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AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play , Black
Brand | AKAI |
Number of Keys | 61 |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Special Feature | Studio Recording, Velocity Sensitive Keys |
Model Name | MPK261 |
About this item
- Pro Keyboard Performance - 61 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel
- Beat Making Essentials - 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads - the perfect solution for triggering samples, loops, one-shots, melodics and more
- Assignable Control - 24 assignable Q-Link controllers comprising 8 control knobs, faders and switches engineered for hassle-free DAW / virtual instrument mapping
- Your Studio Centerpiece - Take command of your peripheral MIDI equipment courtesy of an onboard USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI input and output
- Core MPC Tools - MPC mainstay controls included - MPC Note Repeat, arpeggiator, MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo and Time Division
- Comprehensive Production Software Package for Mac and PC included - Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech and Xpand2(downloads)
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series
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Product information
Item Weight | 15.1 pounds |
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Product Dimensions | 12.28 x 36.65 x 3.39 inches |
ASIN | B00IJ7J06Q |
Item model number | MPK261 |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #3,703 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #22 in Computer Recording MIDI Controllers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 1, 2015 |
Connector Type | USB |
Hardware Interface | USB |
Musical Style | Electronic |
Number of Keyboard Keys | 61 |
Size | 61 Keys |
Power Source | USB power; no power adapter required |
Standing screen display size | 3.5 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
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AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with
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Product Description
Complete Workstation Control – Introducing the MPK2 Series Engineered to be an all-in-one controller solution, the Akai Professional MPK261 is a 61-key performance pad and keyboard controller that combines deep software integration, enhanced workflow, and core technologies from the iconic line of MPC workstations. The MPK261 comes fully loaded with a professional production software package plus a comprehensive, customizable interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs and more. MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, 8 assignable knobs, faders and switches, and onboard transport buttons. Three banks expand the number of knobs, faders and switches (up to 24 of each), and four pad banks expand the number of pads (up to 64 total). Plus, MPK261 is USB-powered and optimized to interface directly with your Mac or PC with hassle-free plug-and-play connectivity.
From the manufacturer
Premium Response
With MPK261, experience the ultimate in playing response from a controller equally suited to studio and live performance scenarios alike. The MPK261 comes equipped with 61 semi-weighted, full-size keys and a premium Akai Professional piano-style keybed for unprecedented response and natural feel. A dynamic, expressive response and faithful capture of every subtle nuance of your performance is guaranteed thanks to MPK261’s velocity-sensitive keybed with aftertouch. In addition, onboard Octave Up and Down controls allow players to access the entire melodic range – perfect for bass lines, piano harmony, solo leads and much more.
Genuine MPC Functionality
Unlock your creative potential and take your performance to the next level with MPK261’s arsenal of MPC controls. 16 conveniently located, velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads with RGB feedback provide the ideal platform for triggering one-shots, drum hits, loops, instrumental samples and more - expandable up to 64 pads via 4 banks. Add further dynamic flair and experience the ultimate platform for immediate creative inspiration courtesy of Classic MPC Note Repeat, Full Level and an on-board arpeggiator, with adjustable resolution, range and patterns, for unrestricted exploration of complex melodic ideas, effortlessly.
Total Control
Experience total control of your DAW, virtual effects and virtual instruments with MPK261’s collection of in-demand controls, meticulously engineered for the modern producer and live performer. Combining full transport controls and 24 assignable Q-Link controllers - including 8 control knobs, faders and switches (expandable to 24 of each via 3 banks) – MPK261 seamlessly maps to any assignable parameter for surgical creative control. Plus, with MPK261’s onboard 5-pin MIDI input & output, harness the power of our outboard equipment from a controller designed from the ground up to be the ultimate compact creative centerpiece.
Express Yourself
MPK261 comes loaded with core functionality to capture your creativity and pave the way for immersive, expressive performances. Combining on-board pitch bend, modulation and octave controls MPK261 provides critical expressive control in a portable road-tested footprint – plus, with the inclusion of 1 assignable footswitch jack & 1 expression jack, embellish your performances with natural, piano-style sustain or expand your control-source arsenal for unparalleled creative exploration.
Premium Response
Genuine MPC Functionality
Total Control
Express Yourself
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Ableton Live LiteAbleton Live Lite delivers much of the functionality of Ableton Live—the revolutionary, multi-award-winning music production solution that lets you spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit your musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. Live brings your acoustic, electronic and virtual instruments—as well as your digital audio recordings and MIDI sequences—together in a single interface with unparalleled ease of use. |
Hybrid 3 & Xpand!2Hybrid 3.0 is the next generation in synthesis. This high-definition virtual synthesizer combines the coveted warmth of analog synths with a full range of futuristic digital manipulation capabilities. Xpand!2 is a multi-timbral workstation offering four active sound slots, or parts, per patch. Each part is provided with its own MIDI channel, Note Range (Zone), Mix, Arpeggiation, Modulation, and Effects settings- an excellent method for creating individual parts. |
Welcome to The World of VIP Music SoftwareExperience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with MPK261 and VIP3.1 (Free Download Included). VIP3.1 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. |
6-month Subscription to Reason+ Included!
