Sequences can be copied, renamed, and edited, then chained together to make an arrangement. MIDI notes and automation can be added via recording from the keys or pads, drawn into the grid using the display, or entered with the step sequencer (great for drums in particular), or even the event list editor. Sequences are the building blocks of MPC arrangements. We are big fans of using keygroups to build a library of unique sounds and they combine well with the provided instrument library for those who are phobic of using ‘factory’ sounds exclusively. The Yamaha Montage doesn’t sample, but otherwise, it’s an impressive synthesis and sequencing workstation. Roland’s hi-spec workstation series includes powerful step LFOs, multimode analogue filter/drive and great sequencing, sampling and effects. New effects include Flavor (for vinyl-style sound degradation), Limiter, and the Vocal Suite, which includes pitch correction, doubling, and harmony effects – we had a lot of fun with these – gravitating to the blatantly excessive at first, but then settling down and appreciating them as useful processing tools. These are categorised by type, for example, Delay/Reverb, Dynamics, and Modulation. Up to four insert effects can be applied to any track of pad. We connected a dynamic mic to input 1, and set a level on the physical gain control – there are also separate 48v switches on each input, should you prefer condenser mics (we would’ve liked two more audio inputs, although third-party USB audio and MIDI interfaces can be connected, so you can get up to 32 channels of audio in/out, although you still max out at eight audio tracks per project – we tried this successfully with a Behringer UMC1820 interface).Īudio inputs can go direct to an audio track, for DAW-style recording, or to the Sampler, or to the Looper. (Image credit: Future) Akai MPC Key 61: Performance and verdict Also new is OPx-4 which narrows the focus somewhat, with a four-operator FM synthesis engine, creating blatantly digital sounds, with a modulation matrix, and built-in effects we love the sound of FM synthesis, and this is a fine example – and we enjoyed using the touch screen to adjust envelopes. The Fabric Collection is one instrument that’s been organised into separate plugins to conserve system resources – so it appears as Fabric (with fewer voices), Fabric XL (the full-on flagship version), Fabric Piano, and Fabric Electric Piano.įabric is a monster sound source, especially good for modern-sounding productions, with synths, pads, basses, and leads, even guitars. The MPC Key 61 includes several new instruments from AIR Music Technology. The semi-weighted keyboard is equally comfortable for playing synth parts or more traditional piano-style performances, and the pads are the classic reliable MPC style. The rear panel features, from left to right, expression, foot switch, and sustain pedal inputs, MIDI Thru/Out/In DIN connectors, eight cv/gate outputs for connecting analogue gear, two mic/line inputs with gain controls and 48v switches, four 1/4” outputs, 1/4” headphones out, two USB-2 ports, one USB-3 port, ethernet network connection and mains power button.
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