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The All-New Akai Professional MPK261 Keyboard & Pad Controller - Overview

The All-New Akai Professional MPK261 Keyboard & Pad Controller - Overview

Akai Professional

Description

Akai Professional's MPK261 is a revolutionary MIDI keyboard controller that fuses dynamic hardware control with powerful music production software. Its 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch provide an authentic piano feel for natural playability, while 16 MPC-style pads, assignable Q-Link knobs, faders and switches put comprehensive beat and track creation at your fingertips. The MPK261 connects via a standalone USB interface to your Mac or PC, unlocking its full potential through the included Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats. The MPK261 is the ultimate creative companion for performers, producers and composers alike.

Express Yourself With Premium Keybed and Pads

The MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys and a premium piano-style keybed, delivering unprecedented dynamics and sensitivity for nuanced performances. Each key is outfitted with aftertouch, allowing you to add expression with the press of a key. The 16 backlit MPC-style pads invite you to construct complex beats and melodies with classic MPC workflow using functions like Note Repeat, Full Level, 16 Levels and Swing. Four pad banks provide access to 64 pads in total.

Take Full Control of Your Software and Sounds

The MPK261's 24 assignable Q-Link controllers—comprising 8 knobs, 8 faders and 8 switches—are pre-mapped to manipulate various parameters in Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats. They can also be manually assigned to your favorite plugins, instruments and effects in any DAW. This intuitive control over your software's functions and your music's characteristics helps enhance your creative flow and productivity.

Premium Software for Out-of-the-Box Music Creation

The included Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats software provide a fluid production environment for composing, recording, remixing and editing your musical ideas. Ableton Live Lite is an innovative DAW for crafting and performing music, while MPC Beats offers intuitive beat and groove making with over 2GB of sounds. Together with the MPK261's dynamic keybed, pads and Q-Link controls, these software platforms unlock a world of possibilities for creative expression.

A Complete, Portable Music Production Solution

The MPK261 connects via USB for plug-and-play integration with your computer, providing bus power so no external power supply is needed. Its slim, lightweight design means you can take the MPK261 anywhere to produce music on the go. Everything you need to compose, record, remix and edit complete tracks is at your fingertips with the MPK261's premium hardware control and bundled software.

Akai Professional MPK261 61-Key Controller
Akai Professional MPK261 61-Key Controller
Akai Professional MPK261 61-Key Controller

Features

  • 61 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
  • 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads
  • 24 assignable Q-Link controllers include knobs, faders, and switches (8 of each)
  • Revamped control layout with backlit LCD screen
  • USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input and output

Specs

Keyboard
  • Number of keys: 61
  • Action: Synth
  • Key size: Full-size
  • Velocity sensitive: Yes
  • Aftertouch: Yes
Connectivity
  • MIDI I/O: Yes
  • USB: Yes
  • Pedal inputs: Yes
  • Gate out: Yes
  • iOS compatibility: Yes
  • Audio I/O: Yes
  • Other: Not specified
Controls
  • Encoders: 8
  • Faders: 8
  • Drum pads: 16
  • Pitch bend/Modulation: Both
  • DAW transport: Yes
Onboard Features
  • Number of presets: Not specified
  • Display: LCD
  • Bundled Software: Yes
  • Chord play: Not specified
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
  • Step Sequencer: Not specified
Other
  • Width: 35.6"
  • Height: 3.4"
  • Depth: 12"
  • Weight: 15.1 lb.

Reviews

3.31

13 Reviews

50%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Awesome Design and Functionality

Pads feel just like an MPC. Keys aren't exhausting. Faders and knobs are smooth. Has about everything you need in a MIDI controller plus more! Also, it works great with Ableton Live.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

NOT GOOD for live performances , short keys !

One thing for sure is that as a PRO keyboardist I would NOT get this keyboard for live performances ! Why ? The keys man ! the keys . they're 1/2" shorter than pro synths and feel like toy . The body is plastic made but it's not as flimsy as the cheaper ones . The rest might be good (check it in YouTube) , but for me as a pro keyboardist , definitely not an option . If you don't mind the shorter keys , then the Novation SL MKIII 61key ($699.00) and Arturia KeyLab MKII 61key ($499.00) are much much better as far as built quality , plug-ins , functionality and even the look . This controller is good for recording not playing live . Note : In the keyboard " Specs " it indicates Full Size Key , but no it is NOT a full size key keyboard , be aware of it .

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Back-Up1
  2. Practicing1
  3. Production1
  4. I would never ever ever recommend this product.1
  5. solos to small chord comping/inversions1
Cons
  1. Poor Quality2
  2. Difficult To Use1
  3. Not Functional1
  4. Short keys and not as weighted as I'd hoped.1
  5. Plastic made .1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced5
  2. Professional Musician3
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Functional7
  2. Good Quality7
  3. Easy To Use5
  4. Improves Sound3
  5. None1
  • Useless without an after-market power supply

    1

    submitted3 years ago

    byKirk

    fromWI

    A MIDI controller that requires A/C power but does not come with a power supply is utterly useless. If I wanted a toy that required a computer to make music, I could have paid much less than for this thing.

  • I would buy this product again

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byMina Bok

    fromPasadena ca

    Best midi ever and high quality

  • I would buy this product again.

    4

    submitted6 years ago

    byHazernomical

    fromNew York City

    I've had several of Akai's products in the past, so I knew what I was buying. The MPK is not the best controller, but it does everything you need consistently. The pads are beautiful, program banks are easy to modify, good mod and pitch wheels, and it has a pleasing aesthetic. The MPK is an excellent studio keyboard that quickly adapts to most DAWs.

  • Don't do it

    1

    submitted6 years ago

    byNever again

    fromWA

    Had it for three days and had so much difficulty. Watch a few you tube videos and read the comments.

  • NOT GOOD for live performances , short keys !

    1

    submitted7 years ago

    byDavid D.

    fromIrvine CA

    One thing for sure is that as a PRO keyboardist I would NOT get this keyboard for live performances ! Why ? The keys man ! the keys . they're 1/2" shorter than pro synths and feel like toy . The body is plastic made but it's not as flimsy as the cheaper ones . The rest might be good (check it in YouTube) , but for me as a pro keyboardist , definitely not an option . If you don't mind the shorter keys , then the Novation SL MKIII 61key ($699.00) and Arturia KeyLab MKII 61key ($499.00) are much much better as far as built quality , plug-ins , functionality and even the look . This controller is good for recording not playing live . Note : In the keyboard " Specs " it indicates Full Size Key , but no it is NOT a full size key keyboard , be aware of it .

  • Nice solid item

    5

    submitted7 years ago

    byDr Eeveell

    fromConcord, CA

    I've had this for more than two weeks so far, and it is very nice. The semi-weighted keys have very nice action. I'm a professional computer nerd, very amateur musician, so I like to have a lot of buttons, knobs and sliders to play with for once I figure out how to use them. I purchased my unit as a open box/floor model. It was still in perfect shape, but didn't have the manual or software with it. However, after registering my system at the Akai web site, I was able to easily download all the programs and install them.

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Q&A

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

  • asked byTien

    fromEugene, OR

    Can I plug headphone jack in this controller?

    Open Reply -
    No. This controller does not have headphone jack