Akai Professional Max 49 vs Akai Professional MPK 49
SOURCE ARTICLES
User reviews: Akai Professional Max49
en.audiofanzine.com
The Akai Professional Max49 is a 4-octave, 49-key MIDI master keyboard with MPC pad functionality. It has full connectivity, including MIDI, CV/Gate, and two pedals. The touch keyboard is surprising, with a "hard" and durable feel. The pads are sensitive and offer velocity and aftertouch. The manual is not clear, and the general configuration is confusing. The overall opinion is mixed, with some liking the aesthetics and pad sensitivity, but finding the additional features unnecessary and difficult to use. The reviewer recommends trying the keyboard before purchasing.
MAX49
www.akaipro.com
MAX49 from Akai Professional is a revolutionary MIDI and CV controller that offers powerful creative capabilities. It features LED touch faders, a built-in step sequencer, and classic controller features like semi-weighted keys and transport controls. MAX49 also includes CV and Gate outputs, allowing you to control hardware and software from any era. With its iconic MPC pads and included Ableton Live Lite software, MAX49 provides complete control for music production and performance.
Akai MAX49 review
www.musicradar.com
The Akai MAX49 is a four-octave controller keyboard with a wide range of control options. It features velocity and semi-weighted aftertouch control, 12 drum pads, eight ribbon-control sliders, transport control buttons, and pitch and modulation wheels. The keyboard comes with Akai Connect and Vyzex Editor software for easy integration with your DAW. It also includes arpeggiators and sequencers for MIDI events. The MAX49 encourages performance and offers a firm action and back-lit pads with aftertouch control. It has CV/Gate ports for connecting to analog synths. The keyboard is a winner and the only downside is the absence of rotary encoders.
Akai MAX49 Review
The Akai MAX49 is a solid MIDI controller with unique features like touch faders, multi-purpose MPC pads, built-in sequencer, and CV out. It has a small footprint and sturdy construction. The keys are solid and responsive, while the touch faders can be a bit tricky to use. The included software is easy to install and navigate. However, the unit is heavy and the key bed and wheels are stiff. The built-in arpeggiator can be laggy, and the documentation is lacking. Overall, the MAX49 is a good choice for those with analog gear or in need of a compact 49-key controller.
Akai Max49
The Akai Max49 is a MIDI controller keyboard with unique features such as touch-sensitive ribbon faders and CV/Gate connections. It offers comprehensive MIDI control with a four-octave keyboard, 12 pads, and eight buttons. The touch-sensitive ribbon faders allow for instantaneous value changes and are impervious to dust and grit. The Max49 also has a step sequencer and an arpeggiator. It is highly programmable and comes with a bundled Vyzex editor for customization. The Max49's solid build, high-quality playing surfaces, and CV/Gate outputs make it appealing to retro-minded musicians.
Akai MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller User Reviews
The Akai MPK49 MIDI Controller is praised for its solid build, practical features, and value for money. The reviewer appreciates the compromise of having 49 keys instead of 88, as it fits well in their recording area. They highlight the controller's sound quality, arpeggiator, and ease of use. The sturdy frame, high-quality knobs, sliders, and buttons are also commended. The reviewer mentions the pads being a bit hard to push but still satisfactory. They compare the controller to the Novation controller and express their preference for the Akai. The reviewer has had positive experiences with Akai products in the past and mentions the manufacturer's support. The red and black design and the overall professional look of the controller are also mentioned. Overall, the reviewer gives the Akai MPK49 a perfect rating in all categories.
Can the Akai Professional MPK49 be played on stage like a regular musical keyboard?
The Akai Professional MPK49 is a controller keyboard, not a synthesizer. To allow the audience to hear the sounds, you would need to connect your laptop to an amplifier or PA system. It is recommended to have your own monitor system for smaller venues, but larger venues may provide multiple monitor feeds. Using a laptop for live performances has pros and cons, with great sound quality but potential technical issues. Consider getting a used keyboard instrument instead of a keyboard controller.
