The controller keyboard, evolved

Akai Professional's MPK controller keyboards have become standard equipment on many professional MIDI equipment. The latest MPK249 features improvements in every major area, from its new MPC-style pads with RGB lighting to the excellent action of its 49-note aftertouch-enabled keyboard. The MPK249 offers several workflow-enhancing features such as MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and an arpeggiator for complex rhythmic and melodic manipulation. With its assignable faders, knobs and encoders (eight each), 16 performance pads, transport controls, LCD screen and USB/iOS modes, the MPK249 gives you absolute control over your software.

Boost your productions with authentic MPC functionality

With the Akai Professional MPK249, 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 16 levels make it easy to build beats and short melodic sequences using the MPK249's 16 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 MPK249'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 faders, knobs, and rotary encoders, the MPK249 is also equipped with sustain/pedal and expression pedal jacks, as well as pitch de rigueur and modification 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, the ability to send style commands QWERTY through smooth controls and a low-power iOS mode. It all adds up to improved hardware control over software — which translates to greater productivity for you. The MPK249 is plug-and-play with your Mac or Windows computer and also offers 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

• 49 semi-weighted full-size keys with aftertouch;
• 16 RGB-lit MPC pads derived from the MPC Renaissance (each with 4 banks);
• 24 assignable Q-Link controllers include knobs, faders and switches (8 of each);
• 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, MPC Swing and arpeggiator for advanced rhythmic and melodic manipulation;
• MPC Full Level, 16 levels, 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: 49;
• Wrenches type: semi-heavy;
• Velocity sensitive: yes;
• Back Touch: Yes;
• Pads: 16 velocity-sensitive backlit pads;
• Other controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel, 8 x Assignable Knobs;
• Encoders/Potentiometers: 8 x Encoders;
• Faders: 8;
• Dedicated Transport Control: Yes;
• Footswitch Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TS (sustain/pedal), 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression)
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB/iOS;
• USB: 1 x Type B;
• Computer connectivity: USB;
• Programs: VIP3.0, Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, MPC Beats;
• Hardware requirements (Mac): 1.25GHz G4/G5 or faster (Intel recommended), 2GB RAM;
• Hardware requirements (PC): 1.5GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron CPU, 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: USB bus powered;
• Dimensions: 737.0 x 322.0 x 86.0mm;
• Weight: 5.7kg.