Akai MPD26 USB/Midi Pad Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Where to start !
Ok the basics, This product boasts a lot of features, and for anyone who has dreamed of owning an MPC, but cant afford it this is a great alternative.
Straight out of the box this item looks good, its solidly constructed, and just looks cool.
It comes with a copy of Ableton Live LITE, which honestly is not worth using, it is very limited in what you can do and to take advantage of the MPD you really need the features of the full version.
When it comes to installation it couldn't be any easier, plug in the USB cable and away you go, the only other thing you need to do is set up Live or whatever program you are using, its just a case of selecting it from your midi devices section in your program preferences..
Once I had this set up I was already to go, or so i thought, I found that LIVE's preset instruments wern't all that great for the MPD, however after searching on the net i found some cool videos on youtube that show you how to set up preset settings in LIVE which work really well.
The next thing i found was that there was quite some delay when i would hit the pad compared to when i would hear it, which was very annoying, it made trying to time things right near on impossible, after a little more research i found out what the problem was, it is the latency, which is determined mostly by the quality of your sound card and its drivers. There is a fix for this that worked brilliantly on my setup, and on a mates who purchased the MPD 18, you need to download ASIO4ALL a simple google search and you'll find it.. This has got my latency down to near zero and i can no longer feel any delay at all.
Now that I finally have the MPD set up the way i like, and all my little hardware bugs sorted, I love this thing, It's mad addictive, and I find myself getting lost in the mix and time just dissapears.
In conclusion, this product is fan-freakin-tastic... For the price of this compared to the MPC it is definetlly worth it, Although all MPC owners out there will tell you how it is nothing like an MPD, the truth is it does everything an MPC will do but you need the computer set up in a way that allows you to do it... Im sure they will all disagree, I personally think they're just a pissed that they spent so much on something that you can do with the MPD for a fraction of the price.. Obviouslly there is the downside that you cant just pick it up and take it to a gig without having ya pc with ya, but for recording / beatmaking this thing is great.
Although it was a little tricky getting all my presets sorted, once that was done its sweet.


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The MPD26 is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller with genuine MPC pads. It's perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs. Its blend of intuitive MPC controls and technologies meshes with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making to the world of computer music production.
A MIDI-over-USB pad controller with genuine MPC pads. Click here for a larger image

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Akai MPD32 USB/Midi MPC Pad Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)After I upgraded to a laptop with Windows Vista, I was on the hunt for a new MIDI controller. I was using an Akai MPD16 but after several failed installs on my Vista laptop, I found out that Akai decided not to make a Vista driver for my antiquated hardware. At first, I was a bit angry that my equipment that I've been using for a long time with Windows XP no longer worked. But then the prospect of getting new gear calmed me down.
All I really wanted was a pad controller with MPC style pads and a "note repeat" function. I researched several pad controllers: M-Audio Trigger Finger, Akai MPD24, and Korg padKONTROL. I also gave Akai's new MIDI keyboard, the MPK49, serious consideration since it has 12 MPC style pads. After much debate, and plenty of time spent watching demos of each product on YouTube, I finally placed a pre-order for an Akai MPD32.
It arrived a couple months later and it was plenty worth the wait and money. The first thing I noticed is that the MPD32 is large, much larger than my previous MPD. Its footprint is a bit bigger than my 15.4" laptop. The next thing I noticed is that it's built solid. All of the knobs, faders and pads feel great. These pads are the same pads that are used on the MPC2500. The only criticism I have for the pads would be with the sensors. Akai uses a round sensor under the pad so not all of pad surface is usable, unlike the Korg padKontrol which uses a square sensor for its pads. But this is not a deal breaker for me.
The MPD32 comes with presets for many popular music production programs (e.g. Live, Reason, FL Studio, Cubase, etc.) Personally, I use Reason 4.0 and Live 7. The presets for Reason work perfectly. The 8 knobs and faders are easily assignable to manipulate filters and effects within Reason.
For me, the MPD32 is perfect. If you're in need of a MIDI controller with MPC pads for your DAW, look no further.
Products Referenced:
Akai MPD16 USB/MIDI Pad Controller
M-Audio Trigger Finger Drum Pad Control Surface
Akai MPD24 USB/MIDI Pad Controller
Korg PADCONTROL KORG USB DRUM PAD CONTROLLER
Akai MPK49 Keyboard Controller
Akai MPC2500 Music Production Center

