Akai Professional’s MPC Key 37: From Chopped Samples to Full Tracks – A Workflow Deep Dive

The session opens with Andy Mac discussing the abundance of sample resources available to today’s producers and how the MPC Key 37 can turn a simple melodic sample into the backbone of a track. He emphasizes the importance of identifying what resonates in a sample—often the chords or a particular vibe—and then making it your own through creative manipulation. This approach is less about copying and more about transformation, a theme that runs throughout the demonstration.

After selecting and chopping a sample, Andy demonstrates how quickly you can set the tempo, adjust pitch, and experiment with different keys to radically alter the sample’s feel. The workflow is immediate: editing, pitching, and layering all happen in a few button presses, showcasing the MPC Key 37’s ability to keep creative momentum high. The focus is on hands-on exploration, encouraging users to try out new harmonic directions and make the material truly personal.

With the melodic foundation in place, the next step is drum layering. Andy illustrates a technique where chopped drum loops are augmented with additional kick and snare hits, rather than relying solely on the original loop. This hybrid approach lets producers inject their own groove and energy, moving beyond static samples. The use of quantize is flexible—sometimes engaged, sometimes left off—to preserve a natural, human feel in the rhythm.

The demonstration then shifts to creative effects processing. Andy uses the Flavor Pro effect to impart a vintage string or VHS-style character to samples, adding sizzle and texture. The Q-link controls are highlighted for their similarity to classic SP-style workflows, making effects manipulation tactile and immediate. The effects rack is built out live, with lo-fi processing and track muting used to shape the evolving beat. This section underscores how the MPC Key 37’s digital architecture supports deep sound design without breaking the flow.

Once the core elements are in place, Andy demonstrates the MPC Key 37’s approach to arrangement. Using the arrangement mode, he quickly expands a four-bar loop into a full 32-bar structure by duplicating sections. This process is fast and visual, allowing for rapid experimentation with song form. Effects automation is introduced as a key creative tool: parameters can be recorded in real time, with visual feedback indicating when automation is active.

The workflow for bouncing audio stems is also covered. Any track—drums, bass, or otherwise—can be rendered as an audio sample directly from the hardware. This feature is especially useful for producers who want to move between the MPC environment and a DAW like Ableton, or for those who prefer to arrange with audio rather than MIDI. Andy points out that the MPC Key 37 supports multiple arrangement strategies, from classic song mode to track muting and full audio export.

Throughout, the emphasis is on flexibility. The MPC Key 37 doesn’t lock users into a single workflow; instead, it provides a suite of tools for arranging, automating, and exporting, all accessible from the hardware interface. This makes it suitable for both standalone production and integration into larger studio or stage setups.

The final segment is a meditation on the creative philosophy behind the MPC Key 37. Andy stresses that there’s no single correct way to use the device—whether you’re arranging in hardware, exporting stems to a DAW, or building tracks entirely in the box, the workflow adapts to your preferences. The MPC is positioned as a blank canvas, with a host of studio effects and export options that let users shape their music without constraint.

This flexibility is presented as the core strength of the MPC Key 37. The session closes with encouragement for users to persevere through the learning curve, experiment with different approaches, and ultimately find their own voice within the MPC ecosystem. The message is clear: the MPC Key 37 is designed to empower creativity, not dictate it.