Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
August 12th, 2010 | 
Author: Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
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 List Price: $699.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Eligible For Free Shipping 
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Product Description
Akai MPK61 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller; fully loaded for studio and stage! The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q Link controllers and key technologies from the iconic MPC family of music production workstations. Akai MPK61 Features: 61 key semi weighted keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic creativity 16 genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity MPC pads access four banks each for instant access to 48 samples Control 72 software parameters with 24 assignable Q Link controllers Key Split enables two different sounds from the same keyboard MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process Transport controls for use with sequencers and DAWs MPC Full Level, MPC 12 Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with tempo and dynamics MIDI output over USB, bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USB cable Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software Works with virtually all MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61's mix of 61 semi weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q Link controllers, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. The MPK61's size is ideal for performers who need a larger keyboard than the original 49 key MPK49 offers, but also prefer the lighter weight and associated portability of a semi weighted keyboard. The MPK61 retains the key split features from the MPK88, enabling you to divide the keyboard into two zones for performing with two different programs a
Details
- 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for expressive melodic creativity
- 16 genuine MPC pads with pressure and velocity sensitivity
- MPC pads access four banks each for instant access to 48 samples
- MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator aid in creative process
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software
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Tags: One Response to “Akai Pro MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller”
Rating
I’ve seen only two reviews on the MPK61 having looked all over the net. Both complained of the feel of the keyboard. I’ll get to that shortly.
I bought mine based on reviews of the MPK49. I also bought an On-Stage stand for it and a Behringer expression pedal. It was a quick setup – but I found almost immediately that two adjacent notes were not playing – unless I really hit them hard. So it got RMAed – no problem – the next unit was fine.
Pros:
The controls and pads were much bigger than I thought they would be – I just hadn’t picked up on the size from the photo. So they are large and very smooth.
The pitch bend and mod wheels are well built (and lit up!). It doesn’t look like the pitch bend would ever bias like some controllers.
The unit can run on USB power only. For all the lights on this thing you wonder how 500 milliamps manages it all. If a USB connection is not established the MPK will send controls out the MIDI connector – yet still run from USB power (say your computer is in standby but still provides USB power – actually I’m passing through a USB hub). This is useful if you just have a sound module connected to it.
If USB is established, the MIDI in connectors will pass another controller or keyboard to the computer. This keyboard actually establishes three USB MIDI connections with your computer.
Aftertouch works well.
Generally you have a lot of control over sensitivity of the keys and pads. So you can adjust things the way you like. Except….
Cons:
The guy was right about the feel of the keyboard. To be more specific – it is supposed to be a semi-weighted keyboard but the spring in the keys requires every bit of force (or more) than a fully weighted keyboard. The spring fights your fingers down and up as well. But worse, the keys are about an inch shorter than they should be – so hitting a black key requires a lot of force if you’re towards the back of the key. Be prepared to learn how to play just for this keyboard. Akai should really rethink this – much less spring and longer keys.
Those two reviews also complained about the pads not working well. But I find that they work just fine as long as the sensitivity and sensitivity curve are adjusted properly – I use 14 w/curve A.
Considering I had to return the first keyboard – Akai has some quality issues.
Finally, one annoying firmware bug – a bank value of 127 for the MSB in a program change is excluded only if you try to assign it to a key. Why? For me it is a pain since all my drum kits use MSB=127.