Akai MPK88 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard

Comments about Akai MPK88 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

This is an excellent keyboard. It was in good shape when delivered, and I found the online support outstanding for it (got it working with SONAR X2 in no time).

The weight of the keys is satisfying, and the controls and build quality are what I'd expect from a piece of gear labelled "pro."

There are plenty of reviews and notes about people who want to customize is to reduce some of the minor vibration noises from buttons and the keys. These are minor issues. If they really bother you, they are easy to address.

This is the keyboard I've been waiting for. All the controls I need (production/sound design is already much easier with this solid hardware that works as advertised).

B&H did a fantastic job shipping too (THX B&H)

Comments about Akai MPK88 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

Most controllers are actually junk! That's a quote not only from me but my keyboard tech. This Akai is the first controller I've owned that I actually enjoy playing. I checked with a my repair guy and he said I shouldn't have trouble with this model. I use it in the studio so the extreme weight doesn't matter. The inclusion of Abelton Live Lite is a great addition. If you're buying an external power supply from @, BE SURE TO GET THE PIN POSITIVE. This is not explained in the manual, but AKAI phone tech support answered this question, and there is an icon on the controller. The action is a little noisy, but if you're not recording yourself singing while playing it doesn't matter.

Comments about Akai MPK88 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

use the Akai MPK88 to develop ideas for songs, as well as to perform live. The MPK88 has some of the best features out of all the MIDI controllers I've seen. It has 88 keys for a huge range of sounds, and these weighted keys have a very good feel - not like some of the other controllers out there which feel like toys. The MPK88 has more than enough pads, knobs, and sliders which can be set to perform just about any function you want. The MPK88 also comes with Ableton Live Lite (Akai Edition), which allows you to set up the MIDI controller very easily and get to playing. The only con is that the MPK88 is very large and heavy, so it's not very portable

Comments about Akai MPK88 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

One of the keys clicks but other than that very happy with the keyboard, with the full 88 keys its easier to feel creative without feeling cramped

Comments about Akai MPK88 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

This has everything you need as the previous review mentioned. I am using this with sonar x1 and tried everything I could that was an 88 key MIDI controller and not a workstation. I wanted knobs sliders and buttons as well as light weight so I could mount it under my workstation on sliders. Well couldn't get all that I wanted. This thing is really heavy. I'm guessing because of the hammer action keys that I like alot. Just had to get heavier sliders to take care of that.

On a side note, it also has velocity sensitive pads that I think could have been left out. They seem to work the same as keys and the sensitivity is hard to work with even after playing with the settings. Maybe I'll find a use for them later.

Working with sonar x1 requires about 20 minutes in the settings to get the knobs/sliders/buttons working right.

Also, since this is powered through the USB cable, you may find that it stays powered on even when the computer is powered down. If that bothers anyone you'll have to pull the USB when your done or connect a switch.

Comments about Akai MPK88 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

This controller has it all! Whether you want to use it as a keyboard or drum machine this can do it all. I really love that it incorporates everything you could really want in a controller. You have note repeat (with different speeds 1/8th notes, 16 notes etc.) velocity levels for each pad, you can split the keyboard, have multiple banks for pads, faders and rotary knobs. And you have 88 keys so you don't feel cramped when you're playing out different ideas.

I use to have a Motif XS but sold it because I wanted to really use my keyboard with my system. I didn't just want sounds coming from my keyboard. I wanted sounds and integration. So, if you want a controller that's gonna do everything you can imagine and really enhance your workflow this is the one to get.