Akai SynthStation49 iPad Keyboard Controller

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Akai SynthStation49 iPad Keyboard Controller, Main
Akai SynthStation49 iPad Keyboard Controller, Rear
Akai SynthStation49 iPad Keyboard Controller, Main Akai SynthStation49 iPad Keyboard Controller, Rear
Dock your iPad into this Akai keyboard controller, launch the SynthStation app, and rock out with nine MPC-style pads and 49 velocity-sensitive keys.

The Akai SynthStation49 puts timeless creative control at your fingertips. It's the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with iPad. Fully certified to work with the original iPad, iPad 2, and iPad (3rd generation), SynthStation49 comes equipped with a fitted dock, fully integrating iPad's touchscreen into the control surface.

Working seamlessly with Akai Professional's heralded SynthStation app, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS Core MIDI-compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already available in the App Store with hundreds more on the way.

Get Physical

SynthStation49's expansive physical controls perfectly complement the SynthStation app's powerful capabilities: responsive keys, rubberized pitch and modulation wheels, and MPC-style drum pads all bridge the gap between the virtual world and the real world, creating a powerful and seamless music-making experience. SynthStation49's nine MPC-style drum pads provide intuitive control for the 50-plus classic and modern kits available within the SynthStation app. Program, Sequence, Song select and Transport buttons also provide quick navigation to the SynthStation app's most used features for a seamless, efficient workflow.

Feel the Past and Touch the Future

Dock, power and position your… read more iPad perfectly using the adjustable cradle, or establish commanding control over your favorite computer software using SynthStation49's USB MIDI port. The port can be connected directly to your Mac or PC, allowing SynthStation to receive power and transmit MIDI to and from your music software. This is a great way to turn the SynthStation app or any other Core MIDI-compatible app into a sound module. You can even use SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer, no iPad required.

Features:

- Portable, velocity-sensitive keyboard with pitch and modulation wheels
- Works with the original iPad, iPad 2 and iPad (3rd generation)
- Nine velocity-sensitive MPC-style drum pads which light when triggered
- Dedicated transport control buttons including Play, Pause and Record
- Play MIDI keyboard and drum pad performances into an iPad via CoreMIDI or AkaiConnect apps
- Built-in, adjustable dock charges your iPad while positioning the screen at the perfect angle
- USB port for connecting to a Mac or PC, receiving power and controlling MIDI music software
- Professional 1/4" stereo outputs with volume control to connect mixers, speakers and recording equipment
- Headphone output to practice and compose in private

Includes:
- SynthStation49
- Power Supply
- Quickstart Guide
- Safety and Warranty Manual

Note: This product uses a 30-pin Apple dock connector.

Note: iPad NOT included. 4th Generation iPad (with Thunderbolt connection) not currently supported.

iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. read less

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-4032
Web: http://www.akaipro.com/support
Manual
Overview

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted December 18, 2012 by Shane T in New York, NY

"Not the best, but not the worst either..."

Overall: 2.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I just got my SynthStation 49 last night, and I haven't had time to really dive into it deeply yet, but here's a quick rundown of some apps I've tried and my experiences thus far along with links to each of them in the app store - Akai Synthstation App - This is a REALLY bad app, the sounds are horrible, functionality and intuitiveness of the app is very poor. I suppose every Synthstation owner will buy it, but really, as Eddie.Vidmar said above, it sucks. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/synthstation/id373969724?mt=8 GarageBand - This worked pretty well, but I wish the record and stop buttons would trigger those functions in the program rather than you having to tap on the ipad itself. Drum pads don't seem to be assignable, but other than that, it seems to work. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785?mt=8 AniMoog - This was really the app that I wanted the Synthstation for, the Moog folks have made a great tool, and it works very well with the synth station. Again, a little more hardware integration in terms of the physical buttons and pads would be nice, but overall, I'm happy with how this works thus far. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animoog/id471638724?mt=8 Magellan - This app also worked very well with the synthstation, and it's got great sounds. It's well worth the price of the app. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/magellan/id544119998?mt=8 Sunrizer - This app works very well, has great synths, tones, and functionality. Definitely buy this one. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267?mt=8… read more Korg iMS-20 - A fantastic app, the sounds are awesome, and the features are truly like that of the old MS-20. Again, it's a shame that you can't assign the pads and other hardware buttons to other functions within the app itself. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/korg-ims-20/id401142966?mt=8 Korg iPolySix - - I haven't tried this yet, I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/korg-ipolysix/id579232173?mt=8 Novation Launchkey - I haven't tried this yet, I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/novation-launchkey/id583375833?mt=8 Pianist Pro - I haven't tried this yet, I'm hoping to get to it this weekend. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pianist-pro/id358857758?mt=8 Overall so far, the SynthStation is a decent buy if you already have an iPad, and you're used to playing on a smaller USB keyboard, it's worth picking up. My main complaints are the completely awful Synthstation App, and the lack of being able to assign functionality or use dedicated hardware buttons and pads to perform the functions that they could with other apps. If you primarily plan to use this as your main keyboard, you'd probably be better with the Akai MPK61, especially if you're going to be running it into your laptop rather than your iPad. However, if you're looking to tinker around with a bunch of iPad apps, and want something that will power the iPad and give it a dedicated dock, the SynthStation is not a horrible solution for a set of keys to drag to practice or a friends house to have fun with. I even think that after getting the hang of all the issues with it, you *could* even be daring enough to play a few shows with it as well.

Musical Background:
Singer

Musical Style:
Hard rock, punk, post punk, rockabilly, psychobilly, blues, jazz, etc. read less
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