Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard
The MPK61 from Akai is a 61-key, USB based performance controller, that also features 16 genuine MPC drum pads. The semi-weighted keyboard is velocity and pressure sensitive, as are the drum pads. Sixty-four 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. In all, the Akai MPK61 delivers 72 assignable controls, with assignable inputs that include an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend and modulation wheel.
- 61-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys
- 8 full-sized, 360° rotation pots, each with 3 banks for 24 pots total
- 16 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
- 8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total
- 8 assignable backlit switches with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total
- Key Split enables 2 different sounds from the same keyboard
- MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process
- Transport controls for use with sequencers and DAWs
- MPC Full Level, MPC 16-Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with tempo and dynamics
- MIDI output over USB, bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USB cable
- Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
- Works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software
| Keyboard | 61 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 16 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 | Backlit LCD |
| Power Requirements |
Powered via USB Optional 6VDC external adapter |
| Dimensions | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Weight | Not specified by manufacturer |
| System Compatibility |
Mac OS X Windows XP/Vista Standalone mode |
| Specialties | Internal arpeggiator |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 14 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Versatile (7)
- Easy to navigate (5)
- Easy to use (5)
- Easy to customize (4)
- Responsive / good action (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- MIDI (4)
- Electronic music (3)
- Learning (3)
- Multimedia (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (3)
- Primary use:
- Personal (7)
- Computer Platform:
- Mac (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 14 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-14
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
This is one of the greteast buys i have ever bought. Great product for a producer. I use it with Live and i am still learning the things it does. Drum pads are a big plus especially when you are a rap/hip-hop producer, with all 16 pads like the original MPC.
IF you are even thinking about buying this item.
Dont hesitate buy it. ITS FULLY WORTH IT
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I bought this Keyboard to use with Reason and It works better than I expected. I just plugged it into my Mac selected the MPK 49 in the Reason Akai instrument list and everything worked great. The faders and knobs are already functional for many of the reason instruments (MPK49 instrument selection). I do agree with other reviews that the Pads could be more sensitive; however, I didn't buy it for the Pads. B&H has the best price that I could find and their service is #1. I would recommend the MPK61, especially for Use with Reason.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I caught this thing last week @ [$] with free shipping!!! I bought a lot of stuff from you guys before but that deal was too good to be true. Glad I purchased right away!!! You goto B&H!!!
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I am new to the world of MIDI and took some time in deciding which keyboard to go with. I'm glad to say that I think I made the right choice. This keyboard has many quality functions that are easy to learn. The included Ableron lite software is also very easy to understand and powerful! As always, the best price by far was found here at B&H!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
- Freezes or Crashes
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
Nicely responsive keyboard. This is well put together .. good build quality. Buttons knobs and faders all seem to be solid and smooth. This is a nice controller for my small studio. The pads were a plus and a selling point for me.
I've seen other reviews where people didn't like the pads, but I felt like after making some adjustments in the software, they are fine.
The sequencer does lock up once in a while, but all you have to do is switch presets and it clears. It might be an issue if you use the sequencer for live performance. I was there was a nifty preset for Logic!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
- Works With Other Software
Cons
- The Packaged Software
Best Uses
- Beats
- Multimedia
- Studio
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
works with fruity loops right away, also works with ableton live. although i don't really like the software it comes with. but its still works with other software. i have this, along with the Maschine. and these two paired together through Maschine's Software. you can do some pretty awesome stuff. definitely get this product. but id say pair it with something else like Maschine and you will be set for making beats. The Program has some problems with the Hardware. which is why i don't like Ableton.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Great with ableton live
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Educational Purposes
- Great for first time user
- Multimedia
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
This controller has everything you need in a controller. The keys are semi weighted which gives the controller a realistic feel to a grand piano. It is very sturdy and the size is perfect for a 61 key. I was a bit scared it was going to be lengthy, but the size is equivalent to a 49 key axiom controller, which I previously owned before. The 16 pads are great,but literally feels like a akai mpc 1000. You can slice samples perfectly and trigger them with each individual pads. I sold both my m audio axiom and my akai mpd32 for this controller and I don't think I will be looking for any other controller for a long time. Best decision I have ever made!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy to Customize
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor pad reaction
Best Uses
- Performance
- Writing music
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
The headline says it all... I've just got into the art of songwriting and I could not decide what to buy between Akai Pro 61 and Axiom Pro 61. But seeing how Akai product has 16 pads compared to Axiom Pro's 8 pads, I've decided to go with Akai. It came in just 2 days and I fell in love with it the moment I opened the box. I use this product with Logic but the Logic preset is not included in the keyboard. So it is a bit tedious to set your own presets with this keyboard but still, it's a great keyboard. The only con I have about this keyboard is the pads. The pads are not very sensitive even when the full level button is on. You have to literally pound the pads to get them to work. But that doesn't stop this keyboard from being great. Overall, a great product that I would definitely recommend to others.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Multimedia
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I use the product for audio production and live performance. I plugged it in and it instantly works with all of my software. response is great with no detectable lag time. MPC pads could be more sensitive but I can get use to it. There is a kit you can buy to help with pad sensitivity but I'm not that desperate. Overall good buy. If you are looking for a media controller keyboard this is the one.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Beat making
- In the studio
- Learning
- Practice
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
I use the MPK61 with FL Studio and right out the box it was working in 20 seconds. I had the pads linked up to the FPC in about 2 minutes. The learning curve on this thing is tremendous. You can literally learn almost everything about this in a couple of weeks. Coming from someone who mainly purchased Korg products, I still have all of my old manuals sitting next to me. Sometimes I still have to refer back to old manuals even after numerous reads, but never the MPK61. The pads aren't as bad as some people say, and the weight of the keys might take a couple of days getting used to. I was instantly playing songs only using the pads and using different banks. Setting up something like this on my padKontrol in FL Studio was always a struggle. (and I still love Korg)Very simple, no confusion. Has presets for most DAW's and I have used it with Reason 5 and Ableton 8.btw-for [$] from B&H you can't beat this[...]
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
It is amazing how well this works with Reason all the way down to the automated faders. It will also do this with Logic with a little tweaking making the keyboard a remote controller for the faders. So worth the money for all of the ways this can be used.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
- MPC Pads can be improved
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
Well... Overall, great product. I mainly use it for Electronics Music Production, Trance, House and etc...
Easy to use, Ableton software allows for easy mapping, I have the lates full version. The semi-weighted keys are a big plus. Touch sensitivity is spot on. The keys DO NOT produce a "thud" sound when hit, which is characteristic to full-weighted keys.
MPC pads are ok, probably the only CON of this product.
MPK can gives you full DAW capabilities. Once you take your time and learn its full capabilities.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor Action
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
Does everything and anything as a coming up producer needs, If you cant decide to go with the 88 your best bet is to stick with the 61, has all the essentials you need. MUST BUY!.!,!/!
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Responsive / Good Action
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MPK61 - USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard:
This is easily the best 61-key keyboard on the market. Keys are solid and the pads work well. As with all MIDI controllers, you may need to adjust some things to your taste, but Akai makes it very easy.
Displaying reviews 1-14
Batteries & Power
- Price: $19.00
Stands & Support
- Price: $24.99
Benches
- Price: $24.99
Cases & Protection
- Price: $57.00
Pedals
- Price: $9.99
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition
- One (1) Year Warranty
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