Akai MPK261 MIDI Controller

Description

Akai Professional MPK261 MIDI Controller

Velocity and aftertouch-sensitive semi-weighted keys in this USB MIDI Master Keyboard make it a definitive solution for many recording studios, keyboardists, and for anyone, whether for hobby, passion, or profession, working in computer music. The rich array of controls, in addition to the 5-octave keyboard with split function, programmable and synchronizable arpeggiator, includes two inputs for footswitch pedals, one for an expression pedal, pitch bend and modulation wheels, 16 pads (64 virtual), and a full 24 physical controls (faders, knobs, and buttons) arranged on 3 banks for a total of 72 physical controls.

- 5-octave USB/MIDI keyboard

- 61 semi-weighted velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keys

- Octave up and down keys and Split function

- 2 assignable footswitch (sustain) jack connections

- Jack connection for expression pedal

- Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels (assignable)

- Programmable arpeggiator for the keyboard

- 16 MPC-style pads arranged on 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 (iPad CCK needed)

- Dimensions and weight: 90.5x31.1x9.8cm; approx. 7Kg

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 array of controls, from faders to rotary potentiometers, from velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboards to RGB backlit pads. Perfect for computer-based recording studios and live performances for the most demanding keyboardists who require meticulous control of various virtual instrument software and MIDI hardware (Synths, expanders, samplers, drum machines, etc.), the AKAI PRO MPK225, MPK249 and MPK261 keyboards are set to replicate the success of the previous MPK series used by numerous industry professionals.

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

Thanks to almost total programmability, by simply pressing the "Edit" button you can directly from the keyboard and with the help of the information displayed on the bright LCD screen, program every single physical control: from the type of message that can be sent to the MIDI channel to which the generated message will be sent. With software like Ableton Live, or Cubase, you can control and play multiple MIDI tracks simultaneously, programming - for example - the pads to reproduce drum samples, drum machines, clips, or loops, while you play your favorite virtual synth from the keyboard and, at the same time, control its parameters physically 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 (from 10.5 onwards), and to iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) using Apple's Camera Connection Kit (optional, NOT included). Those who purchase MPK225 and MPK249 series keyboards can download and use for free the software *Ableton Live Lite, **AIR Music Tech Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. In addition to these, for MPK261 users only, a license for the SoniVox Eighty-Eight Ensemble virtual piano instrument will 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 a computer, iOS devices and/or compatible MIDI hardware. To play sounds, you will need appropriate 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, musical apps that support remote control via MIDI. The sound will then be played from the audio output of your computer's sound card or from the audio output of your iOS device. If you own a PC/Windows computer, but do not have a sound card or audio interface with ASIO drivers, you will need to install ASIO 4 ALL drivers (click here to download) to play with low latency (without delay) with your computer's integrated sound card. Included with the keyboards, you may find software for which, being free, technical and commercial support will NOT be available. EKo Music Group is exclusively responsible for hardware support, and is NOT responsible for technical support and any malfunctions that may occur with third-party products.

*Ableton Live Lite is property of Ableton AG.

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