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AKAI Professional MPK225 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 25 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 8 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play
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Brand | Akai Professional |
Number of Keys | 25 |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Special Feature | Studio Recording, Velocity Sensitive Keys |
Model Name | MPK225 |
About this item
- Pro Keyboard Performance - 25 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel
- Beat Making Essentials - 8 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 32 pads - the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more
- Assignable Control - 12 assignable Q-Link controls including 8 control knobs and 4 backlit buttons engineered for hassle-free DAW / virtual Instrument mapping
- Your Studio Centerpiece - Take command of your peripheral MIDI equipment courtesy of an onboard USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI input & output
- Core MPC Tools - MPC mainstay controls included - MPC Note Repeat, arpeggiator, MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo and Time Division
- Comprehensive Production Software Package for Mac and PC included - Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech & Xpand!2 (downloads)
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series
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Product information
Item Weight | 6.09 pounds |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 11.77 x 19.25 x 3.62 inches |
ASIN | B00IJ77TRI |
Item model number | MPK225 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #39,364 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #158 in Computer Recording MIDI Controllers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 1, 2015 |
Color Name | MultiColored |
Connector Type | USB |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Supported Software | Ableton Live Lite |
Material Type | Plastic |
Musical Style | Electronic |
Number of Keyboard Keys | 25 |
Size | 25 Keys |
Power Source | USB power; no power adapter required |
Standing screen display size | 3.5 |
Warranty & Support
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AKAI Professional MPK225 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 25 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 8 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play
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Akai Professional - The All-New Akai Professional MPK261 Keyboard & Pad ControllerInMusic
Product Description
Complete Workstation Control – Introducing the MPK2 Series
Engineered to be an all-in-one controller solution, the Akai Professional MPK225 is a compact performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK225 comes fully loaded with a professional production software package plus a comprehensive, customizable interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs and more. MPK225 features 25 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, 8 assignable knobs, 4 backlit buttons and onboard transport buttons. Three banks expand the number of knobs and switches (up to 24 and 12, respectively), and four pad banks expand the number of pads (up to 32 total). Plus, MPK225 is USB-powered and optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with hassle-free plug-and-play connectivity.
Top Brand: Akai Professional
From the manufacturer


Premium, Natural Response
Compact and feature packed, the ultra-portable MPK225 comes equipped with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys and a premium Akai Professional piano-style keybed for unprecedented natural feel. A dynamic, expressive response and faithful capture of every subtle nuance of your performance is assured thanks to MPK225’s velocity-sensitive keybed with aftertouch. In addition, onboard Octave Up and Down controls allow players to access the entire melodic range – perfect for bass lines, piano harmony, solo leads and much more.

Genuine MPC Functionality
Unlock your creative potential and take your performance to the next level with MPK225’s arsenal of MPC controls. 8 conveniently located, velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads with RGB feedback provide the ideal platform for triggering one-shots, drum hits, loops, instrumental samples and more - expandable up to 32 pads via 4 banks. Add further dynamic flair and experience the ultimate platform for immediate creative inspiration courtesy of Classic MPC Note Repeat, Full Level and an on-board arpeggiator, with adjustable resolution, range and patterns, for unrestricted exploration of complex melodic ideas, effortlessly.

Total Control
Experience total control of your DAW, virtual effects and virtual instruments with MPK225’s collection of in-demand controls, meticulously engineered for the modern producer and live performer. Combining full transport controls and 12 assignable Q-Link controllers - including 8 control knobs and 4 backlit buttons (expandable to 24 and 12, via 3 banks respectively) - MPK seamlessly maps to any assignable parameter for surgical creative control. Plus, with MPK225’s onboard 5-pin MIDI input & output, harness the power of our outboard equipment from a controller designed from the ground up to be the ultimate compact creative centerpiece.

Express Yourself
MPK225 comes loaded with core functionality to capture your creativity and pave the way for immersive, expressive performances. Combining on-board pitch bend, modulation and octave controls MPK225 provides critical expressive control in a compact road-tested footprint – plus, with the inclusion of 1 assignable footswitch jack & 1 expression jack, embellish your performances with natural, piano-style sustain or expand your control-source arsenal for unparalleled creative exploration.

