Great keys, bad pads. 
by Jeremy from Denver, CO, November 2008
Music Background:  musician

I'm happy with this controller. It's solid, the keys have a nice fairly stiff feel. Everything is well thought out and it's software makes editing programs easy. The drum pads are fairly useless. The pads on my MPC 2000xl are great, very sensitive and expressive. Even with the sensitivity turned up all the way, I have to pound these pads to get a response. I really can't use them, but I recommend the MPK for keys.

  Some gotcha's 
by Phil Brown from New Mexico, October 2008
Music Background:  Long time pro musician, full time audio engineer

I bought this to replace a Korg MicroKontrol, which is similar in functionality to the MPK, but about half the size. I have this right behind my Mac keyboard and right in front of a large monitor so just wanted to do a simple swap, plug MIDI in, and go. NOTE: The following will not affect you if you plan to use this strictly with USB to a computer: THE AC ADAPTER IS NOT INCLUDED. I had no intention of using this as a USB device as I already have a MIDI interface and have my studio wired as I like - also I don't have any spare USB ports and don't want to to use yet another hub. With no power adapter I was dead in the water. At the time of this writing, Sweetwater does not mention this, nor do they make it available (they don't even stock it, I'm told). So I used the front USB port of my Mac just to get some power until an adapter could be found. Guess what? The MIDI doesn't work in the normal way with USB plugged in. I just wanted to plug the MIDI Out right where my MicroKontrol was, but the MPK pipes all MIDI info to the USB cable and nothing to the MIDI Out, except what's coming from the computer NOT from the keyboard itself and the Mac recognized the MPK as an interface, and not as a MIDI device. So the next day I hit Radio Shack and finally found an adapter. Akai spec's a 6V, pin positive 1000ma adapter. That's a lot of current, and I don't think that's even correct, as the USB supposedly only pulls 100ma. Anyway I bought an 800ma adapter 273-17666 and the 'K' style plug (5.0mm O.D. x 2.1mm I.D.) 273-1714. I had to take the keyboard to the store to find the right plug since Akai doesn't give specs on the plug size. Cost was just shy of $25. As soon as I plugged in the AC adapter instead of USB all was normal and the MIDI out worked like expected - FINALLY.

Keyboard - nice feel for the money.
Features - very good, decent arpeggiator, plenty of controllers, etc.
Cpntrollers - both the encoders and sliders feel very very good. The switches have lights - nice extra touch.
Wheels - not great but good. My pitch wheel is stiff when going down in pitch but easier going up.
Display - excellent
UI - Ok, I would have done things a little differently, but pretty good overall.
Drum Pads - COMPLETELY UNUSABLE for me anyway. They are about 1/4th as sensitive as I would want. I'm having to really whack them hard and then velocities are quite unpredictable, trying all curves and sensitivity settings. Not musical at all. Too bad because I really wanted better pads than the MicroKontrol, but I believe these are actually a bit worse, I'm sorry to say.
Manual - very skimpy - too skimpy IMO. Did not explain the USB - MIDI Out issue whatsoever. Left me with several other questions as well. It could have been about double what it was.

My 2.5 star rating reflects Akai's not including a power adapter, Sweetwater's not clearly stating such on their web site, AND Sweetwater's not even making it available. My salesman made it clear that he thought all that was perfectly normal "most people now dont want to use power adapters. USB bus power has become so popular that most controllers do not ship with a power adapter because it would increase cost of the unit itself." (a direct quote). That may be (although I feel that's probably an exaggeration), but I strongly disagree with a policy of no power adapter and not at the very least, informing the buyer up front. Not everyone carries a computer around to make music.

  MPK Pads are cheap & response is poor 
by FOURTYw from LONDON, September 2008
Music Background:  Aspiring Pro Producer, Hip-Hop

Let me stress that for the most part, this unit is very good. Build, features, keys... everything is of a high standard... except for the pads that is.

In my opinion, they are cheap and have a poor response (sensitivity). When they state they are genuine MPC pads, check the small print cus they are lifted from the 500 ie the cheapest pads in their entire line. You have to hit them real hard to get them to respond well even with the sensitivity settings adjusted. The main problem is when you hit the pads quickly, you’l find that the quicker you play, the less notes are picked up by the pads. Oh, and I’m not talking super speed here, jus your usual double kik and snare rolls.

