Akai MPK225 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
USB MIDI CONTROLLER KEYBOARD
The Akai Professional MPK225 is an all-in-one performance pad and keyboard controller that offers greater control and improved workflow for working with virtual instruments, effects, and DAWs.
INTUITIVE WORKFLOW
The MPK225 is packed full of features that make producing music a breeze. This controller features 25 full-size, semi-weighted keys for smooth and expressive playing and features aftertouch for even more expressive capabilities. The 8 MPC-style RGB-backlit pads are great for a more natural and rhythmic way to create beats and trigger samples. There are 4 banks which expands the number of pads at your fingertips to 32. Whether you’re playing melodies or crafting beats, the MPK225’s keyboard and pads create a more natural and free-flowing way to make music digitally.
Additionally, there are 12-assignable Q-Link controllers, 8 knobs and four buttons that can be set to control various parameters and functions. There are also three banks for these controllers, so you can have up to 24 knobs and 12 buttons at your disposal. You can also expand the functionality of this controller via the assignable footswitch jack and expression jack. The MPK225 is fully USB-powered and is compatible with PC and Mac so you can plug-in-and-play.
INCLUDED SOFTWARE
The MPK225 comes with free software to help you jump right into making music. Included is Ableton Live Lite, a slimmed-down version of one of the best DAWs on the market, virtual synthesisers Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech and Twist by SONiVOX, as well as MPC Essentials which offers MPC workflow in your DAW or as a standalone. MPC Essentials is a beat/groove production and sample-triggering software that expands the MPK225 with up to 8 pad banks as well as 4 samples and insert effect per pad. You also get a free download of Akai Professional’s VIP3.0 software which offers greater hardware/software integration for improved control over VST instruments and effects.
AKAI PROFESSIONAL MPC BEATS
Akai Professional are now offering that classic MPC beat-making workflow in a software format. Introducing MPC Beats! With both Simple and Advanced modes, MPC Beats has features to satisfy both beginner and experienced beat producers. The accessible interface, streamlined Simple mode, and the included templates make MPC Beats a great starting point for those looking to get into making beats. More experienced users will enjoy the over 80 audio FX plugins for warping, manipulating, and transforming audio, as well as the VST/AU compatibility for using third-party virtual instruments and audio plugins. You also get two stereo tracks for recording instruments or vocals.
MPC Beats comes free with this controller but is also free to download and use with any class-compliant USB MIDI controller regardless of brand. You can also expand the sample library in MPC Beats by purchasing expansion packs from premier sound designers.
Features
- 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
- 8 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 32 pads
- 12 assignable Q-Link controllers include 8 control knobs and 4 backlit buttons
- Revamped control layout with backlit LCD screen
- USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
- iOS compatibility using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
- Comprehensive transport and parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
- MPC Note Repeat and arpeggiator for advanced rhythmic and melodic manipulation
- MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with dynamics and tempo
- Pitch bend, modulation, and octave controls for expressive recording and performing
- 1 assignable footswitch jack & 1 expression jack
- USB power and plug-and-play connectivity
- Production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 & MPC Beats (downloads)
- Includes VIP3.0 – the ground-breaking, award-winning music software platform that provides musicians and composers with a powerful hands-on control solution for their virtual instrument and virtual effect collection
Specifications
- Number of Keys: 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
- Pads: 8 pressure- and velocity-sensitive, light-up MPC-style pads x 4 banks
- Q-Link Controls: 8 assignable control knobs and 4 backlit buttons
- Computer Interface: USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
- Octaves: 10 with Octave Up and Down
- Arpeggiator: Yes
- Additional Controls: MPC Note Repeat, MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division
- Additional Inputs: (1) 1/4″ (6.35mm) TRS expression pedal input and (1) 1/4″ (6.35mm) TS sustain pedal or footswitch input
- Power: USB power; no power adapter required
- Dimensions: 48.9 x 29.8 x 9.2 cm
- Weight: 2.76 Kg