Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard
The MPK49 from Akai is a 49-key, USB based performance controller, that also features twelve genuine MPC drum pads. The semi-weighted keyboard is velocity and pressure sensitive, as are the drum pads. Forty-eight pads are accessible in total via four pad-banks which feature the MPC Note Repeat function and Swing parameters.
The controller has its own arpeggiator, perfect for quickly creating creative riffs. The pads also maintain the MPC "Full Level" and "12 Levels" functions, and MPC Swing can be applied to both Note Repeat and Arpeggio functions. Tap Tempo and time-division buttons allow for real-time control of Note Repeat and Arpeggio clock speeds.
The controller can be powered via the USB bus. MIDI I/O is also available and the unit can function in standalone mode when powered by an optional power supply. In all, the Akai MPK49 delivers seventy-six assignable controls, with assignable inputs that include an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend and modulation wheel.
- 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys
- 8 full-sized, 360° rotation pots, each with three banks for twenty-four pots total
- 12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
- 8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total
- MPC note repeat and arpeggiator
- 8 assignable backlit switches with three controller banks each for twenty-four switches total
- MMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttons
- Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
| Keyboard | 49 semi-weighted keys, velocity and channel pressure sensitive |
| Presets | 30 |
| User Memory | Shared with Presets |
| Controllers |
1 x Pitch Bend Wheel 1 x Modulation Wheel 12 x Drum Pads (velocity and pressure sensitive) 8 x Sliders 8 x Rotary Controls (infinitely variable) 8 x Switches |
| Output |
USB 1 x MIDI |
| Inputs |
USB 1 x MIDI 1 x 1/4" TS Sustain Pedal (pedal not included) 1 x 1/4" TRS Expression Pedal (pedal not included) |
| Display | LCD |
| Dimensions | 29 x 12 x 4" (730 x 300 x 100mm) |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| System Compatibility |
Mac OS X Windows XP/Vista Standalone mode |
| Specialties | Internal arpeggiator |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (8)
- Responsive / good action (8)
- Touch sensitive keys (7)
- Portable (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic music (7)
- MIDI (7)
- Concerts (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Novice (4), Experienced (3), Professional musician (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
love the keyboard. doesn't sync with every product out the box but definitely gets the job done. great keyboard.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Software is strange to us
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I use the product to create and record my own compositions. I use it with logic pro 9 and the results are incredible. My brother had the same model, and I liked it so much that I bought my own. The pads are accurate and the keys are semi-weighted and really catch dynamics well. Overall a great product from akai!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Pad Sensitivity
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
Personally I would give it 4.5 stars because the pads are not to my personal standard. You have to really give these pads force to get a velocity sensitive response. There are a few solutions out on the web that requires modding and installing tape/filling between the sensors to improve sensitivity.
I love the feeling of this keyboard. The keys have perfect weight to them and give that noticeable "flick" feedback when you press and release the keys quickly. The faders and knobs are not cheap and flimsy. The keyboard itself has some decent weight to it.
I use this product to produce midi music. It's used with windows 7 x64 pro and ableton suite 8. It's a heck of an upgrade from the 2 octave alesis photon x25.
The akai brand is not disappointing.
I am only selecting poor action for cons – in reference to just the pads.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
Best Uses
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
i am a beginner and this board is perfect. it has the pads on it which are from the MPC500 i believe which are kind of thin but they get the job done once broken in some. this is a beast with reason which i recently bought and i would suggest those looking to get into music look into this board the keys feel pretty good to me but i have never really played a piano or anything but the keybed was a lot better than the keyboards best buy had on display. go on get this you wont be disappointed just make sure it works with your DAW or else you will be kind of upset and frustrated mapping out everything.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Sturdy Build
Cons
- Pads are Slightly Stiff
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Electronic Music
- Just About Anything
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
It's a good controller for the price. It has some nice features that other controllers don't have in this price range - like the arpeggiator and note repeat for the pads. I really like the feel of the semi-weighted keys. They feel great to me.The build quality is nice and sturdy. I don't think you can wrong with this controller. The one gripe I have, like others, is that the pads could be more sensitive. You have to hit them fairly hard. It's tricky to do fast rolls and whatnot with them. Though, don't worry too much about the pads, there are ways to modify them [...].Overall, I think the MPK49 is a nice controller and a good value.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Low pad sensitivity
Best Uses
- DJing
- Electronic Music
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I mainly use this for producing and DJing, but it has been nothing but great for me.
The sliders and knobs are great and feel surprising durable for a midi controller. The whole piece is built solid.
The only issue I have had is with the MPC pad sensitivity. The sensitivity need to be pretty much turned up all the way up for them to work decently.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- No Speakers
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I've just started producing music and I must say that this product is perfect for beginners and experienced producers. The quality is great; nothing less than what you would expect from a trusted brand. The weighted keys feel great. The MIDI pads take a little more force but I think they should work just fine after breaking them in. The ergonomic feel is great. Plenty of things you can do with the knobs and sliders when using your DAW.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- Limited DAW Presets
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Hip-HopRBPop
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I was looking to streamline my home studio, I had a(n) Evolution 61-Key controller & Akai MPD-16. As soon as I seen this my mind was made up. I use a DAW (FL Studio) so this is too, too good. Anyone dealing in Hip-Hop knows the name Akai(MPC) and their build quality, the MPK49 is SOLID. The "only" disappointment is that it doesn't come with a FL Studio preset, i'm like WOW! b/c it's been around almost as long as Reason and is just as popular, but besides that I absolutely LOVE this thing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
Using with Reason 4 (make sure you upgrade to Reason 4.01 to recognize this before attaching)
Had it for a couple of days now.
Went completely off of previous reviews and just bought it as i needed a control surface. Knobs and faders have a slight intended resistance so the adjustments are deliberate. The menu is a bit deep but the full manual is on the CD so you'll need to dig into that.
The keys ... nothing close to a piano in weight or action so i am going to eventually pick up a Numa Nano real soon here from somewhere. The keys are stiff and have a lot of resistance. It is a solid complete depress so you know you are playing something. This is not a finesse keyboard though i think i know why. I still NEED this type of keybed for percussion (perfect!!!) and trance / techno as playing and key entry can get wild.
Lastly, going back to mac. Even after installing AISO4ALL on my vista 64, there is still a slight latency problem. I was wondering if the data from my previous controller was at fault, but same results.
If the keys were a little easier to play, i would have given it a 5 star .. but meh.
Pros
- Fun To Play
- Touch Sensitive Keys
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Chamber Music
- Concerts
- School Bands
Comments about Akai MPK49 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
As a first timer midi guy, this wasn't as easy to setup as others claim but I had it going in a few days anyway, mapping the controls etc.
Once up and running this thing is SWEET! The keys feel great with just enough push back. The MPC pads is a whole other instrument. It will take time for me to learn to use its subtle control and sensitivity. There's a lot of potential there.
I didn't like the loud clicks of the START and track selection buttons etc but I suppose you'll know you sent the signal when you here it. It's the only thing that gives it almost a cheap feel.
The other control faders and dials are smooth as ice though. Feels and looks professional. Inspiring, fun and simply nice.
Displaying reviews 1-10
Batteries & Power
- Price: $19.00
Stands & Support
- Price: $24.99
Benches
- Price: $24.99
Cases & Protection
- Price: $22.99
Pedals
- Price: $9.99
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition
- One (1) Year Warranty
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