Akai MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller User Reviews
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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?
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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
www.musicradar.com
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.
Novation Impulse 49 review
The Novation Impulse 49 is a well-featured and nicely laid out MIDI controller. It has eight knobs, nine faders, eight backlit drum pads, mod/pitch wheels, DAW transport controls, and assignable solo/mute switches. The keyboard is semi-weighted and includes aftertouch. It has a six-mode arpeggiator and Ableton Live Lite 8 is bundled with it. The Automap 4 software is easy to install and integrates well with most DAWs, although there may be some tweaking required with Logic. Overall, it is a great controller, but there are some bugs that need to be fixed.
Novation Impulse 49
The Novation Impulse 49 is a feature-packed MIDI controller keyboard with a strong build quality. It offers semi-weighted synth-style keys, control surface features, transport controls, rotary pots, faders, and backlit trigger pads. The Impulse's unique features include velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive pads with Beat Roll and arpeggiator warping capabilities. It comes with Novation's Automap software for automatic control assignment and includes Ableton Live Lite, Bass Station virtual instrument, and a 1.5 GB sample library. The Impulse is priced competitively and offers a more thorough feature set compared to its rivals. Overall, it is highly recommended as one of the best MIDI controllers on the market.
Impulse 49
The Impulse 49 is a highly expressive MIDI keyboard controller with a wide range of assignable controls. It seamlessly integrates with major music software like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools. The keyboard has a responsive keybed with semi-weighted action and aftertouch, making it great for virtual organs, synths, and pianos. It also features eight pressure-sensitive, backlit pads for playing drums and percussion. The High-Rate Scan technology captures every detail of your performance. You can easily assign all controls and manipulate your sounds with knobs, faders, and buttons. The keyboard also has eight velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for playing beats and launching clips in Ableton Live. It can be connected to hardware synths and sound modules via MIDI output.
Novation Impulse 49 49-key Keyboard Controller Reviews
+ 6
Feature | Akai Professional MPK 49 | Novation Impulse 49 |
---|---|---|
Number of Keys | 49 | 49 |
Number of Faders | 8 | 9 |
Number of Drum Pads | 12 | 8 |
Number of Knobs | 8 | 8 |
Encoders | 1 | 1 |
Display | Yes | Yes |
Height (mm) | 298 | 332 |
Width (mm) | 711 | 846 |
Thickness (mm) | 63 | 100 |
Weight (g) | 5896 | 5000 |
Backlit LED Buttons | Yes | Yes |
Octave Buttons | Yes | Yes |
Tap Tempo | Yes | Yes |
Arpeggiator | Yes | Yes |
Transport Section | Yes | Yes |
Modulation Wheel | Yes | Yes |
Pitch Wheel | Yes | Yes |
Aftertouch | Yes | Yes |
MIDI Out | Yes | Yes |
Sustain Pedal Input | Yes | Yes |
Expression Pedal Input | Yes | Yes |
MIDI In | Yes | Yes |
MIDI via USB | Yes | Yes |
Compatibility | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, iOS |
Volume (cm³) | 13348 | 28087.2 |
Additional Features | Velocity and pressure sensitive pads | Automapping Tech, iOS Compatibility |
Similarities: Both the Akai Professional MPK 49 and Novation Impulse 49 feature a 49-key setup, mod and pitch wheels, arpeggiators, tap tempo functions, backlit LED buttons, and comprehensive transport controls. They are also equipped with similar connectivity options, supporting MIDI in/out and USB. Both models offer compatibility with Windows and Mac, making them versatile for various digital audio workstations.
Differences: The Akai MPK 49 boasts 12 drum pads as compared to 8 on the Novation Impulse 49, potentially offering more versatility for percussion and sampling. However, the Novation Impulse 49 includes one additional fader over the Akai, providing finer control over mixing. Novation also features Automap technology, easing the integration with digital software, and unique iOS compatibility, expanding its utility for mobile producers.
Build and Usability: The Akai MPK 49 is noted for its sturdier build and semi-weighted keys that are responsive and suitable for trained pianists. The Novation Impulse 49, while slightly lighter and larger, provides a semi-weighted keybed with zones that can be defined for complex performances and integrates well with most DAWs, making it particularly suitable for studio settings.
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