Registered customers now get a 6-month subscription to Reason+ included.
Reason+ is a creative bundle for music making that includes the Reason DAW and Reason Rack Plugin which can be used in any DAW (VST3/AU/AAX). With over 80 devices covering everything from creative synths, samplers, drum machines and audio effects, this subscription comes with 39,000 presets, 24gb of samples and new content (plugins and sounds) is added consistently.
Register your product upon purchase to redeem this offer.
MPC Beats Software
Whatever you set out to achieve, MPC Beats will get you started. Incorporating the finest parts of the legendary MPC workflow, MPC Beats features all the essential tools for pro production.
Edit samples, mixdown your tracks, find any sound with the synth engines found on the legendary MPCs, record audio and much more.
MPC Beats will host your AU/VST plugins so as you expand your arsenal, know you’ll have complete compatibility with industry standard virtual studio technology.
Reason+ Included
MPC Beats Software
From the brand
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With 5 decades of experience, Akai Professional continues to empower music creators with the innovative technology needed to make inspiring music.
The Akai Professional MIDI Production Center (MPC) pattern-based devices revolutionized music creation around the world. Now alongside the next generation of standalone MPC, we lead the way with world-class hardware controllers, software DAWs, plugin instruments, and insert effects products.
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Compare with similar items
This Item AKAI Professional MPK261 - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 61 Semi Weighted Keys, Assignable MPC Controls, 16 Pads and Q-Links, Plug and Play , Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | |
Price | $399.99$399.99 | -13% $129.00$129.00 List: $149.00 | $169.00$169.00 | $299.00$299.00 | $99.00$99.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Quality of material | 4.3 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 3.1 |
Value for money | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.9 |
Portability | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | — |
For beginners | — | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.2 |
Tech Support | — | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.5 | — |
Sold By | DFADeals | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
number of keys | 61 | 25 | 37 | 61 | 25 |
hardware interface | usb | usb | usb | usb | usb |
connectivity tech | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
model year | 2014 | — | 2022 | — | 2023 |
weight | 15.1 pounds | 1.98 pounds | 2.78 pounds | 4800 grams | 900 grams |
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, customization, and pads of the audio midi controller. For example, they mention the keys have a nice solid feel, it's well packaged, and has lots of programmable stuff to make live performances easy. That said, some appreciate the ease of use. Opinions are mixed on the value, key weight, speed, and performance.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the audio midi controller. They mention that it has an incredible high quality feel to it, the keys have a nice solid feel, and it's well packaged. Some say that the setup was tough, but the product is nice. That said, they say it'll make a great addition to any audio setup.
"...It weighs what it weighs.“It has an incredible high quality feel to it, but the outfitting is 'cheap', poor, at best, meaning Akai..." Read more
"Akai quality. Don't buy anything cheaper. Easy to program and tweak." Read more
"...Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes...." Read more
"...delay function, 8 mini pads on the top aren’t too stiff, the keys play as perfect as a midi controller could, don’t stick or lag and respond well in..." Read more
Customers find the audio midi controller easy to use. They say it's plug-and-play, easy to map things out, and great for beginners. Customers also mention that it connects to MPC software with minimal effort, has amazing playability, and is easy to customize.
"I wanted a reliable desktop controller that was easy to use. The MPK225 is exactly what I needed...." Read more
"Akai quality. Don't buy anything cheaper. Easy to program and tweak." Read more
"...The pads are really incredible. Responsive and really fun to play. I put my portable pad controller on the shelf...." Read more
"Fun and fairly easy for a newbie like me. Wonderful sound." Read more
Customers like the pads on the audio midi controller. They say the pads are great, usable, and easy to customize. Some mention that the drum pads are awesome and touch sensitive. Overall, customers are happy with the pads and find them to be great for music production.
"...The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or..." Read more
"This keyboard does what I need and then some. The pads are really incredible. Responsive and really fun to play...." Read more
"...main reasons for choose the AKAI Professional MPK249 was the 16 large programmable pads with four banks...." Read more
"...all of the knobs turn nicely, and the pads are actually usable and easy to customize... the mod wheel and pitch wheel feel great and have nice..." Read more
Customers like the customization of the audio midi controller. They say it has lots of programmable stuff to make live performances easy, and has a variety of control. They appreciate the quality and variety of controls, saying it has fully programmability in four banks with a full velocity switch. Customers also mention that the semi weighted keys have plenty of Midi control functions, and can control VST plugins with preset mappings. They also appreciate the 8 programable faders and sliders, and up to 24 mixer tracks.
