All user reviews of 4/5 for the Akai Professional LPK25

I had no master control and to start, I wanted something small, light, cheap and not "gas plant".
In this category, two names are quickly mounted in mind: the Korg and Akai LPC25 NANOPAD. The NANOPAD is nicer design issue but otherwise, the benefit that Akai is a "real" small keyboard. I am not a pianist at all, but still wins in convenience and accuracy with real buttons!

UTILIZATION

The keypad is nickel, the key size is decent, it's less a toy example Microkorg.
The config is childish: you plug in USB, it works. (I use it with Live 8)

The arpegiator in my opinion is not used much, but I dig the question because it seems that it is possible to edit it using the provided software for the moment ... the tempo is not adjustable, only 4 or 5 values ​​exist, very slow to very fast, but no way to adjust to the desired value, not terrible.
However the shift between octaves is very simple and, with a small keyboard, cover a wide range of sounds.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 weeks.
What is nickel is the ease of use "plug and play", the keyboard not ridiculous to the touch, lightweight without looking like a stew plastoc ultra fragile. It is transportable anywhere, I use it sometimes on my knees with my Macbook, it's perfect.



The price / quality ratio is really good, this is one of the master controller, except the keyboard controller's cheapest market. At € 45 it was a bug that can control all keypads and other drumracks an app. Certainly, no knobs, no faders, surely I'll miss it someday, but to start and win already to death in ease of use (in Live or otherwise), that's fine.

I would do this choice, yes.

The small size and mobility of previous purchases AKAI which were of good quality have motivated my choice. The LPK25 is no exception: it is a good quality product.
Not too looked to the editor software.

UTILIZATION

Correct key for a product of this size, not too soft. Automatic configuration for connection. No selection of possible cons patches, no pitch bend or modulation. The arpeggiator is basic. Octave + and - easily accessible.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for over a year. It's a very decent mini keyboard that can troubleshoot and be carried around easily. For this type of product one would expect a touch worse.
This is a good price / quality ratio. I remake that choice even though I have no problem now much more likely to use NANOPAD, even melodies. The NANOPAD less space, provide a variety of uses and are highly configurable.

What motivated my choice, it is especially the price. Controller C'tait the first afternoon that I bought and I did not know at all what to expect.

Level connections, it's easy, one USB port. No need to go through the MIDI ports to use it as twelve o'clock Controller

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is good but after a year o two, I'm a little tired of the lack of weight of the keys. The touch is when even a little "toy", at the same time, as it is a 25-key, you can not use it to use hyper grows so this is not so Gnant.

The manual is almost non-existent, but the grip as extremely simple, this is not Gnant not more.

Configuration is a small software provided thanks, no ergonomics extreme, but enough to set up some paramtres

(I have trouble with MIDI and patch management but not only with the Controller)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for mid 2010, the first Controller MIDI try. But the benefits are indniables, price and transportabilit the report is qualitprix trs good because even though the keys are not agile, the keyboard looks pretty strong. I've never had a problem with. The only problem is foreseeable and that his lack of amplitude one must be aware that these are only 25 keys. Otherwise, all is well as buttons to navigate between the lines and the same keyboard intgre a programmable arpeggiator thanks to the supplied software.

I was looking for a mini keyboard with arpeggiator and saw the "Pub" on this little Akai.
Very simplified but sufficient connection to work.

UTILIZATION

Everything is very simple. it is a mini keyboard. The Doc is sufficient, no need to see the regulars. Good hit mini keys, good surprise.
Very good for a beginner and more.

OVERALL OPINION

I do not remember, bought new in its release and not expensive at all.
Yes, I have a lot of keyboard masters, but this one is great fun with its function and also the small arpeggiator its place is really convenient.
Least, it is limited bah of course assignments and functions, but given
its price is much higher than others.
Yes, I will redeem or its successor.

So far, from playing around with the Akai LPK25 for about an hour, it seems pretty nice. Keys feel good and construction is light but durable. Velocity curve seems OK. Arpeggiator is fun - I thought I wouldn't use it, but maybe I will, since I often have to plunk out baselines at gigs and I'm not really a keyboardist by any stretch of the imagination! I like the different arp modes and the latching system.


UTILIZATION

Sustain switch is not that useful when not in arpeggiator mode, because it takes a finger to hold it down (granted the keyboard is small, so you can still use a few fingers form that hand to play). I would have preferred a jack for a foot switch (even if it had to be 1/8" to fit, you could easily use a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter). I also wish it had at least one continuous controller. A suggestion would be to use software that turns your laptop track pad into a continuous MIDI controller. I am not sure what's out there to do that, but it can be done in Max/MSP very easily.



OVERALL OPINION

Overall, I wish there was some indication of how many octaves you have shifted up or down - right now the button backlights if you have shifted by any number of octaves in the direction. A different color LED backlight to the button or even a blinking pattern (the cheaper solution) to indicate how MANY octaves you are shifted in a direction would be good. Also the graphics above the octave keys appear to be wrong - there is an UP pointing arrow over the octave down (left) key and a DOWN pointing arrow over the octave up (right) key no big deal, but kind of weird. But this is a nice portable midi controller that you will use often In your portable set up. Akai has done it again.

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
the small size of this keyboard.

What connector (MIDI pedals ...)? ...
A USB port that connects the PC and the keyboard, nothing less.

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is it fun? Should your use?
the touch keyboard is correct given the price of the beast.

