SeriesAkai Professional MPK

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!

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.

I have XP home edition and it works fine with me ... Akai will probably propose a solution in the future (drivers) for this kind of product. UTILIZATION Everything is included on this little MIDI keyboard, a real Swiss Army knife for computer music: knobs, pads, keyboard, ultra compact and small (almost a toy). OVERALL OPINION Very pleased with this acquisition, I had a keyboard E-MU Xboard 25 and remained very good but I was looking for something smaller to move, the pads also have finally convinced me, sold one to buy another. Definitely the best MIDI keyboard for musicians on the go!

The AKAI MPK mini is a 2 octave midi controller with a size that is perfect for you to take everywhere with you. But although it has a small size it still pack a BIG punch, containing 8 pads in 2 banks for a total of 16 programable pads as well as 8 programmable knobs. What really drove me to this purchase though, was the integrated arpeggiator within the controller which is great for live performances. Also, since it is connected via mini-USB you can be sure that it won't be taking up much power. GREAT PURCHASE! UTILIZATION Very simple Plug & Play setup. It is a very user friendly piece of equipment. Works perfectly in sync with all mayor DAWs. OVERALL OPINION It is very affordable and given the price you are getting more than what you paid for. The size and weight was really what did it for me. You can easily fit this keyboard in any backpack or gig bag. Not what I would consider a primary midi controller at all. But it is a really good purchase as a secondary controller, something to take on the road. Overall I would recommend it and I give it an 8/10!!

Akai is know for quality, so this has 49 keys, on left side comes with pitch bend and modulation wheel which are very smooth and comfortable to use. You have 12 pads and modifiers for the pads which is usually used for sampling drums and sound loops, pads are very solid and if you have used any other Akai pads you know their well made. In the middle of the board you have the LCD screen which is clear to see, below you have buttons and knobs to adjust the Octaves tap tempo and setup the sound. On the right side you have 8 faders and 8 knobs to control different effects/parts of your DAW which can be all set up to your needs. This is a USB controller which makes it very easy to plug and play, it can be used for MAC and PC it includes Avid Pro Tools Express which i don't use UTILIZATION The basic part of it is the plug in and play keyboard with your DAW, it gets more confusing trying to connect the pads with sounds you need especially if you never used a MPC or MPD pad before, filters and knobs are easy and conformable to use, the selection is understandable and quick to process, this board is my secondary board currently because i found the pads to be uncomfortable over the top of keys, i bought a MPD32 to use for pads and i use a basic midi keyboard all my sounds are form the DAW plugins. The manual is Clear and easy to follow, the keys are good amount of soft i enjoyed them. Overall for a newb the setup might be confusing at first which you have to learn all the parts of it but after some hours you will understand all of it. OVERALL OPINION The price is great considering how much this board has to bring, i think personally its too much on a keyboard i like to have things separate like my pads controllers other keyboards but i did really like the Faders and the feel of the keyboard, i downgraded to a basic M audio 25 key and i bought the MPD 32 separately this feels better for me but i still keep the MPK49 for live use, I can had all my patches and settings set in one keyboard that makes it great, so the quality is very high I'm a big fan of Akai products but at the same time i like to keep it simple.