Akai MPC Key 37 sampler workstation

The Akai MPC Key 37 is a complete music studio in a keyboard body. It runs without a computer: inside are a quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of onboard storage, the legendary MPC engine, a large sound library and professional effects. Power it on and take a track from the first idea to a finished master.

Standalone — no computer required

The MPC Key 37 works in two modes. In standalone mode the whole process — sampling, arranging, mixing and exporting — happens inside the instrument. In controller mode it connects to a Mac or PC, drives the MPC 2 software (licence included) and doubles as an audio interface.

Keyboard, pads and controls

• 37 full-size synth-action keys, velocity sensitive, with aftertouch;
• dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels;
• 16 backlit RGB MPC pads with polyphonic aftertouch, Note Repeat and 16 Levels;
• 4 assignable Q-Link knobs for real-time parameter control.

Sound: instruments, samples, effects

• 8 built-in plugin instruments: TubeSynth, Bassline, Electric, Hype, Mellotron, Odyssey, Solina and Drum Synth;
• more than 1000 ready-to-play presets and over 10 GB of sound content;
• a deep effects set: reverb, delay and echo, chorus, phaser, compression, EQ and vintage gear emulations;
• the classic MPC workflow: sampling, chopping, Note Repeat, swing and a multitrack sequencer.

7-inch touchscreen

The 7" (17.8 cm, 16:10) full-colour multi-touch display supports gestures — pinch to zoom, double tap, drag and drop. Waveforms, the sequencer grid and the mixer are edited straight with your fingers, with no mouse or external monitor.

Connectivity

• 2 line inputs on 6.35 mm (1/4") jacks and 2 balanced TRS line outputs;
• 6.35 mm headphone output;
• MIDI in and MIDI out on full-size 5-pin DIN connectors;
• 8 CV/Gate signals over 4 x 3.5 mm jacks for modular and analogue gear;
• 2 USB ports: Type-A for drives and MIDI controllers, Type-B for connecting to a computer;
• SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot and support for external drives up to 2 TB;
• sustain pedal input;
• built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Ableton Link 3.0 sync, wireless MIDI, MPC OS updates and Splice sample library access straight from the unit.

Who it is for

Beat makers and producers who want an all-in-one studio without cable clutter; live performers, thanks to standalone operation and instant start-up; owners of modular and analogue synths, thanks to the CV/Gate outputs; anyone who wants to step away from the computer screen and make music with their hands.

In the box

The instrument, a 12 V / 3 A power supply, a quickstart guide and an MPC 2 software licence for Mac and Windows.

Key specifications

• Keyboard: 37 synth-action keys with aftertouch
• Pads: 16 RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch
• Display: 7" (17.8 cm) full-colour multi-touch
• Processor: quad-core ARM, 2 GB RAM
• Storage: 32 GB onboard, SD card slot, external drive support
• Dimensions: 582 x 314 x 104 mm, weight 4 kg
• Power: 12 V DC, adapter included