Great to see someone working the strong points of the mpc keys instead of bashing what it can't do. Love it. Every instrument has string and weak points.
MPC Key 61 is two weeks old and an MPC Live, a couple of years old. What? The latter I bought from my son. I am part of a duo and I have started playing some solo gigs. I have worked on a Korg pax3 (76 semi-weighted keys)for 14 years and a Korg Kross 88 for 8 years (not all at once). I got almost 60 years of this behind me and this new stuff and [how] you do it is frustrating. I guess I just need to thank you for your time and love. Take it to the limit, brother (The Eagles), and know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em (Kenny Rogers). You remind me of Billy Preston when he sang 'Do what you want to'.
I just picked this up. Recently joined a group to play keys. I have a pretty old and basic Roland and wanted to do more with my playing and really start to provide some production into our sound. I have a big learning curve with MPCs in general but this video made me feel so much better about my purchase. Looking forward to diving into the rest of your content. Thanks so much! Keep it coming!
Thanks Derek, just about to start gigging with my MPC Key61. I've arranged it as a playback device, with the audio tracks mapped to the sequencer. In this way I can use the click if need be. The unit is really flexible in the way you can use it and cuts down on the amount of gear you need to take out, without compromising on sound.
Man awesome video. I use my MPC live with my MODX and other gear. I started to get the keys but it wasn’t gonna fit my current set up. What I love about my live it’s battery 🔋 operated and I can use my controller then to save memory I have samples keygroups of favorite sounds along with my iPad as well.
How can you disable the sustain pedal in just one track. Example on the right hand I have a piano and a pad and on the left hand a bass. I want to disable the sustain pedal on the bass while keeping it on on the piano and pad. Is there a way? Thanks!
Hello Darrick, are the MPC One and the MPC Key 61 the same? for example can you create layers to play live on the MPC One like you do on the MPC Key 61?
Yes, you can. The software is identical. However, the MPC One only has 2GB of RAM vs 4GB in the MPC Key 61. Maxing out the RAM when using the new plugins is not hard to do. Lastly, the plugins like Fabric, Fabric XL, Stage Piano, etc do not come with the MPC One but they have to be purchased separately. With the MPC Key 61 they are all included.
You’re limited on the one and live. Like he said you only get 2 gigs of Ram vs 4. The new XL is supposed to have 4 gigs of Ram which still today at that price range I’d use a “work station” combining it with a montage Korg or Fantom is your better bet.
Thanks for the excellent demonstration and knowledge sharing. I am definitely looking at the keyboard as a possible mainstay to playing live. It seems that each sequence automatically loops. However is there no way to choose, on a per-sequence basis, whether it automatically goes to the next sequence when it is played out, or stay in loop mode until "told" by the musician to go to the next sequence, like one can do in Ableton? Thank you
SWEET...DK!! How about doing a VID on how u export from Logic Pro to the MPC 61. Also DK...how come when I copy and paste the midi notes into another section, track or measure in the 61 it does not copy the sustain pedal information, what's up wit dat? Peace!!
I have an Mpc one. I’ve been gigging a prophet rev 2 for synth sounds but was thinking about grabbing a modx+ or fantom for gigging. Something super light but this option seems interesting as well thanks for the vid
Your reviews are one of the best! I saw you commented a video Yamaha Genos vs Korg PA-5X and said New Korg Pa-5X sound is very disappointing. May I ask you why? Actually I was very surprised seeing your comment under the video about the arranger keyboards. What do you think about arranger keyboards and why you don’t play them? And would you please make a video - Fantom 0 vs MODX. Keep a good work! 🙂
Even I don't think Pa-5x is 'disappointing' and I criticise everything. Go ask Qui Robinez if you want a half decent opinion on the Korg platform. They have a different market/audience than the workstations and so it's not uncommon for people to have preference between them depending on their profession. People these days also have a lot of ignorant bias/personal bigotry. So make up your own mind. Don't crutch on single sources of information.
I just do not personally have a need for an arranger because all of my backing tracks need to be customized in specific ways. An arranger is not the best tool for that. I find the Korg PA-5X actually sounds very good. But in general I prefer the sound of the Genos to Korg's offering. I have a video coming out soon on the Fantom-0. Maybe after that video I will compare it directly to the MODX.
