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Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller

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Akai Pro & Native Instruments | Seamlessly Integrated

The All-New Akai Professional MPK249 Keyboard & Pad Controller

Description
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.



Features
- 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
Specs
- Number of keys: 49
- Action: Semi-weighted
- Key size: Full
- Velocity sensitive: Yes
- Aftertouch: Yes
- Key type: Piano-style
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
Reviews
4.21
24 Reviews
81%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Most Liked Positive Review
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.
Most Liked Negative Review
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.
- Practicing9
- Concerts4
- Back-Up2
- DAW Control1
- Music Writing1
- Difficult To Use4
- Not Good Compatibility With LogicPro x1
- Not Good For Live Performance1
- Poor Tech Support1
- Very Limited Editing1
- Experienced10
- Novice4
- Professional Musician3
- Good Quality13
- Functional10
- Easy To Use8
- Improves Sound4
- Excellent semi-weighted keybed1
Reviewed by 24 customers
Doesn't work with Macbook Pro M1!
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
submitted3 years ago
byLYDSTON G.
fromISLIP,NEW YORK.
VERY EASY TO SET UP IN LOGIC PRO.LOVE THIS HARDWARE.
Poorly Labeled Synth Keyboard
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!!!
Verified 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
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
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.
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted4 years ago
asked byKp
fromAtlanta, GA
Is this compatible with the newest MacBook Pro?
I’m sorry, we don’t have that information available. Perhaps an inquiry to Akaisubmitted4 years ago
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.
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.submitted5 years ago
asked byMachu Picchu
fromTexas
Is this a new keyboard? Are they available in store?
This is a new keyboard and it should be available in most store locations.submitted5 years ago
asked bymuuzikman
fromPickerington, Ohio
Is it compatible with Cubase Pro 10.5?
Yes it is.submitted5 years ago
asked byCandis
fromBakersfield
Is there an audio output jack to connect headphones?
This keyboard controller does not have an audio output jack for headphones.submitted5 years ago
asked bysk8ball
fromundisclosed
Does GC sell a suitable 6v 1a power supply? Which one? Thx
Unfortunately, we don't sell a separate power supply for this midi controller.submitted5 years ago
asked byTaylor
fromCharlotte NC
Do this product work FL Studio
Yes, it will.submitted6 years ago
asked byMichael
fromMarana Az
Can the firmware be updated?
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.submitted6 years ago
asked byThe drummer
fromundisclosed
Does this keyboard have presets?
Yes, this has presetssubmitted6 years ago
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.
If it's running FL studio 20, it will work with this controller.