This controller comes with Akai’s Virtual Instrument Player (V.I.P) 3.0 software, offering universal compatibility with VST plug-ins from any MIDI controller and fluid, intuitive creative workflow for musicians, engineers and producers. VIP 3.0 allows any user to catalogue, control and map their entire VST collection to the MIDI controller of their choosing, whilst 3rd party developers have the option to create their own maps for greater integration going forward.
The Akai MPK249 Performance Keyboard Controller With Midi Pads is the latest addition to Akai’s hugely popular MPK Range of Controller Keyboards.
The MPK249 from Akai offers a host of quality features including 49 semi-weighted, full size keys and 16 RGB illuminated MPC Pads, technology taken from their legendary MPC Pad controllers and beat production units. The MPK Range also includes 8 assignable control knobs. The MPK249 has two quality pitch bend and modulation wheel controls, as well as jack inputs for expression pedals and sustain pedals.
Akai’s MPK249 also features 8 assignable faders and a redeveloped control layout with backlit LCD Panel Screen and additional functionality from the fully featured transport and parameter control sections to use with your DAW of choice. A USB-Midi interface with 5-pin Midi input and output offers ultra flexibility.
The MPK range ship with a highly rated software package which includes Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX, Twist 2.0, SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials.
The Akai MPK249 Performance Keyboard Controller With Midi Pads features:
· Performance Midi Keyboard Controller with Midi Pads
· 49 semi-weighted, full-size keys
· 8 assignable faders 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
· Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 & Akai Pro MPC Essentials
Keys are really cool, sensitive, and pads are even greater. Plus small options like appregiator/loops make this instrument even better.
Comes only with usb cable, so if you need any other things buy them beforehands.
Worked with Kontact 5 and samples for it, worked like a charm.
First things first, DV247 sell this cheaper than anywhere else, so that's a bonus right from the get go. To be honest I was'nt expecting great things with this item especially considering how cheap it is compared to its rivals. How wrong was I? From out of the box, I plugged it into my MAC and Logic Pro found it straight away, Brilliant. Playability, yes...it's great and feels more than the sum of its parts so great value. Functionality, absolutely, from Intuitive transport control through to the pads the whole lot really works well together. I am impressed. If I could pick fault with anything, I would say the depth of the footprint is large so make sure you have room on your desk. Correct, you don't need this to record and produce, however, if your keyboard skills aren't up to much, then this is an excellent way to learn and there is nothing like playing it in yourself.
Good product, does exactly what I want it to do.
The controlling software MPC Beats is a tad odd, and geared to selling sound banks. Not sure how useful this is as it also tries to be a DAW. Surely, most people buying this device are doing so to control an existing DAW?
This is a brilliant midi controller, and with all the extras that come with it, you wont regret buying it. Works fantastic with Cubase and is very easy to set up as there is a quickstart guide on the website for numerous DAWs.