They are around 7mm shorter than the comparable keyboard on my MkII Komplete Kontrol keyboard if that makes any odds either way. The keys have the semi‑weighted ‘synth’ action that feels right on a keyboard that’s not primarily aimed at pianos. So you get audio I/O (including mic/instrument pres), MIDI, CV, and USB host and client ports (see the ‘Expansion’ box for more). As we’ve come to expect from modern MPCs, the rear panel is packed with connectivity options. There are enough buttons for modes, views and common operations to avoid most trips to the menu screen. This steers many of your interactions toward the 7‑inch touchscreen. Like the Live, there are only four rotary encoders plus a data dial. This can operate as a Note Repeat speed selector or mirror the encoders, but is most effective as a dedicated controller for the Touch FX plug‑in. You also get the Touch Strip, as first seen on the MPC Studio controller. For the best of both worlds you also get a 4x4 MPC pad grid, using the same compact pads as on the MPC One and MPC Studio. It’s a solid, plastic construction with a semi‑weighted keyboard and performance wheels along the front plane, then a gently raked rear section that contains the screen and all other controls. Physically, the MPC Key 61 is impressive. The result is a new instrument that can perform multiple roles: synth/sampler, performance instrument, live control hub, or beat production centre.
Akai have built a new layer on top of the MPC OS which transforms the sound browsing and loading experience, and lets you treat the Key 61 like a workstation keyboard when you prefer. But it’s not simply an MPC Live bolted onto a MIDI keyboard. MPC‑wise there’s nothing left out it’s an MPC, and in fact has an upgraded hardware spec. The MPC Key 61 takes the latest generation of MPC and integrates it into a full‑size keyboard. It’s an MPC tuned for keyboard players, live performers and synth composers, and of course beat‑makers who share these roles.
The MPC Key 61 takes this idea and runs with it. It was standalone and simple to fire up, and it had decent onboard sounds and synths. Almost by accident it became my go‑to synth and sound module. When Akai Pro’s MPC Live II was here on review I mostly had it sat on my desk on a laptop stand with a USB keyboard plugged in. The MPC Key isn’t just an MPC with a keyboard, it’s a completely new species of production workstation.
0 kommentar(er)
