Videos (1)

View Allarrow icon
The All-New Akai Professional MPK249 Keyboard & Pad Controllerplay button

The All-New Akai Professional MPK249 Keyboard & Pad Controller

collapse expand iconDescription

Akai Professional's MPK249 is a high-performance pad and keyboard controller offering deep software integration, an enhanced workflow, and the renowned technologies of Akai Professional's iconic MPC workstations. The MPK249 provides a comprehensive interface for manipulating virtual instruments, effects plugins, DAWs and more. It features 49 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 provide access to 64 pads in total for unlimited creative possibilities. The MPK249 connects via USB for plug-and-play power and connectivity.

Premium, Responsive Keybed

The MPK249 is equipped with 49 full-size, semi-weighted keys and a high-quality keybed for unparalleled feel and nuanced control. Each velocity-sensitive key also features aftertouch for expressive performances and recordings. Onboard Octave Up and Down controls provide access to the entire melodic range to play bass lines, piano harmony, leads and more.

Genuine MPC Functionality

MPK249 integrates authentic MPC tools for music creation, including MPC Swing, Note Repeat, Full Level and 16 Levels. MPC Swing delivers the iconic groove that made Akai Professional's MPCs legendary. Note Repeat and 16 Levels simplify beat and melody construction using the MPC-style pads. An adjustable arpeggiator enables exploration of complex melodic ideas with ease.

Powerful Production Software

MPK249 includes Ableton Live Lite and MPC Essentials for immediate music making. Ableton Live Lite is an intuitive audio/MIDI environment for spontaneous composition, recording, remixing and editing. MPC Essentials, a groove production and sample-triggering software, integrates with any DAW or runs standalone. It provides access to eight pad banks and four samples and insert effects per pad.

High-Definition Synths

MPK249 includes two professional virtual synths: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, which combines analog warmth with digital manipulation, and SONiVOX Twist, a spectral morphing synth. These powerful synths provide MPK249 users with professional music creation tools to inspire any project.

Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller, Black-on-Black
Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller, Black-on-Black
Akai Professional MPK249 49-Key Controller, Black-on-Black

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Black-on-black finish
  • 49 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
  • 16 pressure- and velocity-sensitive, light-up MPC-style pads x 4 banks
  • 8 control knobs, 8 faders and 8 backlit switches
  • USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input and output
  • 10 with Octave Up and Down
  • Additional Controls: MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, MPC Full Level, 16 Levels, Tap Tempo and Time Division

collapse expand iconSpecs

Keyboard
  • Number of keys: 49
  • Action: Semi-weighted
  • Key size: Full
  • Velocity sensitive: Yes
  • Aftertouch: Yes
  • Key type: Piano-style
Connectivity
  • USB MIDI: Yes
  • 5-Pin MIDI: In/Out
  • Sustain: Yes
  • Expression: Yes
  • iOS compatibility: Yes, Apple camera kit (sold separately)
  • Audio I/O: Not applicable
  • Other: Not applicable
Controls
  • Knobs: 8 knobs; 3 banks
  • Faders: 8 faders; 3 banks
  • Drum pads: 16 backlit, velocity sensitive; 4 banks
  • Buttons/switches: 8 switches; 3 banks
  • Pitch wheel: Yes
  • Mod wheel: Yes
  • DAW transport: Yes
Onboard Features
  • Edit mode: Yes
  • Auto mapping: Info not available
  • Zones: Info not available
  • Number of presets: Info not available
  • Display: Backlight LCD
  • Program change: Yes
  • Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Twist 2.0
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
Other
  • Width: 29" (736 mm)
  • Height: 3.38" (86 mm)
  • Depth: 12.25" (311 mm)
  • Weight: 12.6 lb.
  • Construction: Info not available
  • USB power: Yes
  • Power adapter: 6V DC, 1A (sold separately)

Featured Articles