Do you know if there's a way to load multiple songs for live performance? Example two separate projects into a template view so you can go from project to the next without loading?
It really depends on how you save your songs. I save my "songs" as sequences. I then load all of my songs into one project. But, no you cannot have multiple projects loaded at once. In this demonstration, I loaded two songs into this project. That's how I do it when I play live.
So what do you think about the korg nautilus I heard a demo and man it has some really good Sounds are patches They say it's an incredible workstation Cause I got my roland x 8 I made some incredible tracks with at that time 2005 man there were no platforms Myspace Facebook was very starting That was for kids I'm barely putting my stuff out on my Facebook and yeah I'm getting a lot of likes and views Thinking about upgrading to the new Roland but you said they're not really a workstation Yeah I like your videos and you play pretty good
The Nautilus is an excellent keyboard. It pretty much does everything the Kronos does except they removed KARMA and replaced it with a more user friendly arpeggiater. They removed aftertouch and a host of real-time controls. But internally, the units are largely the same. The Nautilus is made like a classic workstation. Tons of sounds, linear sequencer with both audio and MIDI tracks. It has a fully featured sampler, and multisampling capability. In short it gives you the tools to produce complete musical projects without using any external gear. It is an all-in-one solution for performers and producers alike. Where it suffers is the user interface is dated. Think 90's. So a lot of tasks that are simple today take a fair amount of work to complete on a Nautilus. Also , it's audio interface is very poor by today's standards. Two in and two out is simply not adequate for a 32-track sequencer. Drivers and incompatibility issues are fairly common as the Nautilus doesn't always play nicely with modern software and operating systems. If you are a live player, you may want to buy some MIDI control surfaces with sliders, knobs, etc for the Nautilus because those real-time controls aren't there. This is not true of the Fantom. It has nine sliders all with LED readouts, knobs with LEDs, pitch bend and modulation wheels along with a joystick. TR-Rec style recording with the back-lit buttons to match. Dedicated knobs for common synth parameters like ADSR and a whole host of other features. Assigning knobs, buttons and sliders to custom parameters is easy. Simply hold shift, and wiggle the item you wish to assign and all the parameters that can be assigned to that knob show up. The Fantom has excellent DAW integration, especially with MainStage, Logic and Ableton Live. It has a 32 out 6 in audio interface along with XLR combo inputs with phantom power. It gives you everything from CV/Gate to 3 USB A jacks for connecting external devices. In contrast to the Nautilus it plays nice with external gear whether it is software or hardware. Controlling both internal and external sounds simultaneously is a breeze compared to the Nautilus. Where the Fantom falls short is in the "all-in-one" concept. It is a great centerpiece or hub for controlling other gear. However, it has no linear sequencer, just a patterned one. Simple tasks like changing tempo or time signatures mid-song are not possible in the Fantom. The sequencer gives you no audio tracks to work with. You can sample content into the pads but that is not really a part of the sequencer but sampler. Speaking of the sampler it's very limited. You cannot fade in or fade out samples. There is no pitch shifting, timestretching, or other such parameters that exist in modern samplers today. Multisampling is possible but all multisamples share their space with the expansion packs available from Roland. The Nautilus gives you an SSD with around 60GB of space to store your multisamples. The Fantom gives you 2GB. The Fantom only allows for one insert effect per track. This does not bode well when you are trying to create entire songs on the unit itself, because you are constantly making compromises with your effects. Lastly, the Fantom has a poor polyphony architecture. Many combinations of sounds simply do not work well together and eat up all of your available voices quickly. The Nautilus polyphony is dynamically allocated between engines. Meaning if you have idle power not being used in one sound engine it can reroute that power to the places you need the polyphony. So both units have their pros and cons. The Nautilus is a better all-in-one production system. The Fantom is a better hub and centerpiece for controlling other gear with very little fuss. It really comes down to what you need and how you want to work.
