Nord Stage 4 vs Akai MPC Key 61 - Unfair Comparison?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 лют 2024
- In this video I compare the Nord Stage 4 with the Akai MPC key 61. Unfair comparison you say? Maybe! This was a fun video to make to see how close the sounds on a sub $2000 keyboard compare with an almost $6000 keyboard! While there are some major differences between the Nord Stage 4 and the Akai MPC Key 61, each one holds it's own and are great depending on what you're looking for!
Get your copy of my Worship Sound Pack || Volume 1 for the Nord Stage 4 on my website: dsoundman.com
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE if you're new and hit the LIKE button if you enjoyed the video!!
Looking to purchase the Nord Stage 4, Akai MPC Key 61, or other music gear? It helps support my channel for no extra cost to you if you buy through the link below!
www.zzounds.com/a--518275/
Thanks for watching and comment below with any questions you have and I will answer them as soon as I can!
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 am glad it’s working out for you but Fairlight is not an MPC, just like Synclavier the converters on those machine is what you paid for that is why you saw in pro studios. Yes and I have the chance to work on both of those machines. Like I said all they have to do is put in a better converters, Moog does it, Yamaha does it, shit Dave Rossum just did it again with the Sp-1200. I am sure you know that the MPC X SE has different slight better converters because the other chip maker burn down, so yeah they know they cutting corners.
Jesus just hear how good the Pioneer Toraiz sound, so it can be done. Also it is useless to have multi sampling on Akai when even your trusted Juno 60 sound like thin on it.
Just look at the new update the USB class complaint mode is not working on the machine that it was working last update from 2.8. They are giving features and optimizing the sound for their plugins. Akai is a software company, I wasted 2 years trying to get libraries that sound amazing on ASR 10 to sound remotely usable and it’s did not work. It’s is bad internal design but a great software
@@dubmaverick69 er what ? complete rubbish , the new MPC's sound amazing , maybe clean your ears ?
50+ is not an old geezer
I'm 73.. and remember hauling a B3 and Leslie , Fender Rhoads , arp 2700 etc. doing gigging.. Also had a Studio with keys everywhere , and Racks loaded with fx , compressors, etc.
I can track now with all the fx , weighing in at 9 lbs.
These Machines are Beast..
I don't understand why everyone says the organ is trash on the mpc it's a bit thin but i like it.
it is just different eq and effects
❤❤I have Keys61.. I am def waiting for 88 🎹 keys
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.
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!
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!
A big chunk of that price tag is the control surface and the Nord tax ...
@@josephkissel6062 I believe you.
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.
I enjoy watching such a wild comparisons. Please do more in the future 😎👍
Haha thanks! 😄
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.
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 :)
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.
I was hoping the 88-key was next, but from a beat making perspective, I guess the 37 key makes sense.
I'd like a MPC Key 73 with weighted good keys.
You could sample Nord piano library and use it on the MPC with the built-in sampling function. Also additional sample packs can be obtained from elsewhere and used on the MPC. You can get an 88 keys piano keybed for less than a 1000 Usd and connect it to the MPC. Not saying the Nord is bad, finally I prefer Piano sounds on my VSTs and connect a laptop the the MPC or any midi keyboard. The nord stage excels in the variety of the piano sounds. (not just one piano), though I could never afford one. I feel nowadays I’m getting better value from VST / AU instruments and sample packs and using a laptop with a midi keyboard.
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!!! 🙏🏼🤯🙏🏼
Cool Video Bro. ❤
Great video. Just auto-sample the Nord into the MPC Key 61.
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..
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!
unfair, but really good job on akai
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.
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.
Haha yeah, I’m kind of excited to see how the MPC Key 37 compares to the 61!
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.
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...
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, UA-camr 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.
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❤
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.
Did you ever find out if the MPC 61 can do 432hz? I'm interested in that feature as well
@@nicknettle954yes and no. There is not a global tuning, but you can tune fabric xl down 32 cents in order to achieve 432 frequency. That being said, I have not found a way to tune studio piano, studio strings or the studio organ. Overall for live use fabric XL has been great.
