Akai Professional MPC KEY37 G2

A Keyboard MPC Designed to Expand the Playground

With the MPC Key 37 G2, Akai Pro evolves its vision of standalone production by combining the spirit of the MPC and a true keyboard approach in a single instrument. A direct successor to the MPC Key 37, this G2 version takes a leap forward thanks to a new hardware architecture designed to harness the full power of MPC 3 OS. Its cream color, inspired by the first generations of MPC, immediately recalls the brand's historic DNA while asserting a decidedly modern positioning.
Within the Akai Pro range, this model occupies a particularly strategic place: more expressive than a pad-only MPC, more compact than a large keyboard workstation, and powerful enough to become the nerve center of a computer-free setup. It is a machine designed to compose, sequence, sample, arrange, and perform from a single, fast, and coherent interface.

For Beatmakers, Producers, and Keyboardists Who Want to Do It All from One Machine

The MPC Key 37 G2 is primarily aimed at producers, beatmakers, and musicians who build their tracks from chords, melodies, textures, and rhythm. It suits both users already familiar with the MPC ecosystem and keyboardists seeking a more immediate standalone production solution than a keyboard-plus-computer duo.
Its format makes it particularly relevant for personal studios, mobile production, and live performance. It excels in hip-hop, electro, house, techno, pop, RnB, ambient, trap, synthwave, or soundtrack music genres, thanks to its ability to instantly switch from keyboard playing to finger drumming, from sampling to linear arrangement. For intermediate or advanced musicians, it offers an excellent balance between accessibility, editing depth, and execution speed.

Features and New Additions

The MPC Key 37 G2 is not just a master keyboard enhanced with pads: it is a true standalone production platform. Its engine is based on MPC 3 OS, with an optimized workflow and a linear arrangement timeline designed to quickly structure complete tracks. The new eight-core G2 processor delivers a major power boost, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The result: faster loading times, smooth navigation, and the ability to handle up to 32 plugin instances and 16 stereo audio tracks simultaneously.
In terms of playability, the 37-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch allows for more nuanced interpretation of virtual instruments, while the pitch bend and modulation wheels enhance expressiveness. The 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, spread over 8 banks, maintain all the responsiveness expected for finger drumming, sample triggering, rhythmic programming, or live performance. The tactile Q-Links and numerous dedicated buttons further speed up control over mixing, sound parameters, and sequencing.
One of the most notable new features remains the disk streaming function, especially valuable in this compact format: it allows the use of larger projects without saturating the working internal memory. The onboard library includes ready-to-play projects, kits, sounds, and plugins, plus new instruments from the partnership between Akai Pro and Native Instruments, designed for seamless integration into the MPC environment. For further expansion, the machine can also be upgraded with Pro Stems for mix element isolation, as well as advanced features like real-time clip launching and Super Timestretch / Re-Pitch via the optional Pro Pack.
The connectivity confirms its hybrid studio-plus-live orientation. The USB-C port plays a central role by providing up to 24 audio channels and 32 MIDI channels with a computer, while allowing sampling from a compatible smartphone or tablet and the use of Class Compliant devices. Native Ableton Live integration simplifies back-and-forth between the standalone machine and the DAW. Additionally, there are TRS jack audio inputs and outputs, a headphone output, 5-pin MIDI input and output, 4 CV/Gate minijack connectors offering 8 control outputs, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for modern integration into any setup.

Technical specifications

Arpeggiator	Yes	Aftertouch	Yes
Sampler	Yes	Color	Beige
Max polyphony	64	Sequencer	Yes
Velocity sensitive	Yes	Display	Multitouch color 7 "
Synthesis type	Digital	Number of pads	16
Category	Workstation	Weight	4.36 kg
Transposition	Yes	Dimensions (mm)	582 x 315 x 85

3 dedicated pedal inputs	sustain, footswitch, and expression	Multifunction USB-C	audio and MIDI interface with 24 audio channels and 32 MIDI channels between the MPC and computer
A/D and D/A converters	24-bit	Included accessory	power adapter
Digital signal processing	32-bit floating point	Power supply	12 V, 3 A, center positive
Ableton Live integration	Ableton Control mode and native project import/export	Dimensions	582 x 315 x 85 mm
Pro Stems	audio stem isolation, Stems license required and sold separately