TABLE OF CONTENTS



What are the system specs of the MPC Key 37?

The MPC Key 37 has its own embedded system which sports a quad-core ARM processor and 2GB of RAM. For internal storage, the MPC Key 37 has 32GB onboard.



What operating systems will the MPC Key 37 be supported on?

  • Windows: Windows 10 and Windows 11 
  • Mac: Mac OS 11 - Mac OS 14


How big is the display? Is it a touch screen?

The MPC Key 37 features a 7" full-color, multi-touch display (16:10 resolution) for navigating and controlling the internal software. This means that not only is it touch-capable, but it can handle multi-touch gestures like pinching to zoom in/out and double-tap for advanced settings.   



What color is the MPC Key 37 available in?

On release, the MPC Key 37 is available in Red, similar to the MPC One+



How much storage is there? How big is the internal hard drive?

The MPC Key 37 has 32GB of internal storage. You can use the onboard USB port and SD Card Slot to add more samples or to provide extra storage. 


What kind of keys are on the MPC Key 37?

The MPC Key 37 has Synth Action Keys, similar to the Mini Moog.


Can you use the MPC Key 37 as a MIDI Controller?

Yes! In a first for MPCs, the MPC Key 37 can used as a MIDI controller via USB when in standalone mode. Use the onboard MIDI control mode, a MIDI track, and/or your DAW's built-in MIDI learn functionality to accomplish complex MIDI functionality while the MPC stays in standalone mode.  


How much does the MPC Key 37 weigh?

The MPC Key 37 Weights in at 8.82 Lbs or 4kg


Can I add additional storage space?

Yes! The MPC Key 37 features a USB port for connecting thumb drives and other USB storage devices and an SD card slot for standard SD/SDHC cards. Virtually all drive sizes are supported, but we recommend formatting drives to exFAT, FAT32, or NTFS for the best results.



How do I use the touch strip?

The touch strip can be used as an expressive control for playing and can be configured to control Note Repeat, Pitch Bend, Modulation, and more. Press the Touch Strip / Config button to cycle between control modes for the Touch Strip. Press and hold the button to quickly select one of the control modes. Press and hold Shift and press this button to view the Touch Strip Configuration window.



What is the AIR Vocal Suite?

Air Vocal Effects Suite is a first-of-its-kind plugin collection for standalone MPC's or your favorite DAW. The new AIR Vocal Insert Effects Suite delivers advanced vocal processing to achieve innovative vocal textures, harmonies, and more for an ultra-modern approach to songwriting, composition, performance, and production. This 3-plugin suite includes versatile pitch correction, vocal doubling, layering, and harmonization tools, empowering composers and songwriters with the ability to achieve industry-standard vocal processing right from a standalone MPC device. You can learn more here!



Does the MPC Key 37 include MPC Software version 2.12.4?

MPC Key 37 includes the latest version of the MPC Software, version 2.14. You can use the MPC Key 37 entirely standalone or as a controller for MPC Software 2.12.4.  



There are a few ways to download the included content for use on the computer. One is by opening the MPC 2.0 software and logging into your inMusic account in the Activate Plugins tab of Preferences and then clicking download for all of the included plugins. 


The other is to download the included inMusic Software Center - this program will allow you to view and download the included content. 


Take a look at this helpful guide for further instructions: MPC Series How to Register and Activate Software



How do I authorize the new synth content?

Before following the steps below, please ensure you are connected to the internet. This is required for all of these plugins in order to activate them. 

  1. Open the MPC software. 
  2. Open the Preferences menu and select Activate Plugins. 
  3. Click Log In to sign in to your inMusic Brands Profile using your Internet browser. If you do not have an inMusic Brands Profile yet, you will be prompted to create one

  4. Once you have signed in, you can activate your plugins:     
    1. To refresh the page with your latest purchases or activations, click Refresh. 
    2. To activate a plugin on your device, click the Activate button next to its name. Click Deactivate to remove the plugin activation from your computer.


Note: The MPC Key 37 does not include the entire MPC Key 61 plugin collection. 


Can I record audio tracks on the MPC Key 37?

Yes! One of the great features on the MPC Key 37 and MPC 2.0 software is the addition of audio track recording.  In the standalone mode, the MPC will capable of up to 8 full audio tracks, but the MPC 2.0 software can record as many tracks as your system can handle.   



Can I plug a USB MIDI controller into the USB ports of the MPC Key 37?

The USB ports on the MPC Key 37 have a variety of uses. They can be used to transfer files on and off of the MPC Key 37, as extra storage, and as input for USB MIDI controllers.  If you have a class-compliant MIDI controller (one that does not require drivers), you will be able to plug it directly into an available USB port on the MPC Key 37 and control MIDI information in the embedded system software.  



Can I open my current MPC projects on the MPC Key 37?

Yes! The MPC Key 37 will recognize MPC projects, programs, and sequences made with earlier versions of the software and even older MPC hardware project and program formats. The MPC will convert them to modern formats upon importing.  



Are there any differences between running a project in standalone vs. with MPC 2.12.4?

Yes, but not many. You may notice some differences depending on your work style, though the main difference will be with VST support.  MPC 2.12.4 supports VST plugins when used on your computer, however, these will be disabled when using the projects on the MPC Key 37 in standalone.   



Are projects transferable between the MPC Key 37 and earlier MPCs?

