Nord Stage 4 vs Akai MPC Key 61 - Unfair Comparison? 

Fun fact: you can auto-sample your favorite or all of the Nord stage 4 sounds (or any synth) into the mpc key 61 (with or without effects) and layer the sounds to your heart's content.

50+ old geezer chiming in here. I come from the same background as you, pretty much could not afford the cool-kids toys back in the 80s, best I had was a Yamaha DX7 and it was my life. I always dreamed of the Fairlight synth workstation, but that cost the price of a house. Now I have a lot of those cool toys you and many of us in our age now can afford and enjoy, and yes, they're professional stage instruments, and their sounds are pretty much up there in our dreams. But the thing is, when the MPC Key 61 was introduced, it was the modern Fairlight I've always dreamed of owning. Sure, Ableton, Cubase etc. totally took over for most, but it still wasn't the real hardware feel deal, and the MPC Key 61 covers a pretty unique hole in the market (or my heart), and that is the Fairlight. It has those "on-the-fly" possibilites of just about everything including sampling, VST's, filters, DAW like, Mixer, Recording Studio All-in-one, turn it on and you're nearly DONE magic. And pure magic it is. When I got mine when it was launched, it was like a dream come true. Sure, I have professional instruments like the Yamaha Montage and many more, and they cover that "fantastic sound" section when you need that ultimate-quality edge. But - and there is the big BUT - the Key 61... really IS the Fairlight of our dreams. It does everything, and you can just fire it up in 15 seconds, sample, re-sample, it can control your ENTIRE studio including analog synths, it has VSTs, 100s of filters, 128 channel Midi recording, regular old Midi recording, Mic in and even drumpads, all of which you can use on-the-fly. And did I mention the Record-Dub-Play And rewind buttons? And endless Undo + retro active recording? I mean come on... this is by far the most user friendly, get-up-and-produce music in minutes (literally MINUTES) to finished production there is. I would buy it again, and If I had to chose ONE instrument, I'd get this one even if I would miss my stage instruments, hands down - the best music tool ever created ihmo.

I don't understand why everyone says the organ is trash on the mpc it's a bit thin but i like it.

The MPC key 61 is probably the best value for money of anything on the market today. The touchscreen interface is incredible as is the depth of control on plugins like Fabric xl, hype and Opx-4.

Fantastic compare. Thank you for putting this together!

I enjoy watching such a wild comparisons. Please do more in the future 😎👍

Thanks for making this video. The head to head nature of comparison is valuable. I use my Key 61 in a band to play some keys parts in 80s tribute songs (Flock of Seagulls, Devo, U2) songs and to trigger some intros and SFX. It does a nice job and one day I'll get around to figuring out the sequencer.

Excellent video! Comparisons are fun, and we get the chance to learn about two fascinating instruments! Thank you

WOW. With the sound customizations and tweaking of today's software and more, you can make a $1700 keyboard sound exactly, if not, better than a $6,000 keyboard! In this case, between the Key 61 and the Nord Stage 4, the tweaking would be very minimal and the $1700 keyboard would go neck-to-neck with the Nord Stage 4! Excellent video Brotha!

Hadn't considered MPC Keys but this looks like a really good writing tool when you need to get ideas down quickly. Enjoyed the video - well presented :)

Have a Nord Stage 3 Compact..and Absolutely am in Love with it.!!! I was Looking for Anything that you could do recording without a Computer.. Stumbled upon the MPC Key 37 which even matches the Nord.. and after much research finally downloaded the plug-ins.. I am now putting down sequences and added more plug-ins .. I am Really excited about the Quality of the Air plug-ins next to the Nord..(Which is Higher Quality but the MPC is really good too..). FYI.. I had a MPC Live 2 about 8 months and was totally Lost...but figured it all out on the key 37 after receiving it..... Very Nice My free plug-in was the Stage Grand... and also added the Mini D , Studio Strings , and Fabric... all were marked down too... looking at the Organ in the future also... I am Happy and excited about putting tracks down without the Nord.. Easy Peasy..

Great video. Just auto-sample the Nord into the MPC Key 61.