Premium, Natural Response

MPC Functionality

Total Control

Express Yourself
Ableton Live Lite
Ableton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live-the revolutionary, multi-award-winning music production solution that lets you spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments-as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences-together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use.
Hybrid 3 & Xpand!2
Hybrid 3.0 is the next generation in synthesis. This high-definition virtual synthesizer combines the coveted warmth of analogue synths with a full range of futuristic digital manipulation capabilities. Xpand!2 is a multi-timbral workstation offering four active sound slots, or parts, per patch. Each part is provided with its own MIDI channel, Note Range (Zone), Mix, Arpeggiation, Modulation, and Effects settings- an excellent method for creating individual parts.
Welcome to The World of VIP Music Software
Experience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with MPK225 and VIP3.1 (Free Download Included).
VIP3.1 provides you with unparalleled access to your virtual instrument and effect collection, seamlessly integrating the hardware / software experience and grants the unrestricted freedom to create in a user-friendly, intuitive format.

6-month Subscription to Reason+ Included!
Registered customers now get a 6-month subscription to Reason+ included.
Reason+ is a creative bundle for music making that includes the Reason DAW and Reason Rack Plugin which can be used in any DAW (VST3/AU/AAX). With over 80 devices covering everything from creative synths, samplers, drum machines and audio effects, this subscription comes with 39,000 presets, 24gb of samples and new content (plugins and sounds) is added consistently.
Register your product upon purchase to redeem this offer.

MPC Beats Software
Whatever you set out to achieve, MPC Beats will get you started. Incorporating the finest parts of the legendary MPC workflow, MPC Beats features all the essential tools for pro production.
Edit samples, mixdown your tracks, find any sound with the synth engines found on the legendary MPCs, record audio and much more.
MPC Beats will host your AU/VST plugins so as you expand your arsenal, know you’ll have complete compatibility with industry standard virtual studio technology.

