Did Akai just devalue my MPC Key 61?

I've been evaluating the new Key 37 G2 over the last few days and although I'm not keeping it, the only reason is because I would lose over half what I paid for the Key61, admittedly 4 years ago. It seems to me, the Key37 G2 and the new MPC One G2, have been underpriced for what they are. They have the same engine as the mighty XL, with an 8-core processor, offering 16 audio tracks and 32 plug-ins. This makes the 8 audio tracks and the 8 plug-ins of the Key61 seem dated by comparison. When compared to the Key61, things the 61 has over the 37 is a few more keys, dedicated rewind / fast forward buttons, an analogue audio interface offering phantom powering, capacity to hard a large SSD drive, a touch strip, dedicated metronome button. Things the Key37 has TWO TIMES MORE AUDIO TRACKS, FOUR TIMES MORE PLUG-INS, SD card slot and a USB-C audio device. It has to be said that the Key61 can accept audio over USB (32 in and out) so apart from the novelty of plugging your phone straight into the Key37, I'm not sure how much this is worth.

Any thoughts?

Here's a full specs comparison across the modern MPCs

https://support.akaipro.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000880105-akai-pro-mpc-series-comparison-guide

Did they de-value (the market value) your 4 year old MPC? Yes, but we know Akai have a habit of continually releasing new models and the key61has been quietly discontinued for some time now, I don't think it was particularly popular. But it is ultimately 4 years old, which is relatively archaic given we have a whole new generation of MPCs running 64 bit CPU and more RAM etc. I don't think we can be upset because Akai decided to create a new gen of models running improved hardware specs.

So yes, the tech in your 61 is dated, but TBF it was already dated when they first released it (still the same CPU as the original Live). Whether it's lost its value to you personally is a separate issue, I'm sat here on my original MPC Live and yesterday was using my gen 1 Key 37, no issues doing what I needed them to do. Releasing another model doesn't suddenly make the older models stop working (although it's anyone's guess whether they'll eventually be incapable of running future firmware versions, you have to assume Akai will eventually stop making 32 bit versions).

Akai will keep on releasing new models, whether it's an MPC Live 4, MPC Sample 2, new Force, and there is potentially a new key 61 (mentioned by internal reference code within the firmware). These companies keep the momentum going, and Akai has a lot of momentum ATM.

I bought a pretty clean used MPC X for just over $800 a few months ago at guitar center, which means they paid even less for it. That was over two grand new, and I’ve seen them under $700 online recently.

A used Force can be had under $500 now.

At least music gear keeps some value always as long as it’s useful. Case in point: used X32 mixers haven’t come down a whole lot and that’s a pretty old model but still totally useful. Same for the XR18 rack mixer which people like to use for IEM rigs now. I got a used XR12 ten years ago, and used prices are slightly higher now than what I paid.

Guns, camera gear, music gear, and tools … buy used if you can.

“This makes the 8 audio tracks and the 8 plug-ins of the Key61 seem dated by comparison”

Agreed and this is how I ended up working with two Gen1 devices side by side. I do Edm stuff. It’s not the 2GB ram that kills me, it’s the CPU not being able to handle a lot of FX and synths. Air visual EQ? Takes almost ten percent of cpu. Delay Pro? About the same. Sub Factory, OPX4, Juno? Can’t recall but each one moves the meter a chunk. Tempted to set up outboard FX and dynamics to ease the load on old man Akai, it works as is but sometimes I’m having to stop what I’m doing and turn off some plugs when I want to add someotmg in.

JethroJethro wrote:“This makes the 8 audio tracks and the 8 plug-ins of the Key61 seem dated by comparison”

Agreed and this is how I ended up working with two Gen1 devices side by side. I do Edm stuff. It’s not the 2GB ram that kills me, it’s the CPU not being able to handle a lot of FX and synths. Air visual EQ? Takes almost ten percent of cpu. Delay Pro? About the same. Sub Factory, OPX4, Juno? Can’t recall but each one moves the meter a chunk. Tempted to set up outboard FX and dynamics to ease the load on old man Akai, it works as is but sometimes I’m having to stop what I’m doing and turn off some plugs when I want to add someotmg in.

You can also flatten those FX into the sample & resample the synths. You do the 4GB RAM upgrade yourself or send it to https://www.youtube.com/@thegoattech. But, yeah, people are hating on the lack of RAM on the g2 ONE/37 but its the CPU that was more of an issue. They may 4GB but can run 32 plugins & some people still want more.

Anyone else use their MPC always/primarily in controller mode? (specifically to run 3rd party plugs)

If yes, do you feel this negates concerns/care about constant MPC revisions w/ new, upgraded processors/ram? (to me it does... even the first M1 chip is light years better than any ARM chips)

Also... been thinkin bout it a lil... if always using it in controller mode, wouldn't that bulletproof & keep older gen1 MPCs from becoming obsolete/unusable (like say, IF Akai were to totally stop supporting & giving new FWs to the older gen1s in standalone), since it'll always be running the MPC desktop OS/software/FWs anyways.

I love my Key 61... more than my live II or X SE. Now that the software has been updated to run in a DAW of choice ? Whatever I can't do, due to limitations, I can finish in the software. Thought about getting the new XL but why? I don't need it. When I was young I had to have the latest greatest, and believe me I've had every MPC except the 60II. GAS is real..

BLVCK-_-BVSTID wrote:GAS is real..

If it's not the endless new models, it's the never ending glut of plugins that people simply need to collect (and barely use), just because they are apparently discounted by 77%. GAS and FOMO are deeply embedded within inMusic's core business strategy.

MPC-Tutor wrote:

BLVCK-_-BVSTID wrote:GAS is real..

If it's not the endless new models, it's the never ending glut of plugins that people simply need to collect (and barely use), just because they are apparently discounted by 77%. GAS and FOMO are deeply embedded within InMusic's core business strategy.

For me that's a great thing. It keeps me from buying external synths. A few improvements to the keygroup engine and I will never ever need to buy an external sound generator. With Gen 2 keygroups, plug in and wavetable oscillators can cover practically every acoustic and electronic sound I'll ever need.

altruistica wrote:It seems to me, the Key37 G2 and the new MPC One G2, have been underpriced for what they are.

Did you add the price for the Pro Pack to your calculation? IMHO for any MPC newbie an MPC3 without the clip matrix is only half of the cake.

Unfortunately every time a new generation comes out, the old generation gets less desirable and loses a chunk of value. I wouldn't be eager to part with the 61 either. Like you said, it offers a lot of advantages still. It's things like this that make classic boards appreciated for decades to come. The keyboard I use the most is from 2007. It's going to get replaced and the 61 might be what relegates it to the secondary stand or the Marketplace.