The New Akai MPC Key 37: A Comprehensive Review

TLDRThe Akai MPC Key 37 is a fully-fledged standalone music production center with a 37-key keyboard, 7-inch touchscreen, pads, knobs, and buttons. It offers a lot of features for its price of $899 and is recommended for beginners and those looking to enter the music production ecosystem. The colorway may not be to everyone's liking, but it doesn't affect the functionality. Overall, it's a great product with a good workflow and value for money.

Key insights

🎹The Akai MPC Key 37 combines features from the MPC Key 61 and the MPC One Plus, making it a versatile music production center.

💰With a price tag of $899, the MPC Key 37 offers a lot of features and instruments, providing excellent value for money.

💡The workflow of the MPC Key 37 is user-friendly, with well-placed buttons, pads, and knobs, allowing for easy navigation and control.

⚙️The MPC Key 37 offers various connectivity options, including USB, SD card, MIDI, and CV/Gate, making it versatile for different setups and integrations.

🎨While the red colorway may not appeal to everyone, it does make the MPC Key 37 stand out in the studio.

Q&A

Is the MPC Key 37 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the MPC Key 37 is recommended for beginners as it offers a comprehensive set of features, instruments, and plugins at an affordable price.

Can the MPC Key 37 be used without a computer?

Yes, the MPC Key 37 is a fully-fledged standalone music production center, allowing you to make music without the need for a computer.

Does the MPC Key 37 have a touch strip?

No, the MPC Key 37 does not have a touch strip like the MPC Key 61. However, it offers other intuitive controls such as pads, knobs, and buttons.

Can I expand the storage of the MPC Key 37?

Yes, the MPC Key 37 has an SD card slot that allows you to expand the storage and save your projects, files, and samples.

Does the MPC Key 37 have a MIDI through port?

No, the MPC Key 37 does not have a MIDI through port. However, it has MIDI input and output ports for connecting external MIDI devices.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the Akai MPC Key 37 and its announcement.

02:21Overview of the MPC Key 37's features, including the keyboard, pads, touchscreen, and connectivity options.

04:22Personal review of the MPC Key 37's workflow, button placements, and overall user experience.

06:03Explanation of the ins and outs of the MPC Key 37, including power input, USB ports, SD card reader, audio outputs, and CV/Gate connections.

07:44Recommendation of the MPC Key 37 as a great product for beginners and those looking for a standalone music production center.