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.
Well it depends on what you're looking for. In pianos, organs and electrics the Nord sounds good, the MPC also sounds good, both do the job. Now in strings, yes the MPC is on another level compared to Nord. Nord always has few good sounds and bunch of crappy unusable ones, and yet selling overpriced slabs. For the price tag of that thing, I would buy the Montage M hands down without remorse. Is just crazy $6K for the Nord. If we are savy enough we can buy a great controller and top tier workstation laptop with a terabyte of piano samples. Nice pianos, nice organs, too much hype.
The Nord is much deeper about 4000 deeper...depending on preference...performance or production...both are great...💯👍
The depth will not come out in the mix where it will be lost with all the other instruments sounding at the same time. The Nord is cool though.
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!
I’m looking at simplifying my studio space down to one keyboard, but I’m looking to do that with a keyboard that lets me rapidly get to the sounds I care about. The Stage 4 is currently in the lead by virtue of having everything rapidly accessible on the front panel. That said, if there were a version of the MPC Keys with a decent weighted action, it could easily win out on price together with range of sounds. I’ve thought about an MPC One or Live with a decent MIDI controller, but that already starts to feel fiddly when the goal is flip a few power switches and start playing.
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?
Same question here
Why didn't they build an 88 weighted key version for Akai MPC?
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”‼️
What sounds? Cause pianos, organs and EP are ok in both, better than the other is subjective plus both are tweakable. Now is a shame a 6K machine comes with mediocre strings and not even a basic drums set.
@LeMuz-ce6ig This Dude literally asked "What Sounds". WoW. Now from your response it sounds like you never had experience with any of these Machines, but this is the internet where you can throw shoots and hand your hand, but OK. Now I have used both of these Extensively(Nord and Key61) The Converters in the Nord sounds Better and Work Better. You can tweak the knows until you twist off your arm and its nothing close to the Nord. Even in this display, the viewer can definitely hear a difference. Yes ,, how people hear sounds in music is SUBJECTIVE, but like I said, it depends on the Genre where you can Identify the differences.
@@OnlyDaFunk4444 Not just tested and own a couple of board, over 30 years of experience and also a technician of keyboards. What is mainstream is not necessarily the best, again both are good sounding boards, if you prefer Nord over others then it's okay, but it doesn't mean other brands are not good or Nord is better. Opinions are just that my friend, especially in something so subjective as music.
I just got my stage 4
Congrats!
The nord sounds better. AND the nord feels more like an instrument. If that’s what you want.
Did you hear the ridiculous bad strings sounds of the Nord? ...just asking... I was shocked, when I tried the Nord 4 at MusicStore a while ago. Piano sounds are very good, all the other sounds are average at best. Totally overpriced.
Yamaha YC88 plus iPad Apps could be a better choice
Can you connect an external 88 hammer action into the MPC key 61?
Yes you can
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!
I got mpc keys it has like lofi synth engine
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 Nord sounds are just undeniably THICCC 😭😭
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.
Great job but how about wooly bully watch it y😮
Ac. Piano Nord, EP is draw, Organ Nord, Strings Akai
Akai MPC Key 61is best value for money...
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.
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...
The MPC 61 is on a never platform so it’ll get the leverage……IJS
Nord sounds like a Steinberg (German grand,) lots of delay on MPC.🤦♂️
Korg Kronos/Nautilus like the Nord for piano IMO but cheaper.
You probably mean "Steinweg", not Steinberg ?! Later, after immigration to the US , named "Steinway". 😊
The EP Rhodes and Organ sounds are as good or better on the AKAI...strings are better also!.
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.
Never experienced bugs or crashing on the MPC. Yes it’s for production but it can do live as well with key mapping to plugins
@@andybond5002 Thanks. Always appreciate first hand experience over word of mouth
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.