@@jerzboybeats9555 im very much aware of that. That's actually my primary use for it and the reason i bought it. I don't really compare it to the other keyboards for that reason. But i do play as well so it serves a double purpose for me. Lol
@@EyeGotSoul you asked the question about transposing the layered sounds. If they do an update or create a performance mode maybe. But also you can’t adjust your volume simultaneously with your layers. You have to go through the menu and return back.
This thing is currently $1500. I’m so tempted now to grab it. Keyboard wars in full effect. I wonder why the big drop in price? At that price I would be willing to get rid of gear.
@@darrickkeels6387 Yeah I mostly play live but been trying to get it together for years finding something for both live and at home. I previously played as doing well with portable home keyboards but started looking to upgrade and for more control and of course the polyphony gate. 😃 I’ve got to go back to drawing board and spend more time on the home front. Years ago I was really into midi but I’m actually a big fan of arranger keyboards which is probably why I have such a time trying to find the right all in one setup. I like how quickly I can go back and forth performing and have preprogrammed drumming and extra instruments following my chords as options for live, performance, and recording.
I really like the Akai. But as far as the quality of samples we find in the Genos, I don't think the Akai is on that level. Except if you are talking about sounds centered around Hip-Hop
@@darrickkeels6387 can you do a vid on saxophone on the Akai I heard you play some gospel like music for a few seconds on one of your vid just to hear of what it sounds like please.i don't like hip hop but I look on every Akai MPC vid that's all they play so I'm looking for vids about this keyboard to play other types of music like gospel or classical like music to see if it's the right keyboard to buy because we're I'm from I have to send money away to buy
Does your iPad have keys though? As I demonstrated in the beginning of the video I player over the tracks. It operates as an auxiliary keyboard AND plays back tracks. Also it's internal sounds were used in the studio to create the tracks as well.
5 octaves of way too small keys. And way too heavily sprung too. About 3 times heavier to play than a Kronos 61. Really NOT made for keyboard players. Sent mine back after finding out it also had 1 key way louder than all the others. STILL not fixed, AKAI? The thing is also completely unbalanced in terms of volume. One preset loud, another literally inaudible. Totally unplayable. What a horrible, horrible job Akai did. Very disappointing. Fondly remembering my S-950, which worked brilliantly.
It's not for everyone. In its defense though, you are comparing the Akai which is currently $1499 to a flagship Korg Kronos which was double the price and really close to $5000 when it launched in 2011. Adjusted for inflation, that is $7000 or so today. Of course the keybed is better on a $7000 keyboard. Roland has the same issue on the Fantom with certain sounds being louder. I simply adjust the volume accordingly. It's not a deal breaker in my opinion. I used to own a Yamaha S-950. It is a great keyboard which launched in 2012. The MSRP on that keyboard was $2499. That is over $3300 today. Keyboards to compare the Akai to are Keyboards like the Korg Krome, Yamaha MODX, Roland Fantom-0 etc. You will find those keybeds aren't much better, if better at all.
@@darrickkeels6387 I'm aware of the price difference. However, the Akai simply does not have full - size keys. The keyboards you mention, do. There is no reason for such a heavy keyboard action on such a keyboard. Since the keys are a fair bit smaller than normal, it should have played much lighter, instead. All of the keyboards I've played, have had appropriately designed keys. This includes mainly similarly priced ones, and much cheaper ones. So this is a matter which has nothing to do with price, or build quality. It is a poor design choice. Akai also sneakily fails to mention that the keyboard is not full - size. Not so clever. As for the volume issue, I mentioned this because half of the sounds are inaudible. This goes beyond slightly unbalanced, and it is not the job of the buyer to accommodate such carelessness. Finally, the S - 950 I refer to, is an Akai.
Okay, the Akai S-950 sampler from the 80's. Pardon my mistake. I figured you were talking about another keyboard considering what the video is about. Like I said it isn't for everyone. I find the keybed action to be better than the MODX, Fantom-0, Krome, Roland FA, and Korg's other lower tier keyboard workstations. So that is a matter of taste. It's not a poor design choice. Yes, the keys are shorter. I mentioned that in my first video. Lastly, I have never run into an inaudible sound on the Akai. Any difference in volume is easily compensated for using the volume knob or adjusting the volume internally inside of the plug-ins themselves. I can indeed understand why a person would hate the Akai. But when people start comparing it to keyboards that can cost almost triple the amount, I think it is silly. It's like complaining about the ride of a cheap vehicle and comparing it to the most expensive luxury cars on the market.
