Akai MPK225

Juice your productions with authentic MPC functionality

With the Akai Professional MPK225, 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 Full Level make it easy to build beats and construct short melodic sequences using the MPK225's eight 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.

Enhanced hardware control over your software

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, 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 MPK225 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

Craft sophisticated Virtual Instrument rigs with Akai VIP

The difference between a cool MIDI controller keyboard and a full hybrid keyboard workstation is Akai VIP3. This third-generation version of Akai's Virtual Instrument Player software is a masterpiece of workflow management. It lets you load up just about any VST plug-in and combine up to eight virtual instruments plus effects into sophisticated arrangements with key zones, splits, and custom mappings - exactly what you'd expect from a standalone workstation. What's more, there's an ever-growing list of plug-ins that automatically map to your controller, but thanks to VIP3's MIDI Learn function, you can map any plug-in with any controller in any way you like. Run it as a standalone platform or use it as a plug-in in your favorite DAW. Either way, VIP3 will revolutionize the way you approach virtual instruments.

Akai Professional MPK225 Controller Keyboard Features:

• 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
• Eight RGB-illuminated MPC pads (each with 4 banks)
• 12 assignable Q-Link controllers include eight control knobs and four backlit buttons
• 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 and arpeggiator for advanced rhythmic and melodic manipulation
• MPC Full Level, 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
• Includes Akai VIP3 virtual instrument workstation software/plug-in

Specifications

• Type: Keyboard Controller
• Number of Keys: 25
• Type of Keys: Semi-weighted
• Velocity Sensitive: Pressure and Velocity-sensitive pads
• Aftertouch: Yes
• Pads: 8
• Other Controllers: 4 x Assignable Buttons, Mod, Pitch Wheels
• Encoders/Pots: 8
• Dedicated Transport Control: Yes
• Pedal Inputs: 1 x Sustain, 1 x Expression
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB/iOS
• USB: 1 x Type B
• Software: VIP3.0 (free download)
• Hardware Requirements - Mac: 1.25 GHz G4/G5 or Faster (Intel Recommended), 2GB RAM
• Hardware Requirements - PC: 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron compatible, 2GB RAM, Windows-compatible sound card
• OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.7 or Later
• OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
• Power Supply: Bus Powered
• Height: 3.63"
• Width: 19.25"
• Depth: 11.75"
• Weight: 6.09 lbs.