Akai Professional: MPCs, MIDI Controllers, Drum Machines and More

When we hear "Akai," we think of the MPC -- the classic groovebox that combines a drum machine, sequencer, and sampler with a grid of 16 rubber pads, built to take the abuse of aggressive finger-drummers. The Akai MPC -- which once stood for MIDI Production Center, and now means Music Production Controller -- has seen a few updates since it first appeared in 1988.

Like the classic MPCs, the flagship Akai MPC X is a standalone music production workstation that doesn't require a computer. With a 10.1" color touchscreen, touch-sensitive knobs and pads, and 10 GB of world-class sounds pre-installed, this studio centerpiece can also integrate with your Mac or PC via USB.

Akai's second-gen MPC Live II has the same multi-core processor as the MPC X under the hood -- in a gig-friendly, battery-powerable package. Built-in monitor speakers and a 7" touchscreen make it a go-anywhere standalone MPC.

Akai's MPC One goes one step further, packing the legendary MPC workflow and hard-hitting sound into a compact footprint with a 7" color touchscreen.

Akai MPK controller keyboards have long been favorites of studio producers -- they combine great-feeling keybeds with MPC performance pads, even on small, affordable models like the MPK mini. The MPK Road 88 brings the classic touring piano into the modern world, in the form of a road-ready controller.

The original Akai APC40 was a big hit with Ableton producers, delivering hands-on control of all Ableton Live's functions -- clip launching, recording and mixing -- in one beast of a controller for a great price. The APC40 mkII upped the ante with an RGB clip-launching grid, giving you better visual feedback so you can perform without looking at your computer screen.

Then there's the APC Mini and Akai MIDImix knob controller -- all amazing values on dedicated hardware controllers.

Now, Akai takes the FL Studio world by storm and introduces the first controller made just for this DAW. The Akai Fire is a 4x16 backlit RGB matrix controller with an OLED display that'll have you creating, making, and tweaking whole songs in FL Studio, in seconds.

Want to play drums in your DAW? Akai Professional is at the top of their game when it comes to crafting great-feeling MIDI pad controllers. Using the same pressure-sensitive, velocity-sensitive performance pads found on MPC grooveboxes, Akai's small-footprint MPD MIDI controllers give you that MPC feel when triggering drums and samples in your software. Just plug one of these Akai pad controllers into your laptop -- after the session or gig, it'll fit in your laptop bag.

The larger MPD226 offers both MIDI-over-USB and 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O with 1/8" to 5-pin breakout cables.. If you're using USB MIDI, your controller will be USB-powered. If you prefer to use the 5-pin MIDI I/O, pick up the optional Akai MP6 power supply to power your MPD226.

The Akai Force is a standalone music production and performance platform with an 8x8 pad grid and multi-touch 7" screen. Use the Force to record, remix, and time-stretch samples with a clip-centric workflow -- no computer required!

You can use the Force as a standalone instrument, or connect it to a computer over Wi-Fi or Ethernet for instant tactile control over Ableton Live software. The Force comes pre-mapped to Live for unparalleled integration -- and you can seamlessly switch between standalone operation and Live Control mode, with instant tactile control over Ableton Live software.