Great quality product and service. Save on Akai at Derringers Music. It can also be split on the computer, of course. I often use Octave Shift when I play and I sometimes hit the wrong button. I’ve had problems with Novation and their’s breaking quite easily. Thanks in advance . It has all the essentials that you need and it also comes with some great software right out of the box. The MPK261 comes with a set of Presets for the included software and many other popular software DAW. its stores in the country listed above). Akai MPK 261 im bonedo-Review – Mit den Modellen MPK 225 (25 Tasten), MPK 249 (49 Tasten) und der hier getesteten 61-Tasten-Version MPK 261 präsentiert Akai die zweite Generation seiner MPK Keyboard Controller. Its functionality and playability crush most of its competition. MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, and onboard transport buttons. In a future post, I will show you how to modify the Presets on your computer and upload them on your MPK. Request a new review. The rotary encoders are well made and feel solid. Show listings Show reviews . 25 March, 2015. The Akai Professional MPK261 is a performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The box that it comes in weighs about 16 pounds all in all. [IT] Italiano ; Home; Account; Sign out; Sign up; Log in; Page navigation: Pictures . Why not write a review based on your experience with it. This is not viable in a show environment. The Tempo button flashes according to the tap tempo that you adjust. Did you do a review of the mpk61? The sliders have a short travel but with just the right amount of friction they let you precisely control the values on their output. AKAI MPK261 $699.00. The pads on the MPK261 are simply the best that I have used. I work in the music industry, and the portability and power of this keyboard was great. This wasn’t addressed by Akai in the MPK261. Generating a note will require less force. These are awesome for playing in dark music venues as they basically light the top of your keyboard up. With a -25 value, the curve might look like this: With a +25 value, the curve might look like this: The Gain parameter will let you set a relative effort needed to apply the chosen velocity curve. At least from what I’ve seen, the Akai gets better reviews than the M-Audio stuff. Note: The arpegiator only works with the keys, not the pads. Overall, you are getting a ridiculously solid MIDI keyboard. The MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 are engineered to be all-in-one controller solutions for comprehensive interfacing and manipulation of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. This is a small section of five buttons that will send actual regular computer keyboard messages to your computer, like ENTER, RIGHT-ARROW, etc. The multitude of buttons, knobs and sliders need quite a bit of space so the keyboard is quite deep (but less than the M-Audio Axiom Air 61). This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. They map the speed of the key press to a velocity curve that is supposed to correspond to the force of the impact of a regular key. The Akai MPK261 is an advanced MIDI keyboard with 61 large, semi-weighted keys and arpeggiator and latch functions. Hi, Do I have the option to split the keyboard into zones with different sounds or layering something like the akai advance and code series of Maudio! i would love to be able to load custom drum kits into the pads independently of what instrument the keyboard is controlling. Akai Professional MPK 49 ⭐ review. The Akai MPK261 is a 61 Key MIDI Keyboard with the familiar pads of the MPC. If you’re just getting into music production or you’re simply trying to step your game up, the Akai MPK261 is a great choice. This is the best that I could find on the market at this point. It is relatively compact because the Pitch Bend and Expression wheels are above the key bead. I have never used a semi-weighted keyboard that didn’t just feel like a stiffer synth keyboard. avg … They only allow you to choose a set of Midi parameters that are associated with the buttons and other controls. Hi, i having problem to save my pad colours. So, I would like to change the function of those drum pads. When they are on the right I find it difficult to trigger them while playing with my right hand. Akai MPK249 - http://amzn.to/2rE40biReview and demo of the Akai MPK249 Midi Controller Keyboard! This way, the MPK2 will not overwrite your own modified presets. MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, and onboard transport buttons. Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2018 When this keyboard first arrived, it worked extremely well and was very easy to use. The buttons are also used to select the tempo division for the Repeat and Arpegiator functions. They are fixed, meaning that they don’t go down when you push. Each member of Akai Pro's MPK series comes fully loaded with a comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. Customer Reviews . Review score 4.5 van de 5 sterren 4.5 / 5 sterren 9,0/10 (93 reviews) Akai MPK249 Review score 4.5 van de 5 sterren 4.5 ... Akai MPK261. Keys are too soft: semi-weighted is a myth! This does not make a significant difference but a trained piano player will sense it. They are also assignable and customizable. The display has good contrast and presents the information logically. Next to the tempo button is the Repeat button. I played different styles of music and looked at the values coming out of the keyboard (using Midi Monitor on a Mac). Undisclosed Reviewer. Disclaimer: There may be affiliate links on this page and others. It connects via Midi to other equipment and computers. The next section is the DAW. I’ve been playing keyboards for over 20 years and this is the place that I love to share my knowledge. ). Includes a comparison of the pads to the other Akai controllers. Compare Lowest Price, Color, Weight, Release Date, Brand and other characteristics. The MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, and onboard transport buttons. I personally haven’t had problems using the pads as I use them with Ableton Live. This is a review of the Akai MPK261 Midi Keyboard. Of course, if you don’t need the DAW controls, many other keyboards are available and most of those, especially from Roland and Yamaha, have a much better key feel. We’ve covered the keyboard already. You choose them by name (editable). Each member of Akai Pro's MPK series comes fully loaded with a comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. Included software has some rough edges (except Ableton Live Lite), No included Preset Manager (like Vysex Editor that was available for MPK61), No easy way to manipulate parameters from computer while playing (it does not respond to Program Change Midi messages, although more on that, Screen too small (come on, this is 2014! So the Presets are done right: customizable, flexible and you can store 30 on the keyboard, plus an infinite number on your computer. Because of the difference in the action (mainly the pivot point), the black keys need more pressure to achieve the same sound force the closer you press to the root. User review from Godly75 about Akai MPK261 : Good but rather spartan functionality. The Pitch Wheel and Expression Wheel are placed above the keyboard, on the left. No reserve. This is one of the easiest controllers to use due to its intuitive design and layout. Everything is right where it needs to be. I use the Akai Idoc2 as interface. Full review of the MPK 249 - covers pads, keys, faders, and software. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, and onboard transport buttons. They are named set of parameters stored in permanent memory in the MPK261. I must admit that I seldom use release velocity but I like it with some guitar effects. UTILIZATION It is clear that at the touch of Akai (MPK of 49 to 61) is very specific to the brand. Hey man thanks for the overview! The arpegiator is also linked to the tempo button. Since the keys are not very stiff, it is easy to hit the neighbouring keys if your finger action is not absolutely precise. It is not portable (well…maybe). I only explain the particularities that are not obvious on the web site. You get to change values for Keyboard Velocity Curve which, as I mentioned above, should be stored with the Presets. They let you choose between Preset, Edit, Global and Program display modes. They are big enough…, Cubase is one of the more popular DAWS and is one that I have grown familiar with. the black/white offset to velocity. The professional black finish is good and the red base, visible on the back, adds a nice accent. The base is metal sheet and the unit is built like a tank. If you play classical music, Jazz or in any way have been trained on a regular piano, you will spend some time adjusting your hand positions. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for AKAI Professional MPK261 - 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Assignable MPC Controls including 16 Pads, Q-Links, Buttons and Plug and Play Connectivity at Amazon.com. With MPK261, musicians and composers can incorporate genuine MPC workflow into their productions and create with the tools that producers have relied on for years: MPC Swing lets MPK261 users obtain that tight, organic groove that made Akai Pro’s groundbreaking MPC music-making machines so legendary. The inMusic Profile is where you can register products, download software titles, and access exclusive content and offers - not just for Akai Professional, but for … If you press the Edit button after you have touched any control the screen will present information about that control and its current configuration. Anyone have any run time with this as a recording setup? You will definitely have to adjust your playing style on this keyboard. Shipping Australia wide. You have 16 illuminated drum pads with note-repeat and 8 assignable rotary knobs and … By the way (thanks to Tony for finding this out) if you want to reset the presets to factory setting, you first have to press “preset” then the left arrow. I would like to see it put in at an angle. Do you know what is the solutions for this? I find that pressing the black keys