Akai MPK249 Performance Keyboard Controller, 49-Key

Take full control of your DAW and software synths. This MIDI controller gives you 49 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC-style pads, 8 knobs and more.

$469.00

  • 8 x  
    $58.63
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    6 x  
    $78.17
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    4 x  
    $117.25

Akai MPK61 61-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard

No longer available at zZounds
The expressive Akai MPK61 MIDI keyboard has professional semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 genuine MPC pads and 72 assignable controls.

The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano-style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q-Link controllers and key technologies from the iconic MPC family of music production workstations.

Features
- 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic creativity
- 16 genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity
- MPC pads access four banks each for instant access to 48 samples
- Control 72 software parameters with 24 assignable Q-Link controllers
- Key Split enables two different sounds from the same keyboard
- MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process
- Transport controls for use with sequencers and DAWs
- 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 virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software

Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61's mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q-Link controllers, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. The MPK61's size is ideal for performers who need a larger keyboard than the original 49-key MPK49 offers, but also prefer the lighter weight and associated portability of read more a semi-weighted keyboard. The MPK61 retains the key split features from the MPK88, enabling you to divide the keyboard into two zones for performing with two different programs at once.

Like its 25, 49 and fully weighted 88-key siblings - the MPK25, MPK49 and MPK88, respectively - the MPK61 empowers you to create and manipulate melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content and inspires creative production with its arpeggiator, MPC Swing and MPC Note Repeat technologies.

The MPK61 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs worldwide. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. The MPK61 is a MIDI controller that sends MIDI data over USB for plug-and-play performance with Mac and PC. Because they are MIDI compliant, the MPK series works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and VJs.

Power Supply: USB Cable (Included) or Akai MP6 Power Supply (Not Included - only required if using Akai MPK-61 without a computer).
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Specifications
- Number of Keys: 61 + 16 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:
- MPK61 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-61 without a computer).

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

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (27 ratings)
Submitted March 9, 2012 by Phil N in Uniontown, PA

"Absolutely Remarkable"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I was torn between the Roland A-800 and M-Audio Axiom Pro when I decided to purchase this board instead. Hopefully this review will explain why I chose this board.

Sound
The semi-weighted keys are a significant plus. They allow for the most expression with strings/pianos but still have great flow for guitar/synth leads. The pads are also velocity sensitive, but I feel (as most others do) that they are very stiff. I only use them on the "Full Level" setting for drums and samples though. The stiffness in this regard means nothing to me, but may effect some others opinions of the board.

Features
First off, this board will sync with any DAW. I'm set on Ableton, and this board is absolutely flawless with all settings. It took me a little while to figure out how to remap the keys on the board to my specific needs, but even the presets I still find myself using. Endless knobs make not only producing, but dj-ing, a sinch. As mentioned above- the semi-weighed, velocity sensitive keys and velocity sensitive pads are fantastic. Being able to remotely bind all of my pads, knobs, and buttons to whatever I choose is probably the best feature. There are 3 banks for the 8 knobs, 8 sliders, and 8 buttons, and 4 banks for the 16 pads. This makes a total of 136 potentially bindable keys.

Ease of Use
The main selling point for this board was when I decided to take my research to the internet. While read more I was looking for tutorials on the three boards mentioned above, there was a lot of empty space and unanswered questions when it came to the Axiom and A-800. There were very few youtube videos, very few reviews, and I felt like I was taking a stab in the dark buying either of those boards. The MPK- however had tons of YouTube videos, tons of forum Q&A's (both on Ableton websites and Akai websites) and in one situation I even emailed Akai and had a real response in 2 days. (By real, I mean that my question was answered fully, by a real person, and not an automation). Anything I've needed to know about the board- including tutorials and how-to's, I've been able to find with ease.

Quality
The board itself feels very-very sturdy. Heavier and bigger than I thought it would be. I wouldn't say it's the kind of board you travel with though unless you have a really good case, The keys and knobs feel like I'll get a lifetime of use out of them, and even if I don't, I've already found videos on how to replace them. I did, however, remove a half of a star for the stiffness of the pads. They just feel too shallow and uncomfortable on anything other than "Full Level".

Value
If this board lasts anywhere near as long as I thing it will, then no doubt about it. I felt like I had my money's worth after the first night of toying around.

Manufacturer Support
As mentioned earlier, I hadn't even purchased the board yet, and had a very simple question for the support staff. I received a real response in 2 days. Perfect, in my opinion.

The Wow Factor
Buy this board, or any of the MPK series. It is absolutely the king of boards in this price range.

Musical Background:
Piano/voice at age 5. Self taught guitar. Several bands and studio appearances.

Musical Style:
Any and all. Music is my life.
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