All in all, we spent hundreds of hours combing through thousands of user reviews to put together a comprehensive list of the best recording keyboard akai on the market. We then delved into these recording keyboard akai further and put together detailed reviews so that you can easily pick the best recording keyboard akai for your needs.
Best recording keyboard akai
1. Nektar Impact LX49+ Keyboard Controller
Feature
Premium midi controller with 49 expressive synth-action keys, on-board pitch bend and modulation wheels for performances8 Hyper-Sensitive backlit pads
Mac, PC and iOS compatible
Software instruments automatically mapped to controls
Includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW
Description
The Impact LX49+ USB MIDI controllers are jam-packed with intelligent and expressive performance control not even available on many premium products. Custom designed for Bit wig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Garage Band, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One. The 49 note velocity sensitive keyboard is a synth action with a medium tension. The full-size, piano-style keys are covered to protect against dirt and dust while also complementing the Impact LX design. With 4 velocity curves gradually increasing in dynamics there is choice for any playing style. If you don't need velocity, 3 fixed velocity levels to caters for a consistent output. Octave and transpose buttons as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels are within reach, so you quickly can shift the keyboard up or down as needed, or apply additional articulation with the wheels.2. AKAI Professional MPD218 - USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC Drum Pads, 6 Assignable Knobs, Note Repeat & Full Level Buttons and Production Software
Feature
Simple, small, feature-packed pad controller for finger drumming and music production16 Thick Fat backlit MPC pads (48 assignable pads accessible via 3 banks)
6 control knobs (18 assignable knobs accessible via 3 banks)
USB-powered through computer, no AC adapter required
Includes free software titles Ableton Live Lite, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, SONiVOX Big Bang Cinematic Percussion and Big Bang Universal Drums
Description
The MPD2 Series is a product of more than six years of detailed customer research and user feedback. We asked what you wanted and listened closely to what you told us to create the most capable and user-friendly line of pad controllers Akai Professional has developed to date.
The MPD218's 16 new, ultra-sensitive Thick Fat MPC pads, create a responsive user experience. It also has an expanded control set of six knobs in three banks versus one control on the previous MPD18 model. This will enable you to maximize your sound and give you increased control over effects.
MIDI information is sent over its plug-and-play USB interface for use on Mac or PC, eliminating the need to install any drivers. The USB connection powers the MPD218, so the included USB cable is all you need.
Our MPD2 Series marks an important evolution of the pad controller. Many years of research and customer feedback has led directly to some of the most capable pad controllers weve ever developed. These MPDs are the perfect bridge between your creativity and your computer-based studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What software is included with my purchase, and where can I download?
The MPD218 includes Ableton Live Lite, MPC Essentials, Big, Bang Cinematic Percussion, Big Bang Universal Drums, MPD218 Editor. Once you have registered the product in your Akai Pro User Account you will have download links for all titles except Ableton. You will be able to download Ableton via a download card that is included in the box.
Are the pads different?
The pads are called Thick Fat MPC pads, which are completely redesigned.
Does the product require an additional power supply?
The MPD218 is powered by the included USB cable, and does not require an additional power supply.
Does the product require drivers, and where can I download them from?
The MPD218 is class compliant, and does not require any drivers.
Is the product compatible with the latest Windows, and Mac operating systems?
Since the MPD218 is class compliant it is immediately compatible with all current Windows, and Mac operating systems.
Will this work with my IOS device?
This is iOS compatible using the Apple Camera Connection Kit (sold separately).
Are the pads velocity sensitive?
The MPD2 series definitely has velocity sensitive padsand theyre awesome.
Technical Specs
- Pads:
- (16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, red-backlit
- (3) banks accessible via Pad Bank button
- Knobs
- (6) 360 assignable potentiometers
- (3) banks accessible via Control Bank button
- Buttons: 6 buttons
- Connections
- (1) USB port
- (1) Kensington lock
- Power: via USB connection
- Dimensions (width x depth x height): 9.4 x 7.9 x 1.6
- Weight: 1.65 lbs.