"...Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too...." Read more
"...It's also an advanced user's dream. Everything is customizable...." Read more
"...The semi weighted keys and 8 programable faders and sliders were also a plus for me. The MPK249 gave me the feel of using an MPC but so much more...." Read more
"I really enjoyed the quality and variety of control this keyboard had. The only downside was that it did not sync correctly with my DAW...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the audio midi controller. Some mention that it works very well, the faders work perfectly, and the keys and pads work great. However, others say that it doesn't work at all with Mac Big Sur when using the direct USB, the software that came with it doesn’t work very well and that it does not support basic functions such as mod wheel, pitch bend, and has stopped working.
"...They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well...." Read more
"...down this Keyboard because of the software that came with it does not work very well, But who uses software that is bundled with anything, its a..." Read more
"...Regardless amazing controller, great arpeggio function and note delay function, 8 mini pads on the top aren’t too stiff, the keys play as perfect as..." Read more
"...So the controller was basically unusable since a couple of keys would always play way louder than the others...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the audio midi controller. Some mention it's well worth the price, has a lot of good features, and is durable. However, others say that it'll just build dust and is a complete waste of money.
"...Everything about this unit feels top-notch. It’s a really great bang for your buck...." Read more
"...100% worth the money!!!!" Read more
"...It has an incredible high quality feel to it, but the outfitting is 'cheap', poor, at best, meaning Akai should include the power adapter, install a..." Read more
"...There are certainly cheaper alternatives, and the size and price are not negligible, but I wouldn't go with less keys than this unless you are using..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the speed of the audio midi controller. Some mention it's fast delivery, pretty quick, and easy to map things out, while others say it has a 1-second delay and lags when recording in real time. The drum pads have very obvious latency, and tech support is incredibly slow.
"...Regardless amazing controller, great arpeggio function and note delay function, 8 mini pads on the top aren’t too stiff, the keys play as perfect as..." Read more
"...: a number of keys were extremely sensitive, almost always registering a velocity of 127, no matter the force I pressed those keys...." Read more
"...The pads are really incredible. Responsive and really fun to play. I put my portable pad controller on the shelf...." Read more
"Great controller, but it has a 1-second delay if you choose in Ableton or NPC Beats not directly not a direct connection to the speakers of the..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the key weight of the audio midi controller. Some mention that the keys have a good level of weight and springiness, while others say that they're not weighted or hammer action.
"...The semi weighted keys and 8 programable faders and sliders were also a plus for me. The MPK249 gave me the feel of using an MPC but so much more...." Read more
"...I particularly like the weighted piano keys, 16 pads and it also having eight sliders as well as eight control knobs which really expands the..." Read more
"...“It feels much heavier than described.”-Lol, what??? It weighs what it weighs.“..." Read more
"Just received mines yesterday and this thing carries some good weight...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I Am however scratching my head about the one-star reviews. Unfortunately, some people look at the negative review percentages and base their purchase decisions on them. I feel the need to address some of them so that potential buyers can see how illogical and nonsensical they are. It’s not that the MPK225 is a one star controller, it’s that the buyers didn’t bother to read the description before purchasing it. Either that or they have poor comprehension skills.
My comments are proceeded by a -
“You can't use it without an amplifier and/or a computer connected to it.”
-It’s MIDI controller. Nowhere in the description does it say that this controller has a built-in amplifier. This is not a self-contained keyboard. (Read the description).
“There is not plug-in feature for a headphone.”
-Nowhere in the description does it say that this controller has a headphone jack. (Read the description).
“No power adapter (for 6 Volt 1 Amp) included - is optional (come on, how ridiculous is that?).”
-Read the description
“This product did not come with a power supply cord. Why?”
-Read the description
-Not ridiculous at all in the year 2020+. Again, why would you buy something that doesn’t come with everything you want? (Read the description).
“It feels much heavier than described.”
-Lol, what??? It weighs what it weighs.
“It has an incredible high quality feel to it, but the outfitting is 'cheap', poor, at best, meaning Akai should include the power adapter, install a head-phone plug and/or make the controller bluetooth capable, and battery-capable.”
-Why not purchase a controller that has all of that? (Read the description).
“It's ridiculous if you think about it. Why would you want to have only a 61 key keyboard other than for reasons being truly portable and then not being able to take it on the road trip, use it while in the bus cross country or in the car when bord or on the plane... Size = portability feature, very important. The only reason why I chose a 61 key and not a 88 key.”
