Latest Akai Keyboard/Pad Controllers Available

US Akai ships the MPK225, MPK249, MPK261 and the MPK mini mkII      26/09/14

Latest Akai Keyboard/Pad Controllers Available


Buying Choices
Affilliate Links help support the site

Akai Professional is now shipping all four of the newest additions to their MPK Series of keyboard/pad controllers: the 25key MPK225, the 49key MPK249, the 61key MPK261, and the ultraportable MPK mini mkII.

Akai Professional Product Manager Dan Gill told us, "The new MPK series is huge leap forward–improving on the previous series with more capability, more features, and industryleading software. We paid close attention to how the modern musician works to realize features that would enhance the user experience. In addition, we upped the ante by including an impressive software production package that truly pushes the boundaries of music creation."

Here's Akai's press release with the detail:

More than an update, the new MPK series incorporate years of extensive poweruser feedback into the controls, keybed, layout, and functionality. A complete music production platform, each deliver improved performance control plus a premium software package that includes readytoplay virtual instruments as well as popular composing and production software. Illuminated pads and an informative, fourline backlit LCD screen offer intuitive feedback to the performer/producer. Deep software integration and the ability to send QWERTYstyle commands from the fullsize MPK keyboards let the user stay focused on musical tasks. The illuminated, velocitysensitive RGB trigger pads have direct lineage to the MPC Renaissance, and offer coveted MPC features like Note Repeat, MPC Swing, Full Level and 16 Levels.

For the performer, each fullsize MPK keyboard provides a semiweighted keybed equipped with aftertouch, plus ultraresponsive Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels. Dedicated Octave buttons provide rapid access to an expanded note range. Each model is appointed with assignable pedal inputs for additional control. In addition to USB MIDI, traditional 5pin MIDI inputs and outputs ensure compatibility with nearly all MIDI gear. A lowpower mode is ideal for use with iOS devices via the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit.

For the onthego artists, Akai Professional offers the ultraportable MPK mini mkII. The compact form factor features 25 synthaction minikeys, plus a new dualaxis thumbstick for expressive control. There are eight backlit MPCstyle velocitysensitive pads, and eight assignable knobs for hands on beat production and parameter control. A single USB cable brings power to the MPK mini mkII, and creates a twoway data link with any computer. In lockstep with its fullsize relatives, MPK mini mkII includes Note Repeat, Octave extension buttons, an arpeggiator, and fullsize USB and sustain pedal inputs.

Each keyboard comes with leading software titles for outofthebox creativity, featuring Akai Professional's MPC Essentials beat production software; Ableton Live Lite composition/performance software; and Hybrid 3 analogmodeled synthesizer virtual instrument. Fullsize models include Twist 2.1 from SONiVOX, a spectral morphing synthesizer. The MPK261 also includes EightyEight Ensemble, an expertly captured piano instrument. MPK mini mkII also ships with Wobble 2.1, an EDMcentric synth.

MPK225 Highlights:

  • 25 semiweighted keys with aftertouch
  • 8 RGB pads; 4 banks
  • 8 knobs; 4 assignable buttons
  • 1 footswitch jack; 1 expression pedal input
  • Included Software:
  • MPC Essentials
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • Hybrid 3
  • Twist 2.1



MPK249 Highlights:

  • 49 semiweighted keys with aftertouch
  • 16 RGB pads; 4 banks
  • 8 knobs; 8 assignable buttons, 8 faders
  • 1 footswitch jack; 1 expression pedal input
  • Included Software:
  • MPC Essentials
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • Hybrid 3
  • Twist 2.1



MPK261 Highlights:

  • 61 semiweighted keys with aftertouch
  • 16 RGB pads; 4 banks
  • 8 knobs; 8 assignable buttons, 8 faders
  • 2 footswitch jacks; 1 expression pedal input
  • Included Software:
  • MPC Essentials
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • Hybrid 3
  • Twist 2.1
  • Eighty-Eight Ensemble



MPK mini mkII Highlights:

  • 25 synthaction mini keys
  • 8 illuminated pads
  • 8 assignable knobs
  • 1 assignable footswitch jack
  • Included Software:
  • MPC Essentials
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • Hybrid 3
  • Wobble 2.1


Pricing and Availability:
MPK225: $249.99 USD
MPK249: $399.99 USD
MPK261: $499.99 USD
MPK mini mkII: $99.99 USD

More information:

 


Akai Social

More From: AKAI
Even more news...


 


More Videos

Sonic LAB: Live Mega Synthesis Groove Box Review Sonic LAB: Live Mega Synthesis Groove Box Review 

Sega sound for now


SonicLAB: Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Review SonicLAB: Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Review 

A new Studio Reference Headphone?


Korg -  New NTS-1 MK2 Korg - New NTS-1 MK2 

Still tiny and DIY but impressive though


NAMM 2024: Yamaha - Montage M ESP Plug-in NAMM 2024: Yamaha - Montage M ESP Plug-in 

Newly released plugin that runs alongside the Montage M hardware


Hey there, we use Cookies to customize your experience on Sonicstate.com