Akai Professional MPK49

What it is

The MPK49 is a USB/MIDI controller built around a full-size 49-key semi-weighted keybed with channel aftertouch. Akai describes the 12 pads as MPC-style pads that support Note Repeat and Swing, and the unit includes a built-in arpeggiator. Its control set includes 8 knobs, 8 sliders and 8 switches, with 30 presets and a backlit LCD, and it can be used with a computer without additional drivers. Compared with contemporary controllers, period reviews noted that the MPK49 has no motorised faders and no X-Y touch pad, and they described its keyboard feel and comprehensive control set as its main strengths. Reviewers and forum posters repeatedly described the unit as large and heavy, and the pads are the most frequently criticised part of the design. A Gearspace member who owns both models said the MPK49 and MPK61 are identical except for the number of keys. The MPK49 dates from the late 2000s and was sold for several years. It is listed on Reverb as a legacy model. Akai's MPK mini line (MK2 and MK3) is a different 25-key product and is not covered by this entry.

Specifications

Keys

49, full-size, semi-weighted, velocity and channel pressure sensitive

Pads

12, velocity and pressure sensitive, in 4 banks

Knobs

8, 360-degree

Sliders

8

Switches

8

Assignable controls

76 total

Presets

30

Pitch and mod wheels

Yes

Transpose range

10-octave total range

MIDI over USB

48 channels (16 channels across 3 ports)

5-pin MIDI

1 in, 1 out, 16 channels

Display

Custom backlit LCD

Dimensions (W x D x H)

730 x 300 x 100 mm

Weight

5.8 kg

Power

About 100 mA at 5 V over USB; about 1 A at 6 V from an external adaptor

Footswitch input

Rear panel, configurable for several functions

How it's used

The MPK49 is mainly used as a keyboard and performance controller for software instruments and DAWs over USB. Its pads are the main drum input, and users have used them for beat-making, drum programming, fills and sampling. The knobs and sliders are commonly mapped to plugin parameters. Some users have used it live to keep patches and settings in one controller, and an ambient musician reported using it to trigger samples and edit sounds.

Suggested usage

• Learn the banks and modes first

  The operation manual describes how the four modes work. Several reviewers said editing from the front panel was quicker than using the editing software.

• Set pad sensitivity before judging the pads

  Several users found the pads needed a hard hit, and one reported that even the maximum sensitivity setting gave a weak response. Adjust sensitivity in the menus before forming an opinion.

• Expect to build DAW mappings

  Setup was reported as straightforward in some DAWs, particularly Ableton Live. Some users reported needing to find or build mappings for FL Studio and found no Logic templates. Allow time for mapping.

• Use Note Repeat and the arpeggiator for quick patterns

  Note Repeat and the arpeggiator run at the time division that is set, and the arpeggiator follows the controller's tempo.

• Plan for size and weight

  Reviews consistently describe the unit as large and heavy, so consider where it will sit before setting up.

• Pad upgrades are individual experiences

  Some Gearspace members have fitted third-party pad retrofit kits. These are individual reports, not recommendations from Akai or the reviewers.

What reviewers said

• Sound On Sound

  Concluded that the MPK49 strikes a balanced point between flexibility and complexity. The reviewer found themselves editing from the front panel more often than not, and reported that variable velocity curves were not available.

• EMIX Magazine (2008)

  Positive about the keyboard feel and the wide control set. Noted the lack of motorised faders and X-Y pads, and that the MPK49 faced strong competition from other manufacturers. Described it as useful for players working with MPC gear.

• Music Player Network forum

  One reviewer rated the build quality as excellent and praised the keybed, but found the pads unsatisfactory. Another poster described the keys as a bit hefty and the unit as heavy but portable, barely.

• Gearspace review block

  Shows an average of 3.7 out of 5 across 6 reviews. The sample is small. The forum thread is generally positive about build quality and the keyboard, while several members called the pads a letdown relative to the MPC line.

• zZounds user reviews

  Mostly positive. One user praised the keyboard's build and its ability to withstand hard playing.

• Audiofanzine user reviews

  Mixed. Machine-translated French-language reviews include one strongly negative account of the feel and pads, while others praise the build quality, knobs and arpeggiator.

Sources

• Akai MPK 49/61
• 49 Key MIDI Controller MPK49
• Akai MPK49 Review
• Akai MPK49
• Akai MPK49 - Initial Impressions - The Keyboard Corner - Music Player Network
• Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard - What To Know & Where To Buy
• Akai MPK49 49-Key MIDI Controller User Reviews
• Akai Professional MPK49 - MIDI Keyboard Controllers
• User reviews: Akai Professional MPK49 - Audiofanzine
• reverb.com
• AKAI MPK 49 SERVICE MANUAL Pdf Download
• User manual AKAI MPK49 (English - 76 pages)
• Akai professional MPK49 : Operation Manual
• Akai MPK 49/61 - User review - Gearspace