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The All-New Akai Professional MPK261 Keyboard & Pad Controller - Overviewplay button

The All-New Akai Professional MPK261 Keyboard & Pad Controller - Overview

collapse expand iconDescription

Akai Professional's MPK261 is a revolutionary MIDI keyboard controller that fuses dynamic hardware control with powerful music production software. Its 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch provide an authentic piano feel for natural playability, while 16 MPC-style pads, assignable Q-Link knobs, faders and switches put comprehensive beat and track creation at your fingertips. The MPK261 connects via a standalone USB interface to your Mac or PC, unlocking its full potential through the included Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats. The MPK261 is the ultimate creative companion for performers, producers and composers alike.

Express Yourself With Premium Keybed and Pads

The MPK261 features 61 semi-weighted keys and a premium piano-style keybed, delivering unprecedented dynamics and sensitivity for nuanced performances. Each key is outfitted with aftertouch, allowing you to add expression with the press of a key. The 16 backlit MPC-style pads invite you to construct complex beats and melodies with classic MPC workflow using functions like Note Repeat, Full Level, 16 Levels and Swing. Four pad banks provide access to 64 pads in total.

Take Full Control of Your Software and Sounds

The MPK261's 24 assignable Q-Link controllers—comprising 8 knobs, 8 faders and 8 switches—are pre-mapped to manipulate various parameters in Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats. They can also be manually assigned to your favorite plugins, instruments and effects in any DAW. This intuitive control over your software's functions and your music's characteristics helps enhance your creative flow and productivity.

Premium Software for Out-of-the-Box Music Creation

The included Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats software provide a fluid production environment for composing, recording, remixing and editing your musical ideas. Ableton Live Lite is an innovative DAW for crafting and performing music, while MPC Beats offers intuitive beat and groove making with over 2GB of sounds. Together with the MPK261's dynamic keybed, pads and Q-Link controls, these software platforms unlock a world of possibilities for creative expression.

A Complete, Portable Music Production Solution

The MPK261 connects via USB for plug-and-play integration with your computer, providing bus power so no external power supply is needed. Its slim, lightweight design means you can take the MPK261 anywhere to produce music on the go. Everything you need to compose, record, remix and edit complete tracks is at your fingertips with the MPK261's premium hardware control and bundled software.

Akai Professional MPK261 61-Key Controller
Akai Professional MPK261 61-Key Controller
Akai Professional MPK261 61-Key Controller

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 61 semi-weighted, full-size keys with aftertouch
  • 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 64 pads
  • 24 assignable Q-Link controllers include knobs, faders, and switches (8 of each)
  • Revamped control layout with backlit LCD screen
  • USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input and output

collapse expand iconSpecs

Keyboard
  • Number of keys: 61
  • Action: Synth
  • Key size: Full-size
  • Velocity sensitive: Yes
  • Aftertouch: Yes
Connectivity
  • MIDI I/O: Yes
  • USB: Yes
  • Pedal inputs: Yes
  • Gate out: Yes
  • iOS compatibility: Yes
  • Audio I/O: Yes
  • Other: Not specified
Controls
  • Encoders: 8
  • Faders: 8
  • Drum pads: 16
  • Pitch bend/Modulation: Both
  • DAW transport: Yes
Onboard Features
  • Number of presets: Not specified
  • Display: LCD
  • Bundled Software: Yes
  • Chord play: Not specified
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
  • Step Sequencer: Not specified
Other
  • Width: 35.6"
  • Height: 3.4"
  • Depth: 12"
  • Weight: 15.1 lb.