akaipro News http://www.akaipro.com/news/ Get the latest news from akaipro. DJ NU-MARK TAKES CREATIVE CONTROL WITH THE MPK49 PERFORMANCE CONTROLLER http://www.akaipro.com/content3267  


Nu-Mark is well known for his innovative sonic creativity, such as attaching a rubber band to his turntable’s needle and playing it like an upright bass or tapping on the turntable dust cover to simulate a bass drum. Incorporating a wide range of musical styles from soul to funk, hip-hop to samba, Nu-Mark loves to surprise an audience with a forgotten gem, an unknown banger, or a fresh take on a well-known hit.
 


DJ- Numark uses the MPK49 Performance Controller from Akai Professional as an integral tool at his gigs. This 49-key semi-weighted professional keyboard controller boasts 12 genuine MPC pads with Note Repeat and Swing for crafting beats, and an arpeggiator for creating quick riffs and bass lines. With an amazing 76 assignable controls, eight full-sized pots and sliders, eight assignable backlit switches, and a large, easy-to-read custom backlit display, the MPK49 is DJ Nu-Mark’s choice for live and studio production.
 


From Sao Paolo to Sydney, from Toronto to Tokyo, Nu-Mark’s carefully crafted, explosively energetic sets never fail to get a party rocking. With the addition of the Akai Professional MPK49 to his rig, you can be sure that Nu-Mark’s post as hip-hop’s Innovator-in-Chief is certain to produce some wild new sounds!

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:16:00 CDT <![CDATA[NAMED "COMPANY OF THE YEAR" BY THE MUSIC TRADES MAGAZINE]]> http://www.akaipro.com/content3094
Citing a long history of market resilience and remarkable innovation, The Music Trades recognized Numark Industries as "...one of the industry's hi-tech leaders."  The feature article also commends Numark Industries companies - Numark, Akai, Alesis and ION Audio - for breakthrough integration of software, hardware and computer solutions in the ever-evolving audio technology industry.

The Music Trades is a monthly publication dating back to 1890, and is widely recognized as the industry's leading source for market research for the music business. As "Company of the Year," Numark Industries was chosen from more than 3,400 other companies tracked by the publication.]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:41:57 CDT PRODUCT REBATE - E2 HEADRUSH http://www.akaipro.com/content1475 Click to download a printable PDF version

 

]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:48:05 CDT PRODUCT REBATE - MPC500 http://www.akaipro.com/content1477 Click to download a printable PDF version

 

]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:47:15 CDT STEVE TAVAGLIONE'S EWI4000S KEEPS HIM BUSY http://www.akaipro.com/content2685 Recently we checked in with EWI4000s aficionado Steve Tavaglione to see what he's been up to and to make sure that the EWI4000s is living up to his expectations and keeping up with his busy schedule.

Here's what Steve had to say:

"The EWI4000s helps me stay in the midst of what's happening in the electronic music world. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without it. That world is always moving forward."

Not only is Steve the ever-busy live performer, he's also quite the go-to-guy in Hollywood film composition. Below is a list of current films that Steve has been busy working on.

Wall.e for PixarRevolutionary Road starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate WinsletRighteous Kill with Robert DeNiro and Al PacinoSex in the City starring Sara Jessica ParkerCollege Road Trip from DisneyTropic Thunder featuring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, & Robert Downey Jr.Powder Blue Meet the BrownsFlash of GeniusLake City Step up to the Streets Martian Child Why Did I Get MarriedThe Jane Ausin BookclubGood Luck Chuck


Steve's penchant for live performance is still alive and well, here's a list of live gigs:
 
Electronic Music Concert Parikel Series
University of California Riverside - March 15th
Scott Kinsey Band - April 3rd at La Va Lees.
SAE Electronic Music School - Date TBA

 

 

 

 

]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:02:55 CDT DIVINCI TALKS MPC5000 http://www.akaipro.com/content2341
"When I sit down in front of the 5000, I feel like I'm working with something that has history.  It has features that go beyond what you would expect from an MPC, but still manages to encapsulate the vibe of all the models before it.  Not only has the feature list been expanded to enhance use in the studio and on stage, but a good amount of the things that have made previous models special are reintroduced in the 5000."
-DiViNCi

DiViNCi recently performed a drum solo and his own version of the National Anthem (Jimi Hendrix style) on his three MPCs at the 2008 Plug Independent Music Awards show in New York. He is currently hard at work finishing up a new record called "No More Heroes" by his group, Solillaquists of Sound, which is scheduled be released this year.

