The Akai Professional MPC Key 37 represents the culmination of years of development in the groovebox and beatmaking space—a compact powerhouse that strikes an impressive balance between functionality, portability, and price. As a smaller sibling to the MPC Key 61, this device delivers the same robust production capabilities in a more accessible format, earning it our 2024 Best Product award with a stellar 9/10 rating.

A Beatmaker's Dream

At its core, the MPC Key 37 continues Akai's tradition of powerful standalone production systems while adding a crucial new dimension: a high-quality 37-key semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch. This addition transforms what could have been just another groovebox into a comprehensive music production platform that appeals equally to beatmakers and keyboard players seeking to break free from traditional workstation limitations.

The device maintains the iconic MPC design language with its signature 4×4 pads (albeit slightly smaller than on conventional MPCs), a vibrant 15 × 9.5 cm (6 × 3.5 inch) color touchscreen, and an intuitive control layout featuring four Q-Link encoders, a large push encoder, pitch and modulation wheels, and 34 navigation buttons. Despite its compact nature—weighing less than 4 kg (8.8 lbs.) and measuring 582 × 314 × 104 mm (22.9 × 12.3 × 4.1 inches)—it doesn't compromise on connectivity or functionality.

Comprehensive Connectivity

The MPC Key 37 offers impressive connectivity options:

• Power button and mini power socket
• USB-A and USB-B ports for hardware powering, computer connectivity, and external controllers
• SD card reader
• Two left/right audio jack inputs and outputs
• Headphone jack output with gain control for inputs
• Traditional MIDI input and output (DIN format)
• Four CV/gate outputs for modular synthesizer integration
• Three expression/FS2/sustain inputs

This extensive connectivity makes the MPC Key 37 a versatile hub for both modern and vintage equipment, allowing it to serve as the centerpiece of diverse studio setups.

Powerful Production Engine

Running on Akai's MPC OS 2.15 (at the time of testing), the MPC Key 37 functions as a portable DAW with impressive capabilities:

• Multiple track types: plugins, clips (Ableton Live-style), MIDI, CV, audio, and drum sound banks
• Rich suite of built-in virtual instruments including Bassline, Drumsynth, Electric, Hype (with multiple synthesis engines), Mellotron, Odyssey, Solina, and Tubesynth
• Comprehensive AIR effects bundle featuring reverbs, compressors, delays, distortions, filters, modulations, amp simulations, pitch effects, and more
• Seamless integration with Splice for access to an extensive sound library
• CV/gate outputs for modular synthesizer control
• MPC Stems technology for audio track separation

The included virtual instruments deserve special mention—they offer professional-quality sounds with intuitive touchscreen interfaces, far exceeding the rudimentary sound engines found in competing grooveboxes at similar price points.

Cross-Platform Workflow

One of the MPC ecosystem's greatest strengths is the seamless integration between hardware and software. Projects created on the MPC Key 37 can be loaded directly into the desktop MPC software, allowing producers to begin ideas on the hardware and finish them with the added power and flexibility of a computer. This goes beyond simple multitrack export, preserving all plugin settings, sequences, and arrangements.

Continuous Evolution

Akai's commitment to the MPC platform is evident in their regular OS updates. Since the release of the MPC Key 61, the OS has received numerous enhancements including new plugins (AIR Chorus, AIR Multitap Delay, AIR Expander, AIR Vintage Filter, Vocal Tuner, AIR Soft Clipper), workflow improvements, and additional features like the impressive Minimoog and Juno-60 emulations.

Most significantly, the upcoming MPC OS 3 promises to address many long-standing workflow concerns with radical improvements, including:

• Simplified program structure
• Enhanced sequencer functionality with randomization features
• Improved color coding for better visual organization
• Direct-to-disk recording for extended clip lengths
• Fixed parameter assignments for encoders

Room for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, the MPC Key 37 isn't without its shortcomings:

• The absence of the Touch Strip found on the Key 61
• Some remaining workflow quirks in MPC OS 2.15
• Relatively high prices for additional premium plugins
• Limited note generation and MIDI effect options
• Somewhat sparse official documentation

Value Proposition

The MPC Key 37 offers remarkable value compared to its larger sibling, the MPC Key 61. Its combination of professional-grade virtual instruments, extensive connectivity, regular software updates, and portable form factor make it an exceptional choice for producers seeking a standalone production system that doesn't compromise on quality or features.

