LATEST LINE OF AKAI PROFESSIONAL MPK KEYBOARD/PAD CONTROLLERS NOW AVAILABLE
By HC News |
Fullfeatured solutions combine exceptional DAW integration with advanced performance features, plus premium software production suite
Cumberland, R.I. — September 24, 2014. Akai Professional is now shipping all four of the newest additions to their renowned MPK Series of keyboard/pad controllers: the 25key MPK225, the 49key MPK249, the 61key MPK261, and the ultraportable MPK mini mkII.
More than an update, the new MPK series incorporate years of extensive poweruser feedback into the controls, keybed, layout, and functionality. A complete music production platform, each deliver improved performance control plus a premium software package that includes readytoplay virtual instruments as well as popular composing and production software. Illuminated pads and an informative, fourline backlit LCD screen offer intuitive feedback to the performer/producer. Deep software integration and the ability to send QWERTYstyle commands from the fullsize MPK keyboards let the user stay focused on musical tasks. The illuminated, velocitysensitive RGB trigger pads have direct lineage to the MPC Renaissance, and offer coveted MPC features like Note Repeat, MPC Swing, Full Level and 16 Levels.
Akai Professional Product Manager Dan Gill notes, “The new MPK series is huge leap forward–improving on the previous series with more capability, more features, and industryleading software. We paid close attention to how the modern musician works to realize features that would enhance the user experience. In addition, we upped the ante by including an impressive software production package that truly pushes the boundaries of music creation.”
For the performer, each fullsize MPK keyboard provides a semiweighted keybed equipped with aftertouch, plus ultraresponsive Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels. Dedicated Octave buttons provide rapid access to an expanded note range. Each model is appointed with assignable pedal inputs for additional control. In addition to USB MIDI, traditional 5pin MIDI inputs and outputs ensure compatibility with nearly all MIDI gear. A lowpower mode is ideal for use with iOS devices via the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit.
For the onthego artists, Akai Professional offers the ultraportable MPK mini mkII. The compact form factor features 25 synthaction minikeys, plus a new dualaxis thumbstick for expressive
control. There are eight backlit MPCstyle velocitysensitive pads, and eight assignable knobs for hands on beat production and parameter control. A single USB cable brings power to the MPK mini mkII, and creates a twoway data link with any computer. In lockstep with its fullsize relatives, MPK mini mkII includes Note Repeat, Octave extension buttons, an arpeggiator, and fullsize USB and sustain pedal inputs.
Each keyboard comes with leading software titles for outofthebox creativity, featuring Akai Professional’s MPC Essentials beat production software; Ableton Live Lite composition/performance software; and Hybrid 3 analogmodeled synthesizer virtual instrument. Fullsize models include Twist 2.1 from SONiVOX, a spectral morphing synthesizer. The MPK261 also includes EightyEight Ensemble, an expertly captured piano instrument. MPK mini mkII also ships with Wobble 2.1, an EDMcentric synth.
MPK Series Highlights:
MPK225 |
MPK249 |
MPK261 |
MPK mini mkII |
25 semiweighted keys with aftertouch |
49 semiweighted keys with aftertouch |
61 semiweighted keys with aftertouch |
25 synthaction mini keys |
8 RGB pads; 4 banks |
16 RGB pads; 4 banks |
16 RGB pads; 4 banks |
8 illuminated pads |
8 knobs; 4 assignable buttons |
8 knobs; 8 assignable buttons, 8 faders |
8 knobs; 8 assignable buttons, 8 faders |
8 assignable knobs |
1 footswitch jack; 1 expression pedal input |
1 footswitch jack; 1 expression pedal input |
2 footswitch jacks; 1 expression pedal input |
1 assignable footswitch jack |
Included software: MPC Essentials Ableton Live Lite Hybrid 3 |
Included software: MPC Essentials Ableton Live Lite Hybrid 3 |
Included software: MPC Essentials Ableton Live Lite Hybrid 3 |
Included software: MPC Essentials Ableton Live Lite Hybrid 3 |
$249.99 USD |
$399.99 USD |
$499.99 USD |
$99.99 USD |
inMusic is the exclusive distributor of Sonivox.
MPC is a registered trademark of inMusic Brands Inc.
iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.
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About Akai Professional
The world’s most influential manufacturer of music production gear, Akai Professional
(akaipro.com) develops creative technologies to empower music makers with tools that are unmatched in expressive capability. Akai Professional is best known for creating the legendary MPC, an instrument that has inspired generations of producers and performers and spawned entirely new genres of music. Akai Professional is a part of the inMusic family (inmusicbrands.com).
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