Akai Synthstation 49

So it looks like they're finally shipping the Synthstation 49. I've been thinking of getting one since I first heard about it. It would make synth apps on the iPad a lot easier to play, since I can't stand playing keys on the touch screen and other MIDI controllers are sort of awkward to use.

Hopefully Akai retooled the Synthstation app that goes with it, since the original version was pretty disappointing.

I'm also thinking this could be the beginning of the idea of an iPad-driven workstation -- which would be more feasible if Apple released a true core i7 iPad computer running OS X. Roland, Korg, and Yamaha (or any company) could release a $400-$500 control surface, with the iPad as the brain, display, and touch input device, and you could install their workstation software. Or it could just run a regular DAW and you could install your own VSTs. That would be very nice and portable. We're not there yet, but it'll come in one form or another.

Is anyone planning on getting one?

I have been thinking hard about getting one and an iPad but I have reservations about being more of a "slave" to Apple. The upgrade their models a bit to often for my tastes.

I've had it for almost two weeks. Musicians Friend is currently the only place I know of that has them in stock. That's where mine came from and they still have them the last I checked a few days ago.

In it's simplest form the unit is fantastic and works real well. There are a few annoyances which I also ran into using the related unit from Alesis as well. There is a very noticeable audio ground loop hum when the unit is plugged in via USB. You can get rid of most of it by using the included ac adapter but then you lose USB control between the computer/MIDI gear and the Synthstation49.

Secondly as soon as you start the unit up with the ac adaptor you hear the familiar Apple charging chirp but if you connect via USB the unit does not charge at least with my systems. Also the unit will not function correctly at first power up meaning no sound and/or MIDI without either unhooking and rehooking the iPad to the Synthstation dock and it may or may not start working normally. If that doesn't work you gotta turn everything off and restart. (Synthstation Keyboard and iPad)

I have since discovered that if I plug the iPad into the dock and only plug it in USB and press the keyboard power switch to on the unit functions exactly as it supposed to. After that you are free to switch between ac adaptor or USB.

Another issue and I knew it going in is that there is no audio input. Seems like they could have just made it with one. If I plug my iRig into the iPad it immediately switches from the Synthstation Keyboard audio outs to the iRig. The MIDI still functions but all audio goes out the iRig outputs so if I wanna process live audio from my guitar or other instrument then I lose the audio output of the Synthstation49

I've had it for almost two weeks. Musicians Friend is currently the only place I know of that has them in stock. That's where mine came from and they still have them the last I checked a few days ago. In it's simplest form the unit is fantastic and works real well. There are a few annoyances which I also ran into using the related unit from Alesis as well. There is a very noticeable audio ground loop hum when the unit is plugged in via USB. You can get rid of most of it by using the included ac adapter but then you lose USB control between the computer/MIDI gear and the Synthstation49. Secondly as soon as you start the unit up with the ac adaptor you hear the familiar Apple charging chirp but. If you connect via USB the unit does not charge at least with my systems. Also the unit will not function correctly at first power up meaning no sound and/or MIDI without either unhooking and rehooking the iPad to the Synthstation dock and it may or may not start working normally. If that doesn't work you gotta turn everything off and restart. (Synthstation Keyboard and iPad) I have since discovered that if I plug the iPad into the dock and only plug it in USB and press the keyboard power switch to on the unit functions exactly as it supposed to. After that you are free to switch between ac adaptor or USB. Another issue and I knew it going in is that there is no audio input. Seems like they could have just made it with one. If I plug my iRig into the iPad it immediately switches from the Synthstation Keyboard audio outs to the iRig. The MIDI still functions but all audio goes out the iRig outputs so if I wanna process live audio from my guitar or other instrument then I lose the audio output of the Synthstation49

thanks foe these bits of info, very useful. ive been interested in one of these as well as a primary midi controller for computer daw in addition to ipad functionality, maybe some issues with initial setting up and flexibility it sounds like. im confused as well as to why there is no audio input! there are so many instantaneously - sampling apps that youd think this would just be a given.

As far as a cheap MIDI controller goes. The 49 ranks high in feel and playability. I am really happy with the way the keyboard plays. It's cheapo plastic through out but they got the keybed right for how cheap it is. Unfortunately the deal breaker for me might be how much I am going to miss the audio input which I sometimes use more than synth apps. Originally I was going to buy an additional iPad 3 or even another 1 since they're pretty low prices if you can find one not beat to hell. I still run my PC for most software and look upon the iPad as an additional instrument with the ability to do more or less when I want. I may end up sending the 49 back and continue with a standard controller and get another dock type unit. IDK at the moment.