People who complain about this keyboard makes me wonder if they are not trolls, because I have had mine for a few months, and I have higher priced workstations, and this particular price point is awesome especially with the potential of it's many applications. The second question would be what golf records or awards do they have to complain ??
Great to see someone working the strong points of the mpc keys instead of bashing what it can't do. Love it. Every instrument has string and weak points.
MPC Key 61 is two weeks old and an MPC Live, a couple of years old. What? The latter I bought from my son. I am part of a duo and I have started playing some solo gigs. I have worked on a Korg pax3 (76 semi-weighted keys)for 14 years and a Korg Kross 88 for 8 years (not all at once). I got almost 60 years of this behind me and this new stuff and [how] you do it is frustrating. I guess I just need to thank you for your time and love. Take it to the limit, brother (The Eagles), and know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em (Kenny Rogers). You remind me of Billy Preston when he sang 'Do what you want to'.
I just picked this up. Recently joined a group to play keys. I have a pretty old and basic Roland and wanted to do more with my playing and really start to provide some production into our sound. I have a big learning curve with MPCs in general but this video made me feel so much better about my purchase. Looking forward to diving into the rest of your content. Thanks so much! Keep it coming!
Thanks Derek, just about to start gigging with my MPC Key61. I've arranged it as a playback device, with the audio tracks mapped to the sequencer. In this way I can use the click if need be. The unit is really flexible in the way you can use it and cuts down on the amount of gear you need to take out, without compromising on sound.
Inspiring ! 👍 😉 I love that sound, song, genre (sort of atmospheric-like) and style, in intro. of the video, ... plus explanation. 👌
Man awesome video. I use my MPC live with my MODX and other gear. I started to get the keys but it wasn’t gonna fit my current set up. What I love about my live it’s battery 🔋 operated and I can use my controller then to save memory I have samples keygroups of favorite sounds along with my iPad as well.
This is so dope..thanks for this.
Thanks so much ..very helpful info !!
Excellent demonstation!
Thank you for watching!
Gratitude & Appreciation💯
Awesome stuff bruh…🔥💯😎👍🏾
Thank you for watching!
You been so good (Nice song)
Wow, great demo. I could watch another hour of instruction.
To select multiple layers without hitting shift key, you can change the selection settings to multi in preferences.
Good info bruh. Excellent vid…🔥💯😎👍🏾
Thank you! I appreciate it!
@@darrickkeels6387 I subbed…😎
Awesome video
Thank you! I appreciate it.
DK, Man...that bell tree sure does sound sweet!! Is that a preset or a sample wave file?
How can you disable the sustain pedal in just one track. Example on the right hand I have a piano and a pad and on the left hand a bass. I want to disable the sustain pedal on the bass while keeping it on on the piano and pad. Is there a way? Thanks!
Great vid i just copped another sd card -usb dongle n that solves my sd card slot issue. There’s 2 usb ins so you have plenty of options
Hello Darrick, are the MPC One and the MPC Key 61 the same? for example can you create layers to play live on the MPC One like you do on the MPC Key 61?
Yes, you can. The software is identical. However, the MPC One only has 2GB of RAM vs 4GB in the MPC Key 61. Maxing out the RAM when using the new plugins is not hard to do. Lastly, the plugins like Fabric, Fabric XL, Stage Piano, etc do not come with the MPC One but they have to be purchased separately. With the MPC Key 61 they are all included.
You’re limited on the one and live. Like he said you only get 2 gigs of Ram vs 4. The new XL is supposed to have 4 gigs of Ram which still today at that price range I’d use a “work station” combining it with a montage Korg or Fantom is your better bet.
Thanks for the excellent demonstration and knowledge sharing. I am definitely looking at the keyboard as a possible mainstay to playing live. It seems that each sequence automatically loops. However is there no way to choose, on a per-sequence basis, whether it automatically goes to the next sequence when it is played out, or stay in loop mode until "told" by the musician to go to the next sequence, like one can do in Ableton? Thank you
SWEET...DK!! How about doing a VID on how u export from Logic Pro to the MPC 61. Also DK...how come when I copy and paste the midi notes into another section, track or measure in the 61 it does not copy the sustain pedal information, what's up wit dat? Peace!!