Box Contents
- MPD218
- USB Cable
- Software Download Cards
- User Guide
- Safety & Warranty Manual
3. Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller for Ableton Live, 49-Note MK2 Version
Feature
MK2 version of Novation's 49-note USB keyboard controller for Ableton Live16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, 8 knobs, and dedicated navigation and control buttons
Software for Mac and PC and sustain pedal 1/4 inch jack socket,7 segment 3 character LED display,pitch bend and modulation wheels,16 full-colour RGB backlit velocity sensitive drum pads
Fully USB bus-powered and class compliant; works without drivers or power cable
Software for Mac and PC, Including: Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, 2-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects
Description
Novation Launchkey (MK2) is the quickest and easiest way to produce and perform electronic music using Ableton Live. You just plug in via USB and the keys, faders, knobs, and velocity-sensitive RGB pads give you immediate hands-on control of your session view, instruments, effects and mixer. Launch clips, control FX, play beats and much more using 16 pads laid out in two rows of eight, to match your Ableton Live session view; one row to launch clips, and one row to stop them. Full color RGB LEDs mean they'll match the color of your clips too, while velocity-sensitivity lets you really put some feeling into your beats. Launchkey is designed to let you shape your sound however you like. Use eight rock solid rotary knobs to tweak your instruments and effects, and nine dedicated faders for hands-on control of your mixer. The 49-note synth-style keyboard is lightweight, fast and very easy to play, but also velocity-sensitive so you can create truly expressive performances. All the controls integrate seamlessly and immediately with Ableton Live, and can be reassigned to anything. Of course, if you do not use Ableton, it will map to other major music software using In Control. Launchkey 49 is tough enough to take and use anywhere. It will work the moment you plug it into your laptop and you wont need any drivers or power cables, because its class compliant and bus-powered via USB. Launchkey comes with absolutely everything you need to start making music: Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Novation Bass Station and V Station virtual instruments and over 4GB of Loopmasters samples.4. M Audio Oxygen 49 IV | 49 Key USB/MIDI Keyboard With 8 Trigger Pads & A Full Consignment of Production/Performance Ready Controls
Feature
Versatile MIDI keyboard controller powered by USB connection to computer49 full-size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keys.Compatibility MME Mac OS X Core MIDI
8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads for beat production, clip launching and more
8 assignable knobs for mixing and manipulating plug-ins/instruments
Now Includes Pro Tools | First and Eleven Lite for all new and existing customers, as well as Virtual Instrument Player (VIP)
Description
M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKIV | 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard & Drum Pad Controller (8 Pads / 8 Knobs / 9 Faders), VIP Software Download Included5. Akai Professional MPK261 | 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Including Core Control From The MPC Workstations
Feature
All-in-one controller with keyboard and trigger pads for performing live and composing in studio61 semi-weighted, full-size keys with pressure sensitivity
16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads (64 assignable via 4 banks)
8 control knobs, 8 faders, and 8 switches (24 assignable each via 3 banks)
Includes VIP - the ground-breaking, award-winning music software platform that provides musicians and composers with a powerful hands-on control solution for their virtual instrument and virtual effect collection
Please Note: This keyboard does not come with a traditional power adapter since the keyboard is mainly used with a computer, and the USB cable is the power cable because the computer fully powers the keyboard.
Description
The Akai Professional MPK2 series of performance pad and keyboard controllers are an all-in-one controller solution for studio composers and live music performers. The MPK2 series combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations with a keyboard for maximum flexibility without complication.
The MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch pressure sensitivity; 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback; 8 Q-Link knobs, faders, and switches; and onboard transport buttons. Four pad banks expand the number of assignable pads to 64 total, and three banks expand assignable knobs, faders, and switches to 24 each.
Plus, MPK261 is optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with USB power and plug-and-play connectivity.
