workstation with much better synths and rompler sounds then Mpc ones.
But Mpc is much better as a sampler and is very good to make music fast.
So yeah, this key version can be a good bonus for Akai but it really doesn't add anything new and in my opinion is overpriced because it's in the same range of much better workstations.
And I don't think someone would buy it for the sampler, for that you get a Live and pay half.

Until we get our hands on the new plug- ins, nobody can really really compare the MPC keyboard to anything other. It could very well be that the new plugs are the greatest sounding synths known to mankind or not.

I can say if the MPC keyboard has a plethora of plug ins and a plethora of fx, it's really in a league of its own. While other units may sound better, may feel better, there is nothing that would give you the amount of sonic flexibility and sampling capabilities in a standalone unit that this would.

Aside from wanting to buy the MPC Key 61 solely to use as a sampler, I also hope it will be a good keyboard to use for Beginner Piano 101 class (seriously, I just enrolled in piano lessons at my local college). I know it’s no 88 key or real piano, but if it’s good enough for Scott Storch, perhaps one day I could become Scott Storch if I use the same tools my heroes are using Seriously, I want to learn to play piano. I’ve been winging it and making excuses for too long. This is one of the reasons why the MPC 61 Key appeals to me more so than getting a Live + midi keyboard. I want an all in one, and the timing of the MPC 61 Key is also coming at the right time as I’m shopping the market for something new. My Piano classes start in September, hopefully corresponding with the release of the MPC 61 Key. I heard it says somewhere in Akai’s FCC filing paperwork that the instruction manual for the MPC 61 Key is scheduled to be released to the public sometime in early July (I’m not sure if this is true. I think another poster mentioned that on one of these forums). If it is true that the manual is set to go public in early July, then I’m thinking there is a good chance we will see the 61 Key be released in late June. I’m 99 percent leaning towards preordering it as soon as it comes out. I’m not hard to please in terms of what I’m looking for: I just want a keyboard sampler with a good-sounding sound engine. I haven’t purchased a brand new MPC since the 2000xl but I’m planning to give this MPC 61 Key a shot. Come on, Akai!!!! Stop keeping us waiting!!!! Let’s see it already!!! Take my money!!!

TonyO. wrote:Aside from wanting to buy the MPC Key 61 solely to use as a sampler, I also hope it will be a good keyboard to use for Beginner Piano 101 class (seriously, I just enrolled in piano lessons at my local college). I know it’s no 88 key or real piano, but if it’s good enough for Scott Storch, perhaps one day I could become Scott Storch if I use the same tools my heroes are using Seriously, I want to learn to play piano. I’ve been winging it and making excuses for too long. This is one of the reasons why the MPC 61 Key appeals to me more so than getting a Live + midi keyboard. I want an all in one, and the timing of the MPC 61 Key is also coming at the right time as I’m shopping the market for something new. My Piano classes start in September, hopefully corresponding with the release of the MPC 61 Key. I heard it says somewhere in Akai’s FCC filing paperwork that the instruction manual for the MPC 61 Key is scheduled to be released to the public sometime in early July (I’m not sure if this is true. I think another poster mentioned that on one of these forums). If it is true that the manual is set to go public in early July, then I’m thinking there is a good chance we will see the 61 Key be released in late June. I’m 99 percent leaning towards preordering it as soon as it comes out. I’m not hard to please in terms of what I’m looking for: I just want a keyboard sampler with a good-sounding sound engine. I haven’t purchased a brand new MPC since the 2000xl but I’m planning to give this MPC 61 Key a shot. Come on, Akai!!!! Stop keeping us waiting!!!! Let’s see it already!!! Take my money!!!

If you want to learn piano, get a digital piano. Even a cheap Casio one is hundred times better then the pianos in Mpc and you need hammered keys which Mpc key will not have.
Or get a Fantom and use the supernatural piano which sounds fantastic.

Oberheim opening back up for business in my opinion is comparable to Michael Jordan coming back to the league to play for the Wizards. This is what a real synth looks and sounds like

Straker wrote:If you want to learn piano, get a digital piano. Even a cheap Casio one is hundred times better then the pianos in Mpc and you need hammered keys which Mpc key will not have.
Or get a Fantom and use the supernatural piano which sounds fantastic.

Good advice. Do any of the Roland Fantom models have an audio sampler? It would be a deal breaker for me if the workstation doesn’t have an audio sampler.

I just watched a YouTube video of someone demonstrating sampling on the Roland Fantom. It doesn’t appear to have a multi sampler and the sampling process seems a bit convoluted for my liking and workflow. I think Akai Malachi 61 is probably going to beat out the Fantom in terms of sampling capability and simplicity.

TonyO. wrote:I give up. I can’t paste images to this forum for some reason.

I definitely want one but hopefully not at the prices the OGs are going for..

