mpk 49I wanted to tell you about a product from Akai Professional called the MPK49. But since I’m not a producer myself, I recruited the help of my friend Jimmylee of DOA Productions.

Gadget-T: How would you rate it over all?

Jimmylee: I think the Idea and ease of this is awesome. The MMC (transport control) is so convenient. The mixer (being full size) is also great.

Gadget-T: What did you like most?

Jimmylee: How everything is in one unit. No more waste of space. Built to last (not made cheap). Weighted keys

Gadget-T: What did you dislike the most?

Jimmylee: Did not care for the arpeggiator (It allows the player to automatically step through a sequence of notes based on the player’s input), it only had one setting that I saw. Does not work 100% with Cubase, the keys and pad work, but the transport do not.


Gadget-T: What would you change if anything?

Jimmylee: The connectivity of the transport (stop, play, record) keys. The channel assignment for the mixer I would make it simpler for Cubase.


Gadget-T: Any other thoughts?

Jimmylee: If you are using reason or Sonar, this is the best Piece you can have for your studio. If you’re using Cubase or Protools, I would not recommend it.

I had him rate the MPK in five key areas on a scale of 1-10.

  1. Ease of use: 8
  2. Key response
    1. the feel: 10
    2. response time: 6
  3. Enough programmable space?: 8
  4. Did it meet expectations?: 8
  5. Were 49 keys adequate?: 10

Key Features

  • 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full-sized keys
  • 8 full-sized, 360 degree rotation pots, each with 3 banks for 24 pots total
  • 12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
  • 8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total
  • MPC note repeat and all-new arpeggiator
  • 8 assignable backlit switches with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total
  • MMC/MIDI Start Stop transport buttons
  • Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display

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