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Akai just unleashed new controllers for users to get busy with. If you were not satisfied with the previous MPK controllers released a few years back, this new line should spark your interest. I guess this was the big surprise but I’m not dancing for joy for this. I was actually hoping for a new hardware MPC but I guess controllers will have to do. Software is great but I hate that you have to constantly upgrade and stay current. I could go on but I’m sure you get where I’m coming from. Read more below.
Akai reveals 4 additions to its well-liked MPK USB keyboard/pad controller series like the 25-key MPK225, 49-key MPK249, 61-key MPK261 and an update to the ultra-portable MPK Mini. Housed in a thinner, all-new design, each full-size version functions with RGB backlit trigger pads raised straight from the MPC Renaissance and a 20-character LCD display with detailed feedback developed to erase the line between hardware control and software program. The brand-new MPK line additionally features the potential to send out QWERTY-style commands making use of soft-controls and a low-power method for iOS connection via the Cam Hookup Kit and improved feedback from the refined keyboard.
The most recent members of the full-size MPK set additionally have state-of-the-art music production software program titles like Ableton Live Lite and MPC Essentials a highly effective sample-based groove production application and spectral morphing synth Twist from SONiVOX. Owners of the MPK249 and MPK261 will likewise receive AIR Music Tech’s popular high-definition Hybrid 3 virtual synth, while MPK261 additionally get SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble.
MPK Highlights (full-size models):
• New full-size, semi-weighted keybed in 25-, 49- and 61-key models
• Backlit, velocity-sensitive RGB trigger pads derived from the MPC Renaissance
• Includes industry-leading music creation software from Ableton™, Akai Professional,
AIR and SONiVOX
• New layout with LCD screen for faster access to essential DAW-based functions
• 8 assignable control knobs; 8 assignable faders on 49- and 61-key models
• USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output; sustain and expression pedal inputs
• Hyper-responsive pitch bend & modulation wheels; octave controls
MPK Mini Highlights:
• Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere; 25 synth-action mini keys
• 8 backlit, velocity-sensitive trigger pads derived from the MPC Renaissance
• New 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control
• 8 assignable control knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more
• USB-powered; no power adapter required
MPK225 $249.99 USD, MPK249 USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard $399.99 USD, MPK261 USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard $499.99 USD, and MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard $99.99 USD.
Find out more here.
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2 Responses
Thanks Jose. As far as changing out what you got I think the MPK249 might be a good step up. It combines what you have already plus the MPK249 has 16 pads and comes with MPC Essentials which is a striped down version of the MPC Software. You also get Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 with it. If you don’t care about 16 pads go for the MPK225. MPK225 has 8 pads. It doesn’t have the traditional midi ports but if you don’t have any outboard gear to hook up it don’t matter. The MPK225 is pretty much a combined version of what you have already except the keys are semi weighted. MPK225 has MPC Essentials, Ableton Live Lite, etc like MPK249. MPK Mini is a striped down version of those I mentioned. The Keys are not semi weighted like above but they are like the LPK 8 and has 8 pads. It doesn’t come with MPC Essentials. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.
Nice bro. Good work. I’ve got a LPK25 and a LPD 8 working wit FL Studio. Maybe I should change them. What’s your advise?