The compact, evolved keyboard controller

Akai Professional's MPK controller keyboards have become standard equipment on many professional MIDI equipment. The latest MPK225 features improvements in every key area, from its new RGB-lit MPC-style pads to the superb action of its 25-note aftertouch-enabled keyboard. The MPK225 offers several workflow-enhancing features such as MPC Note Repeat and an arpeggiator for complex rhythmic and melodic manipulation. With its assignable encoders and knobs, eight performance pads, transport controls, LCD screen, and USB/iOS modes, the MPK225 gives you absolute control over your software.

Boost your productions with authentic MPC functionality

With the Akai Professional MPK225, you can enhance your productions with authentic MPC workflows using the familiar tools producers have relied on for years. The MPC Swing delivers that tight, organic groove that made classic MPC units instant. MPC Note Repeat and Full Level make it easy to build beats and short melodic sequences using the MPK225's eight RGB-lit MPC-style pads. Also onboard is an arpeggiator that lets you easily explore more complex melodic ideas with its adjustable resolution, range, and patterns.

Addictive keyboard feel and abundant performance controllers

The MPK225's semi-heavy action is an ideal middle ground, working well for piano parts as well as fast synths. Akai Professional also equipped it with assignable aftertouch—perfect for adding flavorful vibrato and other modulations without having to take your hands off the keyboard. In addition to its assignable knobs and rotary encoders, the MPK225 is also equipped with sustain/pedal and expression pedal jacks, as well as pitch de rigueur and mod wheels.

Enhanced hardware control over your software

Perfectly bridging the gap between hardware control and software performance, Akai Professional's latest generation MPK controllers offer the enhanced response of a refined new keyboard, new MPC-style pads with RGB lighting, and a low-power iOS mode. energy. It all adds up to improved hardware control over software — which translates to greater productivity for you. The MPK225 is plug-and-play with your Mac or Windows computer and also features iOS compatibility via Apple's optional iPad Camera Connection Kit. It even comes with free software including Ableton Live Lite, Pro MPC Essentials, AIR Music Tech's Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Twist 2.0

Create sophisticated virtual instrument decks with Akai Professional VIP

The difference between a cool MIDI controller keyboard and a complete hybrid keyboard workstation is the Akai Professional VIP3. This third generation version of Akai Professional's Virtual Instrument Player software is a masterpiece of workflow management. It lets you load virtually any VST plug-in and combine up to eight virtual instruments plus effects into sophisticated arrangements with key zones, splits and custom mappings — just what you'd expect from a standalone workstation. What's more, there's an ever-growing list of plug-ins that automatically map to your controller, but thanks to the VIP3's MIDI Learn function, you can map any plug-in with any controller any way you like. Run it as a standalone platform or use it as a plug-in in your favorite DAW.

Characteristics

• 25 full-size semi-weighted keys with aftertouch;
• Eight RGB-lit MPC pads (each with 4 banks);
• 12 assignable Q-Link controllers include eight control knobs and four backlit buttons;
• New control layout with backlit LCD screen;
• USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input and output;
• Comprehensive transport controls and parameters for convenient DAW integration;
• MPC Note Repeat and arpeggiator for advanced rhythmic and melodic manipulation;
• MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo and Time Division help with dynamics and tempo;
• Pitch bend, modulation and octave controls for expressive recording and performance;
• One sustain/pedal connector, one expression pedal connector;
• USB bus power for plug-and-play connectivity;
• iOS compatibility via Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately);
• Production software package included: Ableton Live Lite and Pro MPC Essentials;
• Virtual synthesizers included: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech and SONiVOX Twist 2.0;
• Includes Akai Professional VIP3 virtual instrument workstation software/plug-in.

Specifications

• Type: keyboard controller;
• Number of keys: 25;
• Wrenches type: semi-heavy;
• Velocity sensitive: pressure and velocity sensitive pads;
• Back Touch: Yes;
• Pads: 8;
• Other Controllers: 4 x Assignable Knobs, Mod, Pitch Wheels;
• Encoders/Potentiometers: 8;
• Dedicated transport control: Yes;
• Pedal inputs: 1 x sustain, 1 x expression;
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB/iOS;
• USB: 1 x Type B;
• Programs: VIP3.0 (free download);
• Hardware requirements (Mac): 1.25GHz G4/G5 or faster (Intel recommended), 2GB RAM;
• Hardware requirements (PC): 1.5GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron compatible, 2GB RAM, Windows compatible sound card;
• System requirements (Mac): OS X 10.7 or later;
• System requirements (PC): Windows 7 SP1 or later;
• Power source: bus powered;
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 489.0 x 298.0 x 92.0mm;
• Weight: 2.8kg.