AKAI PRO Introduces New MPK Line of Professional Keyboard Controllers

MPK261 Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

61 semi-weighted, full-size keys
16 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
8 assignable control knobs
8 assignable faders Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials

MPK249 Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

49 semi-weighted, full-size keys
16 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
8 assignable control knobs
8 assignable faders Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 & Akai Pro MPC Essentials

MPK225 Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

25 semi-weighted, full-size keys
8 MPC pads with RGB illuminated feedback
8 assignable control knobs
Updated control layout with backlit LCD screen
Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for dynamic performances
Expression & sustain pedal jack inputs
Comprehensive production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 and Akai Pro MPC Essentials

MPK mini Performance USB/MIDI Pad & Keyboard Controller

25 synth-action mini keys
New 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control
8 MPC pads with Note Repeat
8 assignable control knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more
Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere
USB-powered; no power adapter required
Comprehensive production software package included: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble 2.0

Press release:

"AKAI PRO EXTENDS ITS INDUSTRY-LEADING MPK LINE OF PROFESSIONAL KEYBOARD CONTROLLERS WITH NEW MODELS

New keyboard controllers from Akai Professional provide hands-on music production capabilities with modern DAW control.

Cumberland, RI, USA – January 22, 2014. Akai Professional announces four additions to its popular MPK USB keyboard/pad controller series— the 25-key MPK225, 49-key MPK249, 61- key MPK261 and an update to the ultra-portable MPK Mini.

Housed in a slimmer, all-new design, each full-size model features RGB backlit trigger pads lifted straight from the MPC Renaissance and a 20-character LCD screen with comprehensive parameter feedback. Designed to erase the line between hardware control and software performance, the new MPK family also includes the ability to send QWERTY-style commands using soft-controls, a low-power mode for iOS connectivity via the Camera Connection Kit and enhanced response from the refined keybed.

The latest members of the full-size MPK series also come with advanced music production software titles including AbletonTM Live Lite and MPC Essentials – a powerful sample-based groove production application – and spectral morphing synth Twist from SONiVOX. Owners of the MPK249 and MPK261 will also receive AIR Music Tech’s high-definition Hybrid 3 virtual synth, while MPK261 owners also receive SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble.

MPK Highlights (full-size models):
• New full-size, semi-weighted keybed in 25-, 49- and 61-key models
• Backlit, velocity-sensitive RGB trigger pads derived from the MPC Renaissance
• Includes industry-leading music creation software from AbletonTM, Akai Professional,
AIR and SONiVOX
• New layout with LCD screen for faster access to essential DAW-based functions •
• Hyper-responsive pitch bend & modulation wheels; octave controls

The refreshed MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard remains true to its name as the ultimate portable keyboard controller. It’s comprised with an impressive array of controls in the small 25 mini-key frame including an all-new joystick control for pitch and modulation functionality, trigger pads ported from the MPC Renaissance, famed Note Repeat, a full-size USB connector, and an improved keybed.

MPK Mini Highlights:

• Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere; 25 synth-action mini keys
• 8 backlit, velocity-sensitive trigger pads derived from the MPC Renaissance
• New 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control
• 8 assignable control knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more
• USB-powered; no power adapter required

Akai Professional Product Manager Dan Gill notes, “The MPK series has been a huge success for us, and these new models incorporate five years of customer feedback that deliver even more capability to keyboard players and music producers. By providing users with superior control capabilities and powerful music creation software, the latest additions to the MPK family are an instant upgrade to any studio or stage setup.”
The new range of MPK controllers will be available at the following street prices: MPK225 Performance Keyboard Controller ($249.99 USD), MPK249.99 USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard ($399.99 USD), MPK261 USB/MIDI Performance Keyboard ($499.99 USD), and MPK Mini Laptop Production Keyboard ($99.99 USD).

