Features:

  • 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel
  • 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads - the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more
  • 24 assignable Q-Link controllers comprising 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit buttons engineered for hassle-free mapping and unprecidented DAW, virtual instrument and virtual effect control
  • Take command of your peripheral MIDI equiptment courtesy of an onboard USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI input & output
  • MPC mainstay controls included - MPC Note Repeat, arpeggiator, MPC Full Level, 16 Level Tap Tempo and Time Division
  • Comprehensive Production Software Package for Mac and PC worth over £200 included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 & Akai Pro MPC Essentials (downloads)
Awesome Keyboard - at a great price!

This is an awesome keyboard. I use it with my computer and Ableton DAW set up, which I have yet to learn all the intricacies of (so do not ask me set-up questions !) AKAI says the key are "semi-weighted" which I suppose they are, but the action still feels like organ keys to me. The drum touch pads are awesome and 'touch sensitive' the harder you tap - the louder they sound. I'm still learning all the capabilities; it comes with a free basic version of Ableton Live.

Love it, love Akai.

I’ll keep this short. By far my favorite USB / MIDI keyboard I’ve used. I had tried the cheaper 25 key Akai, but it was just too small and the synth key action I didn’t like. By contrast, this thing is a full sized keyboard. For most electronic music production, you might try a riff or something on the keyboard, test out chords etc., but you’re unlikely to be playing Mozart. Point being, I’d rather a very useful 25 key to a less useful full size 88. 25 is also about as big as fits decently on a desk, especially with a mixer and more. The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or something if I wanted just the pads. They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well. Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes. You’ll almost always edit them in a DAW, but it’s a starting point for some cool stuff. The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models. Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too. No support for mixcraft which I use, but no surprise there.. anything common is covered though, and you can make your own presets as well. I do wish there was more variability in the presets - swappable banks like the pads would be nice, since for example if you’re using a VST like serum, there’s a lot of places you can map the knobs - plus if you mod one, changing the mod % is a different knob. Of course, there’s really not much room, and if I care that much there are MIDI controllers with more options, I even have a 49-key that at least has sliders and 12 knobs, but I still rarely use it, this is so much more preferable. (And yes I keep note stickers on some keys.. never officially learned to play so those are helpful at times). By far my favorite MIDI equipment, would buy again for sure. Also just confirms my love for Akai, I think more Akai products are in my future.

The Gold Standard for Midrange All-Purpose MIDI Controllers

I am rather fond of AKAI. The company makes solid gear that performs well, feels good. The MPK249 is the very essence of Akai, it includes the famous MPC pads and also 8 faders and 8 knobs. When used with the VIP software, it is able to control VST plugins with preset mappings, very cool. One of the main attractions is the really nice keybed that includes 49 keys with aftertouch. It's a pleasure to play this keyboard. Overall, I found that the Ableton Live Lite template works fine with regular Live. Just add an APC40MKII and you've got absolutely amazing musicmaking rig.

Great build quality

Great build quality, I've had it for over a year, and haven't had a single issue with it. Customer support with Akai is also stellar.

My new best friend

My only qualm (not problem), is that I have to plug it into my iMac directly instead of my power hub. Great device. I use logic pro X and it has a preset for it. I have not had any issues plus it looks real cool too. I would say definitely get this if you use logic pro X, it has been worth the money I spent.

Comprehensive control with a good feel

I wanted a lot of control in a small space and this keyboard delivers. The keys feel nice - solid with some mass. The pads are great with excellent aftertouch, fully programmable in four banks with a "full velocity" switch and a programmable repeat. It syncs to external clock easily. The keyboard arpeggiator is excellent with most common patterns available. The other programmable knobs and switches (with a transport control) are what you want. Not great for master clock as you have to go page diving to get to tempo and the internal clock isn't very accurate. I have not used the included software - I am using it with MIDI DIN only. The USB port is being used for power. (NB - No wall wart included.) Buy an OnStage pedestal stand and you will be styling. Highly recommended.

This was the best choice I could have made

This is well made.. I made lots of research looking for the right product. From reviews and reviews, This was the best choice I could have made. Have 1 year with it. durable. By the way mines came with Ableton Lite.. a +

Expensive but all worth it

I brought this for my boyfriend as his Christmas gift and he is in love with it, i don't regret buying this product for him!

Amazingly good controller!

I love this controller. Great keybed, not too loud when keys are pressed, not 'clacky' like some cheap controllers, and tons of control. This thing is built like a tank, and I love the USB connection to my PC. The power button is a little tough to un-depress by feel alone, as it's tiny...but once you're used to it it's fine. Love this thing. Pretty LEDs once it's on too, with different colors based on the preset you choose, e.g., based on your DAW software. I use it with PreSonus Studio One 4.

The best controller I have ever owned

The best controller I have ever owned, and my studio looks like a museum. I might get the 88 key next.

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