Well, it is no secret that I’ve been an MPC fan for quite a long time. When it comes to the newer generation of Akai products, I lean more towards the Force than anything for my workflow. I love the idea of being able to create melodies and handle traditional drum or sample programing on the same device. Plus I love working with clips!
When Akai started adding plugins, especially the NI Play Series stuff, I really began to think about what the workflow of the MPC Key would be like for me. The one thing that stopped me from really checking them out was the load time of the plugins.
On the MPC or Force I can deal with it for the most part. On a dedicated keyboard though, that puts me in the mind of using a keyboard workstation. In that situation I’m going to expect that same or similar level of speed when navigating through sounds.
My MPC journey may be a bit different than most. The 4000 was my first MPC. The big deal for me with it was that it combined an MPC and a rackmount sampler in the same box. I was always interested in my MPC being able to play back realistic instruments along with chops and samples.
I always had a keyboard or access to some sort of keyboard sounds next to whatever drum machine or sampler I was using. So the thought of the MPC Key series was very interesting, but as a workstation guy, the load times were not LOL!
When Akai released a Gen 2 version, my interest was sparked again.
Shout out to zZounds for indulging my curiosity and letting me check one out for a bit!
Also, I wasn’t feeling that red MPC Key 37, but this joint right here in the classic color looks great! Even more than the look, the fact that you have the pads and keys right there, no need for another keyboard, lovely. The updated CPU/Ram is the biggest reason I wanted to try it now.
I know how fast the plugins load on the MPC XL, so yeah…I wanted to see what the load times were like on this for various instruments, especially the sample based ones like strings, pianos, eps, all the Play Series stuff, etc.
Thoughts on Load time
The load time is much faster than the Force, Live 2, and MPC X. One of the main reasons I hadn’t tried an MPC key in the past is I didn’t want to deal with those load times when browsing sounds. Now, it is pretty much instant on most things. I did find where Spitfire strings or a couple Play Series instruments had a slight load time on some sounds. When I say slight, I mean, not instant, but less than a second LOL. So nothing crazy. I did notice that the XL loads everything just a tad bit quicker overall (like a few milliseconds), but again, for most this probably would not be an issue.
Thoughts on the ergonomics
The Key 37 shines here. Having everything in one unit feels great. Being able to switch between the keys and pads as needed without any extra cables just makes sense. Again, as a workstation guy, this is the ultimate combination. Many of us tend to use a workstation or synth with the MPC, this just brings it all in one, with all the plugins available on the platform the keys give you that instant connection to playing. It’s just a different vibe than using an external keyboard, this may or may not matter to some folks but I dig it.
Thoughts on the keys
The keys feel good on the 37. Not super stiff or weighted, but there is a little bit of resistance so the action doesn’t feel cheap.
My final thoughts
I dig it. If you’re someone that always has a keyboard next to your MPC, or you are a fan of workstation keyboards, you definitely owe it to yourself to at least try the MPC Key 37. I think it is the perfect size, as it doesn’t take up too much space but gives you everything you need right there. Of course if you’re a dedicated keyboard player then you may want more keys.
I do miss the 8 horizontal Q-Links from the Force, and the cursor buttons from the X/XL, so if they were to add something like that on a new 61 key version I would be interested for sure. I enjoy the button layout (and the fact they are actual plastic buttons!) and the overall workflow just feels right. I would have loved a larger flip-up screen like the X/XL but at least the top part of the keyboard is slightly angled and not completely flat.
Oh, the first thing I noticed when I picked up the box is how light it was. I thought someone took this joint out in transit and sent me an empty box! LOL. I can see this being useful for folks that move around from studio to studio, between venues/performances, or just pulling up to collab with others. The size and wight makes it easy to take with you if you wanted to.
The pads feel great as usual, and the color is just dope. I really think this is the perfect MPC for many users, especially if you typically pair a keyboard with your MPC. It is easily my favorite MPC to use at this point, and it’s challenging the Force as my preferred device to work on overall.
Grab it from zZounds if you’re interested: https://www.zzounds.com/a–1786589/item–AKAMPCKEY37G2?siid=392057
*Using my zZounds.com affiliate links when you make purchases helps the site/channel. Prices are the same for you but I get a small percentage for any sales referred, thanks!
