AKAI MPK261 61-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller

61-key MIDI Controller

Velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive semi-weighted keys in this USB MIDI Master Keyboard make it a definitive solution for many recording studios, keyboardists, and for those who, for hobby, passion, or profession, work in computer music. The rich set of controls added to the 5-octave keyboard with split function, programmable and synchronizable arpeggiator, includes two footswitch pedal inputs, one for an expression pedal, pitch bend and modulation wheels, 16 pads (64 virtual), and as many as 24 physical controls (faders, knobs, and buttons) articulated across 3 banks for a total of 72 physical controls.
Designed as all-in-one USB MIDI control solutions for PC, Mac computers, and iOS devices, Akai Professional's MPK2 series keyboards provide a rich set of controls, from faders to rotary potentiometers, from velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keyboards to RGB backlit pads. Perfect for computer-based recording studios and live performances by the most demanding keyboardists who need meticulous control of various virtual instrument software and MIDI hardware (Synths, expanders, samplers, drum machines, etc.), the AKAI PRO MPK225, MPK249, and MPK261 keyboards are poised to repeat the success of the previous MPK series used by numerous industry professionals.
The semi-weighted, velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard is accompanied by pitch bend and modulation control wheels (assignable), two pedal inputs, one footswitch (assignable to sustain) and one expression, and MIDI In & Out ports on 5-pin DIN connectors for connection to traditional MIDI instruments. In the MPK261, the 5-octave version, an additional footswitch pedal connection and the Split function are added. A programmable arpeggiator is available on the keyboard, while the historical note repeat function is on the pads; both can be synchronized to the external MIDI Clock, Tap Tempo, or manually set BPM tempo.
Thanks to almost total programmability, by simply pressing the "Edit" button, you can directly from the keyboard and with the help of the information displayed on the bright LCD, program every single physical control: from the type of message that can be sent to the MIDI channel to which the generated message will be sent. With software like Ableton Live or Cubase, you can control and play multiple MIDI tracks simultaneously, programming - for example - the pads to reproduce drum samples, drum machines, clips, or loops, while you play your favorite virtual synth from the keyboard and, at the same time, physically control its parameters from the rotary controls and faders.
Akai Professional's MPK2 series keyboards connect directly to the USB port (without needing power) of Windows PCs (XP, Vista, 7, and 8) and Apple MacOS (10.5 onwards), and to iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) using Apple's Camera Connection Kit (optional, NOT included). Those who purchase the MPK225 and MPK249 series keyboards can download and use the *Ableton Live Lite, **AIR Music Tech Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0, and Akai Pro MPC Essentials software for free. For MPK261 users only, a license for the SoniVox Eighty-Eight Ensemble virtual piano instrument will be added.
IMPORTANT: USB MIDI keyboards do NOT have sounds, do not have audio connections, but send MIDI control messages. To function, they must therefore be connected to computers, iOS devices, and/or compatible MIDI hardware. To reproduce sounds, you must have adequate software on your computer, such as DAWs (Cubase, Ableton Live, Logic, Sonar, Fruity Loops, Pro Tools, Bitwig, Reason, etc.) and/or Virtual Instruments. On iPad or iPhone, musical apps that support remote control via MIDI. The sound will then be reproduced from the audio card output of your computer or the audio output of your iOS device. If you own a PC/Windows computer but do not have an audio card or interface with ASIO drivers, you need to install the ASIO 4 ALL drivers (click here to download) to play with low latency (without delay) with your computer's integrated audio card. Software may be included with the keyboards, for which, as it is free, NO technical or commercial support will be available. EKo Music Group is solely responsible for hardware support, NOT responsible for technical support and any malfunctions that may occur with third-party products.

Specifications

• 5-octave USB/MIDI keyboard
• 61 semi-weighted keys sensitive to velocity and aftertouch
• Octave up and down keys and Split function
• 2 assignable jack connections for footswitches (sustain)
• Jack connection for expression pedal
• Pitch Bend and Modulation control wheels (assignable)
• Programmable arpeggiator for the keyboard
• 16 MPC-style pads organized into 4 banks (64 virtual pads)
• RGB backlit pads, sensitive to velocity and pressure
• MPC Full Level, Note Repeat, and Swing functions on the pads
• DAW Transport buttons: <<, >>, Stop, Play, and Record
• 8 Faders x 3 banks (24 virtual)
• 8 rotary potentiometers x 3 banks (24)
• 8 backlit buttons x 3 banks (24)
• Backlit LCD display
• Tap Tempo and Time Division for arpeggiator and note repeat
• USB MIDI, MIDI IN & OUT 5-pin DIN ports
• PC Windows, Apple MacOS, and iOS compatibility (iPad CCK required)

Dimensions

• Measurements: 905 x 311 x 98 mm
• Weight: 7 Kg