Akai simply formally introduced the MPC Key 37, a standalone workstation and groovebox. That is the most recent standalone MPC gadget, following final yr’s bigger Key 61. The Key 37 has all the things you must make a beat or tune from scratch with out having to make use of an precise pc and DAW, with some limitations.
There are 37 full-size keys, full with aftertouch. There aren’t that many standalone units on the market with a full keybed, so this could excite musicians who lack expertise with Akai-style pads. This gadget does have 16 velocity-sensitive pads for laying down drum components and triggering samples, so it’s a “best of both worlds” sort scenario.
The Key 37 ships with 32GB of on-board storage, although 10GB is used up by the OS and included sound packs. Fortunately, there’s a slot for an SD card to increase the storage — these standalone units replenish quick.
You get the identical colour 7-inch multi-touch show and 4 assignable Q-Hyperlink knobs as the corporate’s Key 61 workstation. That is nice for making system changes and for controlling results plugins and the like. As a matter of truth, the complete format recollects the Key 61, although this new launch is barely much less highly effective.
The Key 37 options 2GB of RAM, in comparison with 4GB with the Key 61. That is going to hamper the variety of tracks that may play concurrently with none hiccups. It additionally lacks the 2 microphone inputs and related preamps. There are, nevertheless, stereo 1/4-inch inputs and outputs, USB Midi, 5-pin MIDI In/MIDI Out, 4 TRS CV/Gate output jacks and a USB host port. This keyboard additionally boasts Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for wi-fi streaming with platforms like Ableton Hyperlink.
Past the long-lasting 16 pad format, the spotlight of any MPC machine is the software program. To that finish, the Key 37 ships with Akai’s MPC2 desktop software program and its standalone suite. You get eight instrument plugins out of the field and a voucher for a premium plug from the corporate’s ever-growing assortment. You even get that cool stem separation software program, although it’s not accessible on the Key 37 but.
Akai’s newest and best might not be as full-featured as 2022’s Key 61, however it’s round half the worth. The Key 37 prices $900 and is out there to order proper now through mother or father firm inMusic and licensed retailers.