Akai Professional MPK261 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller

Akai Professional MPK261 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller

Experience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with MPK261 and Akai Pro VIP3.0 (Free Download Included a $99.99 Value). VIP3.0 provides you with unparalleled access to your virtual instrument and effect collection, seamlessly integrating the hardware / software experience and grants the unrestricted freedom to create in a user-friendly, intuitive format. The combination of VIP and MPK261 maximizes workflow and ensures a playing experience that feels natural and enhances creativity - the natural, tactile feel of hardware fused with the unrivalled processing capability of virtual Instruments. Quickly find sounds based on instrument type, timbre, style or articulation from your entire VST library; sculpt immersive, expressive sounds and textures layering up to 8 separate instruments and patches per VIP instance; load up to 4 different VST effects per instrument channel to sculpt the perfect sound; put power into your performance with Pad Chord Progressions and user-friendly Key Control processors; and much more. From live performance to studio production, VIP’s user-friendly functionality coupled with a diverse feature set guarantees simple, seamless integration into your existing setup and provides the ultimate platform for unrestricted creative expression.

You're In Control
Engineered to be an all-in-one controller solution, the Akai Professional MPK261 is a performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. Each member of Akai Pro's MPK series comes fully loaded with a comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more. MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, and onboard transport buttons. Three banks expand the number of knobs, faders, and switches (up to 24 each), and four pad banks expand the number of pads (up to 64 total). Plus, MPK261 is optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with USB power and plug-and-play connectivity.

Made To Play
MPK261 comes equipped with 61 semi-weighted, full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel. Each key is velocity-sensitive and outfitted with aftertouch for dynamic, expressive performances and recordings. In addition, onboard Octave Up and Down controls allow players to access the entire melodic range. Bundled with MPK261 is SONiVOX’s Eighty-Eight Ensemble, an authentic grand-piano virtual instrument, that lets you compose or perform with pristine, expertly voiced piano samples.

Genuine MPC Functionality
Classic MPC Swing, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Full Level, and 16 Levels are all onboard for further inspiration. With MPK261, musicians and composers can incorporate genuine MPC workflow into their productions and create with the tools that producers have relied on for years: MPC Swing lets MPK261 users obtain that tight, organic groove that made Akai Pro’s groundbreaking MPC music-making machines so legendary. MPC Note Repeat and 16 Levels make it easy to build beats and construct short melodic sequences using the MPC-style pads. In addition, an arpeggiator, with adjustable resolution, range, and patterns, enables users to explore complex melodic ideas, effortlessly.

Production Software
MPK261 is armed with powerful production software-Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats-for out-of-the-box music creation. Ableton Live Lite is a fluid audio/MIDI environment that enables musicians and producers to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas. MPC Beats is a free and fully featured beat making DAW software for both Mac and PC based on the legendary MPC workflow. It also works as a VST plugin inside any major DAW. From the moment you install MPC Beats, you're ready to start creating, fast. Utilize over 2GB worth of content including samples, loops, and built-in virtual instrument plugins to craft your sound. Experience plug and play compatibility with all class-compliant USB controllers. MPC Beats has plenty of power for ambitious creators with over 80 audio FX plugins to warp, manipulate and transform audio into whatever you can think of. Plus VST/AU compatibility means there's room to expand your sonic palette with compatible third-party virtual instrument plugins and audio processing plugins. You can even record instruments or vocals with 2 stereo audio tracks to add live elements to your music.

World Class Software Package Included
Comprehensive production software package for Mac and PC included - MPC Beats, MPC Beats Expansions, Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech (downloads).

Ableton Live Lite is a trademark of Ableton AG. Akai Professional, AIR Music Technology, and MPC are registered trademarks of inMusic Brands Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. inMusic is the exclusive distributor of SONiVOX.

Key Features

• 61 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
• 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads
• 24 assignable Q-Link controllers include knobs, faders, and switches (8 of each)
• Revamped control layout with backlit LCD screen
• USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input and output
• iOS compatibility using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
• Comprehensive transport & parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
• MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, and arpeggiator for advanced rhythmic and melodic manipulation
• MPC Full Level, 16 Levels, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with dynamics and tempo
• Pitch bend, modulation, and octave controls with split mode for expressive performances
• 2 assignable footswitch jacks and 1 expression jack
• USB power and plug-and-play connectivity

Technical Specifications

Keys
61 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
Pads
16 pressure- and velocity-sensitive
light-up MPC-style pads x 4 banks
Q-Link Controls
8 control knobs
8 faders
8 backlIt'switches
Computer Interface
USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
Octaves
10 with Octave Up and Down
Arpeggiator
Yes
Additional Controls
MPC Note Repeat
MPC Swing
MPC Full Level
16 Levels
Tap Tempo
Time Division
Additional Inputs
(1) 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS expression pedal input
(2) 1/4" (6.35mm) TS sustain pedal or footswitch input
Power
USB power; no power adapter required
Dimensions
35.63" x 12.25" x 3.38" (WxDxH)
Weight
15.1 lbs