Akai Professional MPK 49 vs Roland A-500Pro
SOURCE ARTICLES
Akai MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller User Reviews
www.zzounds.com
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?
www.harmonycentral.com
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.
User reviews: Cakewalk A-500PRO
The reviewer is pleased with the Cakewalk A-500PRO MIDI controller. They have been using it for 3 years without any problems and find it easy to use and configure. They appreciate the clear manual and compatibility with software like Sonar and Reason. The reviewer also mentions using it with other MIDI devices and VST plugins. They find the touch keyboard nice and the overall quality of the controller to be good for its price.
Roland A-500PRO
The Roland A-500PRO is a versatile 49-key MIDI controller that offers a superior key mechanism for expressive dynamics. It has an ergonomic design with easily accessible controls and a dedicated Transport section. The A-500PRO Editor allows for customization, and it has easy connections with side panel ports. The controller features 8 velocity-sensitive Dynamic Pads and an ultra-bright backlit LED display. It offers low-latency MIDI transmission and comes bundled with music creation software. The A-500PRO is durable and works with any DAW on Mac or PC.
Roland A-500 PRO
The Roland A-500 PRO is a versatile keyboard controller that offers a great feel and response for serious players. It features 49 velocity-sensitive keys with channel aftertouch, 45 assignable controls, 8 dynamic pads, and a pitch bend/modulation stick. The controller is durable and works with any DAW on Mac or PC. It supports Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard. However, some users have found the aftertouch on the Roland A-500 PRO to be less sensitive and expressive compared to other controllers.
Roland A-500 pro review anyone ?
The reviewer is looking for a MIDI controller that is compact, durable, and has good key feel. They mention their previous controller, the Creative Prodikeys DM, and express interest in using the Roland A-500 Pro with the Korg M1 Legacy plugin. They plan to check out the A-500 Pro in stores before purchasing it.
Roland A-500 PRO 49-key Keyboard Controller Reviews
- RobertS from San Diego, CA, an active musician and home recording hobbyist, reviewed the Roland A-500 PRO 49-key Keyboard Controller on June 29, 2010.
- Shimron Elit, a published electronic musician and songwriter, also reviewed the keyboard controller on June 29, 2020.
- Ari, a pianist with 20 years of experience, reviewed the product on November 11, 2021.
- Bob Yeager, a live and studio musician from Woodbury, N.J., reviewed the keyboard controller on December 28, 2016.
- Steve, a professional musician and music educator from VA, reviewed the product on November 6, 2013.
- Scott, a performer, composer, and now hobbyist from Elburn, IL, reviewed the keyboard controller on May 21, 2010.
- A Sweetwater customer left a review on April 15, 2017.
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AI COMPARISON
Product Comparison Table
| Feature | Akai Professional MPK 49 | Roland A-500Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Keys | 49 | 49 |
| Number of Faders | 8 | 9 |
| Number of Drum Pads | 12 | 8 |
| Number of Knobs | 8 | 9 |
| Encoders | 1 | 1 |
| Volume (cm³) | 13348 | 19064.5 |
| Thickness (mm) | 63 | 91 |
| Weight (g) | 5896 | 3800 |
| Backlit LED Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Yes | Yes |
| Height (mm) | 298 | 250 |
| Width (mm) | 711 | 838 |
| Octave Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Tap Tempo | Yes | No |
| Arpeggiator | Yes | No |
| Transport Section | Yes | Yes |
| Pitch Wheel | Yes | No (has pitch/mod stick) |
| Modulation Wheel | Yes | No (has pitch/mod stick) |
| Aftertouch | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI Out | Yes | Yes |
| Sustain Pedal In | Yes | No |
| Expression Pedal In | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI In | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI Mapping | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI via USB | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Mac | Yes | Yes |
Comparative Summary
The Akai Professional MPK 49 and the Roland A-500Pro both offer a wide array of controls suitable for professional musicians, with 49 keys and extensive MIDI control. The Akai MPK 49 features a higher number of drum pads (12 vs. 8) and the same number of knobs and encoders as the Roland, but the Roland A-500Pro includes one additional fader. The Akai is heavier and slightly bulkier than the Roland, which might be an important consideration for mobile musicians.
The Akai MPK 49 supports more performance features such as tap tempo and arpeggiator, whereas the Roland lacks these but offers a unique pitch/modulation stick instead of separate wheels, which could be seen as a space-saving feature. The Akai uses semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, appealing to those who prefer a more realistic keyboard feel. However, the Roland is noted for its responsive keys and lower weight, making it potentially more suitable for live performances.
Both models are well-regarded for their build quality and durability, and each has a strong brand reputation for customer support. The Roland, however, does not support a sustain pedal, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
Recommendations
For studio musicians or producers who need extensive control capabilities including drum pads, sliders, and programmable options, the Akai Professional MPK 49 would be highly suitable, especially with its slightly larger set of controls and performance features like the arpeggiator and tap tempo.
For live performers or those who require a lightweight, portable option with durable construction and effective integration with digital audio workstations, the Roland A-500Pro is a strong candidate, particularly with its unique pitch/modulation stick and responsive keys, despite having fewer drum pads.
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