Akai MPK25 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard
The MPK25 from Akai is a 25-key, USB based performance controller, that also features 12 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 4 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.
- 25-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys
- 12 full-sized, 360° rotation pots, with 2 banks
- 12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
- A total of 30 switches, including transport controls
- MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in the creative process
- Dedicated transport controls for tracking and editing
- Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
| Keyboard | 25 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) 12 x Rotary Controls (infinitely variable) 1 x Value Knob 30 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 |
| Power Requirements |
USB powered 6VDC, 1A via optional power adapter |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 18.8 x 14.1 x 3.5" (477 x 359 x 88mm) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4kg) |
| System Compatibility |
Mac OS X Windows XP/Vista Standalone mode |
| Specialties | Internal arpeggiator |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (6)
- Portable (5)
- Responsive / good action (5)
- Touch sensitive keys (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic music (3)
- MIDI (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 7 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Awesome
- Easy to Use
- INCREDIBLE
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- THE BEST
- Touch Sensitive Keys
- WONDERFUL
Cons
- REQUIRES SOME INTELLECT
Best Uses
- CREATION
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
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!!!!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
Best Uses
- Adding Synth tracks
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
- Recording
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.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- No wall charger
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
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.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Plastic Feel
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
- Professional Recording
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.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Too Big for travell
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
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!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying reviews 1-7
Batteries & Power
- Price: $19.00
Stands & Support
- Price: $24.99
Benches
- Price: $24.99
Pedals
- Price: $9.99
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition
- One (1) Year Warranty
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