I really wonder how the transpose works if you would like to go 3 semitunes up or down.
hey i like ur tutorial....i just got one....im our av supervisor but also a musician....liked to use it for aux keys and drum tracks .....can u help?
I have an Mpc one. I’ve been gigging a prophet rev 2 for synth sounds but was thinking about grabbing a modx+ or fantom for gigging. Something super light but this option seems interesting as well thanks for the vid
Stick with the mpc one
Your reviews are one of the best!
I saw you commented a video Yamaha Genos vs Korg PA-5X and said New Korg Pa-5X sound is very disappointing. May I ask you why? Actually I was very surprised seeing your comment under the video about the arranger keyboards. What do you think about arranger keyboards and why you don’t play them?
And would you please make a video - Fantom 0 vs MODX.
Keep a good work! 🙂
Even I don't think Pa-5x is 'disappointing' and I criticise everything. Go ask Qui Robinez if you want a half decent opinion on the Korg platform. They have a different market/audience than the workstations and so it's not uncommon for people to have preference between them depending on their profession. People these days also have a lot of ignorant bias/personal bigotry. So make up your own mind. Don't crutch on single sources of information.
I just do not personally have a need for an arranger because all of my backing tracks need to be customized in specific ways. An arranger is not the best tool for that. I find the Korg PA-5X actually sounds very good. But in general I prefer the sound of the Genos to Korg's offering. I have a video coming out soon on the Fantom-0. Maybe after that video I will compare it directly to the MODX.
Should I return the modx+ to get the Akai 61?
Is it possible to make backing tracks on the keys 61 without using logic ?
Do you know if there's a way to load multiple songs for live performance? Example two separate projects into a template view so you can go from project to the next without loading?
It really depends on how you save your songs. I save my "songs" as sequences. I then load all of my songs into one project. But, no you cannot have multiple projects loaded at once. In this demonstration, I loaded two songs into this project. That's how I do it when I play live.
@@darrickkeels6387 I appreciate that, I figured that was the case. I also utilize this way thanks to your video!
Hi, what about poliphony?
So what do you think about the korg nautilus I heard a demo and man it has some really good Sounds are patches They say it's an incredible workstation Cause I got my roland x 8 I made some incredible tracks with at that time 2005 man there were no platforms Myspace Facebook was very starting That was for kids I'm barely putting my stuff out on my Facebook and yeah I'm getting a lot of likes and views Thinking about upgrading to the new Roland but you said they're not really a workstation Yeah I like your videos and you play pretty good
The Nautilus is an excellent keyboard. It pretty much does everything the Kronos does except they removed KARMA and replaced it with a more user friendly arpeggiater. They removed aftertouch and a host of real-time controls. But internally, the units are largely the same. The Nautilus is made like a classic workstation. Tons of sounds, linear sequencer with both audio and MIDI tracks. It has a fully featured sampler, and multisampling capability. In short it gives you the tools to produce complete musical projects without using any external gear. It is an all-in-one solution for performers and producers alike. Where it suffers is the user interface is dated. Think 90's. So a lot of tasks that are simple today take a fair amount of work to complete on a Nautilus. Also , it's audio interface is very poor by today's standards. Two in and two out is simply not adequate for a 32-track sequencer. Drivers and incompatibility issues are fairly common as the Nautilus doesn't always play nicely with modern software and operating systems. If you are a live player, you may want to buy some MIDI control surfaces with sliders, knobs, etc for the Nautilus because those real-time controls aren't there. This is not true of the Fantom. It has nine sliders all with LED readouts, knobs with LEDs, pitch bend and modulation wheels along with a joystick. TR-Rec style recording with the back-lit buttons to match. Dedicated knobs for common synth parameters like ADSR and a whole host of other features. Assigning knobs, buttons and sliders to custom parameters is easy. Simply hold shift, and wiggle the item you wish to assign and all the parameters that can be assigned to that knob show up. The Fantom has excellent DAW integration, especially with MainStage, Logic and Ableton Live. It has a 32 