❤❤I have Keys61.. I am def waiting for 88 🎹 keys

Cool Video Bro. ❤

Great Job Bro!!! All I know is if Akai MPC releases a 76 or 88 key they need to put Digital I/O on it!!! 🙏🏼🤯🙏🏼

I think for pop-music (and also Hip Hop and EDM etc) the mpc is the winner ; it may sound a bit 'less deep' and certainly a bit less dynamic. But often that's the sound you want for pop (and Hip Hop and EDM) ...

Always good to compare. I agree, the piano's/organ sounds better on the Nord but for the home/hobby musician Nord is way overpriced, you can buy 3.6 Mpc keys61 for the price of one Nord. Hopefully there will be an mpc key 88 soon.

unfair, but really good job on akai

What AKAI should really do: release the very same machine with a weighted keyboard. Because otherwisely it's an absolute beast and a steal for the money!

The main weak point of the MPC is the D/A converters. You can bypass the d/a by connecting another audio interface to the Mpc via USB. Big difference in sound.

Excellent. I have a Montage 7 and it is not in my opinion easy to use. This MPC, again, in my initial opinion seems to be much easier for recording.

I own both of these boards and totally agree with this comparison. The Nord Strings are just bad!! The diff in the Organs I think has a lot to do with the Leslie cabinet effect and the ‘cabinet mic placement’ within that effect. Finally the pianos would indeed (as you eluded to) be pretty dang close if you midi’d the Nord to the MPC and used the 88 piano weighted keybed to play the MPC. Great video!

The MPC Key 61 in controller mode with MPC software or a DAW like Ableton Live you can go beyond the 8 tracks and a lot of power for playing and arranging in real time in a live setting. Plus now the MPC key 37 is out at about half the price and very portable and red just like your Nord.

Man, that Nord sounds good.

Great video! Nord reminds me of Apple in many ways. Great musical hardware, but they segment their product suite which is good for marketing and profit margin 😂 It ultimately boils down to preference because technology has improved so much to where you can hardly tell any sonic differences. Feel, workflow and purpose of use play more a part in making a decision to purchase any of these boards. I'm personally moving more towards software which is much more affordable and just as good sonically.

The any Nord is worth the money if you are actually playing out and depending on something to make money with. The MPC is cool , but as a player, I'd find a way to buy the Nord.

MPC Key 61 was not bad, but the Nord was differently phatter....Nice comparison, nothing on the Nord was 4,000 better! I'm taking my Sound Library and MPC Key and running like it is a Fire😂 Live use I'm taking the Nord and never looking Back❤

Hi, Key61 user almost since they came out. I don't know if you covered it in the video - and I will watch it! - but I have been pleasantly surprised with how quickly and reliably I can connect the Key61 to my laptop and run the MPC2 software. This matters in a comparison, because other software VSTs have come a long way and sound great, and the Akai MPC integrates well. Once you set your Key61 up as a controller, you can ignore the laptop most of the time if you'd like. Also, RU-vidr SampleKings claims that the MPC plugins like Jura sound better using the MPC2 software. I think he's right, but can't swear to it.

Here in Europe the key 61 only costs 1300 including vat. If I hear how it sounds, it is a steal. So many people stay anyhow in their studio fiddling with music production, in that case the key 61 is indeed great. It is even light enough to sit on the sofa with it while the family watches tv (if that still exists). Try that with the Nord.

Hi, Is there a tutorial on the Aki MPC 61 on how to quickly access my presets and setlist on stage in live mode? Is there a way to avoid the 1-2 second loading time of the presets?

I see alot of comments saying there close😂.Nord is on another level but it todays music production $1,700 keyboard that does everything is incredible.Im a akai mpc head so i love all the akai products but that Nord sound wise is top tier.

Akai Key 61 is the game changer. Akai Key 61 is "Korg M1" of 2020's. In the late 1980's, Akai samplers was CMI-Fairlight and E-Mulator killer. Now, this new Akai Key 61 is gonna be Roland, Yamaha and Korg killer...

great video. Thanks gives me some insight on the sound difference and practical application. Can you globally detune the MPC Key 61 to 432hz? we tune to 432hz at church and was looking into some sort of piano/pad keyboard. obviously its not designed for performance(I also dont have a $4k budget) but I wouldn't be switching sounds I would stick with a piano, maybe some strings, a nice pad. I was also looking at the Roland Fantom 06 or the Yamaha MOD6+. Biggest thing though is how easily to tune down to 432hz.

