All user reviews for the Akai Professional MPK25

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!

I needed a MIDI keyboard to start in computer music. That one I immediately liked it because it is a little "all in one". Pads, 25 buttons, sliders, REC / Start / Stop buttons, rapid changes Etc. octaves.
Great way to start! It is visually pleasing and easy to pick up!

UTILIZATION

The keys may be a little too harsh, but it is on a MIDI keyboard, not a piano.
Easy to learn, fast, light, ergonomic keyboard for that price you could not ask for more.
The manual is only useful for specific keyboard layouts, if we want to increase our use of the keyboard, if it is so easy to use that just plug and play!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about 5 months and I'm really satisfied! It was my first MIDI keyboard and you can not ask for anything better for that price! Only drawback, the responsiveness of the pads. I can improve by adding the squares of rubber in the pads (note: most of warranty if it's done but essential for proper use), but otherwise nothing too bad.
Akai is a very good brand and I think in the future I will take the top model!

I was looking for a strong master keyboard 25 keys, with a lot of knobs and drum pads, USB and Midi.

I use it mainly with Ableton Live.

UTILIZATION

Affect
I have a piano and am accustomed to heavy touch. I was afraid to touch because it is difficult to find something drinkable in 25 keys. Well I must say I am pleasantly surprised. It suits me perfectly.

Knobs
Verily I love. They are solid and really fun to use.

Pads
This is where it gets a little gate. Very hard, so not easy to use according to how it is used. Personally I'm using that to launch clips in Ableton live. And then it fulfills its role.

Midi
A little surprised at first because I was expecting to have to install a driver: but no driver. Plug and Play. So at the beginning we do not know too if it is installed or not.

Manual
For Quickstart, okay, this is translated into French. But not the rest, so when you want to enter the parametrage, it's a little complicated if you are not used

OVERALL OPINION

Overall very positive.

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!

Wanting to take the musical compo after many years off, I wanted a small keyboard master (re) start in computer music.

The MPK25 MIDI with a USB connection, pads, control pots, it is what I wanted.

UTILIZATION

Touch is very "synthetic", so it does not bother me, however.

The assignable pots are perfectly and allow me to find / create the commands I wanted to use (Cut off, ADSR, etc.).

Knobs Pitch bend and modulation wheels are of very good quality gear for this range.

There is still a HUGE downside: Pads! Originally, they are too hard and do not allow optimal use, but having read the various opinions on the site, I decided to purchase a kit on ebay to rectify the situation, and then c ' is perfect.

The manual, I have not taken too much time to dwell on them, preferring to focus on learning the software Ableton Lite comes with the MPK25.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for two months now, and I confess to being pleasantly surprised by the quality and options MPK.

I have not tried other models before buying this, trusting to read different opinions on AF.

What I like most: ease of use, the number of assignable controls, the robustness of MPK.

What I like least: The Pads! but easily upgradeable

The price / quality ratio: at first, the price may seem high for a 25-key, but after some time of use, I found the price quite correct.

Having put aside music for a very (too) many years, at the time I used synths analos (JP8, Prophet5, etc..), The synth "digital" as it was called at that time, (DX7 ...), and some tools computer (Atari 1040, MegaSt, Notator, etc..), recovery is gradual, the MPK allows me to return it quietly.
So yes, I would do this choice.

My choice was motivated by the number of keys, small (no need for a large keyboard, not being keyboardist) and the large number of controls. I was looking for knobs and pads, and I've used.

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is very good for a keyboard of this range. Compare a mini Korg is velvet. The knobs are also very well made, and these are the same found on the APC series. Pads, however, are very hard and it takes a little force to get a note (nothing to do with the pads of my APC40 or my QuNeo, for example ...).

The manual is almost non-existent and poorly designed, but anyway not essential for anyone who has ever used a MIDI keyboard.

The general configuration is very clear and easy to use, and the settings are easy with the help of software provided by AKAI.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few months now and it has very quickly built my setup. I tried a lot of keyboards situated in the highest range (Triton style), and others in the same range (Novation style) and it beats them all in terms of ease of use.

What I love most: the large number of controls for a small keyboard, value. What I like least: the pads, a complete overhaul.

With the experience I definitely do it again this choice.

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.

Hello,
then here I bought this keyboard by reflecting well before and I do not regrète my purchase because it's cool with his pads mpc only kind you just know that these famous pads are a bit heavy to hit me so I have added between the sensor and pieces of rubber pads so that the pads are now + sensitive intelligence but after it comes from akai that changed the manufacturing of its pads on all items.

I recommend it if we did not really afford to buy a mpc and taff on that PC is a value rather sour.

UTILIZATION

keyboard a bit too heavy but hey I also have a m-audio to play.

OVERALL OPINION

Good stuff.

The small size of the keyboard 25touches, the pads of Mpc, transportation to start the sequencer motivated me.
The connectors are the most common, USB and Midi, and various input jack for pedals.