out 6 in audio interface along with XLR combo inputs with phantom power. It gives you everything from CV/Gate to 3 USB A jacks for connecting external devices. In contrast to the Nautilus it plays nice with external gear whether it is software or hardware. Controlling both internal and external sounds simultaneously is a breeze compared to the Nautilus. Where the Fantom falls short is in the "all-in-one" concept. It is a great centerpiece or hub for controlling other gear. However, it has no linear sequencer, just a patterned one. Simple tasks like changing tempo or time signatures mid-song are not possible in the Fantom. The sequencer gives you no audio tracks to work with. You can sample content into the pads but that is not really a part of the sequencer but sampler. Speaking of the sampler it's very limited. You cannot fade in or fade out samples. There is no pitch shifting, timestretching, or other such parameters that exist in modern samplers today. Multisampling is possible but all multisamples share their space with the expansion packs available from Roland. The Nautilus gives you an SSD with around 60GB of space to store your multisamples. The Fantom gives you 2GB. The Fantom only allows for one insert effect per track. This does not bode well when you are trying to create entire songs on the unit itself, because you are constantly making compromises with your effects. Lastly, the Fantom has a poor polyphony architecture. Many combinations of sounds simply do not work well together and eat up all of your available voices quickly. The Nautilus polyphony is dynamically allocated between engines. Meaning if you have idle power not being used in one sound engine it can reroute that power to the places you need the polyphony. So both units have their pros and cons. The Nautilus is a better all-in-one production system. The Fantom is a better hub and centerpiece for controlling other gear with very little fuss. It really comes down to what you need and how you want to work.
Sounds good coming through I reckon to use Stero speakers for live not amp speakers sounds better more clearer for live playing
I haven't used a "keyboard amp" in years.
Does this have saxophone in it
Great stuff!
I know they are in drastically different price ranges, but how does this compare to Fantom polyphony-wise?
The polyphony and ram is bigger on the Fantom. The Fantom is geared more to playing live. And you have better control.
@@jerzboybeats9555 The Fantom can barely play one multi-layered sound without dropping notes, so I wondered how it compared.
@@ChrisPBacon3000 which Fantom are you referring to
@@jerzboybeats9555 The newest one. This channel has done videos showing how handicapped the Fantom is due to polyphony.
@@ChrisPBacon3000 you talking about O series? And you really can’t compare unless you do a polyphony test on MPC keys.
Great vid.
For those that don't play in every key, is there a way transpose all layered sounds at once?
🤔 I am not actually sure. I will check and get back to you.
@@darrickkeels6387 thanks. Definitely would appreciate it
Remember it’s more of a production keyboard than live gigging
@@jerzboybeats9555 im very much aware of that. That's actually my primary use for it and the reason i bought it. I don't really compare it to the other keyboards for that reason. But i do play as well so it serves a double purpose for me. Lol
@@EyeGotSoul you asked the question about transposing the layered sounds. If they do an update or create a performance mode maybe. But also you can’t adjust your volume simultaneously with your layers. You have to go through the menu and return back.
👍🏾👏🏾🔥
Cool cool
Thank you!
This thing is currently $1500. I’m so tempted now to grab it. Keyboard wars in full effect. I wonder why the big drop in price? At that price I would be willing to get rid of gear.
Yeah, $1499 is a great price. But I would ensure it works for you if you primarily play live.
@@darrickkeels6387 Yeah I mostly play live but been trying to get it together for years finding something for both live and at home. I previously played as doing well with portable home keyboards but started looking to upgrade and for more control and of course the polyphony gate. 😃 I’ve got to go back to drawing board and spend more time on the home front. Years ago I was really into midi but I’m actually a big fan of arranger keyboards which is probably why I have such a time trying to find the right all in one setup. I like how quickly I can go back and forth performing and have preprogrammed drumming and extra instruments following my chords as options for live, performance, and recording.
Was this backing track made from Akai MPC keys
It's a combination of VSTs, Roland Fantom sounds, and the sounds from the MPC Key 61.