Yes! Projects can be transferred and opened on any MPC considering all of the project's contents (samples, programs, sequences) are transferred as well. Considering there are differences in outputs and inputs on the MPC Key 37 versus other MPC units, you may notice that outputs or inputs are disabled if they are not available on the current controller.    



How many inputs and outputs are on the MPC Key 37?

The MPC Key 37 features 2 balanced TRS outputs and 2 TRS Input. The MPC Key 37  also features 4 TS Mono CV/Gate outputs. 


On top of the audio i/o, the MPC Key 37 also has 1 full-size, 5-pin MIDI input, 1 full-size 5-pin MIDI output.



What is a CV/Gate output used for?

CV/Gate signals are similar to a standard MIDI connection in that they are responsible for transferring pitch and sequence timing data to other gear, usually modular synths or sequencers. Unlike MIDI, CV and Gate signals use simple voltages in varying ranges and lengths to control the other devices which opens a lot of possibilities for implementation. For example, modular synths will often have a CV Pitch input (deciding the pitch of the synth at any given point), but they may also have filter input to control the filter instead. The gate would tell the synth when and how long to play a note, again just like the regions in a MIDI sequence.  For more info, check out the article here.  



What is the CV range? Can all outputs be used simultaneously?

The MPC Key 37 uses the 0-5v range. All outputs can be used simultaneously.  



Can I transfer content directly to the internal storage?

All content will need to be stored on a thumb drive or SD card before transferring to the internal storage on the MPC Key 37. The Internal storage will not appear as an available drive when connected to your system. Once the   



Can I change the location of the desktop synth content?

The content is installed to a pre-determined system location that guarantees immediate access to the MPC software and cannot be moved.



Are there any cases or bags available?

There are no plans for official MPC Key 37 cases at the moment, but we’re glad to hear that there is interest! In the meantime, you may be able to find an alternative third-party case/bag that meets the size requirements:


Dimensions                              22.92" x 12.36" x 4.08"

(width x depth x height)            58.22 x 31.39 x 10.36 cm


  

If I record a sample while the MPC Key 37 is in controller mode with MPC 2.0, is the sample recorded to my MPC Key 37 or my computer?

The sample will be recorded into your MPC 2.0 sample pool and saved to the hard drive once the project is saved. While connected in controller mode, the MPC Key 37 will act only as a controller/interface, similar to the MPC Renaissance. But once disconnected from controller mode, your project can be transferred to a USB drive, SD card or additional drive on the MPC Key 37 to open in standalone.   



Where can I download MPC 2.0?

All MPC Key 37 users can find a download link and authorization code for MPC 2.0 in their inMusic Brands account once they have registered their product. For a complete walkthrough on downloading, installing, and activating the MPC 2.0 Software, see our video and guide below: Akai Pro MPC Software 2.0 - How to Download, Install, and Activate



How many times can I authorize MPC 2.0?

The MPC 2.0 license can be authorized on two separate computers/iLok dongles simultaneously, so you can have two active versions at the same time. If another computer or iLok dongle needs to be authorized, the license can be deactivated and re-authorized to a different location using the iLok License Manager. This means that you are fully in control of your software authorizations! Check out our article here for a full walkthrough on activating and deactivating iLok licenses.  



Where can I find the MPC 2.12.4 firmware update?

The MPC 2.12.4 firmware update is now available for all users under your device's software manager, as well as the product page for the MPC that you own. You may also locate the firmware under your software downloads for your MPC within your inMusic profile. For any additional information on how to update your MPC's firmware, please review the MPC Firmware update walkthrough.


Can I authorize my MPC 2.0 license to an iLok dongle?

Absolutely! Make sure your iLok is connected to the computer while authorizing the software and you will be able to choose it as a location to store the license during the authorization process.   



Can I use the included or additional plugins in other software?

All included instruments and plugins can be used within the MPC Software as a Plugin within other DAW's. Some of the included plugins, such as the free plugin offered when the MPC Key 37 is purchased new, do come with VST/AU versions for use in 3rd party DAWs without MPC 


Is there a limit to the number of tracks I can use?

MPC 2.0 and standalone MPC Key 37 will have a total track limit of 128.  Keep in mind, this is still subject to each system's limitations and CPU constraints. Note: The MPC Key 37 will only support 8 audio tracks and 8 Plugin Programs at a time in standalone mode. 



Will MPC 2.0 run as a VST plugin in my DAW, just like the previous MPC software?

Yes! MPC 2.0 will come with VST, AU, and AAX versions to run as a plug-in in your favorite DAW, exactly like the older MPC software versions.   



Does MPC 2.0 support third-party plugins? 

Of course! MPC 2.0 will support VST2 plugins, as well as AU plugins for Mac, just like the previous MPC software versions. 



Can I open my current MPC projects in MPC 2.0?

Absolutely! MPC 2.0 will be fully compatible with projects, programs and sequences from previous MPC versions and even legacy hardware MPC's like the MPC5000 and MPC2500. MPC 2.0 will support the following file types: .AKP, .ALL, .IPT, .PGM, .PRJ, .SND, .MID, .SEQ, .APS, .50k, and .50s.  



How can I send a bug report to Akai?

We want to hear what you have to say; what features you like, dislike, and anywhere improvements can be made. In MPC 2.0, you'll find a feedback module where you can send notes and crash reports to be reviewed by our team and considered for the next update. Click on the smiley face in the bottom right for feedback options: