Agreed. The Key 61 can’t make sounds like the Fantom, Montage, Nautilus, or K2700 but it surely can sample them into a keygroup and get you most of the way there. From there, you can put together some nice music. My favorite pairing is the Key 61 and the Roland Integra 7.
The Akai MPC Key 61 is a keeper in my studio setup as well. I mainly use it as a central hub for sequencing, sampling, and audio recording R&B tracks. Although the Akai MPC Key 61 has great internal instruments, a Korg Nautilus 61, Roland Fantom-06, and Yamaha MODX6+ are used for most typical workstation sounds except for drums.
Enjoyed your video I subscribed! I have studio one 4 I rarely use it tho. When you record your key61 into it are you recording the audio left and right audio straight into it or midi thanks
Very quiet on the sound level. Thanks for the video though. Going crazy trying to decide on my next studio setup. I loved the MPC ONE PLUS (eventually). Gave it to my son to get him into music. Now, I'm back to nothing more or less. There just isn't a perfect workstation even in 2024. Fantom lack sample editing features. MPC has the best sample editing tools and feature but lacks the instrument quality of all the others. Nautilus is wonderful, but I HATE the screen and UI. Way too much on such a tiny screen. K2700 is like an alien from another planet. Yamaha WAY overpriced for what they offer. To date, I truly believe Key 61 is by FAR the biggest bang for the buck! I'm going one step beyond though and holding out for the MPC X Se and most likely will pick up a Hydra Deluxe as my midi controller keyboard. Add the Model 16 Tascam, got a killer setup. Think someone mentions the integra. Smart to have in the mix with an Ipad. (useless without ipad FYI). I use to have the Jupiter 80. THAT was the killer keyboard but had no workstation features.
The key 61 is not the typical keyboard workstation and should not be compared to the Fantom and other keyboards like it. Its a MPC in keyboard form. More like an advanced Ensoniq ASR 10. Just my opinion
Just from the pictures I’ve seen, it looks nice. I’ll reserve my opinion once I have more information about it. I’m always excited when Akai puts out new products.
