Akai Keyboard Controller Reviews: AKAI Professional are known to manufacture the best keyboard controllers in the industry. Checkout the best wireless and wired midi keyboard controllers for your rig/studio.
Introduction
Professional recordings and performances require great quality gear, and you can expect that from a brand like Akai.
When you’re starting out in the world of music production, you may use digital keyboard/piano to connect to a computer to see how things work, but for serious work, you need a controller that comes with all those knobs/control which makes it so much easier to record and improve the recordings. Read more on controllers here.
And when you talk about midi controllers, Akai is a leading name.
Akai Pro products, since a long time, have been a fixture of modern music both in the studio and on stage. They make a wide range of audio & midi products, including some sleek & fully-featured controller keyboards that are suitable for studio use and for live musicians. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IJ7FGSC” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Skip to the best Akai midi keyboard controller on Amazon[/easyazon_link].
Best Akai MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Here are the popular midi keyboard controllers from AKAI.
Akai MPK Mini MK3 (25-Key)
Akai has upgraded its best-selling USB MIDI keyboard controller, and the new version looks better and has got an improved keybed. The MPK mini still remains a versatile controller.
8 drum pads, 8 endless encoders, arpeggiation and more.
Allows excellent DAW and virtual instrument control even without touching the keys.
The best part of the new version is its keybed which has been enhanced for better performance.
The MPK mini works best with the free Music Production Starter Kit, which includes the MPC Beats Software and an array of virtual instruments and MPC expansion packs.
Akai MAX49 USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller (49 Keys)
Some of the models can be used as standalone electronic keyboards or MIDI controllers – for either use, they work great. The MAX49 can be fully customized, places MIDI and CV control at your fingertips. It features 49 semi-weighted keys that have a plush, natural feel. Comes with 12 pads on top to trigger effects and sequences on-demand, 8 ribbon style faders, built-in 32-note step sequencer. Comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite, AkaiConnect, and Ignite software.
Akai Professional MPK249 (49-Key)
Akai Professional MPK249 is a performance pad and keyboard controller rolled into one. Comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more.Software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations.
MPK249 is optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with USB power and plug-and-play connectivity.
- 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads.
- 24 assignable Q-Link controllers include knobs, faders, and switches (8 of each).
- iOS compatibility using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately).
- USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output.
- Comprehensive transport and parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration.
Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard
25-key USB Controller with 25 Velocity-sensitive Synth-action Keys, Arpeggiator, Sustain, Tap Tempo, 4 Programmable Memory Banks, and Editing Software – Mac/PC If you like to take your ideas with you and refuse to be tied down to a desk, you just can’t beat the Akai Professional LPK25 ultra-portable keyboard controller. Its small format lets it travel comfortably in the outer pocket of your laptop case, and you won’t even notice its light weight. Read more…
Akai Pro MPK88 Hammer Action USB Midi Controller
Want a keyboard with a full 88-key manual, look no further than the MPK88. This 88-key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard comes with Hammer-action Keys, 16 MPC Pads, Assignable Knobs, Faders, and Buttons, and Transport Controls The Akai Professional MPK88 MIDI keyboard controller gives you the power and flexibility to get the most out of your instruments — onstage or in the studio. The 88-key MPK88 gives you a fully weighted hammer-action keyboard for incredible feel and expression.
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Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
61-key USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC-style Pads The Akai MPK261 USB MIDI keyboard controller makes a perfect addition to your live or home studio setup! You get a very high-quality, 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for starters; this makes the MPK61 and your virtual instruments as expressive as you want to make. Read more…
Akai SYNTHSTATION25 25-Key Keyboard Controller For Iphone And Ipod Touch
Dedicated 25-key Controller Keyboard with Built-in iPod Dock for use with Akai Synth Station iPhone/iPod Touch App (sold separately through the Apple App Store) The SynthStation system from Akai Professional marks a new age of synthesizer technology. By taking advantage of the processing power of your Apple iPhone or iPod Touch, Akai’s SynthStation gives you a 25-key synth workstation that you can take anywhere. SynthStation is a 2-part system.
Akai MPK25 25-key Keyboard Controller with MPC Pads
25-key MIDI Controller with MPC-style Pads The Akai Professional MPK25 USB MIDI keyboard controller makes a perfect addition to your live or home studio setup! You get a very high-quality, 25-key keyboard with aftertouch for starters; this makes the MPK25 and your virtual instruments as expressive as you want to make them!
Other Akai MIDI controllers
Akai Wireless (Bluetooth) MIDI Keyboard Controllers
We all know that wireless is convenient (no messy wires to deal with), Akai now offers wireless midi controllers for your rig.
The Akai LPK25 and Akai LPD8 are wireless midi controllers that connect using Bluetooth midi technology without sacrificing on functionality or versatility.
Both controllers use the powerful, energy-saving Bluetooth 4.0 LE protocol to connect to computers and mobile devices. To use them wirelessly, both the controllers require 3 AA batteries.
AKAI Keyboard Controllers: Buying Guide
When you talk about midi controllers, Akai Pro is a brand that musicians trust. And they make many more equipment, besides controllers. Be it onstage or in the studio, you’ll most likely find this brand in use.
Their unique MPC sequencing samplers enables digital samples to become the basis for composition.
Always at the forefront of digital technology over the last few decades, they are one of the more influential manufacturers of musical and recording equipment.
Right from their inception in 1984, Akai has been making MIDI equipment. Akai product range includes: MIDI controller keyboards, MPC production controllers, Pad controllers, Recording Equipment, Guitar Pedals, Music Accessories, Sample downloads
Controllers are an important part of any studio setup, and if you’re looking for the best possible sound, you need high-end equipment from such as Akai professional keyboards and MIDI. While Akai makes woodwind controllers and other specialty MIDI controllers, keyboard controllers are the most well-known segment of the Akai lineup.
DJs, live sound technicians and plenty of other performers have come to rely on pad controllers more than ever, so you’ll be glad to see that Akai has not forgotten those. In fact, they make some really world-class pads, like the top-of-the-line MPD series. Do you use Ableton Live on your digital audio workstation? If so, you should also consider the APC controllers, which are purpose-built to take advantage of that software. However you plan to put them to the test, the important thing to know about Akai professional keyboards and MIDI is that they’ll easily pass your trial. Akai has proven itself with three decades of building fantastic MIDI equipment, and when you add any of these keyboards or controllers to your setup, you’ll have the tools you need to express yourself better than ever.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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