Anyway, apart from the pads and issues getting the Note repeat feature to work with FL Studio, the controllers pretty good (thus far). Pity about the pads tho’ because they let down an otherwise solid entry into the Akai line.

If the pads where of better quality and more responsive I truly believe I would have given this unit a perfect score of 5 out of 5. But since 50% of the units unique selling points are related to the pads; 12 of them, note repeat & 12 levels, then my score reflects this as it was one of the main reason I purchased it. My score of 2 out of 5 hopefully will resonate and be heard by a few other potential buyers as a pre-warning.

  DRUM MACHINE.. CHECK... KEYBOARD... CHECK..... TRANSPORT CONTROLS... CHECK 
by DJ BRIAN G THE PRIME SPINISTER AKA BG REMIXES from RICHMOND,VA, September 2008
Music Background:  DJ, PRODUCER, REMIXER HIPHOP ARTIST, RECORDING ENGINEER

ALRIGHT, THE DRUM PADS ON THIS BABY ARE BETTER THAN THE M-AUDIO AXIOM AND THE TRIGGER FINGER AND THE KEYS HAVE THAT "REAL" FEEL.
THIS PIECE JUST FEELS SOLID LIKE IT CAN TAKE A BEATING.

PANPOTS, FADERS. SWITCHES TRANPORT CONTROLS,,, WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED? AUDIO INTERFACE.... WELL YOU COULD WANT ONE ADD 400 BUCKS BUT
MOST OF US ARE USING PRO TOOLS TO TRACK OUR BEATS TO AND SO MOST LIKELY ALREADY HAVE AN MBOX/ MBOX OR GREATER SO... WHY..

I KNOW ALOT OF GUYS SWEAR BY THEIR MPC.. WELLL THIS BABY IS AN MPC WITH A KEYBOARD ONLY THING IS, INSTEAD OF THE TEENY TINY BIT OF SAMPLE MEMORY IN YOUR MPC, THIS SUCKER PAIRED UP WITH YA MAC OR PC HAS VIRTUALLY UNLIMITED SAMPLING TIME SO..

I GUESS IF THEY WANNA MAKE THE MPC GUYS COMPLETELY HAPPY, JUST MAKE AN
MPC-K MPC WITH KEYBOARD BUILT IN AND YOUR ALL GOOD..

  One thing that MUST be noted: 
by Ryan from Everett, WA, July 2008
Music Background:  Recording/Mixing/Mastering Engineer, Producer, Musician

Everything that has been said is true of this controller but there is one thing that hasn't been mentioned yet -- you have to go out and buy an AC Adapter for it if you plan on using MIDI instead of USB to power it because it DOES NOT come with one. Other than that, this is a fantastic controller and has virtually everything you'd need and/or want in a controller.

  If you use CUBASE you might not want it. 
by Kevin from Seattle, Washington, USA, May 2008
Music Background:  Song/Music Composer

I got this seven weeks ago and I have used it a lot. I use CUBASE. I love the quality feel of the AKAI and the key response is better than most keyboards I have used. However, I could not get the Transport Control Buttons to work. I tried everything I could think of. According to AKAI Tech. Support, CUBASE does not support them. Steinberd Tech. Support said they did not have the AKAI MPK49 available to test, but that AKAI Tech. Support was probably correct.

  GREAT controller 
by Brant from San Francisco, CA, February 2008
Music Background:  Multimedia Composer/Producer

I'm very picky and always have high expectations for equipment and product design. I've owned many keyboards and controllers over the years and I must say that this is the best feeling, most well laid out keyboard yet. I've used Akai samplers in the past and I've always found their products to be solid - this being no exception. The sturdy metal frame, the firm substantial keys, and the smooth knobs and sliders make this worth the price. We have various M-Audio controllers at work and this blows them away. It's worth the price.

  Do It 
by William Mcknight/Fat Boy from Nashville, TN USA, February 2008
Music Background:  Live sound engineer turned Recording Engineer/Hip Hop Producer, owner of ODP (Off Da Pourch Records)

I dont know what the other reviewers are talking about, setting this board up in reasons was a cinch for me. There is a template for reasons @ akaipro.com along with instructions for loading it up into reasons.