I noticed on the piano opening the sustain was not holding on the AKAI, not sure if that's adjustable.

Can we get a part two auto sample feature and do a comparison

The Nord is much deeper about 4000 deeper...depending on preference...performance or production...both are great...💯👍

Akai MPC Key 61is best value for money...

Ok I get it. The MPC sounds light in the a$$. But the posibilities are enormous. Plus, you can create a keygroup of the Nord sounds, sell it, and keep the MPC.😂

The customer for Nord isn’t cross shopping Akai. The Akai customer isn’t cross shopping Nord. I know people with both. But a comparison is good for content.

Awesome comparison. Curious why you didn’t show the Nord’s capability at creating a full 3 minute 8 track song with vocals recorded internally on its 4 GB hard drive? 😂😂😂😂

The nord sounds better. AND the nord feels more like an instrument. If that’s what you want.

Is it my impression or are the instruments not tuned to the same basic frequency? (Nord seems very slightly higher than the Akai)

How is organ and synth playing on the 88 key Nord though? Are palm glisses and fast synth runs unbearable with the weighted keys?

Yamaha YC88 plus iPad Apps could be a better choice

Why didn't they build an 88 weighted key version for Akai MPC?

Can you connect an external 88 hammer action into the MPC key 61?

Team AKAI professionnel

I definitely recommend the Key 61 for beginners or someone like me who is a Sampler. That’s a great place to start. Soft Synths are decent on the Key 61 but in comparison to the Nord it has no chance competing with the Nord Sound in the long run. Though I appreciate and understand the premise of this vid, playing out some chords or phrases really does it NO JUSTICE. I love Arturia V collection and Pigments but in comparison to my $10k Moog ONE; THERE IS NONE‼️I’ve played with them both on Numerous occasions and I would say; Depending on what Genre you are doing, “The Key 61 Sounds Good,,,, The Nord Sounds Great and Feels Good”‼️

I got mpc keys it has like lofi synth engine

I just got my stage 4

There isnt a seamless transition? Thats a huge con. I wouldnt recommend it if you want to play live. For live purpose consider Roland fantom 08 (07, 06) those have a seamless transition. However except this, akai is a beast for that kind of money. Great video!

3.09 Sound - Akai is like wide open stage 3.20 Sound - Nord is like wide open hall

Ac. Piano Nord, EP is draw, Organ Nord, Strings Akai

The Nord sounds are just undeniably THICCC 😭😭

Great job but how about wooly bully watch it y😮

I don't really understand why people buy synths like this for piano sounds. I would understand buying it to sample your pianos. However maybe a used workstation may have more affordable sounds or just a digital piano.

On sound comparison the nord sounds more solid and natural on piano. On other sounds it is less lightweight. I would assume that using very expensive amplification and speakers the nord would sound best. The question is would it sound $4000 better? Well if you were a millionaire musician then yes it would but if like me you are on a budget the i will take the Akai all day long.

The EP Rhodes and Organ sounds are as good or better on the AKAI...strings are better also!.

If you know how to use the mpc they have alot of synth engines.. that you can make sound from scratch.. or edit what he is playing.. i sold 80% of my gear i use mpc 61 and waldorf iridium for my whole studio.. its good to stay limited thats where the creativity comings from...

I have the MPC Key 61 and I think it's biggest shortcomings are the small display and the plasticky sounds. The sounds was the biggest disappointment for me. Also the first unit had to be returned because it had somekinda processor failure. Ulimately I got new one. When it comes to comparing piano type sounds, the Nord wins HANDS DOWN. Listening these via net and typical compromized speakers is not really representative. I have still to find a really good sound from the MPC. Of similar priced products I think Yamaha has the best sounds, followed by Roland and Korg. AKAI is not yet on that level in sounds. All the sounds are smehw plasticky with a lazy attack and lack of clarity. But simply to make music they are ok. I also think that it is a real limitation if you can not use the same AKAI VST instrument on two tracks. I use mostly Cubase and I use often two tracks to blend sections for one instrument. But this is really my problem caused by limited playing skills. Then again, the best part of the MPC 61 Key is the price. It really opens this workstation world to a whole lotta new people. it's a great tool for an amateur or for someone who writes music his own pleasure to the drawer. Nord on he other hand represents the top of performer keyboards but it is not a workstation. The Nord piano keyboard finger feel is simply perfect, sounds are good and everything is pro-level finish. Neither of these is actually "perfect" in their userinterface, neither is bad. Both are better than ok.. Finally, these are meant for totally different target groups and both are excellent for their target groups. For me of these two the right one would be the AKAI but Im still ready to admit the Nord is the clearly better instrument, hands down. The Nord life span is long where as the AKAI rides more on the latest trends, next year there is another model which outruns this present 61 Key where as the more conservative Nord will be used after years and years for performances - because it really is a rugged tool for a professional musician.