]]> Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:23:56 CDT AKAI PROFESSIONAL LAYS DOWN THE GROOVE MUSIKMESSE FRANKFURT 2008! http://www.akaipro.com/content2251 DAY 2 & 3

Check out some video clips of Akai Professional - straight from Musikmesse!



The Akai Professional stand was packed with people from around the globe who flocked to see the latest new products including the new MPC5000, XR20, and MPD32 .

 



DAY 1



Akai has been the center of attention at the 2008 Musikmesse trade show in Frankfurt, Germany. Akai's success has even been recognized by readers of KEYS magazine, which just awarded the MPC500 "Best Groovetool" in a people's choice decision.



Musikmesse Frankfurt 2008 was kicked off with a bang at the Akai Professional booth today. Akai Professional celebrated several new product introductions including the all new MPC5000, which was demonstrated in full force. People from all over the world flocked to check out the MPC5000 for themselves. Akai Professional product specialist, Mike Hosker, demonstrated the MPC5000 for throngs of fascinated attendees.





After its powerful debut at Winter NAMM 2008 the MPC5000 has attracted attention from some of the best producers, engineers and performers from around the world including; Warren G, Lil’ John, The Alchemist and many more.

Akai Professional also highlighted the new XR20 hip hop drum machine as well as the MPD32 controller and the MPK49 keyboard controller.

The show is just getting warmed up so be sure to check back for more great news live from Akai Professional at Musikmesse Frankfurt 2008.]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:59:38 CDT MARK MAHONEY AND THE POWER OF AKAI PRO'S MPK49 http://www.akaipro.com/content2343
Mahoney has been a musician most of his life.  Evolving from saxophone, bass guitar, acoustic/electric guitar, and now synthesizers, Mahoney is comfortable on any of these instruments.  Referencing greats such as John Coltrane, Steve Roach, and Robert Rich, Mahoney approaches his craft in a very thoughtful and cerebral manner that defines post-modern ambient music.  He utilizes both analogue and digital synthesizers in performance.

Mark recently picked up the Akai Pro MPK49 and it has been a breakthrough instrument for his performances.

"The Akai MPK49 is the first portable keyboard controller that meets my needs as a performer. The arp and pads really put this controller on another level and bring a totally new aspect of playability to my soft synths and synth modules."
-Mark Mahoney

Check out Mark Mahoney performing live with the Akai MPK49 on the following dates:
May 3 - City Skies Electronic Music Festival in Atlanta, GAAug 9 - Mahoney & Peck perform at the Acoustic Coffee House in Johnson City, TNSept 20 - Mahoney & Peck will be performing at the prestigious Gathering concert in Philadelphia, PASept 21 - Mahoney & Peck will perform live on Philadelphia’s WXPN-FM radio show, Stars End
Mark Mahoney Homepage: http://www.limitedwave.com/subterraneous/news.html

]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:44:04 CDT PRODUCT REBATE - EWI4000S http://www.akaipro.com/content1474 Click to download a printable PDF version

 

]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:19:21 CST <![CDATA[BOB MINTZER & THE YELLOWJACKETS NOW ON TOUR IN EUROPE WITH EWI4000S]]> http://www.akaipro.com/content1174
Bob honed his skills playing and writing for Buddy Rich, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Art Blakey, Sam Jones, Jaco Pastorius, The GRP Big Band, Mike Manieri, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and the New York Philharmonic. He also has done session work for James Taylor, Queen, Steve Winwood, Aretha Franklin, and countless others.



Bob has been nominated for thirteen Grammy awards both for his solo work and big band recordings (Art of the Big Band, Departure, Homage To Count Basie, One Music, and Only In New York) and his work with the Yellowjackets (Blue Hats, Club Nocturne, Dreamland, Greenhouse, Like a River, Live Wires, Runferyerlife, Time Squared). Homage to Count Basie won the Grammy in the best large ensemble category for the 44th Annual Grammy Awards, 2001.

Bob’s big band arrangements have become standard repertoire for big bands all over the world. His arrangements are published by Kendor Music and Warner Brothers Publications. His signature writing style is easily recognizable, and can be heard on jazz radio and in university settings, high schools, and jazz venues.

Following Bob’s 23 year, 12 album relationship with Digital Music Products, the Bob Mintzer big band now resides on the MCG Jazz label.

Bob is currently touring Europe with the Yellowjackets, performing almost nightly on his EWI4000s.  He is also working on new CD.  Be sure to look out for Bob Mintzer and the EWI at town near you.  Go to www.bobmintzer.com to learn more.

]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:55:03 CST