Akai Professional MPK25

The Akai MPK25 is an advanced MIDI controller, that features 25-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch, MPC-pad section of 12 genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity, MPC pads access four banks each for instant access to 48 samples, assignable Q-Link controller section, 2 banks of 12 Q-Link knobs and 4 buttons, 2 banks each, dedicated transport controls for tracking and editing, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator, MPC Full Level, MPC 12-Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division, MIDI output over USB, bus powered, custom LCD Display, and footswitchable patch changes. I bought this as a sort of all-in-one piece for my RV, to make music on the go. It's fit that bill flawlessly. It has everything I need, buttons, knobs, pads and keys.

UTILIZATION

Configuring this thing is a breeze. Took me 2 minutes to install the drivers, hook it up to Ableton Live and start creating. It's been an awesome all-in-one tool, since I have everything I need in one compact controller. Never gives me any hiccups, no software or hardware issues, even after spilling a glass of water on the pads! Really well built and easy to use and understand. The LCD is nice and bright, which is great for night time, I don't have to use the RV's power to have the lights on.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, this is exactly what it's advertised to be. Compact, cheap, well built and all entailing. Everything you need to mix, make beats, whatever. I own hundreds of MIDI controllers, and trust me, this one is good. It's pads are precise, it's keys feel good and simple the knobs are responsive and tactile and it's easy to set up. I might even buy another one of these for my studio, since it's been so useful in the RV. Great for entry level producers. Cheap, very well built and completely functional, if you need a first MIDI controller, buy this!

The best part about the MPK25 is that it is so portable. I was using this MIDI controller for over a year and loved using it. But it got to the point where I started to want to have more octaves (keys) to play, as I am learning to be a keyboard player. Also the price of the MPK25 is very affordable. Everything with this MIDI controller is well built and made to last. There are a total of 13 knobs on the MPK25 and they are on the controller very well, I didn’t have any issues with them coming loose or falling off. The 12 drum pads are very similar to the MPC pads but of course they don’t have the same feel as my MPC does. But pitch and mod wheel are well made. They are nice and loose, sometimes when you get a new MIDI controller the pitch or mod wheel will be somewhat stiff but that was not the case with the MPK25.

UTILIZATION

Installing it was very quick, just load up the drivers then get it to sync with your program. Setting it up in FL Studio was a breeze, and then I would use the FPC in Fl Studio and sync it with the drum pads on the MPK25. This did take more effort than I expected and it was not automatic. I had to manually assign everything.

OVERALL OPINION

I loved using the MPK25, I had a small laptop bag that I would put it in and take it everywhere with me. The keys are semi-weighted and will last you a long time. The keys are a little bit stiff when you first get the MMPK25 and use it for the first time. But after a few uses, they will loosen up and feel a lot better when you are playing. The manual that comes with it is more of a quick guide, but it will guide you to setting up the MPK25 quickly.

I chose this keyboard for several reasons:
- Compactness (I need a keyboard for easy moving live)
- The built-in arpeggiator
- The number of knobs

I plug in my MIDI synths

UTILIZATION

The touch is very nice, the keys offer a little resistance that makes playing very enjoyable.
The manual is poorly translated, you better refer to the pdf manual in English on CD.
The setup is fairly simple, I created three synths presets quickly.

OVERALL OPINION

I tried quite a few small keyboards and this one is well above anything I've ever tested. The keyboard is pleasant to play. The built-in arpeggiator is a great idea and I can not play without it. Being able to easily save many presets and you can browse through them clearly on the screen is a real plus for those who, like me, wgi want to control synth rack with sliders (which is not always easy to achieve). The pads that were more of a gadget for me are actually very useful because they can be assigned to a different midi channel and thus can play several machines simultaneously. This machine is really well thought out for the hardware, which is increasingly rare at this time when many musicians have made the choice to make music with a laptop.

see the characteristics cits on the site of akai or other opinion

Basically, it's a hefty check noon, all gives confidence: we are not afraid to take it everywhere.

USE

pleasant to the touch keyboard, same buttons, etc.
it's a solid midi keyboard


config simple, simple edition (in addition there is a soft but we can do without)
simple and effective manual
it's a good product.

one can easily edit new presets, save them without going through the computer: it's great to do a lot of basic VST preset, then passes a preset another in a few milliseconds.

The ARP is friendly and can go well usefully> gives sound RESULTS pushing recording but not to seek the ultimate arpgiateur, it remains simple.

pads (x12) are sufficiently hard to let go of it without asking questions about the rugged coast of the pads (this is gonna let go? no !!!).

It was also the possibility of making notes repeat .. very well for percussion but may be too simple?

The LCD screen is great, very readable.

NOTICE GLOBAL

I sold it to buy a morpho keyboard
I sold it to someone who does VJing and I know he s'clate!

I have long hesitated to sell the car for the price you can not beat!
This keyboard is ideal for people who have a computer and BCQ uses VST (not hardware). People who like the style of compo MPC alike will also be delighted, he retrouv feel Akai MPC with piano keyboard and more.

The only problem is that it does not produce sounds -> this is a midi controller.
It can also be a great hair ... um say that it is a 25-key but strong. Again, this is solid so this explains the height of the assembly and its width .. Attention this remains transportable without worry, it's still small but little less than other keyboards 25 keys Dtail a ... for some.

For the price I think there is no better in comparison.
with good zic!