Akai Professional SynthStation49 Keyboard Controller with iPad Dock
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An advanced, intuitive controller designed specifically for the iPad.
Akai’s SynthStation49 is the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional’s heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads, and an array of transport controls. In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way.
Dock, power and position the iPad perfectly using the adjustable-angled cradle, or establish commanding control over your favorite computer software using SynthStation49‘s USB/MIDI port. Professional ¼” outputs and extreme portability ensure you’ll be able to take your sequences straight to the stage at a moments notice.
SynthStation49 is the only full-featured, professional keyboard controller allowing direct MIDI performance recording onto an iPad. Bridging Akai Professional’s popular MPK controllers with the previously released SynthStation25, SynthStation49 provides immense software control with forty-nine, full-size velocity-sensitive keys, nine backlit MPC-style drum pads and full transport buttons. An adjustable-angled dock for iPad allows the user to easily slide their tablet into the SynthStation49’s cradle and position the screen to their preference.
SynthStation49’s keyboard, pitch/modulation wheels and sustain pedal input provide great feel and the essential controls for musicians and producers to compose, record and perform. The nine drum pads of SynthStation49 give users immediate, intuitive beat-creation capabilities over the 50 classic and modern kits available within the SynthStation software. Program, Sequence, Song select and Transport buttons also provide quick navigation to the SynthStation App’s most used components for a seamless, efficient workflow.
SynthStation49 also contains a stereo pair of professional ¼" TRS outputs with volume knob for easy connecting to other pro audio equipment on stage or in the studio. A headphone output also lets users practice and compose in private. The SynthStation49’s USB port can be connected directly to a Mac or PC computer to receive power in addition to transmitting MIDI to and from music software – a great way to turn the SynthStation App or other CoreMIDI compatible App into a sound module. You can even use SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer – no iPad required!
Features
- Portable, velocity-sensitive keyboard with pitch and modulation wheels
- Nine velocity-sensitive MPC-style drum pads which light when triggered
- Dedicated transport control buttons including Play, Pause and Record
- Play MIDI keyboard and drum pad performances into an iPad via CoreMIDI or AkaiConnect apps
- Built-in, adjustable dock charges your iPad while positioning the screen at the perfect angle
- USB port for connecting to a Mac or PC, receiving power and controlling MIDI music software
- Professional ¼" stereo outputs with volume control to connect mixers, speakers and recording equipment
- Headphone output to practice and compose in private
- Create the tracks of tomorrow, today.
Create the tracks of tomorrow, today.
SynthStation49 Keyboard Controller with iPad Dock Specifications:
- Keys: 49 velocity-sensitive
- Output:
- RCA Stereo
- USB/MIDI
-
Torq Xponent, StudioPro Series, KeyRig 49, MicroPa...
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 5 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
60%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Reviews
Reviewed by 5 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
- Fits Ipad 3 Nicely
Cons
- Cheap Plastic Keys
- Horribly Stiff Drum Pads
- No Software Support
- Not Functional
- Poor Quality
Best Uses
Comments about Akai Professional SynthStation49 Keyboard Controller with iPad Dock:
I bought this to help put ideas down quickly on the road. Excited upon its arrival, I quickly attach the iPad and power it up. Unfortunately, that is where the story ends as I quickly found myself put off by the 80's Casio feeling keys and the stiff-as-nails drum pads. The software implementation is bare bones and stops with Akai's own app. The controller doesnt play well with third party software, which means Garage Band and Music Studio are out... The very reason I bought it.
So, if you want a cheap way to mess around with one app... This is it. Otherwise, stick with the Alesis I/O, which gives you everything you need and more(including powered mic ins) at a cheaper price, without the frustration.
I returned my synthstation the same day. Im sure you will, also.