Great points!
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.
it doesn"t sound $4000 better than any decent sounding keyboard from all the big companies
I’m not a fan of Nord EP’s
Neither one is worth what they cost .
NO 2000$. In fact 1500-1600$. I like piano - worstation on Akai.
Realistisch ist Nord stage 😉
Bei Klavier ja,......... beim Rest mal ja, mal nein. Die Streicher sind schockierend schlecht.
The NS4 is more of a live performance board, so at that price point, it should lack in no way when it comes to live performance. The strings are shockingly bad and the user storage is ridiculously low. Now, is it great at what it does? ABSOLUTELY! I'm just not willing to pull any punches when you're bold enough to charge those prices, and everyone acts as if it was made by God, and it is clearly lacking in key areas.
He is hitting the MPC keys too hard. Also, Nord has a very processed and unnatural piano sound. It's even close to a grand piano. People don't know how a grand sound is. Nord sounds like a synth. The issue with the MPC is the keys been too light.
NORD ....fingers slip off the black keys. i never found such bad keys. made of oil or something.
THE NORD HAS that certain synthetic sound even for the pianos, never liked it.
even akai piano sounds more pleasant.
mpc sounds tinny like a tin can sound. nord sounds more full eq wise.
I think it’s just EQ or his audio setup, my MPC sounds full and immersive connected to my studio monitors. It’s the loudest fattest instrument I have.
Now that we have kept people from being delusional if they bought the Key 61 thinking the sound engine of the Akai was in the same league as the Nord, lets see a demo of Yamaha's PSR series or Casio's CT-S series against Akai.
I actually have both Yamaha Montage and Casio CT-1000V (I bought it for the fun, artificial voices), but now that you're mentioning it, it actually have some SERIOUSLY good piano and string sounds in it. So good in fact that I often use that instead of just the Montage, it's amazing what 400$ can give you, I was jaw-dropped when I tested that, did NOT expect it to sound THAT good. I also have the MPC key 61, but it's more my "master-controller" for all the other synths and the main Sampling/composing unit for me.
MPC is kinda dry whereas the NORD has the extra moisture so to speak.
1500?
That shit was 2800$
I think the lowest prices Ive seen for 61 Key is around 1300 Euros and you can demo units for as low as 1000 Eur. I paid 1700 Euros in Dec 2022.
It was never $2,800. More like $1,900. I got mine new for $1,349 with a coupon.
✨🙄🙄🙄 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...!!!.✨🎼🎶🎹🎶🎵🎹
cheap sounds bright but not rich,learn how to set up nordstage
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.
I disagree
The nord sounds worlds better but comparison makes no sense at all
Honestly, Nautilus much much better deal. Mpc more like a toy.
In Europe nautilus costs a lot more than the MPC keys so it’s really depending on the budget.
@@mudi2000a 61 key non AT version 1700.
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
Don't talk nonsense
@judddredd8617 I can see why the Nord costs 4grand more. Also don't comment on my comment.
Let’s see the nord record audio tracks (8), or sample and manipulate samples on the same level, or sequence, or control cv modular gear…it’s can’t….i have komplete so the nord doesn’t out piano my pianos etc. MPC keys for me. Plus the differences were so minimum. Plus as a bonus…let’s hear the Juno emulation on the stage 4? Or the fm synth? Or the odysee? Or the moog, or the drum synth? Can that nord clone other synths? I can keep going…and then render the final music to a master track or stems …but not on that 6000.00 nord. I rest my case.
@FutureFenyx dude just say you can't afford a Nord. That's what it's all about. To be honest. It's an expensive gear that blows away the mpc sounds period. I didn't buy a Nord for multi tracks crap I have my daw for that and my sq7 which allow me to record straight to reason or pro tools hd. So yeah no case to rest. Lol
I recently got the mpc 61 keys, first impressions returned it back 😂 but I found your videos and are very helpful, I love my mpc 61 a lot. Thank you very much.