Technical Specs
- Note Keys: (61) keys; semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive; 10-octave range with octave up/down buttons or transposition
- Pads: (16) pads; velocity- and pressure-sensitive; (4) banks
- Faders: (8) faders; (3) banks
- Knobs: (8) 360 encoders; (3) banks
- Switches: 8 switches; LED-backlit; (3) banks
- Inputs / Outputs
- (1) USB port
- (1) 1/4 (6.35mm) TRS expression pedal input
- (2) 1/4 (6.35mm) TS sustain pedal or footswitch inputs
- (1) 5-pin MIDI in
- (1) 5-pin MIDI out
- Power: via computer USB bus or USB charger (sold separately) via power adapter (sold separately): 6V DC, 1A, center-positive
- Dimensions (width x depth x height): 35.63 x 12.25 x 3.38
- Weight: 15.1 lbs
Box Contents
- MPK261
- USB Cable
- Quickstart Guide
- Safety & Warranty Manual
6. midiplus, 32-Key Midi Controller, 32-Key (AKM320)
Feature
32-note velocity sensitive mid-size key keyboard. Pitch Wheel. Modulation Wheel. Octave Buttons(Up & Down). Transpose Buttons(Up & Down).Sustain Switch interface (sustain pedal does not include). USB B type: USB connect to Computer
ATTACHMENT: USB cable
7. Alesis VI25 | 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 16 Pads, 16 Assignable Knobs, 48 Buttons and 5-Pin MIDI Out Plus Production Software Included
Feature
MIDI Keyboard with 25 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with after touch. USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI Out offer flexible MIDI connectivityManipulate plugins and virtual instruments with hands-on controls. With VI25, you can open and close filters on virtual synthesizers, adjust volume levels in your mix, activate effects, and much more
16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with illuminated RGB feedback for beat production and clip launching. Pitch and modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control
24 assignable buttons and 8 assignable knobs interface with your music software. Seamless visual feedback via LED screen and illuminated buttons and knobs
Production software included: Ableton Live Lite and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech (downloads). USB-powered and plug-and-play support for Mac and PC
8. ammoon Worlde Panda mini Portable Mini 25-Key USB Keyboard and Drum Pad MIDI Controller
Feature
25 velocity-sensitive keys. 8 backlit trigger pads.4 MIDI control groups. 4 banks for different settings. (4 assignable control knobs plus 4 assignable control sliders)
8 control buttons: CC Mod, Mod, Bank, Prog, Pitch down / Pitch up, Octave down / Octave up.
Plug and Play USB 2.0 cable, no need of driver installation.
USB bus powered - no additional power cable needed.
9. PreSonus ATOM Production and Performance Pad Controller with Studio One Artist Software
Feature
Tight integration with included studio One Artist and Ableton Live (live 10 Lite included) music production software gets your mind off the screen and back on the beatProduce, play virtual instruments, and trigger samples and loops with unsurpassed expressiveness and flexibility
16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads
Pressure switchable between polyphonic MIDI aftertouch, MONOPHONIC channel pressure, and cc messages
8 assignable pad banks
Selectable pad velocity Curves and pad pressure thresholds
Midi "keyboard" Mode, note repeat Mode, and full velocity Mode (application Dependent)
Includes MVP loops content custom-curated specifically for ATOM
Compatible with most music production and performance software
Usb connectivity
10. AKAI Professional Fire (Controller Only) USB MIDI Controller for FL Studio with 64 pad RGB Clip / Drum Pad Matrix
Feature
Fl studio music production essential - dedicated USB MIDI hardware controller for the FL studio DAW platform with seamless plug-and-play connectivityWorkflow revolution - 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for creation of patterns in the step sequencer and recording notes/ Synth parts on a pad-based MIDI keyboard controller in performance Mode
Beat production simplified transform fire into a beat maker essential with a MPC style 16-pad layout in drum Mode
Maximum tweak-ability - 4 Banks of assignable touch-capacitive MIDI knobs/ encoders for controlling mixer, channel and custom user-assignable mappings
Improved navigation - instantly navigate the channel rack, browser, tool bar and playlist Windows; dedicated controls to browse audio and project files with clear feedback from the oiled display