Akai MPK49 review
The Akai MPK49 is a compact keyboard with a range of control options. It features eight knobs, faders, and switches, as well as pitchbend and modulation wheels. The keyboard also includes 12 MPC pads for sampling sequencers. The MPK49 allows for assigning three different sets of data for the controls, giving a total of 72 assignable parameters. Installation is easy, and presets are available for popular software and plugins. The MPC pads offer a firm and responsive feel, and the keyboard includes an arpeggiator and note repeat function. Overall, the MPK49 is a feature-packed keyboard that performs well.
Akai MPK 49/61
The Akai MPK 49/61 MIDI/USB controllers are known for their solid build quality and ruggedness. They feature a semi-weighted keyboard that is stiffer but highly responsive, making it suitable for trained pianists. The controllers also include pitch bend and modulation wheels, 12 pads with adjustable sensitivity, an arpeggiator, transport section, faders, and encoders. The drum pads may require some adjustments to improve sensitivity. The controllers come with presets for popular DAWs but may require manual configuration for other software. The MPK 49/61 are priced similarly to other premium controllers in the market.
Akai MPK49
The Akai MPK49 is a USB MIDI controller with a large panel and spacious controls. It features a 49-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. The controller also includes 12 MPC-style percussion pads, eight knobs, eight faders, and assignable buttons. It has a bright-blue backlit display and comes with a preset editor and librarian application. The MPK49 offers hands-on improvisation with features like Tap Tempo, Note Repeat, and an arpeggiator. It is a user-friendly controller that prioritizes intuitive playability.
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AI COMPARISON
Comparison Table: Akai Professional Max 49 vs Akai Professional MPK 49
| Feature | Akai Professional Max 49 | Akai Professional MPK 49 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 49 | 49 |
| Number of Drum Pads | 12 | 12 |
| Number of Faders | 0 | 8 |
| Number of Knobs | 0 | 8 |
| Encoders | 1 | 1 |
| Display | Yes | Yes |
| Backlit LED Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 5310 g | 5896 g |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 322 mm x 741 mm x 80 mm | 298 mm x 711 mm x 63 mm |
| Arpeggiator | Yes | Yes |
| Transport Controls | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI Out | Yes | Yes |
| Sustain Pedal Input | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Windows and Mac | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Features | Touch Strips, CV/Gate Outputs, LED zipper, MPC pads | Tap Tempo, Semi-Weighted Keys with Aftertouch, MPC-style pads |
| Software Included | Akai Connect, Vyzex Editor | Preset editor and librarian application |
Summary
The Akai Professional Max 49 and the Akai Professional MPK 49 both offer 49 keys and 12 pads, making them versatile for various music production needs. The Max 49 lacks traditional faders and knobs, utilizing touch strips and a unique LED zipper instead, which can be a pro or con depending on user preference. It also features CV/Gate outputs for integrating with analog systems and has a heavy emphasis on touch controls.
The MPK 49, on the other hand, includes 8 faders and 8 knobs, offering more tactile control over parameters, which might be preferred by those who enjoy physical controls over digital ones. It also has semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, providing a more dynamic playing experience compared to the typically harder keys of the Max 49. The MPK 49 is slightly heavier but has a more compact design, potentially making it more robust for transport and stage use.
Recommendations
- For Studio Musicians and Producers: The Max 49 is ideal for studio use, especially for those who work with a mix of digital and analog equipment due to its CV/Gate functionality. Its complex interface might suit more experienced users.
- For Live Performers: The MPK 49 could be better suited for live performances, given its robust build, traditional controls, and straightforward interface, which may allow for quicker adjustments on stage.
- For Beginners: The MPK 49’s more standard and forgiving keys might be more approachable for those new to MIDI controllers.
- For Experienced Keyboardists: Those who prefer a keyboard with a stiff, responsive touch may find the MPK 49 more to their liking due to its semi-weighted keys and precise aftertouch.
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