Akai Professional will unveil the MPK keyboard controllers at the 2014 NAMM Show in Hall A, Booth 6700, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit: www.akaipro.com/wnamm2014"

Update: NAMM floor video:

AKAI MPK 249 Controller at NAMM 2014 - BBoyTechReport.com -

Published on Jan 22, 2014 BBoy Tech Report·44 videos

"MPK249 is the updated MPK 49. Name changed at the last minute to distinguish between the original and the new refreshed version."

Akai Professional Introduces New MPC One Retro Standalone

video by AkaiProVideo

"The most powerful standalone workflow now in the iconic retro MPC look for a truly timeless music production experience."

And the press release:

AKAI PROFESSIONAL® UNVEILS MPC ONE RETRO STANDALONE

The modern standalone MPC workflow is now available in the iconic Retro MPC colorway for a truly timeless music production experience.

Ft Lauderdale, FL USA (May 11, 2021) — Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers today announced the latest addition to their standalone MPC hardware lineup, MPC One Retro. The MPC One Retro retains the modern standalone MPC workflow while revisiting the legendary MPC look that defined generations of music production and beat making.

The Look, The Legacy, The MPC

Spanning through past decades, the lore of 16 gray pads is forever etched into the productions of countless music- makers who were integral to hit songs and multi-platinum albums. Akai Professional has captured that rich history and style with the new MPC One Retro. Featuring the iconic retro-colored housing and gray pads, the MPC One Retro combines all the modern standalone features ready for new musical adventures and legacies.

Definitive Standalone Workflow

MPC One Retro features all the modern MPC functionality contemporary music producers have come to rely on including MPC plugin instruments for inspirational sounds, world-class award-winning insert effects plugins from AIR Music Tech., and a vibrant 7” Capacitive Multi-Touch Screen for a fast, responsive workflow—all encompassed in a solid Quad-core powered standalone unit. From sampling and beatmaking, to conception, creation, and finished masters, the MPC One Retro has stylishly emerged from celebrated musical decades of the past to deliver that modern production style found only on MPC standalone.

Exceptional Standalone Hardware Features

The Akai Professional MPC One Retro experience is all about hands-on creativity without the need of a computer. The brilliant 16 velocity/pressure-sensitive RGB-backlit pads are not only inviting to look at against the retro tone, but also serve as the core input for creating beats, chords, melodies, pulsing hi-hats, basslines and anything else you assign to them. 4 touch-sensitive Q-link knobs are the gateway to controlling many parameters and settings that will help define your signature sound.
And when you are looking for more ways to creatively expand, the MPC One Retro integrates into your music world with all the ports and jacks you need including USB, MIDI DIN, LINK, CV/Gate, 1/4” line-level audio input and a SD card slot to save, transfer and share your productions—the MPC One Retro is perfect for pairing with other synthesizers, drum machines, and sound generators. The brilliant 7” multi-touch onboard display brings the experience to a full range of inventive editing capabilities without the need of a mouse

All information subject to change akaipro.com

Unprecedented Standalone Software Control

As a controller, the MPC One Retro comes with MPC2—its counterpart DAW software for those who want to elevate their music productions further on Mac or PC. As a full-scale Digital Audio Workstation software platform, the included MPC2 software boasts 128-track sequencing, real-time time stretching, MIDI editing, clip launching, Ableton Link support, and other advanced features such VST plugin support with other DAWs. MPC2 software enriches the MPC One Retro standalone experience in both standalone and controller modes delivering all the creative potential you need.
Akai Professional, Senior Product Manager Dan Gill said “Akai Professional and the MPC have a long-storied history that resonates profoundly with users from all around the world. Each recalls their first MPC encounter and the role it played in their most cherished musical experiences. The MPC One Retro is our tribute to this rich history while proudly asserting our continued commitment to creating the most powerful standalone music production devices in the world. MPC One Retro truly embodies the best of the legendary products throughout the years and the ultimate modern standalone music production workflow.”