@@darrickkeels6387 sounds like gospel can you make a song on the Akai MPC for me please a gospel one to hear what it sounds like
I own a genos yamaha i want this keyboard akai ive listen to the guitars on akai sounds alright is akai better than modx
I really like the Akai. But as far as the quality of samples we find in the Genos, I don't think the Akai is on that level. Except if you are talking about sounds centered around Hip-Hop
@@darrickkeels6387 can you do a vid on saxophone on the Akai I heard you play some gospel like music for a few seconds on one of your vid just to hear of what it sounds like please.i don't like hip hop but I look on every Akai MPC vid that's all they play so I'm looking for vids about this keyboard to play other types of music like gospel or classical like music to see if it's the right keyboard to buy because we're I'm from I have to send money away to buy
Seems like an awfully expensive and bulky tracks player. I use MultiTraker on my iPad.
Does your iPad have keys though? As I demonstrated in the beginning of the video I player over the tracks. It operates as an auxiliary keyboard AND plays back tracks. Also it's internal sounds were used in the studio to create the tracks as well.
5 octaves of way too small keys. And way too heavily sprung too. About 3 times heavier to play than a Kronos 61. Really NOT made for keyboard players. Sent mine back after finding out it also had 1 key way louder than all the others. STILL not fixed, AKAI? The thing is also completely unbalanced in terms of volume. One preset loud, another literally inaudible. Totally unplayable. What a horrible, horrible job Akai did. Very disappointing. Fondly remembering my S-950, which worked brilliantly.
It's not for everyone. In its defense though, you are comparing the Akai which is currently $1499 to a flagship Korg Kronos which was double the price and really close to $5000 when it launched in 2011. Adjusted for inflation, that is $7000 or so today. Of course the keybed is better on a $7000 keyboard. Roland has the same issue on the Fantom with certain sounds being louder. I simply adjust the volume accordingly. It's not a deal breaker in my opinion. I used to own a Yamaha S-950. It is a great keyboard which launched in 2012. The MSRP on that keyboard was $2499. That is over $3300 today. Keyboards to compare the Akai to are Keyboards like the Korg Krome, Yamaha MODX, Roland Fantom-0 etc. You will find those keybeds aren't much better, if better at all.
@@darrickkeels6387 I'm aware of the price difference. However, the Akai simply does not have full - size keys. The keyboards you mention, do. There is no reason for such a heavy keyboard action on such a keyboard. Since the keys are a fair bit smaller than normal, it should have played much lighter, instead. All of the keyboards I've played, have had appropriately designed keys. This includes mainly similarly priced ones, and much cheaper ones. So this is a matter which has nothing to do with price, or build quality. It is a poor design choice. Akai also sneakily fails to mention that the keyboard is not full - size. Not so clever. As for the volume issue, I mentioned this because half of the sounds are inaudible. This goes beyond slightly unbalanced, and it is not the job of the buyer to accommodate such carelessness. Finally, the S - 950 I refer to, is an Akai.
Okay, the Akai S-950 sampler from the 80's. Pardon my mistake. I figured you were talking about another keyboard considering what the video is about. Like I said it isn't for everyone. I find the keybed action to be better than the MODX, Fantom-0, Krome, Roland FA, and Korg's other lower tier keyboard workstations. So that is a matter of taste. It's not a poor design choice. Yes, the keys are shorter. I mentioned that in my first video. Lastly, I have never run into an inaudible sound on the Akai. Any difference in volume is easily compensated for using the volume knob or adjusting the volume internally inside of the plug-ins themselves. I can indeed understand why a person would hate the Akai. But when people start comparing it to keyboards that can cost almost triple the amount, I think it is silly. It's like complaining about the ride of a cheap vehicle and comparing it to the most expensive luxury cars on the market.
People who complain about this keyboard makes me wonder if they are not trolls, because I have had mine for a few months, and I have higher priced workstations, and this particular price point is awesome especially with the potential of it's many applications. The second question would be what golf records or awards do they have to complain ??
Hey liked your videos. I purchase a few months back. Still learning, got this email last night: MPC ANNIVERSARY OFFER: $1,899 $1,499
I think there is a price drop. If anyone is interested in a purchase.