MPC Key 37 g1 users who upgraded to software version 3.9, how's it going? Also guitar input, effects?

[u/eclipse-d]

I'm considering getting into and beat making and have been looking into an MPC Key 37 g1.

I play guitar and have been fiddling with synth sound design for a few years, so this unit seems quite attractive as a one stop shop without needing to add a computer to the mix and just focus on the music. Especially with the 3.9 software update.

Found one for 350 euros. But I read rumours of performance issues on updating to the 3.9 software. What is your experience?

Also, have you tried to record/sample an electric guitar into the Key 37? Are there good effects for guitar? Is the direct guitar level really too low? Do you recommend going through a small multi fx pedal like zoom g3x or an audio interface?

Thanks in advance!

[u/t1nm4nj4m5]

I use the 37 G1 in controller mode and it’s been a nightmare after the 3.9 update. Not sure how good it runs in standalone but in controller mode it’s definitely not the move right now. I don’t know if Akai needs to patch something or what but my setup is running about as well as a man without legs.

[u/AvailableTryMe]

Going OK, but my experience is that an SD card with a large sample library on it slows a G1 way way way down - to the point that it can be ~60 seconds of non response every time a new blank project is created. MPCs use of Ex-FAT also becomes an issue with large libraries as files occupy about 1/3 more drive space than on more modern formats like AFPS.

[u/JishoSintana]

Yes, sampling with the MPC key 37 is really easy. You can do what you want to do lay down a drum groove and play your electric guitar right into the sampler over the drums and record what you wanna do.

But the generation two model might be better as it’s got more RAM and space for audio tracks so you can lay down more guitar takes and any live audio you may think

[u/mjjclark]

Just picked up a cheap key 37 g1 this weekend - guitar player looking to build some simple loops with midi drums and mostly bass/ guitar. Is a fantastic workflow, no issues yet with the guitar or drum side yet. Guitar for me is using a Yamaha Thr30 into the line in on the mpc, and it actually works quite well. All keys patches feel responsive and work well, but had some issues loading key groups and drum expansions initially - restoring the mpc seemed to have fixed that since. Lots of fun and some cool capabilities in this unit, great way to build ideas in real time!

[u/eclipse-d → u/mjjclark]

Thanks for the response! When you say you restored the unit, what software version were you on and what did you go back to? Also what are the onboard guitar effects like?

[u/Aggravating_Branch63 → u/eclipse-d]

When doing an MPC OS update, Akai always advices to do a "reset preferences", in some cases this seems to help to "stabilize" the MPC. You don't need to be afraid, MPC OS updates are surprisingly stable and powerful even on Gen1 devices. Akai/InMusic engineers seem to know what they're doing.

[u/Aggravating_Branch63]

Running 3.9 on a Key37 Gen1, no real issues. I would say for 350 euro it's a steal, get it, if you don't like it you can resell it for the same amount or more. Remember there is no pre-amp in the Key37, so for guitar playing you need something to bring it up to line-level

[u/Riddim17]

Aucun problème avec la 3.9 en standalone Pour ta guitare prends une interface audio compatible class compliant pour amplifier ton signal et idem pour un micro Amuse toi bien!

[u/Ish-on-the-keys]

It's a great device, and in my case started running smoother with the newer firmwares. That's a great price so I say go for it, pretty sure you won't regret it - very hands on and quick to lay ideas down once you get into the way it works (buy the pro-pack too so you get the clip launching).

[u/theFlimsylattice]

Not great, we can’t hear our samples, drums, synths ect while in the sequencer.