Akai Professional MPK88

Akai MPK88 MIDI keyboard has fully weighted keys with aftertouch, as well as 16 genuine MPC pads that motivated my curiosity to try this product, and I must admit it's very Pro and it almost feels like a real piano.

It has a Midi type of connection.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration of the program it's very simple, it has a well detailed manual.
However it has plenty of controller, knobs, sliders, so if you're new to this technology you should read it more carefully and check maybe some tutorials and guides.


OVERALL OPINION

What I like most about Akai MPK88 88-Key MIDI Controller is the feel of the keys, the aftertouch, the rubber, I also enjoy the fact that MPK made this controller to feel more like an acoustic instrument rather than as a controller.
Another great features that this product has, it's the build-in arpeggiator that can boost your creativity and just add some fun to the playing.

As a pianist, you would find more than enough the 88 keys provided by MPK and 76 assignable rotary knobs, sliders, and buttons that allow you full control over your work station.

My opinion regarding the value of price is great, for 800$ you get a 88 keys midi controller with many features and with the Ableton Lite version, which is quite handy.
This controller adds that little detail regarding mixing, sequencing, with 16 genuine MPC pads, velocity- and pressure-sensitive.

However this product is quite heavy, so if own this program, don't think you just can carry it around like you would with an M-audio Axiom 49, this product is heavy, keep that in mind.

Everything about this product works great, my only complain would be that it costs pretty much, so not anyone could afford to buy it, having said that, this product has a top quality and response.

This is one of the few keyboard MIDI controllers that has it all! 88 fully-weighted hammer action keys, drum pads, sliders, knobs, buttons, mod and pitch wheels, external pedals and expressions, just to name the basics. With an easy to read LCD display, you can program everything easily from the keyboard itself. It has many additional functions such as keyboard split, arpeggiator, drum repeating, transport controls, and tap tempo, which can all be useful (or not useful) depending on the specific application. Luckily, the keyboard is very customizable: you can use the drum pads to change program channels, for instance.

I made a legitimate joke to my friends: This is the largest usb-powered device ever. Just plug it to your computer with usb, and it's ready to go. Only additional connection I need is to plug in my sustain pedal.

UTILIZATION

Given all of the controls and functions on this keyboard, it is relatively easy to program and use, provided that you are familiar with the basics of MIDI. In the edit mode, you simple need to move a knob or press the corresponding function button or pad in order to edit it's parameters..it's very intuitive.

There's also a program change mode that lets you send program change commands, but I find it too slow for when I use the keyboard for live shows. Instead, I program the eight buttons to quickly switch to programs 1-8.

In the preset mode, you can save the entire layout of the keyboard setup in dozens of different presets. Useful if you are using the keyboard for two entirely different purposes, but I find that one master setup works for all of my live and studio applications.


OVERALL OPINION

There are seemingly very few hammer action MIDI controllers out there, but if you are piano player like me, that utilizes a computer setup, and does synthesizer work as well, this keyboard is nearly perfect. A bit pricey for a keyboard that has no sound engine, but it is elegant, versatile, professional, and simple to use. I just wished it wasn't so heavy to carry around (almost 70 lbs!)

88 keys, 16 pads, 8 rotary faders + infinite, everything you need for the home studio, one keyboard.

UTILIZATION

Touch is certainly one could drive over some pianos, but it is incommensurate with most keyboards ... Can be assayed strike force and the dynamics responds responds really well.
The pads are a little hard, but very durable. One may well release it live, no risk of them fart.
The manual is it to do, nothing more.
The general configuration is simple enough, if one has already handled some such material and all buttons / knobs are easily editable, using a simple button.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for more than a year, after handling a few other models in the store.
The feature that I like the least is its weight, but it takes what it takes to be a hit as comfortable ... An On / Off button would have been a good idea, too.
The price / quality ratio must take into account robustness. And in my opinion, the keyboard will still work perfectly in 20 years ... So I think this is a very good value for money, given the features, quality and finishing touch in general.
I would do this choice with your eyes closed.