Akai's new MPK MIDI controller keyboards now available

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

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.