Akai MPK261
Akai's MPK MIDI keyboards have proven popular with musicians and producers who want to keep their keys, pads, knobs, faders and buttons in a single package.
An updated range was announced at Winter NAMM 2014, with new models across the price and size spectrum. These are now available to buy; click through to see all of them (along with their specs), starting with the MPK261 (pictured above):
Price: $499.99
- 61 semi-weighted, full-size keys
- 16 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
- 8 assignable control knobs
- 8 assignable faders Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
- USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
- Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
- Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
- Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
- Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials
Akai MPK249
- 49 semi-weighted, full-size keys
- 16 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
- 8 assignable control knobs
- 8 assignable faders Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
- USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
- Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
- Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
- Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
- Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 & Akai Pro MPC Essentials
Akai MPK225
- 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys
- 8 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
- 8 assignable control knobs
- Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
- Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
- Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
- Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
- Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials
Akai MPK Mini
- 25 synth-action mini keys
- New 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control
- 8 MPC pads with Note Repeat
- 8 assignable control knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more
- Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere
- USB-powered; no power adapter required
- Comprehensive production software package included: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble 2.0
