All user reviews of 5/5 for the Akai Professional MPK88

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.

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!)

See product page for details.

UTILIZATION

Perfect as a master keyboard, touch is good, a bit hard to me but nothing too bad.

The many functions Pad Knob etc ... are very convenient.

In addition the keyboard is pre-configured for most sequencers, Cubase, Ableton, etc. Top!

The only reproaches is that it does not offer the power button to "turn off (via USB connection), the solution is simply to buy a USB hub with on / off and the matter is resolved

The hit, strictly speaking, the black keys of plastic quality, is excellent!

Allow room for it is still 1.30m long, is deep enough and almost 30Kg

OVERALL OPINION

This is my first Master Keyboard 88-key hammer, I'm not really disappointed by the quality made by Akai in Midi opportunities, the finish is exemplary and it is very pleasant to use.

"Hardness" is just a matter of habit

Beautiful and very good keyboard! I do not regret my purchase!

Finally, value for money is excellent!

Go for it

I own the Akai MPK 88 for 6 months I can therefore post a review:

What characteristics have motivated your choice?

- The number of octaves
- Pads
- The numerous checks and South Barre transport MMC / MIDI


UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is it nice? Should your use?

Keyboard:
- The Touch is nice: similar to the Yamaha Clavinova.
The touch is lighter q "an acoustic piano, which is not to displease me its possible to play the Rhodes, Melotron or even organ (the touch is still heavy to play only the organ, but it helps out
- The keys are a bit noisy, but it does not interfere at all when playing at low volume.

Pads:
Very pleasant to program the drums or to play slap bass, for example.
I own a Trigger Finger and I had an MPC 1000 and Roland Sp 555il a few years ago, I found the pads of MPK 88 very good, comparable to the MPC 1000 is in addition to the same note and repeat on the MPK 16 Levels. It's simple, the Trigger Finger is in its box since the MPK 88 is arriving in my HS.

The general configuration is simple?

Installation do this all alone on mac plugnplay

For configuration presets:
- From the keyboard: not in spite of his screen menu is not very simple, between a Roland (complicated) and a Korg (single)

- From Software:
Yes: The configuration software supplied with Vyzex is relatively simple and fully functional Mac OSX.

To sustain pedal not forget to adjust the pedal on the DC 64.

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
- The manual is very limited: mistranslated and not very clear explanations.

The selection of MIDI channels, patches is easy?

- Yes, provided you have configured the software with patches Vyzex



OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it? I use it for 6 months

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
- Yes several digital pianos and heavy touch the keyboard master of M Audio (to avoid).

What thing do you like most/least about it?

- Plus: 88 keys Key Hammer

- The least: Dimensions of the 88 keys

What is your opinion about the value for the price? Very Good

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ... For that price, less than 700 € without hesitation.

Conclusion:

A very good keyboard heavy touch with many controls that allows any controller that DAW, virtual instrument.

+ The price.
+ The Look: pro and solid appearance.
+ Quality of touch.
+ Pads types MPC Note Repeat with Full Level, Bank and 16 Levels.
+ MIDI controls.
+ The pitch bend and modulation of pleasant and well Assayable.

- No Logic Pro Patch (must be same building, and besides if someone to do something, I'm interested).
- Operating unclear
- Arpeggiator and Tap Tempo limited, I can do work only when the keyboard is supreme.
Keys-slightly noisy (the noise did not change in 6 months).
- Weight: weighs at least 15 pounds
- No buttons ON-OFF