when, for example, playing a chord so that my longest fingers (index, mid and ring) hit the black keys, I touch the keys near their root. If you’re in search of a MIDI keyboard, it’s safe to say that the MPK series would be a great choice. The Akai MPK 49 and 61 (except for the number of keys, they're identical) have carved quite a reputation for their build quality, which is the first ... keyboard player, this might not matter to you. I still go back to my old Casio keyboard for piano practice because I much prefer real key action, but the MPK261 is perfect for experimentation and mobile playing. They really are built like a tank. I love this particular way of adjusting the velocity curve although you should note that this is a Global Parameter, meaning that the keyboard will react the same way in any software. Akai Professional is part of an elite family of hardware and software companies known as inMusic Brands. I end up using different velocity curves depending on the software I have producing sound at any point. My setup in the studio includes a full 88-key keyboard, various Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) controllers and pedal boards but I can’t carry all of this easily. KeyboardKraze.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (i.e. Only one thing, I hope you had the answer. The MPK261 is the same case. With MPK261, musicians and composers can incorporate genuine MPC workflow into their productions and create with the tools that producers have relied on for years: MPC Swing lets MPK261 users obtain that tight, organic groove that made Akai Pro’s groundbreaking … It seems to be a shift applied to the velocity curve. Discover the key facts and see how Akai Professional MPK 49 performs in the keyboard controller ranking. The faders and 360-degree encoders are located on the right side and I think this placement works well. This might seems limited, but I have run into so many problems with keyboards that try to couple very tightly with software running on computers that I now vastly prefer to do it the Akai way. The value goes from -50 to +50. This is a very noticeable difference and a typical pianist will have quite a surprise when switching to a smaller keyboard. Can new pads and a step sequencer keep Akai’s MPD pad controllers top of the class? The Presets are stored in the Keyboard memory. when chose the colour i want for Bank A to Bank D, then i global save it. I use my laptop most of the time to navigate, so I would rather have more controls on the keyboard, rather than a larger screen. Plus, it can be assigned to each Preset so you have quite a bit of control over the color. The Akai MPK2 series controllers combine deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. We are seeing more and more RGB products in the world today, and a big part of this is that they make it easier to see what you’re working with. I would like to see them bigger and separate from other controls. They seem pretty durable and reliable thus far. It is generally adjusted with the Hardness macro command but can be fine tuned as well. I previously worked with the MPC2000xl and the word program meant loading as many as 64 sounds that correspond to the 4 pad banks. Personally, I would go with the Novation SL MKIII over the Akai MPK261. The Pads can send Program Change. Thanks for the review it was very impressive! Hi there! avg used price: $413. Reason…, Alesis started producing keyboards in the 1980s in a small town in Rhode Island. On the down side, the Presets don’t store the global parameters. Pad color is not saved with global save. I notice the MPK261 comes with Ableton lite. Akai is using a number system to adjust the velocity curve. I am by no means a seasoned midi programmer, and i have a million questions, but i’m hoping you can shed some light for me regarding the pad usage. Roland A-88 MKII Review – Is It A Gamechanger? Experience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with MPK261 and Akai Pro VIP3.0 (Free Download Included a Akai MPK261 Review and Best Prices | DJ Tech Reviews Thinking of buying the Akai MPK261? As far as I’m concerned, the only parameters that should be Global are Midi Channel, Note Display (as in show note name or just note number) and the Global SysEx Send. Akai MPK261 MIDI Keyboard Controller Review Last Updated: May 21, 2015 By Sean To finish off the last of the new MPK II series of USB MIDI controllers by Akai Professional, the 61-key MPK261 is pretty beastly. The last button will put you in Repeat Time Division chooser mode, where you simply choose the divider associated with the Tempo and used by the Repeat and Arpegiator. I can use an octave switch if I need to play more notes occasionally and the length of the keyboard makes it easy to carry. Your email address will not be published. He's toured the country with Vinyl Theatre & now has developed a passion for writing about all things keyboards. Luckily, you can export them to you PC or Mac as SysEx and use a SysEx librarian (or you DAW) to store and transfer an infinite number. Akai has been a household name for music producers and