If you’re using the Akai MPC Key 37, you’ve probably looked over at the MPC Live II and thought, “Man, I wish mine had built-in speakers and a battery too.” I felt the same way — until I figured out how to build my own portable setup that does all that and more, without spending MPC Live II money.
With just a few affordable accessories, I’ve made my Key 37:
- Run on battery
- Work with external speakers
- Plug into a car outlet
- And connect to full car audio
Here’s everything I use to power my MPC Key 37 like a standalone unit — at home, outdoors, or even on the road.
⚙️ What You Need for Portable MPC Key 37 Power
This setup revolves around two core items:
1. USB-C to 12V PD Adapter Cable
👉 Buy here
This cable lets you convert USB-C Power Delivery to the exact 12V barrel jack the MPC uses. It works with compatible power banks and wall chargers, and powers the MPC just like the stock adapter — no drops, no warnings.
2. UGREEN 200W USB-C Power Bank
👉 Buy here
This high-output battery bank supports 12V PD and has no problem running the MPC Key 37 for 5–6 hours per charge. The compact design, digital readout, and 200W capacity make it perfect for mobile beat sessions.
🔌 Setup: Plug & Play
- Connect the USB-C PD adapter to the power bank
- Plug the 5.5mm barrel jack into your MPC Key 37
- Power on — and you’re good to go
No need to mod your gear or install anything. This is fully reversible and safe.
🔊 Adding Speakers — Just Like the MPC Live II (But Detachable)
The MPC Live II includes speakers built-in — a cool feature. But my setup gives me the same audio freedom, and I can upgrade or replace the speaker anytime.
🔊 The Speaker I Use
👉 Buy here
This Bluetooth speaker has AUX input and comes with two wireless microphones. It’s loud enough for jamming and freestyling, has its own battery, and sounds surprisingly clean. You can even charge it directly from the MPC’s USB-A port.
Combined with the right cables, it gives the MPC Key 37 a self-contained sound system that rivals the Live II — but better, because it’s portable and swappable.
🎧 How I Connect It
- 👉 ¼” to 3.5mm Adapter – goes from the MPC’s headphone output
- 👉 3.5mm AUX Cable – runs into the speaker’s AUX port
Wired AUX gives you stable, latency-free audio. Much better than relying on Bluetooth in this case.
🚗 Use It in the Car Too – Power + Sound
Want to run your MPC in the car while connecting to your car’s audio system? You can.
🔌 Car AC Power Adapter
👉 Buy here
This adapter plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and gives you a standard AC outlet. You can plug the same PD adapter cable into a USB-C wall charger and run your MPC Key 37 comfortably from the car.
Then just use the 3.5mm AUX cable to connect the MPC’s headphone out into the car’s AUX input, and you’ve got your beats pumping through your full car sound system.
Great for:
- Long drives
- Parked-up jam sessions
- Mobile studios on tour
🎹 Also Works with MPC One and One+
If you’ve got the MPC One or One+, this exact setup works the same. Same power requirements, same 12V DC input — no difference. Just plug in and go.
Or just get the Akai MPC KEY 37.
❓Why Not the MPC Live II?
The MPC Live II is great — but it’s not the only option.
Here’s what I prefer about this setup:
- I already have the Key 37 with a built-in keyboard
- I can swap or upgrade the speaker anytime
- I can run it from a power bank, wall charger, or car outlet
- I’m not locked into one internal battery or speaker
It’s more modular, more flexible, and costs a lot less.
🛒 What I Use (Tested and Working)
- 🔌 USB-C to 12V PD Adapter Cable
- 🔋 UGREEN 200W USB-C Power Bank
- 🔊 Bluetooth Speaker w/ Free Mics
- 🎧 ¼” to 3.5mm Adapter
- 🔄 3.5mm AUX Cable
- 🚗 Car AC Power Outlet Adapter
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wanting to make your MPC Key 37 portable, this is a clean, low-cost way to do it — no mods, no risk, and it’s totally flexible. You can power it from a battery, wall outlet, or even a car. And with the speaker and mic combo, it easily rivals the convenience of the MPC Live II — with the bonus of being modular and upgradeable.
If you’re building your own mobile beat setup or have any questions, I’m happy to help. Drop a comment or reach out — and if you end up using this setup, I’d love to hear how it works for you.
