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 bstellar Sun Jan 04, 2026 4:24 pm
Hello,

I have a new, unopened Key 61 in the box, and my return window at GC closes Tuesday. Do I keep it, or return in anticipation of an updated model coming at NAMM?

Thanks for any insight/opinion.
User avatar
By Lampdog Sun Jan 04, 2026 8:21 pm
That is a choice only you and your music needs can answer.
By bstellar Sun Jan 04, 2026 11:23 pm
Lampdog wrote:That is a choice only you and your music needs can answer.

I have no pressing musical needs - I just want to be sure I don’t purchase a workstation that will be obsolete in 3 weeks, if that makes sense.
By B-Wise Mon Jan 05, 2026 1:54 am
jaymack wrote:sounds like you need ms cleo, not this forum

:lol: :nod:
The OG ChatGTP!

Anyway, If you want the latest & the maybe the greatest, than I would return it for now, since NAMM is later this month, but If they are gonna to drop a new keys, be ready to wait while. The 61 seems like a bs unit in with it's lack knobs with their own screens like the X & Force, & the lack of a tilted screen. I like having the keys separate as that's more flexible.

Do you like the way the keys felt when you tested it?
By bstellar Mon Jan 05, 2026 3:36 am
B-Wise wrote:
jaymack wrote:sounds like you need ms cleo, not this forum

:lol: :nod:
The OG ChatGTP!

Anyway, If you want the latest & the maybe the greatest, than I would return it for now, since NAMM is later this month, but If they are gonna to drop a new keys, be ready to wait while. The 61 seems like a bs unit in with it's lack knobs with their own screens like the X & Force, & the lack of a tilted screen. I like having the keys separate as that's more flexible.

Do you like the way the keys felt when you tested it?


I’m looking for a standalone workstation for doing basic recording, when I’m not in my studio. I’m not really a keyboard player so the key bed performance isn’t a big deal to me.

Thanks for your help - much appreciated.
User avatar
By Lampdog Mon Jan 05, 2026 3:40 am
bstellar wrote:that will be obsolete in 3 weeks….

People still use mpc3000’s. Your Key61 wont be obsolete at all.

bstellar wrote:I’m looking for a standalone workstation for doing basic recording, when I’m not in my studio. I’m not really a keyboard player so the key bed performance isn’t a big deal to me.

Mobile, on the go, that’s MPC Live, it has a battery.
By Masi Mon Jan 05, 2026 2:47 pm
bstellar wrote:I’m looking for a standalone workstation for doing basic recording, when I’m not in my studio. I’m not really a keyboard player so the key bed performance isn’t a big deal to me.

So you bought it before the Live III came out?

Then return it, get a Live III, but don't unpack it until you have seen what NAMM brings you. OTOH from what the rumours tell us the XL will be probably heavier than the Live III. Not really something what you put easily in a bag.
By bstellar Mon Jan 05, 2026 8:43 pm
Masi wrote:
bstellar wrote:I’m looking for a standalone workstation for doing basic recording, when I’m not in my studio. I’m not really a keyboard player so the key bed performance isn’t a big deal to me.

So you bought it before the Live III came out?

Then return it, get a Live III, but don't unpack it until you have seen what NAMM brings you. OTOH from what the rumours tell us the XL will be probably heavier than the Live III. Not really something what you put easily in a bag.

I purchased the Key 61 on November 24th of this year. Not sure how long it was at Guitar Center. Also, I am looking for a keyboard workstation, which is why I’m interested in the Key 61.
By jpeg Mon Jan 05, 2026 9:19 pm
bstellar wrote:Hello,

I have a new, unopened Key 61 in the box, and my return window at GC closes Tuesday. Do I keep it, or return in anticipation of an updated model coming at NAMM?

Thanks for any insight/opinion.


there is no key 61 due at NAMM; the only item that appears to be in the pipeline for NAMM is the mpc xl.

a new 61 key might be at least a year to two away
By Shift Gorden Mon Jan 05, 2026 9:47 pm
Since you're not a keyboard player, why a keyboard workstation?

I LOVE my Key 61 since I am a keyboard player. BUT, the LIVE 3 (which I also have) is my go-to box. Small, portable speaker, plenty of horsepower. Pair that with a small MIDI keyboard and it might be the better option for you...

...but I am also waiting for news on a new Key 61!
By B-Wise Mon Jan 05, 2026 10:12 pm
jpeg wrote:
there is no key 61 due at NAMM; the only item that appears to be in the pipeline for NAMM is the mpc xl.

a new 61 key might be at least a year to two away

The NI team up wasn't announced for NAMM & BAM!... but I agree that there most likely won't be any new keys, since there weren't any FFC data.
By bstellar Tue Jan 06, 2026 2:11 am
Shift Gorden wrote:Since you're not a keyboard player, why a keyboard workstation?

I LOVE my Key 61 since I am a keyboard player. BUT, the LIVE 3 (which I also have) is my go-to box. Small, portable speaker, plenty of horsepower. Pair that with a small MIDI keyboard and it might be the better option for you...

...but I am also waiting for news on a new Key 61!

Well, I should have said that I'm not a performing keyboard player, but I do play some keys. I'm primarily a drummer/percussionist, and I like to compose and arrange, but I want something that I can sit on my couch and work with when not in the studio. Im a retired music teacher (HS band director), and I did lots of keyboard work while teaching, so I'd be kind of lost without a keyboard. The form factor of the Key 61 seems to be perfect for me.
By B-Wise Tue Jan 06, 2026 2:51 am
bstellar wrote:Well, I should have said that I'm not a performing keyboard player, but I do play some keys. I'm primarily a drummer/percussionist, and I like to compose and arrange, but I want something that I can sit on my couch and work with when not in the studio. Im a retired music teacher (HS band director), and I did lots of keyboard work while teaching, so I'd be kind of lost without a keyboard. The form factor of the Key 61 seems to be perfect for me.


The Key61 for the couch :lol:
You would be better off with a MPC ONE & MIDI keyboard or the Key37 if want one unit. Also keep in mind the Force 64 pads can use as a 4 octave keyboard. I prefer my Keylab 88 mk2, but it great for jamming out ideas & the way the octaves are stacked on top of each let's me play things in way I never play on a piano.