We haven’t seen an official announcement on this yet, but it looks like Akai Professional is introducing the MPC Key 61, a new standalone Music Production Center synthesizer keyboard.

The MPC Key 61 builds on recent standalone MPCs, but adds a 61-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch. Features include 25 built-in virtual instruments, a semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch, 2 audio inputs, wireless connectivity, 4 outputs, 128 tracks of MIDI sequencing, CV/Gate connectivity and more.

Features:

• 25 Instrument Plugins
• 61-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch
• 4GB Ram / Quad Core ARM Processor – no need for a computer
• 16 RGB Velocity-Sensitive MPC Drum Pads with Note Repeat
• Assignable Touch Strip Controller
• 2 Mic/Line Inputs with high-end preamps
• 7” Color Touch Screen with Multi Touch & Gestures
• Audio Interface with high-quality AD/DA converters
• Accepts Class Compliant Audio Interfaces and MIDI devices
• Sounds Button for Fast Browsing
• 128 Track Midi Sequencer
• Onboard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• 4 Assignable Q Link Controller knobs
• Pitch Bend/Modulation Wheels
• Dedicated Transport Section
• 4 Discrete Line Outputs
• 8 Audio Tracks
• 8 CV/Gate Output Jacks for modular integration

With 128 tracks of internal and external MIDI, Keygroup Instruments, Clip Launching and 8 plugin instruments and audio tracks, MPC standalone has the power to capture any musical production. The color touch display stands up to any task like editing notes on the drum grid, triggering Step Sequencer events, writing/editing automation, and more. And Akai says that the MPC sequencing workflow is “the most advanced and integrated standalone system available for today’s modern music creators.”

MPC Key 61 is a true “sampling production synthesizer” with sampling features from the leading MPC Line, including built-in microphone preamps with high-end converters, combined with Vintage MPC60 and MPC3000 emulation.

The 16-velocity sensitive RGB pads on MPC Key 61 are the same award-winning pads as the MPC One. In addition to the iconic MPC pads are the renowned Time Correct, Swing, and Quantize features of MPC that continue to endure as mainstays of modern music production.

Connect up-to 32 MIDI devices via USB with MIDI Multi, expand your Audio I/O to 32 inputs and outputs using Class Compliant interfaces, or connect your vintage synths using MIDI In/Out/Thru.

For Live Daw-less production, MPC Key 61 also includes 8 CV/Gate jacks allowing you to connect to a wide variety of synthesizers, sound modules, analog modular gear and more. Onboard WI-FI/Bluetooth allows for wireless synchronization with Ableton Link and updating to the latest MPC OS. Two USB-A ports also come in handy for storage and MIDI controllers while an additional SATA storage bay allows for volumes of expandable sounds and tracks.

The MPC Key 61 has an onboard 24-bit Audio Interface, with high-end preamps and AD/DA converters. Individual gain knobs control the input of the combo XLR/TRS ¼” inputs with phantom power for driving condenser microphones. 2 main outputs, 2 sub outputs and an additional headphone output further allow for expansive connections. Capture vocal tracks and then process them with the onboard AIR Vocal Suite, or record guitars, bass, or even other keyboards.

DAW Integration with MPC2 Software

The bundled MPC2 Desktop DAW for Mac and PC supercharges the MPC experience, with expanded track counts and support for 3rd party AU/VST plugins. Run it as a DAW or as a VST/AU plugin in 3rd party DAWs like FL Studio, Logic, Ableton, Pro Tools, Studio One and more.

Pricing and Availability

Official details are still to be announced, but the MPC Key 61 is expected to have a street price of about $1,900.