Ok, now for the review. This thing is crazy tight if you plan on doing hip hop, which 9 times out of 10 if you use akai products you probably do.
This controller has saved me so much money its ridiculous. I am a PTLE user mostly for rewire with reasons, with reasons completely expanded and I do mean completely expanded (I have so many sounds and samples its crazy) there is no limit to the music you can create with this thing. One example is using the arpeggiator function on the MPK49 combined with the Reason Arpeggiator using a synth sound gives you really creative patterns (which can make your beats real unique).

But if you're like me you still dig the sounds of a Motif or a Fantom but you dont want to spend the money on them. Well, do like my friend did buy the rack versions hook this bad boy up to them and bam you got an instant fantom
(minus the skip back function and a few other functions) but if you use a DAW you want miss the skip back function if you use loop record.

Now for the actual controller, The keys feel great, this thing is as sturdy as a rock, and then you have the faders, the knobs, the signature Akai pads, note repeat, arpeggiator, pad banking, modulation, so many functions for a controller its crazy.

Now I have been through some controllers let me tell you from novation to Korg to M-audio (who I beleived to be the standard in controllers) but since I picked up the Akai MPK49 I have sold all of my controllers including my M-audio Keystation pro.

The MPK49 is killing all other controllers out right now, so if you are one of the lucky ones to have picked this baby up I say congrats. If you are on the waiting list yo stay on it because you will not be disappointed, and thats a fact.

  Money well spent. 
by Ryan Jetti' from Chicagoland, USA, January 2008
Music Background:  Recording Engineer, Producer, Artist

Now I know there are features that other manufacturers offer, but none can compare th the legendary Akai feel that comes along with this piece. Anyone who has spent years as I have using the MPC as the foundation of there music production will appreciate Akai's move towards PC production. I admit that this piece could be less difficult to fiqure out in some areas, but the amount of software presets (available on the CD) is incredible. For those of you using Reason, you can put your mouse down for almost all functions. With this contoller combined with the right software sampler you can do everything the new MPC 5000 does guaranteed. This piece is the flagship of Akai's controllers. Faders and knobs are solid, keys are semi weighted and still have a synthy feel. The killer's are the arpeggiator, famous note repeat, drum pads with 12 levels. When Akai makes a template for logic.....watch out.......until then demonstrate your knowledge of midi and you'll be fine.

  Akai MPK49 
by Terrence Fleming from Michigan, January 2008
Music Background:  Professional Hip Hop & R&B Producer

What Up Doe, to my Hip Hop Producer Heads out there!!! My 2 cents on the Akai MPK49 is this, I feel like I just purchased my old scholl mpc3000. I sold my MPC3000 on Ebay for $1250.00, then the buyer wanked me and kept my drum machine and got a return on his purchase. But anyway, I went all the way digital, with Cubase, Reason and more. I also encouraged my students to not so much worry about the very very expensive inconvenient and bulky hardware. But with this Akai MKP49, you have your Keyboard, Drum Machine, arpegiator and note repeat, all of the most important elements for Hip Hop Production. And if you add this to a laptop with Reason 3, 4, Cubase or Protools, you have absolutely all you need to get your production thing moving. I think the boys over at Akai came full circle and they listened to the streets, and fulfilled a dire needed controller, my only letup is that it was very hard and complicated to sync and link it up to Reason, it should have been much more user friendly and not a highly education thing.

  This is what we have all been waiting for... 
by Big Shawn from OrangeMound TN | Supreme Street Music, January 2008
Music Background:  Recording Engineer

Alright... Its not easy to configure for Reason, but if you ever figure it out... man... its just like having a custom made MPC for Reason... Its got it all Note Repeat... Transport buttons... Full Level pads...
Oh and don't forget about the Editor... Akai has a really good editor in the Vyzex Editor... With it you can create preset for every module in Reason and it's very easy to access presets on the MPK...
Its defiantly worth the 400 dollars
***
My only issue is the pads are small but u can turn up the sensitivity so it "feels" better and there is no "undo" button so i have to reach for my keyboard or mouse if I screw up... but other than that- enjoy!!!

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