The general configuration is it simple?
Configuration is very simple, you plug, you play.
Software is provided to change the arpeggiator function. This function is effective for live.

But there is also two buttons to raise and lower an octave.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
I use it for 1 year, no particular problems so far.

What is so special that you like most and least?
I love the small size of this keyboard, you can carry everywhere. That's why my choice was the LPK25.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
I tested several models of good quality but not as small as this one.

How would you rate the quality / price? With experience, you do again this choice? ...
1 year after I'd the same choice. Being a musician wandering the small size of this keyboard I like a lot. If I would have a "studio" set, I will pass my way to a more comfortable composition.

To 50th this keyboard is a good compromise for those who always wants his little studio (laptop + keyboard) with him.

I love its size and simplicity!

UTILIZATION

This keyboard is fairly easy to install software except for a little less recent, in which the LPK25 not in the list of controllers such as with Reason4 but for someone who knows something about the computer I think no problems! Be careful though in small steps and touched, does not expect the heavy but it is perfect for someone who starts in the computer music!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one month and I have not found any manufacturing defect.

+ Simple and small
- And touched touches

Very good quality / price ratio, if I could I think I would do this choice!

Very small (the exact width of my MacBook Pro 13 "), food and MIDI over USB, 6 buttons (sustain, arpeggiator settings, octave shift) and that's it. The buttons are not standard size .

The plastic does not look super strong.

UTILIZATION

Well, at the touch do not expect a miracle, it's very synth, but it works well. The buttons are not standard size and as a result are a bit small for my big fingers, but it's still quite playable.

Setting the presets and the arpeggiator is not the most intuitive I find, but you get there ... anyway I do not use it after all.

OVERALL OPINION

Good little keyboard controller has no other purpose for my personal use that to play 2-3 notes here and there. For the mobile user is also impeccable.

For a more serious, he'll have to see something else.

Easy connection: it connects to the computer via USB and it's ready! It is also convenient as small and light.

UTILIZATION

The black dot appears for me in the mini-keys, which make me quite tedious to use by the size of my hands Despite these keys are effective because they support the velocity. Can be changed easily with the octave buttons on the side, as well as activate the arpeggiator is also interesting.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few months and I think its price / quality ratio is pretty good. I regret my purchase, however slightly, mainly because of the mini-keys (I ordered on the Internet and had never tried before like the keyboard). So I advise any potential buyer to try a mini-keyboard keys before you buy! This is a good MIDI controller, which will serve those traveling with a laptop and not wanting to bother imposing a controller

This covers two octaves midi keyboard is its small size and its mini keys, it says they are still playable for a normal user.

Connected via USB cable with a USB / mini USB standard comes with the keyboard, the keyboard is powered by USB.
Arpegiator programmable function buttons and two to change octave.

UTILIZATION

It must first be tolerant, it is a mobile keyboard format which is surprising, it has real keys velocity sensitive (he buried without harm to the nanoKEY korg) and the object seems fairly robust.

The negative point is clearly touching the keyboard, this one is not very pleasant, and it is almost impossible to play with so sweet because the notes are not captured if the attack toucas too gently.

We must therefore play like a savage to ensure that the instrument does not "zap" no notes and adjust subsequently the velocity of computer music in the software, not great but not insurmountable when it comes to store some ideas of melodies is why I believe that this little keyboard has been designed.

Nothing to say about compatibility, it is instantly recognized without driver installation (known as least seven), I use it without problems with Reaper.


OVERALL OPINION

At the final fifty euro we are left with a small portable keyboard, touch rough but that is certainly the case for dialing into the train by example with a laptop.

The value for money is OK given the quality of manufacture (Akai products are impressive on that front), it is not perfect but it's not a toy either.

So a keyboard to buy if you're wandering where we like to call anytime, but for a typical studio setup home it is better to move towards a more classic with better sensitivity.

I came here for size and companion to my 49 keys.
USB connection without problems in osx or vista.

UTILIZATION

Pleasant feel, although the keys are a bit 'hard'.
perfect for my use (mao nomadic) with mac book.
Manual clear and simple.
simple configuration as well.


OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it? 5 months
Did you try many other models before getting this one? Not of this size
What is so special that you like best? Size here, and functions
The least? No Velocity
What is your opinion about the value for the price? Nothing to say, that is worth its price
Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? Yes no problem

What characteristics have motivated your choice?

I needed a keyboard that was flowing into my pocket computer to be able to cope when I wanted to, always dragging left to right, the remaining 61 keys at home.
Since then I've incorporated into my live, very convenient and ultimately taking up less space on a pratos.

What connector (MIDI pedals ...)? .

A mini USB only.

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is it nice?

Yes, I was afraid of falling on a toy but it's rather pleasant.

Should your use?

Completely.

The general configuration is simple?

A little difficult to understand how to operate the arpeggiator.
For the rest PLUG AND PLAY!

The manual is clear and sufficient?

I did not cast a glance.

OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it?

One year.

What thing do you like most/least about it?

The +: Compact and robust.
The -: lack of a modulation wheel and pitch, but on a smaller model, do not ask too much.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?

No.

What is your opinion about the value for the price?

Well, after a year it still works.

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...

Completely, especially since the same range of korg does not seem to hold water.

Overall opinion:

Very handy for someone looking to have a keyboard all the time at hand. Live practice for small strum bass lines or use a sampler.
For the com hardcore studio however, prefer a larger keyboard.