Akai MPK249

Description

Akai Professional MPK249 MIDI controller

Always the ideal size for synthesizers, the 4-octave keyboard of the Akai Pro MPK249 guarantees optimal control thanks to the semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, for maximum expression during live performances and MIDI recordings in the studio. Thanks to the rich set of physical controls, from pads to faders, from rotary potentiometers to the transport section, the MPK249 positions itself as a flagship product in the world of master keyboards for modern sequencers and DAWs available on computers, with the possibility of use also in an iOS environment, to play and control apps installed on the latest generation iPhone and iPad devices.

- 4-octave USB/MIDI keyboard

- 49 semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity

- Octave up and down keys

- Jack connection for assignable footswitch (sustain)

- Jack connection for expression pedal

- Pitch Bend and Modulation control wheels (assignable)

- Programmable keyboard arpeggiator

- 16 MPC-style pads organized into 4 banks (64 virtual pads)

- RGB backlit pads, velocity and pressure sensitive

- MPC Full Level, Note Repeat and Swing functions on the Pads

- DAW Transport buttons: <<, >>, Stop, Play and Record

- 8 Faders x 3 banks (24 virtual)

- 8 rotary potentiometers x 3 banks (24)

- 8 backlit buttons x 3 banks (24)

- Backlit LCD display

- Tap Tempo and Time Division for arpeggiator and note repeat

- USB MIDI, MIDI IN & OUT 5-pin DIN ports

- Compatible with PC Windows, Apple MacOS and iOS (requires iPad CCK)

- Dimensions and weight: 73.6x31.1x8.6cm; 5.6Kg

Designed as all-in-one USB MIDI control solutions for PC, Mac and iOS devices, the MPK2 series keyboards from Akai Professional provide a rich set of controls, from faders to rotary potentiometers, from velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboards to pads with RGB backlighting. Perfect for computer-based recording studios and live performances by demanding keyboardists who need meticulous control of various virtual software instruments and MIDI hardware (Synths, expanders, samplers, drum machines, etc.), the AKAI PRO MPK225, MPK249 and MPK261 keyboards are poised to replicate the success of the previous MPK series used by numerous industry professionals.

The semi-weighted keyboard, sensitive to velocity and aftertouch, is flanked by wheels for pitch bend and modulation control (assignable), two pedal inputs, one footswitch (assignable to sustain) and one expression, and MIDI In & Out ports on five-pin DIN sockets for connection to traditional MIDI instruments. In the MPK261, 5-octave version, an additional connection for footswitch pedals and the Split function are added. A programmable arpeggiator is available on the keyboard, while the historical note repeat function is available on the pads; both can be synchronized to the external MIDI Clock, to Tap Tempo, or to the BPM set manually.

Thanks to an almost total programmability, by simply pressing the "Edit" button you can directly from the keyboard and with the help of the information indicated on the bright LCD display, program every single physical control: from the type of message that can be sent to the MIDI channel to which the same generated message will be sent. With software such as Ableton Live, or Cubase you can control and play multiple MIDI tracks simultaneously, programming - for example - the pads to play drum samples, drum machines, clips, or loops, while from the keyboard you play your favorite virtual synth and, at the same time, physically control its parameters from the rotary controls and faders.

The MPK2 series keyboards from Akai Professional connect directly to the USB port (without the need for power) of Windows PCs (XP, Vista, 7 and 8) and Apple MacOS (10.5 onwards), and to iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) using Apple's Camera Connection Kit (optional, NOT supplied). Those who purchase the MPK225 and MPK249 series keyboards can download and use the *Ableton Live Lite, **AIR Music Tech Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials software for free. For MPK261 users only, a license for the SoniVox Eighty-Eight Ensemble virtual piano instrument will also be included.

IMPORTANT: USB MIDI keyboards do NOT have sounds, do not have audio connections, but send MIDI control messages. To function, they must therefore be connected to computers, iOS devices and/or compatible MIDI hardware. To play sounds, you will need adequate software on your computer, such as DAWs (Cubase, Ableton Live, Logic, Sonar, Fruity Loops, Pro Tools, Bitwig, Reason, etc.) and/or Virtual Instruments. On iPad or iPhone, you will need music apps that support remote control via MIDI. The sound will then be played from the audio card output of your computer or from the audio output of your iOS device. If you have a PC/Windows computer, but do not have an audio card or interface with ASIO drivers, you need to install ASIO 4 ALL drivers (click here to download) to be able to play with low latency (without delay) with the integrated audio card in your computer. The keyboards may come with free software for which technical and commercial support will NOT be available. EKo Music Group is exclusively responsible for hardware support, NOT responsible for technical support and any malfunctions that may occur with third-party products.

*Ableton Live Lite is owned by Ableton AG.

**Akai Professional, AIR Music Technology and MPC are registered trademarks of inMusic Brands Inc. inMusic is the exclusive distributor of SONiVOX.

Specifications

- 4-octave USB/MIDI keyboard

- 49 semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity

- Octave up and down keys

- Jack connection for assignable footswitch (sustain)

- Jack connection for expression pedal

- Pitch Bend and Modulation control wheels (assignable)

- Programmable keyboard arpeggiator

- 16 MPC-style pads organized into 4 banks (64 virtual pads)

- RGB backlit pads, velocity and pressure sensitive

- MPC Full Level, Note Repeat and Swing functions on the Pads

- DAW Transport buttons: <<, >>, Stop, Play and Record

- 8 Faders x 3 banks (24 virtual)

- 8 rotary potentiometers x 3 banks (24)

- 8 backlit buttons x 3 banks (24)

- Backlit LCD display

- Tap Tempo and Time Division for arpeggiator and note repeat

- USB MIDI, MIDI IN & OUT 5-pin DIN ports

- Compatible with PC Windows, Apple MacOS and iOS (requires iPad CCK)

- Dimensions and weight: 73.6x31.1x8.6cm; 5.6Kg