Reason+ Included

MPC Beats Software

From the brand

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With 5 decades of experience, Akai Professional continues to empower music creators with the innovative technology needed to make inspiring music.
The Akai Professional MIDI Production Center (MPC) pattern-based devices revolutionized music creation around the world. Now alongside the next generation of standalone MPC, we lead the way with world-class hardware controllers, software DAWs, plugin instruments, and insert effects products.
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This Item ![]() AKAI Professional MPK225 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 25 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 8 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play | Recommendations | |||||
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Price | Currently unavailable. | -12% $51.92$51.92 List: $59.00 | $89.99$89.99 | $189.99$189.99 | $169.00$169.00 | $119.00$119.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, May 26 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 26 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, May 22 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 23 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 26 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sold By | — | Amazon.com | VTILOS | Kellards | Alto Music | Amazon.com |
number of keys | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 37 | 32 |
hardware interface | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb |
connectivity tech | USB | USB | USB, Bluetooth | USB, MIDI | USB | USB |
model year | — | 2022 | — | 2024 | 2022 | 2021 |
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this MIDI controller to be a great keyboard with solid build quality and mod wheel and pitch wheel that feel great. The keyboard is easy to set up and works well with any DAW, and customers consider it worth the price. While some customers appreciate the semi-weighted keys, others find them too heavy.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers praise the keyboard quality of this MIDI controller, highlighting its great pads and keybed.
"This keyboard does what I need and then some. The pads are really incredible. Responsive and really fun to play...." Read more
"...The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models...." Read more
"This keyboard is probably the best midi keyboard I ever owned with an easy plug & play function & the controller can sync with your favorite daw..." Read more
"...(they throw Hybrid 3 in with everything, great synth VST)...." Read more
Customers praise the build quality of the MIDI keyboard, noting its solid feel and perfect condition, with one customer specifically mentioning its nice resistance.
"...For the price, durability (I dropped my last mpk 50-60 times), design, easy compatibility with most DAWs..." Read more
"The MPK261 is awesome and seems to be a high quality Controller and Music Keyboard...." Read more
"...It is solid built, Faders, knobs and Pads are very very nice. they are sensitive but you can change that or just get use to it...." Read more
"...is built really solidly especially since it seems to be made of high strength plastic. The buttons, knobs and sliders are very nice to the touch...." Read more
Customers appreciate the keyboard's feel, noting that the keys are nice to play and the mod wheel and pitch wheel controls are great.
"...They keys make you want to play. Just a couple of issues: first, the box shows that it comes with Eighty Eight Ensemble. It does not...." Read more
"...The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models...." Read more
"Overall it's not a bad keyboard, but the keybed feel isn't as nice as I would have expected for the price, and I took two stars off for a *glaring*..." Read more
"...delay function, 8 mini pads on the top aren’t too stiff, the keys play as perfect as a midi controller could, don’t stick or lag and respond well in..." Read more
Customers find the MIDI controller worth its price, with one mentioning it's a great addition to their studio setup.
"...For the price, durability (I dropped my last mpk 50-60 times), design, easy compatibility with most DAWs..." Read more
"...3 star cause set up was so tough, but the product is nice." Read more
"...an incredible high quality feel to it, but the outfitting is 'cheap', poor, at best, meaning Akai should include the power adapter, install a head-..." Read more
"Fantastic keyboard, best on the market if you have the cash...." Read more
Customers find that the MIDI controller works well with various software and DAWs, and one customer specifically mentions its compatibility with Kontakt and Ivory.
"...They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well...." Read more
"...Set things, change things, play with things. Midi learn works with everything. Factory reset it and do it again. Youtube University is a thing...." Read more
"...Regardless amazing controller, great arpeggio function and note delay function, 8 mini pads on the top aren’t too stiff, the keys play as perfect as..." Read more
"...It works seamlessly with my MPC One and Akai software. Search for J. Gamble on any music streaming platform for my music, including Amazon music." Read more
Customers find the MIDI controller easy to use, particularly praising its simple setup and plug-and-play functionality. One customer mentions that the 4x4 pads are intuitive to use, while another notes that it interfaces well with their Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
"This keyboard is probably the best midi keyboard I ever owned with an easy plug & play function & the controller can sync with your favorite daw..." Read more
"...durability (I dropped my last mpk 50-60 times), design, easy compatibility with most DAWs..." Read more
