Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller (Used)
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A piano-action production powerhouse.
The Akai Professional MPK88 is a professional performance keyboard controller with MPC (Music Production Center) production controls. The MPK88 draws on the design of the popular MPK49, the first keyboard ever to feature 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:
The Akai 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 USB MIDI Controller places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy manipulation 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 keyboard 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 for a total of 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 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 Akai 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 USB MIDI controller 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 Akai 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 an incredible keyboard designed to enable you to perform the way today's 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
Order today and receive a hammer-action keyboard with loads of creative features.
MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller 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
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Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (4)
- Functional (4)
- Good quality (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Practicing (3)
Reviews
Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Composing
- Practicing
Comments about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller:
This MIDI controller is doing exactly what I need it to do for composing in my DAW and for practicing. Some reviewers on other sites have complained about the keys being noisy and the lack of an 'authentic' feel of a real piano, but that is expected if you are not willing to dish out at least three or four times the amount! For the price (and my current budget) I can deal with a little noise from the keys (if it really bothers me I'll just use headphones or turn my monitors up loud) and the feel of the keys for me is just fine. Yes, it won't replace a real piano, but that isn't its main purpose anyway. It's meant to be a MIDI controller and it does the job well!
All controls and MIDI assignments are easily editable (please read the instructions!), including the velocity sensitivity of the keys and pads. For composing, I have found it to have a very good velocity response which allows me to not have to tweak every single MIDI note velocity in my DAW after I have recorded the notes. The modwheel, sliders and knobs have a good feel to them, with some subtle resistance (meaning not too loose) for better control.
The only actual complaint I might have is the weight. It's rather heavy, and you need to make sure you have a sturdy foundation to put it on. Despite that, I'm satisfied!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Practicing
Comments about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller:
got it for far less (close to %40)than usual price at one day sale event at MF - thanks a lot!!!
Action is fine and very much comparable (but not as good) with my Studiologic (Fatar) that actually broke.
One noticeable difference is that MPK keys bounce a bit at the return if hit and let go immediately.
I can hear a short rattling sound on rebound - like "Ta-da-da". I use cans most of the time so it doesn't bother me at all. I might mod it to address the issue once its off warranty.
Knobs, buttons, sliders, pads - all great stuff!
Tap Tempo led is always blinking. The only way (AFAIK) to disable it is to switch to external source. I might just do that since I don't see any practical need for me to arpeggiate from controller.
I gave it 5 stars to factor in the price I got it for.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good Quality
- Improves Sound
Cons
- No Onoff Switch
Best Uses
Comments about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller:
Awesome keyboard with great heavy weighted keys. I am very happy with it, and their condition 2 is like brand new to me, I can't find any scratches :)
Pros
- EASY TO SET UP
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good Quality
- Great Action
Cons
Best Uses
- Practicing
- Writing Music
Comments about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller:
I've been a musician for a long time but this is my first keyboard. I went to the local music shop to test out all of the keyboard controllers I could find and the MPK88 was the best in my price range. I read a lot of reviews before I made the purchase and that definitely helped me make my choice. My own personal opinion is that I love the semi-weighted keys, and as I play more and more I find myself getting used to them. The keys are a bit stiff but I like that feature because it helps me build strength in my fingers.
I use this controller for Logic Pro and I had no problems getting it all hooked up. It also has presets for a bunch of other DAWs so all you have to do is select your preset and the DAW will program all of the sliders, knobs, etc for you. Pretty handy, though Logic is sadly not one of these presets so you'll have to do all of that manually.
The controller comes with a super long usb cable which is very nice. There is no power switch on the keyboard but I don't really mind because I turn my computer off when I'm done and that turns the keyboard off anyway. I would definitely recommend this keyboard for a home studio as it is very heavy at 75 pounds or so. Plus it's bulky and hard to carry.
One other thing I really like is the pitch bend and mod wheel. They are kind of tight, unlike other keyboards I tested out, and for me that allows for more precise control.
There are a ton of features I haven't yet gotten to but overall I highly recommend the MPK88.
Comments about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller:
Very Good Controller. Better sounding performances than w/my keyboard used as a controller. Having DAW control and drum machine pads make it perfect for a modern studio. Size isn't an issue in a studio setting. LOVE IT
Comments about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller:
I own it and so far I love it. I'm still learning all of its capabilities. The keys don't feel like you're playing a 9 foot grand piano but they are the best on any weighted 88-key midi controller out there. After while you get used to them and its no big deal. I love all the controls being right at my finger tips, it makes for quick work and a lot of fun. Everything feels as solid as one would expect for $500, thats what I paid. 3 reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars. 1) The pads are stiff and require a mod to make them easier to play. Search the net, there are plenty of mods for the pads out there. 2) There is no preset for Logic. 3) Linking all the controls in Ableton Live Lite (Which ships with it) got very frustrating even though there is a preset. It makes no sense that the transport buttons weren't linked and there was no info anywhere on how to do it. I just stumbled on it while trying every possible thing.
Comments about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller:
I just recently purchased this keyboard, and I must say I haven't came across a MIDI keyboard as solid and heavy duty as this one. The keys can be a bit heavy at first, but as soon as you get the hang of it, its absolutely amazing. It comes with preset features for different programs, such as Cubase, Reason, Logic, Fruityloops etc. The pad is heavy duty yet very sensitive, I love this keyboard, the only down side of a keyboard being heavy duty is, its heavy, but at least you know you have quality product.
Displaying reviews 1-7
