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Akai Professional MPK261 61-Key Controller
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The All-New Akai Professional MPK261 Keyboard & Pad Controller - Overview

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.



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
- Number of keys: 61
- Action: Synth
- Key size: Full-size
- Velocity sensitive: Yes
- Aftertouch: Yes
- MIDI I/O: Yes
- USB: Yes
- Pedal inputs: Yes
- Gate out: Yes
- iOS compatibility: Yes
- Audio I/O: Yes
- Other: Not specified
- Encoders: 8
- Faders: 8
- Drum pads: 16
- Pitch bend/Modulation: Both
- DAW transport: Yes
- Number of presets: Not specified
- Display: LCD
- Bundled Software: Yes
- Chord play: Not specified
- Arpeggiator: Yes
- Step Sequencer: Not specified
- 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
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.
Most Liked Negative Review
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 .
- Back-Up1
- Practicing1
- Production1
- I would never ever ever recommend this product.1
- solos to small chord comping/inversions1
- Poor Quality2
- Difficult To Use1
- Not Functional1
- Short keys and not as weighted as I'd hoped.1
- Plastic made .1
- Experienced5
- Professional Musician3
- Novice2
- Functional7
- Good Quality7
- Easy To Use5
- Improves Sound3
- None1
Reviewed by 13 customers
Useless without an after-market power supply
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
submitted5 years ago
byMina Bok
fromPasadena ca
Best midi ever and high quality
I would buy this product again.
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
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 !
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
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.
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted7 years ago
asked byTien
fromEugene, OR
Can I plug headphone jack in this controller?
No. This controller does not have headphone jack