TonyO. wrote:Hansjbs, are you certain about the price and release date? Is this real intel or just speculating? If so, the price of the MPC Key 61 is a lot cheaper than I was anticipating. I was thinking it would be priced higher than the X, around $2700. I guess Akai is pricing the unit competitive to compete with the Roland 06 Fantom. I just hope quality isn’t compromised in order to satisfy lower price point.

That came from the guitar center guy. If it’s not true blame him

The price better be around or less than the price of an mpc one plus a mpk261 otherwise why the hell would we consider paying more for some shit we could have for $1500 usd?

I STILL think the whole idea is kinda whack. I don't want an akai keybed of any kind thats the one thing they constantly make poorly. Every single one of their keyboards are sub-par in comparison to known keyboard makers like korg and moog AND those keyboards work as extra sound sources...

People all have their own justifications and thats cool but for those of us who ONLY want solid work horses for our studios, I dont think these will be for us. Just watch we're gonna see all sorts of "i broke a key off my keyboard how do i fix it?" posts mark my words.

TonyO. wrote:Aside from wanting to buy the MPC Key 61 solely to use as a sampler, I also hope it will be a good keyboard to use for Beginner Piano 101 class (seriously, I just enrolled in piano lessons at my local college). I know it’s no 88 key or real piano, but if it’s good enough for Scott Storch, perhaps one day I could become Scott Storch if I use the same tools my heroes are using Seriously, I want to learn to play piano. I’ve been winging it and making excuses for too long. This is one of the reasons why the MPC 61 Key appeals to me more so than getting a Live + midi keyboard. I want an all in one, and the timing of the MPC 61 Key is also coming at the right time as I’m shopping the market for something new. My Piano classes start in September, hopefully corresponding with the release of the MPC 61 Key. I heard it says somewhere in Akai’s FCC filing paperwork that the instruction manual for the MPC 61 Key is scheduled to be released to the public sometime in early July (I’m not sure if this is true. I think another poster mentioned that on one of these forums). If it is true that the manual is set to go public in early July, then I’m thinking there is a good chance we will see the 61 Key be released in late June. I’m 99 percent leaning towards preordering it as soon as it comes out. I’m not hard to please in terms of what I’m looking for: I just want a keyboard sampler with a good-sounding sound engine. I haven’t purchased a brand new MPC since the 2000xl but I’m planning to give this MPC 61 Key a shot. Come on, Akai!!!! Stop keeping us waiting!!!! Let’s see it already!!! Take my money!!!

If you are serious about learning piano you are going to have to, at a minimum, get an actual digital piano. Proper piano playing technique depends on having a realistic piano action. Synth action is not going to cut it. Even the hammer action midi controllers are terrible, and if they have a mushy keybed because they have aftertouch it will be that much worse to learn on. Even digital pianos are not going to last you more than a year or two before you are going to need an actual piano to further your skills. Oh, and 61 keys is fine for playing synths and making electronic music, but it isn't going to cut it for actual piano playing. You are going to need all 88 keys within a few months I imagine. You can't even play simple stuff like gymnopedie 1 with 61 keys.

When I was going to start taking piano lessons I had the exact same thoughts as you, and now after a few years or playing piano I am laughing at my old self.

TonyO. wrote:Aside from wanting to buy the MPC Key 61 solely to use as a sampler, I also hope it will be a good keyboard to use for Beginner Piano 101 class (seriously, I just enrolled in piano lessons at my local college). I know it’s no 88 key or real piano, but if it’s good enough for Scott Storch, perhaps one day I could become Scott Storch if I use the same tools my heroes are using Seriously, I want to learn to play piano. I’ve been winging it and making excuses for too long. This is one of the reasons why the MPC 61 Key appeals to me more so than getting a Live + midi keyboard. I want an all in one, and the timing of the MPC 61 Key is also coming at the right time as I’m shopping the market for something new. My Piano classes start in September, hopefully corresponding with the release of the MPC 61 Key. I heard it says somewhere in Akai’s FCC filing paperwork that the instruction manual for the MPC 61 Key is scheduled to be released to the public sometime in early July (I’m not sure if this is true. I think another poster mentioned that on one of these forums). If it is true that the manual is set to go public in early July, then I’m thinking there is a good chance we will see the 61 Key be released in late June. I’m 99 percent leaning towards preordering it as soon as it comes out. I’m not hard to please in terms of what I’m looking for: I just want a keyboard sampler with a good-sounding sound engine. I haven’t purchased a brand new MPC since the 2000xl but I’m planning to give this MPC 61 Key a shot. Come on, Akai!!!! Stop keeping us waiting!!!! Let’s see it already!!! Take my money!!!

If you're learning piano, definitely get a weighted 88 key model. Williams Allegro, Casio CDPS-100, Alesis Concert 88, or Yamaha P-45. When learning piano, it is imperative to have weighted keys for proper technique. Also, the Hype has limited polyphony, so using it for realistic piano patches is not the best option.