The MPC Key 37 represents Akai's most compelling groovebox yet—a genuine portable DAW with controls and a keyboard that delivers on its promise of professional production capabilities in a compact, affordable package.

Technical Specifications

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 582 × 314 × 104 mm (22.9 × 12.3 × 4.1 inches)
• Weight: Less than 4 kg (8.8 lbs.)
• Display: 15 × 9.5 cm (6 × 3.5 inch) color touchscreen
• Keys: 37 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
• Pads: 16 (4×4 grid) velocity-sensitive RGB pads (slightly smaller than standard MPC pads)
• Controls:
  • 4 Q-Link encoders
  • Large push encoder with plus/minus buttons
  • Pitch and modulation wheels
  • 2 octave selection buttons
  • 34 navigation buttons
  • 5 transport controls (Rec/Overdub/Play/Play Start/Stop)
  • Master volume knob

Connectivity

• Audio Inputs: 2× 1/4" jack (L/R) with gain control
• Audio Outputs: 2× 1/4" jack (L/R)
• Headphone Output: 1× 1/4" jack
• MIDI: 1× Input, 1× Output (5-pin DIN)
• CV/Gate: 4× outputs (TRS format providing 8 possible connections)
• Expression Inputs: 3× (Expression/FS2/Sustain)
• USB: USB-A and USB-B ports for:
  • Computer connectivity
  • Powering external hardware
  • External controllers
  • External audio interfaces
• Storage: SD card reader
• Power: Mini power socket with included power adapter

Software

• Operating System: MPC OS 2.15 (at time of testing), with MPC OS 3 upcoming
• Compatible With: Desktop MPC software for seamless project transfer
• Internal Storage: Approximately 25 GB
• Cloud Integration: WiFi connectivity for Splice integration and Akai account synchronization

Included Virtual Instruments

• Bassline (monophonic bass synthesizer)
• Drumsynth
• Electric (electric piano/FM sounds and physical modeling)
• Hype (polyphonic synthesizer with multiple engines including VA and Wavetable)
• Mellotron
• Odyssey
• Solina
• Tubesynth (polyphonic synthesizer)

Included Effects (AIR Bundle)

• Reverbs
• Compressors
• Delays
• Distortions
• Filters
• Modulation effects
• Amplifier simulations
• Pitch effects
• AIR Chorus
• AIR Multitap Delay
• AIR Expander
• AIR Vintage Filter
• Vocal Tuner
• AIR Soft Clipper

Optional Add-On Instruments (Additional Purchase)

• Piano and electric piano sound models
• Minimoog emulation
• Juno-60 synthesizer emulation
• OPx-6 (FM synthesis)
• Sub Factory (bass sound machine)
• ...and much more

Key Features

• MPC Stems technology for audio track separation
• Multiple track types: plugins, clips, MIDI, CV, audio, and drum banks
• Cross-platform workflow with desktop MPC software
• Full mixing capabilities with insert and send effects
• Sample editing and looping functionality
• CV/gate outputs for modular synthesizer integration
• Built-in tuner and XY pad for effects
• Real-time CPU and memory monitoring

Package Contents

• MPC Key 37 groovebox/keyboard
• Power cables
• USB cable
• Start-up documentation
• Bundled plugins (including voucher for one premium plugin)

MPC 3.0 Software Overview

Key Updates:

• Redesigned main interface with improved global overview
• Full-color track and pad mixer, drum grid
• New linear arranger (previously Force-exclusive feature), transforming MPC into DAW functionality
• XL channel strip for quick access to essential plugin features on selected tracks
• Disk streaming capability from internal hard drive
• Enhanced sound design with up to 8 layers per pad
• Advanced automation engine with drawable automation lines per track
• One-to-one track workflow
• Q-Link and X/Y Pad macro controls
• Direct-to-pad sampling
• Many new software instrument plug-ins

Technical Compatibility:

• Works with all instruments and effects plugins, including MPC Steams
• Supports legacy project imports
• Compatible with: MPC Live, MPC Live II, MPC One, MPC One+, MPCX, MPCX SE, MPC Key 37, MPC Key 61