Feature:
While apreggiators are not everyone's cup 'o tea, the MPK 49 has a pretty nice setup. For someone used to actually using a keyboard arpeggiator this one is pretty nice indeed, a real bonus for me. I do have some in my software and some in my hardware like my Waldorf Q rack, but as many know, nested loops are really quite awesome. use this function for jamming or for recording. Make some decent loops of your own to sample! While the unit has no power switch, to me thats fine, when I boot up the computer it is ready to go! Thats a plus and seeing the keys ready to go makes me reconsider doing another 4 hour stint on World of Warcraft...like a gentle reminder, "Hey remember-you write music!". The LED screen is large enough to read easily.The lighted pitch and mod wheels are nice to see also. The recording interface is like having an actual recorder making software recording seem even more like the 'good old days' of reel to reel or whatever. I used Otari 8 tracks and also 4 track cassette recorders, this controller moves the computer into a realistic mode for me. Less mouse work is good!

Quality:
The sturdy frame of the MPK 49 is way retro reminding me of my early Akai purchases, X7000 sampler and s-612 rack. Wow, this is as nice as I expected. The knobs feel very, VERY good, the sliders are better than some I have had and more than I expected in this price range. The buttons are a professional grade. That brings me to the pads and something I that I have read a few opinions on. It is normal for people to expect a LOT for their money but expecting a 2-3 thousand dollar set of pads on this is a bit unrealistic. If you REALLY want the top dog Akai pads you will pay for them. These are solid, maybe a bit hard to push but they do the job for me. The keys feel as good as virtually every synth i every used in my life and better than most. yes, I used a T-1 before, again, for 400$ this is not a T 1 keyboard! I have to give this machine a solid 10 with NO reservations.

Value:
If I need to trigger loops with a CC or a sequence, I simple tell the MPK 49 what I need. The sliders are great for bringing a running track into a live mix, or for doing an audio mix. I did consider the Novation controller (Thanks Tweek for the reviews on selecting a controller keyboard!) but I do things my own way a LOT and the reports of wobbly and unstable joysticks and way unresponsive pads on the Novation put me off a bit. If I get a chance I will own Novation as well as this Akai. I love their older synths. This is a deal at 400$ or more.

Desirability:
Ahh the red and black...the warm glow of the pitch bender and modulation wheels, so smooth to my touch so attractive. I must touch this machine and my music will touch someone, somewhere. It says Professional right on it.Mmmm!

Sound:
For a CONTROLLER it makes awesome sound...really, I can hear the midi signal as it races down the wire! Of course this unit makes no sound on it's own, if you expected it too, you might need remedial MIDI classes.

Ease of Use:
Ahhh, the interface is the very heart and soul of a controller and I condider the keys, knobs, buttons, sliders and pads to be the featured event. The large LED makes it easy to see what I am going for and the apparent reliability of the hardware eases my fear of a second rate bargain. This has several presets and I already have most of the sofware loaded up. If you are a beginner in MIDI you may have to work to get the exact setup you want. I see this controller as being just what I need for really flexible music making and sound design. There are more choices and you don't have to use them if you like it simple, what could be easier.

Support:
I have owned several Akai products over the years and never ever needed their support. When the UPS front loader ran over my x7000 it only broke a few keys, heh they paid full price and i got another Akai. Insurance is good. Hopefully I will not use support.The Akai website is well made and offers videos of the MPK 49, I also got a quick answer to a quest prior to making the purchase here at zZounds.

Overall:
I have had a bad case of gear lust for years, my FIZMO still has the original box, my Micro modular too. Wait- all my gear has the original packaging some after 10 years +. Think about that. This buy was researched for days and I put a lot of consideration into all the choices in controllers available, the price was right and the specifications. Cubase LE is a nice addition to my software also. It works just as it is, no need to upgrade if you are happy with it. I used Cubase when it was first out. And performer... I bought this realising that two octaves of keys were not enough for me, 88 keys too big. I am used to 60 key controller but space is at a premium until I get a larger recording area.(A recent move to the far North!) 49 keys fit right in front of my monitor and my computer keyboard is in front of the MPK. Compromise is not a very popular idea with some people, I first started programming semi modular equipment back when patch cords were used. I miss my old gear sometimes and if I placed some of the newer stuff side by side I would find both good and bad about then all. Digital Music that is recorded at a high digital resolution is DIFFERENT from music recorded on analog gear from analog sources then mastered on tape and pressed to vinyl...better or worse? That a matter of taste. We live in a digital age and even high quality computer music is reduced to a grinding 128k sample rate or even lower for many consumers/listeners. I am making the most of what I have and what I can obtain, that is both technology and inspiration/ability. At some point we all decide what we need and not always what a reviewer thinks. Keyboard magazine and E Musician hardly EVER saw a piece of gear is horrible. Yes, they do try and give all the takes on a piece of equipment but they depend on the advertiser. I am being objective here and gain nothing other than knowing I may help someone make a good choice. Now I have pads, sliders, buttons and endless rotary knobs as well as keys all in a piece of gear that fits on the desk in front of me. I consider my studio to be connected through the computer/mixing board to my main controller. All that comes between me and my musical creativity is this keyboard... I can place my rack gear and other synths on the sides when I am ready for that. Setting up a workable home studio is an art.