MPC One Retro Highlights
• Limited Edition retro colorway chassis and gray MPC pads
• Exclusive MPC Expansion Pack for MPC One Retro owners
• All the features of the MPC One Standalone (No Computer Required)
• Standalone music production center with 4GB onboard storage
• Fully compatible with projects, programs and sequences from previous MPC versions and legacy
hardware
• Comes loaded with loops and samples created by industry-leading sound designers
• Load up your own custom samples via SD card or USB
• 7” touchscreen allows you to edit and chop samples via gestures
• 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for programming beats and playing melodies
• Includes acclaimed instruments including DrymSynth, Electric, TubeSynth, Bassline, and AIR FX mixing
and mastering processors
• USB controller input allows you to play sounds with your favorite controller keyboard
• 8 CV/Gate outputs for controlling modular synthesizers
• MIDI I/O for integrating synthesizers, drum machines, and other hardware
• Stereo line-level inputs and outputs on 1/4” TRS connections
• USB-A port for thumb drives or control surfaces

Available: May 11, 2021 Price: $899"

https://www.akaipro.com/mpconeretro

CLICK FOR MORE »

AKAI PROFESSIONAL UNVEILS THE NEW MPC STUDIO

video upload by AkaiProVideo

MPC Studio US MAP Price $269.00

MPC Studio Academy Tutorials


MPC Studio Masterclass Tutorials


User videos:

Review: MPC STUDIO MK2 // vs Maschine Mikro MK3 // Tutorial

video upload by loopop

First Day with the MPC Studio

video upload by Gabe Miller Music

AKAI PROFESSIONAL® UNVEILS THE NEW MPC STUDIO: AN EXCEPTIONAL MODERN MUSIC PRODUCTION SOLUTION

Adding to the MPC lineup, the new MPC Studio delivers a serious music production and recording system for the modern music creator.

Cumberland, RI USA (September 21, 2021) — Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, is proud to announce its newest music production system, the MPC Studio.

The new MPC Studio redefines tactile control with a hardware offering that intuitively delivers a modern and deep level of command over the music production process. Together with the MPC2 Desktop Software DAW for both Mac and PC, MPC Studio offers a total creation package for the serious modern beat-maker and music producer.

MPC Performance and Control

At the heart of MPC Studio are the world-renowned 16 full-size pressure and velocity sensitive RGB-backlit pads with aftertouch. These pads optimize your performance to play and record patterns, notes, chords, and more with sound precision and an accurate visual display of velocity and pad groupings.

The new assignable Touch Strip will elevate any performance with invigorating expression. Add articulation to a string or guitar instrument, add modulation or pitch bend to a keyboard synth, control Note Repeat for hi-hats, snares, effects and much more. The assignable Touch Strip will quickly become your favorite tool to shape and sculpt your performances and productions.

The full color LCD ensures users will stay locked into every creative moment with vibrant visual feedback. Scroll through track names, plugin instrument presets, browse categories, monitor parameter values when dialing in effects, or trim and chop samples. The color LCD makes work more efficient by enabling you to keep your eyes on the controller, and your focus squarely on the music. Navigate sessions big and small with dedicated MPC Transport controls, complete with Locate buttons for time saving and precise location spotting.

CLICK FOR MORE »

AIR Iona - A Faithful Recreation of your Favorite ‘80s Monosynth

video upload by AIR Music Tech and Akai Professional

AIR Iona - Walkthrough
video upload by AIR Music Tech and Akai Professional




AIR Iona for MPC - Authentic Analog Tones Made for Modern Production Workflows

video upload by Akai Professional

"Meticulously modeled on one of the most coveted hardware synths of the ‘80s and ‘90s techno and acid house scenes, Iona delivers timeless basses, leads, and sequences in a powerful new form. https://inmusic.to/34ueevrm

With a 128-step pattern sequencer and graphical editor with flexible performance controls—all integrated for standalone MPC, MPC Desktop, and DAW users—it fits effortlessly into any workflow.

From the moment you select an initial preset and start experimenting with Iona’s intuitive interface, nearly any sound you can imagine is at your fingertips.

