The MPK49 is a MIDI-over-USB performance keyboard and pad controller for programmers, producers, writers, DJs, and others musicians. Built around the controls and technology from Akai Professional's industry-standard MPC series, the MPK49 is an expressive and intuitive instrument for the studio and stage.
This first-of-a-kind controller marries the classic MPC pads and assignable Q-Link controllers with a 49-key keybed and some of the most crucial MPC technologies. This is no mere controller; it’s a performance instrument.
ALL HANDS ON DECK
The heart of the MPK49 is its controls – after all, this IS a controller. Its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads are an Akai Pro exclusive and they give you the same kind of musical, natural input that producers the world over have used to fuel their mega-hits. You can access four different banks of sounds from the MPC pads for a total of 64 sounds at your fingertips.
The MPK49 also borrows the MPC series' assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling you to control nearly any parameters in your software in real time. You get eight assignable Q-Link faders, eight assignable Q-Link 360° knobs, and eight assignable Q-Link buttons so you'll spend less time with the mouse and more time actually making music. Even better, each Q-Link can access three different parameters for a total of 72 real-time Q-Links!
You also get two assignable footswitch inputs and an expression-pedal input for even more ways to control and perform with the MPK49. You can assign any parameter to any of the Q-Links or pedal inputs, so you could change patches with a button, adjust the compressor level on a fader, and control the speed of your VST Leslie’s rotation with the expression pedal, just to give one example.
The MPK49 also gives you a dedicated set of transport controls for instant access to the most commonly used DAW or sequencing-software controls without even thinking about touching the mouse.
The MPK49’s keybed is semi-weighted and features aftertouch so as with the MPC pads, you can capture your entire performance – not just when the notes start and stop.
SOUNDS LIKE A HIT
While the MPC pads and Q-Links might be the heart of the MPK49, its brain is transplanted directly from the MPC. That's because the MPK49 is not just a control surface; it contains some of the key MPC technologies that have made the MPC the de facto standard it is. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry.
MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel. The MPK49 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads.
Not the world’s most prolific pianist? The MPK49 can help you create rhythmic and melodic riffs instantly. The MPK49’s arpeggiator automatically steps through a sequence of notes, creating an arpeggio or other pattern you select You can manipulate the order and speed in which the MPK49 plays the notes.
PLUG AND PERFORM
The MPK49 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPK49 so the included USB cable is all you need. It comes with a custom version of Ableton Live Lite production and performance software so you can start creating right out of the box. In addition to Live and nearly any other MIDI software, you can also drive any MIDI hardware, such as synths, sound modules, samplers, sequencers, drum machines, and more.
The MPK49 just got a little brother, the MPK25. This new portable performance controller reduces the keybed to 25 keys, retaining nearly all of the power and controls of its 49-key sibling.
Whether you create in the studio or on stage, the MPK49 gives you a comprehensive compliment of input and control devices with the peerless feel of the MPC that is peerless in software or hardware. You can get even more information on the MPK49 by visiting its main page.