keyboardists as their MIDI keyboards are some of the highest quality choices you can choose from. With MPK261, musicians and composers can incorporate genuine MPC workflow into their productions and create with the tools that producers have relied on for years: MPC Swing lets MPK261 users obtain that tight, organic groove that made Akai Professional's groundbreaking MPC music-making machines so … Thanks in Advance!! Practical Usage on Facebook (current news), IoT REBOOT – Apple HomeKit (Siri), Raspberry Pi, node-red, Homebridge, Apple HomeKit on iOS with Arduino (ESP8266) through Raspberry Pi – Part 2, Apple HomeKit on iOS with Arduino (ESP8266) through Raspberry Pi – Part 1, Review: Zivix PUC+ for Bluetooth Midi Wireless, M4L: Max for live patch for better guitar solo. P. p.j. You can find the detailed specifications on the Akai website. The biggest question should be: how many keys do you need? Free shipping in Canada. Below the Mode Buttons are the Transport Buttons. Fantastic product and great service from the DJKit team. Akai Professional MPK261 - "Good but rather spartan functionality" 12/01/19. I wish I could see this kind of … Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Akai Professional MPK261 | 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Core Control From The MPC Workstations at Amazon.com. Pads on keyboards are common now and Akai has vast experience with them. It’s lightweight and it also is pretty durable for a MIDI keyboard. If the tempo is external, the arpegiator funciton is off (or controlled by the computer). The MPK261 comes bundled with a good selection of software, for Mac and Windows, that might be a good selling point if you do not have your own already. MPK261, 61-Key MIDI Keyboard from Akai in the MPK series. This is measured two ways: Note that smaller keys are not the exception for electronic keyboards. You could also use a series of notes outside of your keyboard range (I sometimes use the lowest notes) to trigger your drums. This is a “feature” common to all non-weighted keyboards. is this possible? However, it's fairly safe to say that Novation Launchkey 49 MkII is a more popular midi controller, based on its 600+ reviews. This is useful when working with certain DAW software like Ableton Live. The MPK261 has some RGB backlit pads that are red, blue, and green. Basically, you want to switch between Presets on the MPK. The pads on the MPK2 series are great. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The Akai MPK261 is heavy! This is linked to the Pad Repeat only. Nice review. You are presented with Ableton Lite Live, VIP, Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble and the Akai Pro MPC Essentials. I also listened to many sound generating  programs to figure out the best velocity arrangement. Buy Akai Professional MPK61 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller: MIDI Controllers - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Akai Professional MPK225 | Compact 25-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Core Control From The MPC Workstations at Amazon.com. This is more for the advanced players as you have an 8 track built-in sequencer with the SL MKIII. The Akai MPK261 is an advanced MIDI keyboard with 61 large, semi-weighted keys and arpeggiator and latch functions. I set my parameters to : Curve -6 to -10, Gain -6, Black -5. Your email address will not be published. Below the display you will find the Modes buttons. You have 16 illuminated drum pads with note-repeat and 8 assignable rotary knobs and … Reviews; Akai MPD226 & MPD232. This is a great way to control some parameters on your computer without having to touch it. Required fields are marked *. Review score 4.5 van de 5 sterren 4.5 / 5 sterren 93 reviews 428,- … I would recommend this keyboard for beginners and advanced players. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. MIDI Controllers - Akai Professional MPK261: Lowest Price ($498), Color (), Weight (16 lbs), Release Date (), Brand (Akai Professional). The Akai MPK 49 and 61 (except for the number of keys, they're identical) have carved quite a reputation for their build quality, which is the first thing that you will notice about them. Luckily, the MPK261 has a parameter for this particular adjustment (see below). The only documented way is to use the “Preset” button and then use the knob to choose the appropriate Preset. Also, a bigger display would prevent having to navigate right and left to go through a series of parameters. The navigation keys are logically placed and responsive. Most of the keyboard parameters are stored in a preset. Product presentation . I’m guessing that each company is still quite independent as far a product development goes. Yes, the keyboard can be split using the “edit” function and pressing a key. The Akai MPK 261 is a new product and is just becoming available in stores (as of this writing, of course (2014/6/21, around $500)). The Roland A-88 MKII was recently announced just a couple of weeks before the popular NAMM 2020 and…, 61-key MIDI keyboard controllers are the sweet spot between 49 keys and 88 keys.