"...(1999 ) it cost a lot more than my new Akia and it was a great beginners keyboard...." Read more
"...The semi weighted keys feel great, the programmable shortcuts are cool, and the velocity sensitive drum pads are tight." Read more
Customers find the keyboard controller to be of high quality, with one customer describing it as an "ultimate work machine."
"...Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes...." Read more
"...It's not the greatest, but it's good, functional, and does most of the job...." Read more
"...here and it's going to take a while for me to learn, but the hardware works great other than my little gripes...." Read more
"...Coupling this with some fantastic programs is a great way to elevate your sound -..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the keyboard's weight, with some appreciating its good level of weight and solid compact design, while others find it too heavy.
"...The keys have some weight to them which is nice, and stacked on org other devices will meet most of my needs." Read more
"..." feel, not that the Akai MPK261 feels bad, but the keys are certainly not nearly weighted. Not even "semi-weighted"...." Read more
"...The semi weighted keys and 8 programable faders and sliders were also a plus for me. The MPK249 gave me the feel of using an MPC but so much more...." Read more
"...The semi weighted keys feel great, the programmable shortcuts are cool, and the velocity sensitive drum pads are tight." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025Size: 49 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchasePerfecto para aprender perfecto para profesionales perfecto para hacer
- Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2022Size: 61 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseThis keyboard does what I need and then some. The pads are really incredible. Responsive and really fun to play. I put my portable pad controller on the shelf. This thing does it all - and it’s a standard in the industry so any DAW is going to pick it up right away. Akai’s support is horrible in my experience- so it’s a good thing it requires almost no support. The feel of the keys, the faders, knobs - you can’t ask for anything more.
It has really renewed my love for just sitting down and making music. They keys make you want to play.
Just a couple of issues: first, the box shows that it comes with Eighty Eight Ensemble. It does not. Apparently an expired agreement to include it. Most of the software it “includes” are obtained by registering the device and downloading. (Ableton Live Lite is included on a disc- everything else has to be downloaded) while this is not a huge issue, it does mean that the software it comes with is subject to change. If you really want Eighty Eight ensemble, be prepared to buy it.
Second, Akai’s website is not for the faint of heart. Try finding any downloads (editor, firmware update, anything) and you’ll likely end up frustrated. Just run it as is. It’s fine.
Finally, be aware the device IS USB powered so most people won’t need a power supply - but if you’re using it as a controller for a hardware device or you’re not hooking it up to your Mac or PC for whatever reason - you need to buy a power supply.
Definitely would buy again, but the way this thing is built I don’t think I’ll ever have to.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2018Size: 25 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseI’ll keep this short. By far my favorite USB / MIDI keyboard I’ve used. I had tried the cheaper 25 key Akai, but it was just too small and the synth key action I didn’t like.
By contrast, this thing is a full sized keyboard. For most electronic music production, you might try a riff or something on the keyboard, test out chords etc., but you’re unlikely to be playing Mozart. Point being, I’d rather a very useful 25 key to a less useful full size 88. 25 is also about as big as fits decently on a desk, especially with a mixer and more.
The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or something if I wanted just the pads. They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well.
Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes. You’ll almost always edit them in a DAW, but it’s a starting point for some cool stuff.
The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models.
Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too. No support for mixcraft which I use, but no surprise there.. anything common is covered though, and you can make your own presets as well. I do wish there was more variability in the presets - swappable banks like the pads would be nice, since for example if you’re using a VST like serum, there’s a lot of places you can map the knobs - plus if you mod one, changing the mod % is a different knob. Of course, there’s really not much room, and if I care that much there are MIDI controllers with more options, I even have a 49-key that at least has sliders and 12 knobs, but I still rarely use it, this is so much more preferable.
(And yes I keep note stickers on some keys.. never officially learned to play so those are helpful at times).
By far my favorite MIDI equipment, would buy again for sure. Also just confirms my love for Akai, I think more Akai products are in my future.
I’ll keep this short. By far my favorite USB / MIDI keyboard I’ve used. I had tried the cheaper 25 key Akai, but it was just too small and the synth key action I didn’t like.
By contrast, this thing is a full sized keyboard. For most electronic music production, you might try a riff or something on the keyboard, test out chords etc., but you’re unlikely to be playing Mozart. Point being, I’d rather a very useful 25 key to a less useful full size 88. 25 is also about as big as fits decently on a desk, especially with a mixer and more.
