Akai Professional MPK249 |49-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Assignable MPC Controls and Plug and Play Connectivity

Akai Professional’s MPK controller keyboards have become standard equipment in many professional MIDI rigs. The latest MPK249 rocks improvements in every major area, from its new RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads to the superb action of its aftertouch-enabled 49-note keybed. The MPK249 gives you boatloads of workflow-enhancing features such as MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and an arpeggiator for complex rhythmic and melodic manipulation. With its assignable faders, buttons, and encoders (eight each), 16 performance pads, transport controls, LCD screen, and USB/iOS modes, the MPK249 gives you absolute control over your software.

Juice your productions with authentic MPC functionality

With the Akai Professional MPK249, you can juice your productions with authentic MPC workflows, using the familiar tools producers have relied upon for years. MPC Swing delivers that tight, organic groove that made MPC units instant classics. MPC Note Repeat and 16 Levels make it easy to build beats and construct short melodic sequences using the MPK249’s 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads. Also onboard is an arpeggiator that lets you easily explore more complex melodic ideas with its adjustable resolution, range, and patterns.

Addictive keyboard feel and plentiful performance controllers

Keyboard feel is a big deal. (We’re a picky bunch.) The MPK249’s semi-weighted action is an ideal middle ground, working well for piano parts as well as fast synth leads. Akai Professional has also equipped it with assignable aftertouch – perfect for adding tasty vibrato and other modulation without having to disengage your hands from the keyboard. In addition to its assignable faders, buttons, and rotary encoders, the MPK249 is also fitted with sustain/footswitch and expression pedal jacks, as well as the de rigueur pitch and mod wheels.

Enhanced hardware control over your software = greater productivity

Seamlessly bridging the gap between hardware control and software performance, Akai Professional’s latest generation of MPK controllers gives you the enhanced response of a refined new keybed, new RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads, the ability to send QWERTY-style commands via soft-controls, and a low-power iOS mode. It all adds up to enhanced hardware control over your software – which translates to greater productivity for you. The MPK249 is plug-and-play with your Mac or Windows computer, and it also sports iOS compatibility via Apple’s optional iPad Camera Connection Kit. It even comes with free software, including Ableton Live Lite, Pro MPC Essentials, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, and SONiVOX Twist 2.0.

Akai MPK249 Features:

49 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
16 RGB-illuminated MPC pads derived from the MPC Renaissance (each with 4 banks)
24 assignable Q-Link controllers include knobs, faders, and switches (8 of each)
New control layout with backlit LCD screen
USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input and output
Comprehensive transport and parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator for advanced rhythmic and melodic manipulation
MPC Full Level, 16 Levels, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with dynamics and tempo
Pitch bend, modulation, and octave controls for expressive recording and performing
One sustain/footswitch jack, one expression pedal jack
USB bus power for plug-and-play connectivity
iOS compatibility via Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
Production software package included: Ableton Live Lite and Pro MPC Essentials
Virtual synths included: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech and SONiVOX Twist 2.0.