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Akai Pro & Native Instruments | Seamlessly Integratedplay button

Akai Pro & Native Instruments | Seamlessly Integrated

The All-New Akai Professional MPK249 Keyboard & Pad Controllerplay button

The All-New Akai Professional MPK249 Keyboard & Pad Controller

Akai Professional

collapse expand iconDescription

The MPK249 49-Key Controller is Akai Professional's flagship USB MIDI keyboard controller. Bridging the gap between keyboard performance and music production, the MPK249 provides an unparalleled level of creative freedom. At its heart lies a premium, semi-weighted 49-note keyboard with aftertouch for nuanced, expressive playing. Augmenting the keyboard are 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, ideal for launching clips or finger drumming. Rounding out the MPK249 are 8 assignable knobs, 8 assignable faders and 8 assignable buttons for hands-on control over your software and virtual instruments. The included software bundle provides everything needed to start producing right out of the box. The MPK249 is the total package for keyboard players, producers and performers of all kinds.

Premium Keyboard Feel Inspires Expressive Performances

The MPK249 features a high-quality, 49-note, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch for dynamic, nuanced playing. Each key is velocity-sensitive, capturing the subtle details and expression in your performance. Aftertouch allows you to add modulation and effects as you play by applying pressure to keys. Onboard pitch bend, modulation and octave controls provide extra expressive control. The MPK249's premium keybed gives you the responsive, authentic feel of a traditional keyboard so you can lose yourself in the music.

MPC Pads for Finger Drumming and Clip Launching

The MPK249 includes 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads for triggering samples, finger drumming and launching clips. Each pad is velocity-sensitive and multicolored for visual feedback. Four pad banks provide access to 64 pads in total. Onboard MPC technologies like Note Repeat, Full Level, 16 Levels and Swing give the MPK249 pads genuine MPC response and groove. The pads are ideal for drummers, producers and performers who want to create beats and launch clips with the touch of a button.

Unparalleled Control Over Your DAW and Plug-ins

With 8 knobs, 8 faders and 8 assignable buttons, the MPK249 provides extensive hands-on control over your music software and virtual instruments. Each knob, fader and button is freely assignable to the parameters of your choice. Three banks expand the MPK249 to 24 knobs, 24 faders and 24 buttons. Automap support automatically maps the MPK249 controls to popular DAWs and virtual instruments. The MPK249 gives you deep, intuitive control over all your music tools so you can produce and perform without limits.

Powerful Production Software Included

The MPK249 comes with all the software needed to start producing music right out of the box. Ableton Live Lite provides an intuitive environment for composing and remixing music. MPC Essentials allows you to make beats and sequence samples with legendary MPC workflow. Two virtual synths from AIR Music Technology, Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Twist, deliver high-quality sounds for any style of music. With the included software bundle, the MPK249 is a complete, all-in-one solution for music creation and performance.

Choose Your Exclusive NI Bundle

Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered together to bring NKS integration to the MPK Controller series, including the world’s most popular MPK mini MK3, mini play, mini plus and MPK249. Experience the seamless connection between your MPK controller and NI’s legendary sounds with NKS for yourself with your free Komplete 15 Select Bundle of synths, sampled instruments and studio effects—all ready to Kontrol with your MPK.

Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller
Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller
Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 49 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
  • 16 pressure- and velocity-sensitive, light-up MPC-style pads x 4 banks
  • 8 control knobs, 8 faders, and 8 backlit switches
  • USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
  • 10 with Octave Up and Down
  • Additional Controls: MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, MPC Full Level, 16 Levels, Tap Tempo, and Time Division

collapse expand iconSpecs

Keyboard
  • Number of keys: 49
  • Action: Semi-weighted
  • Key size: Full
  • Velocity sensitive: Yes
  • Aftertouch: Yes
  • Key type: Piano-style
Connectivity
  • USB MIDI: Yes
  • 5-Pin MIDI: In/Out
  • Sustain: Yes
  • Expression: Yes
  • iOS compatibility: Yes, Apple camera kit (sold separately)
  • Audio I/O: Not applicable
  • Other: Not applicable
Controls
  • Knobs: 8 knobs; 3 banks
  • Faders: 8 faders; 3 banks
  • Drum pads: 16 backlit, velocity sensitive; 4 banks
  • Buttons/switches: 8 switches; 3 banks
  • Pitch wheel: Yes
  • Mod wheel: Yes
  • DAW transport: Yes
Onboard Features
  • Edit mode: Yes
  • Auto mapping: Info not available
  • Zones: Info not available
  • Number of presets: Info not available
  • Display: Backlight LCD
  • Program change: Yes
  • Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
Other
  • Width: 29 in. (736mm)
  • Height: 3.38 in. (86mm)
  • Depth: 12.25 in. (311mm)
  • Weight: 12.6 lbs.
  • Construction: Info not available
  • USB power: Yes
  • Power adapter: 6V DC, 1A (sold separately)