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is very nice, with a feeling agréable.Il does not play chords, but is more than enough to record riffs, melodies, bass lines, patterns or batterie.Je not remember the manual but I just dropped the case on the config.
I think there are ways to do some wonderful things with all its knobs, but to be honest, I had little time before me, and suddenly I dropped the idea to get into the main configurations during the nights!
So if it's simple, I do not know ...

OVERALL OPINION

I used it a few months, the pads of Mpc unsuitable for my use.
I wanted the pads flexible and responsive, woe! I found myself battling the pads less sensitive to velocity, even if several modes are possible. So, I played the drum patterns on the keyboard, practice! :-(
The functions available on the sequencer transport, are very useful.
The rotary is handy if assigned to the effects, or filters, to dubstep!
And the idea of ​​the arpeggiator is handy!
With experience, I do not redeem this keyboard, a larger model for the stage, perhaps, but for
the studio I would need something more simple, more flexible, particularly at the level pads and config! Maybe something smaller!

Manufacturing quality, and functions such pads mpc (arpeggiator, note repeat)

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is it nice? Should your use?

The keyboard is perfect: strong, good velocity response and aftertouch.
The pads are against a little hard, you have hit hard. I heard about a trick of putting some sort of foam under the pads but must be removed. To see.

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

Yes

The general configuration is simple? The selection of MIDI channels, patch is easy?

Yes, there is even a very well designed software for that (but is doing fine without). was downloaded from the website of Akai.

OVERALL OPINION

How long you use it?

2 years

Did you tried many other models before buying it?

yes, axiom, APC40, innovation ...

What is so special that you love the most, least?

+ Build quality
+ Ergonomics
+ Complete (pads with velocity and aftertouch, pots, buttons ...)

- For controls and twelve o'clock on Dec. Inc., messages are not standard (NRPN). They are not recognized by daw I use (live and logic), except hacking. With logic, but it is relatively easy with live, I had to write code in python. Otherwise, you can use to convert messages midipipe. But hey, this is to be known and in any case, have time to waste.
- "Only" 12 pads. Most software beatmaking using matrices 16 pads (drum rack in live, guru ...), which facilitates the assignments. That said, it's not bad, and few controllers that provide 16 pads (MPK61, maschine ...). Most often, it is 4 or even 8 pads ...

How would you rate the quality / price? With experience, you do again this choice? ...

The price / quality ratio is good if it is the quality of manufacture. I would do such a choice.

The ability to use Reason and Live with a single material to compose the melodies (MIDI keyboard 25 keys), create lines of drums (12 pads) and manage automation (12 pots) control the software from an external device (the Other buttons can be used to manage the transport bar, registration, etc ...)

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is excellent, certainly it's plastic but there is a small return that gives pleasure.
There is no configuration, the MPK preset hard to live, reason, cubase, FL Studio and many other programs that I do not know. Just turn the dial and choice of software on the screen
The manual is quick, but everything is clear on the material itself

OVERALL OPINION

It's been one month since I use every day.
What I love is having a mini MPC, a keyboard and pots all on the same machine, it accelerates the creative process.
The value for money is great, for 200 € it's a good plan

BUT NOW!

Nothing is perfect, there is one thing that all future purchasers of MPK25 (or 49) should know is that the pad of drums TOO MUCH IS RESISTANT! Should be supported as a barge that is activated. It's just despicable. Try the store and see.
FORTUNATELY, there are a parry. Google "akai mpk sensitivity" and you will find on ebay sellers who for $ 13 (~ € 9) selling mod (actually these are little pieces of plastic) that are inserted under the pads (it will open the beast) . It takes 10 minutes to go, but after the pads have the sensitivity that they should have had, and from there, you get 100% of your MPK. It's a bit silly from Akai for making the pads as strong but once made this mod, this machine is a total killer!

I bought this keyboard because it is comprehensive, 12 pads, 25 keys keyboard, 12 endless rotary controllers (X2 because there are two banks), arpeggiator.
Connectors: midi, usb.

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is correct but do not expect it to feel like a piano. It is perfect for computer music, synth controllers, or to create beats on the fly. The pads are for the mpc 500, they are a little hard at first but you get used to it. The manual is very comprehensive.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 months, all very solid and I chose the 25 keys, because I produce electronic music and I am not a real musician, and I do not have the technical background, I think that this keyboard really is for the producer who uses computer music, if you want a real rendering on the keyboard go for a 49.

The price was very high initially, however it can now be found at 250 euro new, it's still a bit expensive, but quality is there plus it has an arppegiator.

I tested several different keyboard innovation, m-audio, korg, none has the breadth of capabilities of akai, plus a  more cosmetic finishing and superior, and it looks really nice and so I think I would make this choice again if I had to.

Very complete for a reasonable price

UTILIZATION

Fairly simple and well thought out

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 month and it is simple enough to master and for what I do (Live and basic composition) I had several midi keyboards before and a few controllers, this one for sure I will not get rid of.  I find it reliable in its OS, very good quality for its price and complete enough that I have yet to use all the knobs or pads.

Value for money excellent.

Some criticism on the quality compared to other AKAI especially on the pad, but personally I use it intensively and it holds up.


Voila!

A +

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.