Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

I've been a long time MPC user, mainly the 3000. Of course I wasn't expecting the build quality of the classic Roger Linn model or of a weighted 88 keys, but I was actually pleasantly surprised, nice key action, decent pad action (in most modes), light but still feels solid, easy to navigate, especially for an MPC user, easy to setup with both Reason and Ableton, a bit more of a burden with Logic.

My only real gripe is what the heck goes haywire with the pads when set to Note Repeat? It's borderline unacceptable especially for dance and hip hop music. Luckily all problems disappear when Note Repeat is off. Also, the knobs do not have stop points, which I find odd if not annoying. Other the the two aforementioned issues I am extremely pleased with my purchase and can honestly say this piece of gear has helped me make the transition to software...at last.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

This compact keyboard is a great addition to my son's computer fun. He asked for piano lessons again, and that's a great thing! He is having a lot of fun with this professional, easy to use, dynamic piece of equipment, and is looking forward to learning more about its complexities.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

Got this for home studio recording after considering many other controller keyboards. Just a great working, well-built, feature-loaded, USB Midi keyboard. Works flawlessly with both Ableton and Sonar Guitar Tracks Pro 4.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

I've been using the MPK25 to learn piano and it's been as smooth as ever. I originally worried about the quality of the keys, pads and knobs but to my surprise they are very responsive, much like a real piano. I'm currently using my MPK25 to compose soundtracks for my short films, and for other sound design effects on Ableton (it's really fun to interface with on ableton). One thing that caught me by surprise was how stable it is when i'm in the groove hitting the drum pads harder than I should be, haha. If you're on a low budget and are looking for a keyboard, go for it, I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun!

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

Works like a charm, and maps to Ableton Live perfectly.

Largest downside is the drum pads aren't as sensitive as I would prefer, but there is a $13 mod that can be installed to make them more sensitive if you need it

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

Thanx B&H!! I recently purchaced the AKAI MPK25 to use as a controller for FL Studio 9. Mapping was a little tricky but it Works Great! Athough the pads were not as sensitve as I liked so I also purchced MPC500/MPK25-49 Thick Pad upgrade from ([@]) [$] Well Spent! Pads are just how I like now. Now i think im ready for my next purchace (AKAI ACP40 - Ableton controller) so i can really have full control and start using Ableton software a little sptbgproductions[@] http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1206134 www.reverbnation.com/sptbgproductions

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

The only reason why it doesn't get 5 stars is it didnt come iwth a power cable. However it was a simple 6v power cable which could be easily picked up at [@]

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

Awesome!!!

Best purchase ever, this thing is the best audio hardware that I have ever seen. It can do everything musically you can ever imagine. I think better than a Saturn V rocket!!!!

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

This keyboard is a very useful tool to have if you are a mobile producer or have a home production studio. Works perfectly right out of the box. I use it with Apple Logic so i had to program some of the triggers, but other than that, it has been totally awesome.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

This product is a pretty good value. Construction is pretty solid although the chasis is plastic that seems like it could break if dropped.

Use is not so great though. I'm not quite sure why, but the MPK25 is not as compatible as the MPK49. The knobs are not as easily mapped (I still haven't been able to figure it out and Akai tech support is baaaad). Hopefully this issue will be resolved so future customers will TRULY be able to plug and play.

Overall, I would still recommend this product if you're tight on money and space.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

Very solid construction and compact size, this keyboard takes up about the same space as a large laptop, but it's heavy enough to not move when playing it. With a good ASIO driver, the latency through the USB is almost non-existent. It works well with the Ableton Live that comes with it, but I prefer to use Cakewalk Sonar. Very intuitive but the manual is easy to lookup features as needed.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

I bought this gift for my brother who is going to be majoring in music and he loves it. He started using it righ away and hasn't stopped since.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

I use this for documentary films, doing music scores, sfx, drones, etc. It comes in handy when I don't want to spend music on licensing. I use Logic Pro 8 and so unfortunately it doesn't come with a mapped preset but it's still pretty easy to map all of your midi controls, keys, pads, knobs, etc to Logic. There is a slight learning curve so make sure to read the manual and visit message boards for questions you have. I looked at this Akai for a while, comparing it to other synths. It's a great price and is absolutely comparable to the Akai MPK49. In my opinion, it's better than the MPK49 because it's half the size. Nicely portable from home to my production studio in the city. Also, you can live your dream of being Ferris Bueller and do musical coughing keys! Buy it. Word to ya mutha.

Comments about Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:

The MPK25 is a great MIDI Controller. If you are an MPC user & looking to use a computer DAW, then this is the controller for you. It has Note Repeat just like the MPC. 25 full size keys & 12 great MPC type pads. Just plug it in & make music. Easy enough to make personal settings to be used with each MIDI Instrument in your DAW. My only issue with the MPK25 is the size. For me it is a little too big for traveling. If it was a bit smaller I would give it a perfedt 10. I give it a 9.25!!!!!!!!!!