AKAI MPK88 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard

Description

Piano-action production powerhouse
The Akai Professional MPK88 is a professional performance keyboard controller with MPC production controls. The MPK88 draws on the design of the popular MPK49, the first keyboard ever to features MPC pads. This first-of-its-kind keyboard is ideal for performance, starting with a premium, fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard, adding MPC pads, Q-Link controls, and a selection of MPC technologies. The MPK88 is born for the stage and is equally at home in the studio.

Creative Input
MPK88 features an 88-key keyboard and 16 genuine MPC pads. The hammer-action keyboard is fully weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 64 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.

The MPK88 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK88 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.

Q-Link Command
One of the most important input devices on an MPC is its Q-Link assignable control section. Akai Pro built a massive collection of Q-Links into the MPK series. The MPK88 gives you eight virtual knobs that are assignable to control nearly any software parameter. You can control three different parameters per knob thanks to the knobs' three-bank selection, totaling 24 parameters of instant, hands-on control. Like the virtual knobs, eight virtual faders and eight virtual buttons also control three banks of parameters each, so you get 24 virtual faders and 24 virtual buttons. That's 72 Q-Link controls!

Expressive Engine
Two technologies pioneered in the MPC series and built into the MPK series are MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. These note-modifying features can be heard in many of the most popular tracks over the last two decades. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel.

The MPK88 has Key Split, enabling you to control two different sounds from the same keyboard. On top of MPC technologies, the MPK88 has its own arpeggiator, which enables you to create quick, creative riffs in seconds. Just pick a note or chord and a rhythm pattern in the arpeggiator's library and the MPK will play your notes in the rhythm and sequence you choose.

The MPK88 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads, as well as Tap Tempo and Time Division so you can nail the tempo, timing, and dynamics exactly as you hear them in your head.

Complete System
The MPK88 is a MIDI controller that sends its MIDI values over USB. It is bus powered, so all you need to connect and power the MPK88 is the supplied USB cable. Because it is MIDI compliant, the MPK88 works with most MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and even VJs!

The MPK88 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs in the world. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment.

Hit the stage with the only keyboard designed to enable you to perform the way todays music is made.

Features

  • 88-key fully weighted, hammer-action 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 64 samples
  • Control up to 72 software parameters with 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, buttons, and faders
  • 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 16-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
  • Includes

  • MPK88 keyboard controller
  • USB cable
  • Software Cd
  • Quick Start guide
  • Specifications

  • Number of Keys: 88 + 16 x 4 banks of drum pads
  • Type of action: Fully weighted hammer action
  • Aftertouch (Channel)
  • Computer Interface: USB/MIDI
  • Displays: Custom LCD
  • Footswitchable Patch Changes: yes
  • Number of Independent MIDI Ins/Outs: 1
  • Programmable Continuous Footpedals: 1
  • Programmable Footswitches: 2
  • Programmable controllers: MMC, MIDI START/STOP, MIDI CC
  • System Real-Time Controls: MMC, MIDI START/STOP, MIDI CC
  • Reviews

    Best midi controller for price
    by on August 15, 2010
    One of the keys clicks but other than that very happy with the keyboard, with the full 88 keys its easier to feel creative without feeling cramped
    the only real choice for 88 keys
    by on August 15, 2010
    This has everything you need as the previous review mentioned. I am using this with sonar x1 and tried everything I could that was an 88 key MIDI controller and not a workstation. I wanted knobs sliders and buttons as well as light weight so I could mount it under my workstation on sliders. Well couldn't get all that I wanted. This thing is really heavy. I'm guessing because of the hammer action keys that I like alot. Just had to get heavier sliders to take care of that.

    On a side note, it also has velocity sensitive pads that I think could have been left out. They seem to work the same as keys and the sensitivity is hard to work with even after playing with the settings. Maybe I'll find a use for them later.

    Working with sonar x1 requires about 20 minutes in the settings to get the knobs/sliders/buttons working right.

    Also, since this is powered through the USB cable, you may find that it stays powered on even when the computer is powered down. If that bothers anyone you'll have to pull the USB when your done or connect a switch.
    This controller has it all! Whether you want to use it as a keyboard
    by on August 15, 2010
    This controller has it all! Whether you want to use it as a keyboard or drum machine this can do it all. I really love that it incorporates everything you could really want in a controller. You have note repeat (with different speeds 1/8th notes, 16 notes etc.) velocity levels for each pad, you can split the keyboard, have multiple banks for pads, faders and rotary knobs. And you have 88 keys so you don't feel cramped when you're playing out different ideas.

    I use to have a Motif XS but sold it because I wanted to really use my keyboard with my system. I didn't just want sounds coming from my keyboard. I wanted sounds and integration. So, if you want a controller that's gonna do everything you can imagine and really enhance your workflow this is the one to get.

    Write Your Own Review

    AKAI MPK88

    AKAI MPK88

    Upload Your Product Photo

    I own the rights to this image and confirm that it meets {My Store Name} standards. I have read and accept the Terms and Conditions.

    Close
    Pin It

    AKAI MPK88

    - USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard - 88-Key - Fully-Weighted

    Log into your Pro Account or Register for FREE to Access Exclusive Pricing

    Special Price: $734.99

    Retail Price: $999
    Savings: $264.01
    Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
    More
    Less

    Subtitle:
    USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard - 88-Key - Fully-Weighted
    SKU:
    MPK88
    Mfr#:
    N/A
    Manufacturer:
    AKAI
    Warranty:
    Minimum 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty. See Manufacturer for more details
    Special Order:
    N/A
    Free Shipping:
    Lease Amount:
    No
    Sale Increment:
    N/A

    Shop with Confidence

    Authorized Dealer
    Full Warranty
    30 Day Returns
    Brand New Item
    Free Tech Support
    Purchase Orders Accepted
    Church, Schools and Non-Profits Discounts
    100% Secure 256-bit SSL Encryption