collapse expand iconReviews

4.21

24 Reviews

81%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Great Midi Controller! - Perfect Action Keyboard and Pads - So-So Quality Control

I ordered this and it came fast in 3 days. Pretty well packaged (double box) although the foam inserts were a bit loose. It comes with a basic USB cable and slim quick start guide. You have to download the full manual online. Ugh. But you don't need the manual right off the bat. I played with the controls to make sure everything worked as it should and discovered that some of the keyboard keys were sticking. Hmm...that's a problem. Anyway I hooked it up and this unit performs extremely well. Easy presets are included for Pro-Tools, Ableton, etc. The main thing I wanted it to do was work with the Air Ignite! Software that came with my M-Track Plus interface. It does work well. All the keys and pads work. The recording transport and sound adjustment controls work, but you have to right click them on the screen, then let go (they turn red) then play with the adjustment or button you want to control it. Then it just starts working. Ignite remembers it next time. Ignite! is an incredibly easy to use musician oriented "musical ideas" workshop. It's a free download and activates with a serial number from most M-Audio, Avid, and Akai Prof. Interfaces and Controllers. See their website... Oh yeah, about the sticky keys. So I thought about just sending it back because the keys, when pressed hard, would just stay pressed down! It felt like an adhesive strip was underneath causing them to stick. I didn't feel like hassling with all the shipping and waiting, so I decided to try and fix it myself. Do not attempt unless you have skillz. It was a surprisingly easy fix. 16 screws on the bottom (only the ones in the depressions guys) then the top just lifts off, knobs and all. Be careful of the two ribbon cables connecting the top and bottom. Gently lay the top back, upside down, and examine the Keyboard assembly. Running under the keys in front is a foam strip with adhesive on top (yup that's the culprit) and a sort of felt strip that's supposed to sit on top the adhesive. Mine was shifted off in a few different places, causing the keys to hit adhesive instead of felt. I had to remove about 16-18 of the white keys to get access to the foam/felt strip. This was easy with a little hook tool. I gently hooked and lifted off the springs in back of each key, saved them carefully, and the keys slid forward and off easily. After I re-positioned the felt strip and burnished it to keep it down, I re-assembled the keyboard and case. Total time, about 1 hour. Now I am even more connected to my Midi Controller. It's an amazing piece of hardware and solidly built. Just quality control issue, so, minus 1 star.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Please read before buying!

If you're not a computer expert like me,learning to install and use this may kill your desire to make music. I really cannot believe how much manual work I've had to put into installing this...just a sea of options, most out of date and almost none that I'm familiar with, on how to install and start making music. Attempting to use with Pro Tools First and am having the hardest time. I can at least get sound with Ableton Live but it's crackly and there are methods to fix the sound but that's another who knows how many hours. So, If you're not a computer expert but you really want to purchase this, please consider hiring someone who can install it and explain everything to you.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing9
  2. Concerts4
  3. Back-Up2
  4. DAW Control1
  5. Music Writing1
Cons
  1. Difficult To Use4
  2. Not Good Compatibility With LogicPro x1
  3. Not Good For Live Performance1
  4. Poor Tech Support1
  5. Very Limited Editing1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced10
  2. Novice4
  3. Professional Musician3
Pros
  1. Good Quality13
  2. Functional10
  3. Easy To Use8
  4. Improves Sound4
  5. Excellent semi-weighted keybed1
  • Doesn't work with Macbook Pro M1!

    1

    submitted3 years ago

    byJonathon

    fromDetroit, Mi

    Just bought a great laptop, installed Ableton Live Suite and realized my MPK249 won't work on it. No MPK249 will work on an Apple with the M1 chip. Pretty ridiculous, right? Extremely disappointed.