The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or something if I wanted just the pads. They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well.
Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes. You’ll almost always edit them in a DAW, but it’s a starting point for some cool stuff.
The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models.
Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too. No support for mixcraft which I use, but no surprise there.. anything common is covered though, and you can make your own presets as well. I do wish there was more variability in the presets - swappable banks like the pads would be nice, since for example if you’re using a VST like serum, there’s a lot of places you can map the knobs - plus if you mod one, changing the mod % is a different knob. Of course, there’s really not much room, and if I care that much there are MIDI controllers with more options, I even have a 49-key that at least has sliders and 12 knobs, but I still rarely use it, this is so much more preferable.
(And yes I keep note stickers on some keys.. never officially learned to play so those are helpful at times).
By far my favorite MIDI equipment, would buy again for sure. Also just confirms my love for Akai, I think more Akai products are in my future.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024Size: 49 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseThis keyboard is probably the best midi keyboard I ever owned with an easy plug & play function & the controller can sync with your favorite daw easily .
- Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2022Size: 61 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseThis is a beginners candyland. Knobs, buttons, pads, wheels, and keys. Works with pretty much anything. You may regret it, but that's waaaaaay later.
It's also an advanced user's dream. Everything is customizable. I believe the 5-pin midi can function independent of the usb midi, and will do sends when programmed specifically to do so for whatever of 30 pre-sets it's saved in. I don't have a use for that yet, but I'm tempted to go find one just to do it. 4x4 pads on 4 banks, that's 64 hits, and each can be specifically dual color coded for on/off changes. Firm but sensitive. 8 knob/slider/toggles in 3 banks, that's 24 wide. Transport control dead center. DAW control is arrow keys and the enter button in the middle. It's a little thing, but it comes in handy.
I'd say I sit low to middle between these two. I'm not a novice, but I've really jumped deep in the fire here to get stuff done. What I've discovered along the way is that you need to be ready to learn and be wrong about buying this from time to time. That's okay. Given the price, it's actually on point for what it does.
I'm using Ableton, Fl Studio 20, and I've started fooling around with MPC Beats. Know your DAW. Know what does what and how. Why is not important, we don't have time for that. Set things, change things, play with things. Midi learn works with everything. Factory reset it and do it again. Youtube University is a thing. Ave Mcree is a big Akai lover, so check his stuff out. Professoar is a fun kid to watch and really knows how to set things up. Two great places to start a rabbit hole. I've come at working with this thing with the mindset that if you can do it once, do it five times, and if you can do that, you can do it a hundred times.
MPC Beats is the freebie they "sell" you on when you register. It's... um... it's okay. It's not the greatest, but it's not bad at all, and you can do some respectable things with it. Additionally, there is a setup for the MPK2 series that lines up your knobs, pads and transport. You might have to dig into Youtube a bit for it, but it will line up when you find it.
Support is slim for what is not obvious. There's little gripes you will come across. My little gripe I can't seem to get around is finding a DAW or DAW setting that sends color changes to the pads. It's there, but I can't find it. Seems like it's a common gripe. You can change the colors in the preset settings, save them and they stay, but if you flip between several drum pad kits on your DAW, the colors won't follow.
You can power this with the USB cable, but I've noticed that if I don't plug directly into a PC USB port, I don't get full power or data (one or the other). Tried it with a few powered USB hubs, same result. I would suggest a solid, longer cord, or an extender cable. Again, mind the power draw.
There are people who know they want this controller, and there are people that know they want nothing to do with Akai at all. This review is not for either of those. This is for the people caught in the middle. It's not the greatest, but it's good, functional, and does most of the job. I would say the free VST software that comes with it makes the price and the little things balance out (they throw Hybrid 3 in with everything, great synth VST). Don't delay in getting your software codes and downloads, and save them all in zip/rar/7z files, just in case. iLok does the licensing, works fine. Read, research, experiment, reset, repeat. Once you know how you flow... go go go.
Top reviews from other countries
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Klas Makdesi-SalminenReviewed in Sweden on July 29, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Ett bra köp
Size: 61 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseProduktionen lever upp till mina förväntningar
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Beginner to ameture
Size: 25 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseMy first MIDI controller so probably not the best review but representitive of a beginners experience...
Easy to setup initially with your favourite DAW, plenty of info available online if you've never used a similar product. Plug and play with the ability to do more in depth configuration as you progress, with software and hardware.