Pros
- Charges Ipad
- Cheap
- Works With Many Apps
Cons
- Dedicated App Is Bad
- Not Functional
Best Uses
- Backup
- Practicing
Comments about Akai Professional SynthStation49 Keyboard Controller with iPad Dock:
I just got my SynthStation 49 last night, and I haven't had time to really dive into it deeply yet, but here's a quick rundown of some apps I've tried and my experiences thus far along with links to each of them in the app store -
Akai Synthstation App - This is a REALLY bad app, the sounds are horrible, functionality and intuitiveness of the app is very poor. I suppose every Synthstation owner will buy it, but really, as Eddie.Vidmar said above, it sucks.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/synthstation/id373969724?mt=8
GarageBand - This worked pretty well, but I wish the record and stop buttons would trigger those functions in the program rather than you having to tap on the ipad itself. Drum pads don't seem to be assignable, but other than that, it seems to work.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785?mt=8
AniMoog - This was really the app that I wanted the Synthstation for, the Moog folks have made a great tool, and it works very well with the synth station. Again, a little more hardware integration in terms of the physical buttons and pads would be nice, but overall, I'm happy with how this works thus far.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animoog/id471638724?mt=8
Magellan - This app also worked very well with the synthstation, and it's got great sounds. It's well worth the price of the app.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/magellan/id544119998?mt=8
Sunrizer - This app works very well, has great synths, tones, and functionality. Definitely buy this one.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sunrizer-synth/id443663267?mt=8
Korg iMS-20 - A fantastic app, the sounds are awesome, and the features are truly like that of the old MS-20. Again, it's a shame that you can't assign the pads and other hardware buttons to other functions within the app itself.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/korg-ims-20/id401142966?mt=8
Korg iPolySix - - I haven't tried this yet, I'm hoping to get to it this weekend.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/korg-ipolysix/id579232173?mt=8
Novation Launchkey - I haven't tried this yet, I'm hoping to get to it this weekend.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/novation-launchkey/id583375833?mt=8
Pianist Pro - I haven't tried this yet, I'm hoping to get to it this weekend.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pianist-pro/id358857758?mt=8
Overall so far, the SynthStation is a decent buy if you already have an iPad, and you're used to playing on a smaller USB keyboard, it's worth picking up. My main complaints are the completely awful Synthstation App, and the lack of being able to assign functionality or use dedicated hardware buttons and pads to perform the functions that they could with other apps. If you primarily plan to use this as your main keyboard, you'd probably be better with the Akai MPK61, especially if you're going to be running it into your laptop rather than your iPad. However, if you're looking to tinker around with a bunch of iPad apps, and want something that will power the iPad and give it a dedicated dock, the SynthStation is not a horrible solution for a set of keys to drag to practice or a friends house to have fun with. I even think that after getting the hang of all the issues with it, you *could* even be daring enough to play a few shows with it as well.
Pros
- Makes Ipad More Flexible
Cons
- Gig Bag Hard To Find
- No 5-pin Midi Output
- No Aftertouch I Think
- No Audio Input
- No Expression Pedal Input
Best Uses
Comments about Akai Professional SynthStation49 Keyboard Controller with iPad Dock:
Adding a physical keyboard to an iPad is genuinely useful. Having it be able to suppply power to the iPad is even more useful. At least so far, the product seems to be reasonably well built, especially for the price, and works as advertised.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it has no 5-pin MIDI input or output, which means that I need a separate converter to use the Synthstation/iPad combination with a MIDI device and no computer. Moreover, although the Synthstation makes the iPad audio output available, it does not make the audio input available, which means I can't use it with iPad apps that process audio.
Finally, the keyboard is quite compact. Normal 4-octave keyboard gig bags are way too big for it, and Akai doesn't make one of its own that is the right size. So far, the closest fit I've found is the one from Novation.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good Quality
- Improves Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Practicing
Comments about Akai Professional SynthStation49 Keyboard Controller with iPad Dock:
I'm a drummer usuing roland drums and sampling experimenting in MIDI and this is a great economical option since I already owned
an iPad
Pros
- Easy To Use
- IPad docking station
- Keeps iPad charged
Cons
- Better app support needed
- IPad dock flimsy
- Not as solid as MPK61
- Poor Quality
- Terrible drum pads
Best Uses
Comments about Akai Professional SynthStation49 Keyboard Controller with iPad Dock:
Keys are solid and have good action.
Control buttons a bit flimsy.
iPad dock a bit flimsy.
Entire keyboard is lighter and made of cheaper plastic than the solid built MPK61.
Synthstation app, which is a separate Apple App Store purchase, is the only app so far that allows you to use all the controls on the Synthstation 49.
Drum pads are over sensitive resulting in cut off samples and it is very hard to get expressive with the drum pads since the touch sensitivity is so touchy. Drum pads work well if you mash on them. Really only good for short patterns, but not live or for long drum pattern sessions.
Bottom line: Avoid. Cheaply built compared to AKAI MPK line like the MPK61. Very sad considering I have waited so long for this controller. I would have easily paid more money for this if it had a better quality build.
Displaying reviews 1-5