  • GREAT PRODUCT....PERIOD

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byLYDSTON G.

    fromISLIP,NEW YORK.

    VERY EASY TO SET UP IN LOGIC PRO.LOVE THIS HARDWARE.

  • Poorly Labeled Synth Keyboard

    3

    submitted4 years ago

    byScott M

    fromDallas, TX

    I bought this to replace my old Axiom. That was a piano-style keyboard. Given the features on this one, it sounded like a similar product. It is not. This is a synth keyboard with very springy action -- nothing like a piano. Unfortunately this was not made clear on the packaging. The product itself is fine for its intended purpose. However, when the intended purpose of a $400+ item is not made clear to the consumer, that is a problem.

  • Great new features!!!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byRobert, M

    fromNashville

    Has update for Logic. Really fun to play. Note repeat is really nice. Full Level is also good.

  • Great Controller for use in Ableton Live

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byJeff B.

    fromRiga, NY

    I use it for playing keyboards, finger drumming, and DAW control (using Ableton Live). Great all-around controller. This replaced an aging m-audio axiom 49 and it has far surpassed the axiom's usefulness.

  • It's pretty tough to give it a bad review

    4

    submitted4 years ago

    byJason M

    fromLA, CA

    This item was great as far as the top portion..The pads, the DAW controls and everything work perfectly on that top section. My issue is with the keys. They are very long throw and don't respond until pushed half way down. The one I received had bad keys. I returned it. Some of them didn't respond. But I've tested other ones and they all have that long throw feel and don't respond immediately to the light pressure. You can adjust the settings and that does make it a bit better..But you never will get that full and accurate velocity range. .If you're getting it for the drum pads, controls, durability, aftertouch and to play some keys, I think this is a great choice...One of the best out there. But if you're looking for a dynamic and full velocity curve on the keys, get something else. Like the MPD226 for controls and pads, and then a key only controller like a Nektar or something.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byKp

    fromAtlanta, GA

    Is this compatible with the newest MacBook Pro?

    Is this compatible with the newest MacBook Pro?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m sorry, we don’t have that information available. Perhaps an inquiry to Akai
  • asked byAaron

    fromundisclosed

    Is MPK249 hard to connect with logic prox? So many conflicting answers. I intend to use native prox sounds. Esp the review that says one needs to be a computer expert to get connected.

    Is MPK249 hard to connect with logic prox? So many conflicting answers. I intend to use native prox sounds. Esp the review that says one needs to be a computer expert to get connected.

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It will work and from what I've heard of the process it's fairly painless to do. I would recommend checking out demos to get an idea what you're heading into.
  • asked byMachu Picchu

    fromTexas

    Is this a new keyboard? Are they available in store?

    Is this a new keyboard? Are they available in store?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This is a new keyboard and it should be available in most store locations.
  • asked bymuuzikman

    fromPickerington, Ohio

    Is it compatible with Cubase Pro 10.5?

    Is it compatible with Cubase Pro 10.5?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes it is.
  • asked byCandis

    fromBakersfield

    Is there an audio output jack to connect headphones?

    Is there an audio output jack to connect headphones?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This keyboard controller does not have an audio output jack for headphones.
  • asked bysk8ball

    fromundisclosed

    Does GC sell a suitable 6v 1a power supply? 
Which one? 
Thx

    Does GC sell a suitable 6v 1a power supply? Which one? Thx

    Open Reply - Beau
    Unfortunately, we don't sell a separate power supply for this midi controller.
  • asked byTaylor

    fromCharlotte NC

    Do this product work FL Studio

    Do this product work FL Studio

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes, it will.
  • asked byMichael

    fromMarana Az

    Can the firmware be updated?

    Can the firmware be updated?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately we need some more info before we can give you a for sure answer. Please give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can get you squared away.
  • asked byThe drummer

    fromundisclosed

    Does this keyboard have presets?

    Does this keyboard have presets?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Yes, this has presets
  • asked byEvan

    fromKansas

    I'm currently using a older Dell model pc to run fl studio 20 on and was wondering if this product would be compatible with my pc.

    I'm currently using a older Dell model pc to run fl studio 20 on and was wondering if this product would be compatible with my pc.

    Open Reply - Ronald
    If it's running FL studio 20, it will work with this controller.