Has enough keys to play a range of melodies (two full octaves with an extra C) can be played two handed however if you are decent at playing piano you may find it limiting. the pitch shifters (one sustained one returns to the middle when you let go) allow you to reach different pitches although, I don't think they shift full octaves alone however with the Octave up and down buttons this is possible.
The keys feel decent (even somewhat better than other semi-weighted keyboards ive used from reputable brands) and are relatively accurate as far as the velocity is concerned though it may take a while to get used to if you haven't used anything similar.
Ability to plug expression/sustain pedals directly into the back was a nice feature that i didn't even consider using when I first purchased.
The latency of input was at first a bit off but I soon realised that the response time can be changed with software which I believe lowers the initial quality of input and allows for the signal to be near instant (quality of rendered sound is not affected e.g. after exporting to .mp3/wav etc.) This isn't really a problem but is particularly useful for doing drum patterns in real time and not having to manually quantize as much if you can't get it perfectly on beat which is something that has a learning curve itself and took me a while to figure out.
The pads have a nice feel and aren't too soft/firm. I found it hard to judge velocity which could be a problem however I soon found the 'full level' button which detects all pad input as max velocity, allowing for consistency where necessary. I found this to be the way to go for me though it would be possible to learn the velocity levels I prefer to lay down the drum pattern then go back in the software and change It manually to perfect and reduce velocity for things such as open hats. 8 pads are enough for me with the ability to cycle through 4 banks being a nice extra.
I'm still learning with it and haven't used all of the buttons/features such as the knobs, latch and arpeggitator but as far as music production goes, this device has taken me from not being able to create a simple drum pattern to learning how to create complex meoldies using different scales and diverse drum patterns and being able to translate the melodies I can think of directly into digital format which is something I didn't think I would achieve.
For anyone who is looking for their first MIDI device this may be a bit overkill however as you progress and climb the learning curve i feel you may find that this has a few extra features that allow you to progress and learn more without being hindered by hardware as early as you might with other devices. If you are serious about learning to create music I would suggest this device and would even consider the models with extra keys (49 and 61 I believe) if you have the room.
Durability. I've only put out around 30 hours into using the device however I'm very impressed by the design and feel of it and nothing seems to have degraded/worn out/ no buttons sticking or friction in the keys etc. even with the most used pads/keys. It is slightly bulky and has a fair weight to it however this imo makes it feel more durable. LEDs look good and while they are quite bright they aren't obnoxious or off putting and do serve a function in showing you which bank is selected, which buttons are ON such as the 'Full level' making it possible to see what settings you have selected without having to mess about playing something to see if it sounds different.
All in all I would recommend the product however first consider if you will be dedicating some time to learning and perfecting your ability to use it as well as the software you use alongside it. If you aren't sure whether you will continue to use it or get bored with it I'd say get a lesser model such as the Mpk Mini.
3 people found this helpfulReport - Old mech engineerReviewed in Australia on August 1, 2024
3.0 out of 5 stars Basic midi functionality
Size: 61 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseAs far as modern controller midi functions go this is pretty basic. I’d say the bare minimum functionality, but what is there seems to work well. Pads feel pretty good to me - part of the reason I bought it. My gut feel is it may be superseded soon if manufacturer want to keep reputation. It cannot send custom sysex messages, the sysex it mentions in manual is only its preset configurations. I read on the internet it can receive sysex, but I’ve yet to find any Akai documentation on this. Physically it’s fairly well made but the is a shallow curve I’ve the keybed length. I can only think this is a shrinkage issue in upper injection moulded case vs lower steel bottom plate. It doesn’t affect playability for me. The key hinge is right at the visible key end so a short arc length. Those who are used to full length keys found on more upmarket keyboards probably won’t like the feel. All in all - for what I read as a fairly expensive midi controller in the market I find it pretty unimpressive. I was considering a Novation as an alternative but it gets worse quality reviews on internet, I’ve not used one so don’t know if it’s any better in functionality or quality.
- Mo BoKReviewed in France on May 7, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Trop bien 😍
Size: 25 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseCool
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hint.de.pint.recordzReviewed in Japan on June 5, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars まあまあだね
Size: 25 KeysStyle: Controller OnlyVerified PurchaseAkai製品は割と好きでUSBキーボード探した時に出会ったので衝動買いしました。
結論からいくとホストアプリケーションに幅広く対応していて、魅力的に見えました。
つまみでアプリケーション選択して、使っているLogic X 仕様にすぐなるしね。
まー欲を言えばなぜボタンのいくつかとつまみはなぜ反応しないのか、それだけ気になりますね。
でもMIDIキーボードやUSBキーボードとして使う分には十分で。PC台に収まるサイズだし。
そういうのもあって重宝はしています。つまみが全て動けば五つ星だったのにな〜。
その辺マイナス要素がはいって四つ星です。