Akai MPK25 25-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard

zZounds' Take on Akai MPK25

Computer-based production studios give you access to a practically infinite number of virtual instruments. From sampled strings to modeled analog synthesizers to fine-tuned, studio-recorded drum kits, a universe of voices and timbres is at your fingertips, and all can be controlled with a MIDI-over-USB controller keyboard. Only problem is, most controller keyboards feel less like keyboards and more like controllers. Not the Akai MPK25. Makers of the legendary MPC Music Production Center sampler-sequencers, Akai understands how important it is for electronic instruments to have the same feel and expressiveness of their acoustic predecessors. They've applied their decades of electronic music expertise to the MPK series, and the result is a USB controller that feels more like an instrument than any that have come before it. Plus, Akai has added features ported right from the MPC series for a fully featured, compact studio tool that's equally adept as a keyboard instrument, a pad controller/sample sequencer, and the remote transport and mixing surface for your DAW.

A Keyboard Controller

The full-sized keys on MPK keyboards are some of the best you can get on any USB controller, even those costing hundreds more. Semi-weighted, with pressure-sensitivity and aftertouch, they grant intimate, tactile control over otherwise antiseptic virtual instruments. Even though the MPK25 is compact, with keys that feel this good it's sure to inspire better performances, as well as make you want to spend more time making music. Solid, responsive pitch and mod wheels add to the MPK25's expressive capabilities, as do assignable inputs for expression and sustain pedals. MIDI in/out jacks allow control over hardware synths and modules as well. Hardware and software instruments alike will benefit from the advanced arpeggiator built right into the MPK, a multi-phrase, programmable arpeggiator that's tempo-sync-able to DAW projects or external MIDI gear.

A Controller Keyboard

Supporting MIDI Machine Control protocol, the MPK25 can be used to trigger more than just notes in your DAW. In a space no wider than many laptops, the MPK25 fits an impressive control variety, including twelve rotary knobs assignable to up to two controls thanks to the controller's dual-layer assignability, plus four assignable buttons for tactile access to virtually any control parameter in any digital audio workstation. A dedicated transport section turns the MPK25 into the nerve center of your entire studio setup. Eight sliders, buttons and rotary encoders are arranged like a mixer for intuitive control over channel level, panning and arming, should you choose. Alternately, use them to control various functions and effect parameters in plug-ins and virtual or rack-mount synthesizers. A big, backlit LCD screen clearly displays MIDI control presets and makes it easy to edit your own layouts as well.

MPC Features

Other keyboard controllers may have "trigger pads" that emulate the classic MPC's, but only the Akai MPK25 has the real deal. Twelve genuine MPC pads, velocity- and pressure-sensitive, sit at the top center of the MPK. They're joined by familiar MPC functions like "full level," "12 level" and "note repeat" modes. A tap tempo control can be used to control both the note repeat and arpeggio functions in real time, and classic Akai "swing" can be applied as well. If you've ever programed on an MPC before, you'll be right at home, and if you haven't, you'll soon understand why the MPC has been held in such high regard for so long.

If you're looking to get more musical with your computer audio software, don't settle for a USB controller that's going to get in between you and your music. Get your hands on an Akai MPK25, and rediscover the excitement, passion and fun that your music's been missing.

Manufacturer's Description for Akai MPK25 25-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard

The Akai Professional MPK25 is a portable keyboard controller with MPC production controls. Based closely on the MPK49, the first keyboard ever to feature MPC pads, the MPK25 scales down the keyboard by 24 keys and retains the utility, capability, and flexibility that makes the MPK49 one of the world's hottest keyboards. Its smaller, more portable size makes the MPK25 the perfect travel companion. Its small footprint can fit in your lap on the couch or on a plane, enabling you to create tracks whenever inspiration strikes. All you need is your laptop and the MPK25.

Features

- 25-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic creativity
- 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 for flexible control of most software parameters
- Two banks of 12 Q-Link knobs and four buttons, two banks each
- Dedicated transport controls for tracking and editing
- MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process
- MPC Full Level, MPC 12-Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with tempo and dynamics
- MIDI output over USB, bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USB cable
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software
- Works with most MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software

Creative Input

MPK25 combines a 25-key keyboard and 12 genuine MPC pads. The keyboard is semi-weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 48 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.

MPK25 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK25 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.

Q-Link Command

One of the most important input devices on an MPC is its Q-Link assignable control section. The MPK25 gives you twelve virtual knobs and four virtual buttons that are assignable to control nearly any software parameter. You can control two different parameters per Q-Link thanks to the knobs' dual-bank selection.

Expressive Engine

Two technologies pioneered in the MPC series and built into the MPK series are MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. These note-modifying features can be heard in many of the most popular tracks over the last two decades. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel.

On top of MPC technologies, the MPK25 has its own arpeggiator, which enables you to create quick, creative riffs in seconds.

MPK25 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 12-Level on its pads, as well as Tap Tempo and Time Division so you can nail the tempo, timing, and dynamics exactly as you hear them in your head.

Complete System

The MPK25 is a MIDI controller that sends its MIDI values over USB. It is bus powered, so all you need to connect and power the MPK25 is the supplied USB cable. Because it is MIDI compliant, the MPK25 works with most MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and even VJs!

The MPK25 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs in the world. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment.

Create and perform anywhere with the MPK25. It's the most expression you'll find in a portable, convenient package. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Akai products.

- Number of Keys: 25 + 12 x 4 banks of drum pads
- Type of action: Semi-weighted
- Aftertouch (Channel)
- Computer Interface: USB/MIDI
- Displays: Custom LCD
- Footswitchable Patch Changes: yes
- Number of Independent MIDI Ins/Outs: 1
- Programmable Continuous Footpedals: 1
- Programmable Footswitches: 1
- Programmable controllers: MMC, MIDI START/STOP, MIDI CC
- System Real-Time Controls: MMC, MIDI START/STOP, MIDI CC

Includes
- MPK25 keyboard controller
- USB cable
- Software CD
- Quick Start guide

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) OR Akai MP6 Power Supply (Not Included - only required if using Akai MPK-25 without a computer).

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Base Item

Shipping Weight: 11 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 23 x 16 x 7 in

with IK Multimedia Composer Trio Software

Shipping Weight: 12 lbs