Learn more about Iona at https://inmusic.to/34ueevrm."

From groundbreaking tech innovations in the early days of electronic music to futuristic sounds that define emerging genres, analog synthesizers have done it all. That’s why so many artists and producers still crave the sound of vintage monosynths like the Model D, MS-20, and SH-101 today.

Enter Iona. Meticulously modeled on one of the most hardware coveted synths of the ‘80s and ‘90s techno and acid house scenes, Iona delivers timeless basses, leads, and sequences in a powerful new form. With a 128-step pattern sequencer and graphical editor with flexible performance controls—all integrated for standalone MPC, MPC Desktop, and DAW users—it fits effortlessly into any workflow.

From the moment you select an initial preset and start experimenting with Iona’s intuitive interface, nearly any sound you can imagine is at your fingertips.

KEY FEATURES
Back to Basics: Sleek Design, Simple Controls

Music production tools are meant to inspire—not add complexity to your creative process. Iona was carefully designed with your MPC or DAW workflow in mind. It has an intuitive front panel display with familiar controls and simple navigation so that you can focus on creating.

Dynamic Pulse-Width Modulation

Add complexity and character to your sound with robust pulse-width modulation via LFO, envelope, or manual slider. For deeper modulation exploration, Iona’s BPM-syncable LFO has nine selectable waveshapes. Classic Filter Sound and Behavior

Iona features a vintage-inspired filter with envelope, LFO, and keyboard tracking; ADSR filter envelope assignable to VCA; portamento, and customizable modulation control.

Customizable Look to Match Your Vibe

Personalize the visual identity of your Iona while you dial in your signature sound. Choose from five different color skins—grey, red, blue, white, and yellow—each saved per preset.

Introducing Drum Synth 500

Published on Apr 15, 2019 AIR Music Tech

AIR® MUSIC TECHNOLOGY RELEASES EXCITING NEW DRUMSYNTH 500 LIVE & STUDIO PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE

Newest drum synthesizer software from Air—renowned creator of the industry reference Strike for Avid Pro Tools—delivers total control of all electronic drum sounds with simple, intuitive interface.
Cumberland, RI USA (April 16, 2019)—AIR Music Technology (airmusictech.com), a developer of premium virtual instruments, today announced the immediate availability of Drumsynth 500, a virtual instrument of electronic drum sounds for use with any DAW or as a Standalone application for live performance.
Building upon Air Music Technology’s heritage of creating Strike—considered “The reference Drum Instrument” for Avid Protools—Air has teamed up with music legends Akai Professional and Alesis Drums to carry on this legacy of excellence.

In the style of the popular 500 series synth modules comes an all new software drum synthesizer that delivers full control of all electronic drum sounds in an easy-to-use, comprehensive interface. Drumsynth 500 from AIR Music Technology has everything needed to create an endless variety of custom electronic drum sounds for all styles of music.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Akai Introduces the MPC X Special Edition

MPC Cookup ep. 1 with Jermaine Dupri | Akai Professional

video uploads by AkaiProVideo

Akai MPC X SE // Top 3 Pros & Cons vs MPC Live II, One, Key 61, Studio // XSE Special Edition Review

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Similarities
2:40 MPC X vs SE
3:40 Q-Links knobs
7:30 Connectivity
10:05 Battery/speaker
10:30 More buttons
12:25 Screen
13:45 Pads
14:15 Touch strip
14:45 Keys
15:20 Storage
15:50 Pros & cons
18:25 Outro



Press Release follows:

AKAI PROFESSIONAL® CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF MPC WITH THE NEW MPC X SPECIAL EDITION- THE MOST POWERFUL MPC EVER!

The MPC X Special Edition commemorates 35 years of innovative sampling, sound, and sequencing technology from AKAI, the premier name in music production.