-Since when is a 3ft wide keyboard considered “portable”? Wow, just WOW! Is this person being serious? I can’t say I ever saw a person on an airplane jamming away on a 61 key controller.
” I had to resort to buying the expensive heavy non-portable stationary 61 key controller in order to find out that I can only operate it with a direct power source such as at least a laptop (USB connection) - I could plug it into the car of course, after I buy a 'longer' cable. But you still can't hear any sound until you set up speakers in your amplifier / computer through your MIDI/OUT connection.”
-Yeah, I’m sure this person had a gun pointed to their head. If you know a product isn’t capable of doing what you want it to do, why on Earth would you buy it?!?
-Regarding the need for sound. For portability, use a laptop. It has USB for you MIDI connection, and a headphone jack. That’s the way people do it with this type of controller.
“it's going all back today.” What a shame, what a hassle, what an inconvenience.”
-This is what happens when you don’t read item descriptions. The shame is on you and not AKAI.
” I suggest, if you want to find out if this is what you want or need, if it is right for you, really, the only and best option is to buy it and look at it yourself and see if it fits your need and expectations.”
-Nonsense! In this day and age of information overload, a simple web search, YouTube reviews, a few phone calls to a music store, etc. can provide you with all the info you need.
That being said, of course you will have the occasional faulty unit. I think low ratings are fair in those cases especially if product support is unwilling to rectify the problem. Also, I wish Amazon would have a separate rating for bad shipping. It’s not a manufacturers fault if an item is late or damaged by the shipping company.
I bought a car once, the add said the car had no tires. I bought the car and then complained that it didn’t come with tires <sarcasm>. You see how silly that is? READ THE DESCRIPTION!!!
By contrast, this thing is a full sized keyboard. For most electronic music production, you might try a riff or something on the keyboard, test out chords etc., but you’re unlikely to be playing Mozart. Point being, I’d rather a very useful 25 key to a less useful full size 88. 25 is also about as big as fits decently on a desk, especially with a mixer and more.
The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or something if I wanted just the pads. They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well.
Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes. You’ll almost always edit them in a DAW, but it’s a starting point for some cool stuff.
The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models.
Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too. No support for mixcraft which I use, but no surprise there.. anything common is covered though, and you can make your own presets as well. I do wish there was more variability in the presets - swappable banks like the pads would be nice, since for example if you’re using a VST like serum, there’s a lot of places you can map the knobs - plus if you mod one, changing the mod % is a different knob. Of course, there’s really not much room, and if I care that much there are MIDI controllers with more options, I even have a 49-key that at least has sliders and 12 knobs, but I still rarely use it, this is so much more preferable.
(And yes I keep note stickers on some keys.. never officially learned to play so those are helpful at times).
By far my favorite MIDI equipment, would buy again for sure. Also just confirms my love for Akai, I think more Akai products are in my future.
By contrast, this thing is a full sized keyboard. For most electronic music production, you might try a riff or something on the keyboard, test out chords etc., but you’re unlikely to be playing Mozart. Point being, I’d rather a very useful 25 key to a less useful full size 88. 25 is also about as big as fits decently on a desk, especially with a mixer and more.
The drum pads are super responsive and sensitive, and 4x8 banks gives you 32 options, though I doubt many use them much - I’d get an MPC or something if I wanted just the pads. They’re there and work very well though. Note repeat is like an arp for the pads as well.
Regular arp mode is nice too and well implemented, you can get some cool sounds going by playing with latch and letting the arp bounce around notes. You’ll almost always edit them in a DAW, but it’s a starting point for some cool stuff.
The keys feel great, play great, etc., far from the synth action of the cheaper models.
Tons of onboard DAW presets plus Ableton Live Lite included is good, too. No support for mixcraft which I use, but no surprise there.. anything common is covered though, and you can make your own presets as well. I do wish there was more variability in the presets - swappable banks like the pads would be nice, since for example if you’re using a VST like serum, there’s a lot of places you can map the knobs - plus if you mod one, changing the mod % is a different knob. Of course, there’s really not much room, and if I care that much there are MIDI controllers with more options, I even have a 49-key that at least has sliders and 12 knobs, but I still rarely use it, this is so much more preferable.
(And yes I keep note stickers on some keys.. never officially learned to play so those are helpful at times).
By far my favorite MIDI equipment, would buy again for sure. Also just confirms my love for Akai, I think more Akai products are in my future.
Top reviews from other countries
Kann es bis hierher nur empfehlen.
Reviewed in Germany on December 2, 2021
Kann es bis hierher nur empfehlen.