The MPC 61 is on a never platform so it’ll get the leverage……IJS

NO 2000$. In fact 1500-1600$. I like piano - worstation on Akai.

That expensive keyboard is not worth it as it only played keyboard sounds

I am not a Real Musician, but I've heard from some of them that the Akai is for music production, not live performance. No continuation while switching patches, bugs and crashing entirely keep the Akai out of live venues.

Odd comparison. A workstation and a stage keyboard. I guess let's see

Neither one is worth what they cost .

it doesn"t sound $4000 better than any decent sounding keyboard from all the big companies

Nord sounds like a Steinberg (German grand,) lots of delay on MPC.🤦‍♂️ Korg Kronos/Nautilus like the Nord for piano IMO but cheaper.

Well done sir. One of the most honest and succinct reviews I have ever seen. I have been professional keyboard player for 50 years, and do a pretty good job at staying in touch with developments. I will give your review 110%. However, it does always need to be said that folk are better served by going to a music shop, and trying out the goods there. A decent person would also buy the keyboard where they try it out. Our music shops are desperately struggling to survive, so please never forget it is a really important role they fulfil. They exist on very small margins, which musicians should really consider, when buying new equipment. Full disclosure; I am not one of those shopowners! Go make some great music.

I’m not a fan of Nord EP’s

I’ve always found the nord sounds to be horrible So flat and robotic. This Akai sounds are amazing.

Realistisch ist Nord stage 😉

The NS4 is more of a live performance board, so at that price point, it should lack in no way when it comes to live performance. The strings are shockingly bad and the user storage is ridiculously low. Now, is it great at what it does? ABSOLUTELY! I'm just not willing to pull any punches when you're bold enough to charge those prices, and everyone acts as if it was made by God, and it is clearly lacking in key areas.

NORD ....fingers slip off the black keys. i never found such bad keys. made of oil or something. THE NORD HAS that certain synthetic sound even for the pianos, never liked it. even akai piano sounds more pleasant.

He is hitting the MPC keys too hard. Also, Nord has a very processed and unnatural piano sound. It's even close to a grand piano. People don't know how a grand sound is. Nord sounds like a synth. The issue with the MPC is the keys been too light.

mpc sounds tinny like a tin can sound. nord sounds more full eq wise.

In my opinion, Nord is overpriced and over rated. I don’t own an Akai, but I can say for sure way more bang for the buck with Yamaha, Roland and Korg. Also much better build quality. You could purchase a Yamaha CK61 and CK88 for half of what a Nord cost. Just one example.

MPC is kinda dry whereas the NORD has the extra moisture so to speak.

The nord sounds worlds better but comparison makes no sense at all

Now that we have kept people from being delusional if they bought the Key 61 thinking the sound engine of the Akai was in the same league as the Nord, lets see a demo of Yamaha's PSR series or Casio's CT-S series against Akai.

cheap sounds bright but not rich,learn how to set up nordstage

✨🙄🙄🙄 LIKE MOST PEOPLE DOING TUTORIALS ON KEYBOARDS SOUNDS ....YOU TALK TOO MUCH ..!!..I WANT TO HEAR THE SOUNDS...LESS TALK AND EXPLANATION...AND MORE SOUNDS TO HEAR...!!!.✨🎼🎶🎹🎶🎵🎹

For for a piano player the MPC61 has one of the worst keybeds, which I have seen in a keyboard. I hate to play this keybed. The MPC61 is a great machine but with a worse keybed.

1500? That shit was 2800$

Honestly, Nautilus much much better deal. Mpc more like a toy.

i can tell right away just with the pianos that the mpc sounds like a kids toy whereas the Nord sounds like a real piano. I dont even have to look at the keyboards to know which one you are playing