Ft Lauderdale, FL USA (April 26, 2023) – Akai Professional, a leading musical equipment and computer software manufacturer for performers and producers, is proud to unveil MPC X Special Edition. MPC X SE steps into the spotlight with more internal storage and memory than ever. Additionally, MPC X SE boasts flagship tactile control to make it the most powerful MPC system ever. With a stylish retro color way, MPC X SE culminates as the high point of the leading name in music production.

35 Years of sampling and Innovation.

MPC has pushed the limits of hardware music creation time and time again. In every generation, leading music makers need technology that can keep up with the speed of their inspiration and the needs of their creativity. MPC continues to lead the way with innovative features and advancements, magically bringing music to life. From Note Repeat and 16 Levels for the hip-hop heads to the infectious Swing for electronic drum grooves and patterns. MPC has been at the ground level of hit song after hit song thanks to its powerfully capable technology.

Today, the standalone MPC platform continues to build on that legacy with seamless touchscreen technology, more I/O than ever to tie an entire production suite together, along with wireless integration like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ableton Link 3 allowing you to make music without any constraint.

The Most Powerful MPC Ever

The rock-solid quad-core processor cements MPC X SE as the leading modern music-making device enhanced with an impressive 4GB of RAM onboard. This delivers more sampling and recording power than ever before. Instantly load instruments, samples to large projects with ease thanks to the increased memory, perfect for studio sessions or on stage between songs. Save large projects, sequences, drum programs to your beats instantly with the expanded 48GB of internal storage without ever interrupting your workflow.

MPC X SE is the only MPC with 2 In/4 Out MIDI to connect all your synths, keyboards, modules and more. The massive 10” adjustable touch screen is the perfect display for those long creative sessions. 16 assignable Q Link knobs with OLEDs provide immediate visual feedback and to any program, instrument, or insert effect parameter for instant hands-on control of your sound. For the high-pace creators tied to a busy schedule, MPC workflow keeps you ahead of the game with an intuitive and efficient creative process.

Legendary Hardware, Cutting-Edge Software



Through the years, the 16-pad MPC grid has been the default input method for MPC. Revel in the nostalgic gray pad color of these new-generation pads that feature RGB backlit edges and pressure-sensitive response. Tap out rhythms, melodies, or chords with ease thanks to the Notes and Chords modes, perfect for playing the thousands of built-in instruments. MPC X SE features a premier collection of instruments including the award-winning flagship “Fabric XL” power-synth, Stage Piano, OPx4 FM synth and much more. MPC has evolved with the contemporary music-maker by adding not only sounds and functionality but also world-class insert effects for processing. Explore a wide collection of plugins like Stutter, Granulator, Half Speed, the AIR Vocal Effects suite, MotherDucker, AMP Sim and so much more. When you need to expand your palate, browse the MPC store and update your MPC X SE with new plugin instruments like Mini D synthesizer or Flavor Pro multi-effects processing unit to breathe new life into your machine. Thanks to the enabled WiFi, update your device wirelessly in mere moments.

Senior Akai Professional product manager Dan Gill shared “The journey for MPC has been a labor of love. We strive every day to deliver the tools that will empower all music-makers, from our life-long MPC users who trust and rely on their MPCs to keep up with their daily music grind, down to the newest members of the MPC community who look to the MPC legend as they foray into their nascent musical endeavors. MPC X Special Edition is a tribute to where we’ve come from, what we’ve accomplished, and marker of the next chapter of innovatory, ground-breaking music product development.”

Key Feature Bullets

• Standalone MPC - No computer required

• MPC Plugin Collection- 20+ MPC Instruments

• 48GB Internal Storage (over 16GB for User Storage)

• 4GB RAM for Sampling and Audio Recording

• 100+ Insert Effects from AIR Music Tech

• Adjustable 10.1” Multi-Gesture Touch Screen

• 16 Assignable Q Link Knobs

• Iconic ‘Retro’ MPC Colorway

• Includes MPC 2 Desktop software for Mac and PC.

Launch Info

MPC X Special Edition will be available worldwide on Wednesday April 26, 2023 for $2499. Visit akaipro.com to learn more.