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Korg nanoKONTROL USB Controller, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a laptop musician and I've gotten extremely tired of staring at the screen, twiddling virtual knobs one at a time with my mouse. When Korg introduced the nano line, I practically ran to the store to check them out. The nanoKONTROL is almost perfect for my setup, and for under sixty bucks I couldn't walk out without one.
First off, this is definitely NOT plug-n-play, but it's a breeze to setup. I use Ableton Live and it immediately recognized the nanoKONTROL and let me assign functions to each button, knob, and slider with no issues at all. It revolutionized my live show because I can suddenly operate multiple faders and trigger multiple audio loops at once, all in a unit that's smaller than a carton of cigarettes. There are only nine fader/knob sets, but you can change 'scenes,' which essentially transposes the controls up to the next bank of nine, effectively giving you 36 fader sets. It even has lights so you can see what's triggered on a dark stage. I've had this for a good four or five months now and have never had any problems- after setting it up, simply plug it in and you're good to go.
The nanoKONTROL also ships with a copy of the Korg Kontrol Editor, which is a little program you can use to alter the firmware of the device. The Editor allows you to change the parameters of your nano- what kind of midi signal is being sent, the channel, the toggle, the high and low values, et cetera. You can even save multiple editor files, so you can switch between settings depending on what program you're using. Absolutely brilliant.
There is one con to this unit, and I'm not gonna lie: it feels chintzy. When I first picked it up, I had to laugh because it's such a lightweight piece of plastic that it feels more like a child's toy than a piece of equipment. I feel like one little drop and this thing will shatter into bits. The knobs and faders are cheap as hell and before you plug it in, you will feel a little ripped off. BUT AFTER YOU PLUG IT IN, you will realize that those tacky knobs and faders are extremely responsive and you just got a great controller for the price of a decent dinner for two.
I've heard mixed reviews of the other nano products, especially the keyboard (seriously, you can buy an old Oxygen 8 for almost the same price, so get some real midi keys), but I HIGHLY recommend the nanoKONTROL. You'll love it.

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Part of the super-compact nanoSERIES, Korg's nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches, plus a full transport section for expansive control; even a flexible note input mode to help you lay down your next big groove.

The Korg nanoSERIES The Korg nanoSERIES provide a keyboard controller, a pad controller, and a studio controller with dedicated transport controls. Each of these USB-powered, slim-line controllers is designed to make the most of your valuable studio space, and is small enough to take with you on any musical journey. Place one of our keyboard controllers in front of your laptop, rest a pad controller on your music workstation, park a studio controller on your recording console--or anywhere else you need versatile control over your DAW, virtual instrument, effect or DJ software. Although small in size, all three nanoSERIES controllers go HUGE when it comes to functionality, yet their intuitive layouts provide extremely easy operation for any user.
nanoKONTROL--The Most Expansive Array of Controls For Its Size--Period The nanoKONTROL features a plethora of controllers to help you get the most control out of your software for the size and money. nanoKONTROL offers nine faders, nine knobs, 18 switches and a full transport section. For each of the four programmable scenes the nanoKONTROL offers, you can set the controllers any way you need them. That means that you can transmit a total of 168 different MIDI CC (Control Change) messages, as well as MIDI notes with the switches. The six transport buttons can each transmit either MIDI CC messages or MMC messages to control functions such as: start, stop, loop, or record on your DAW software.
Imagine taking full control of your software--transport, a full track's worth of faders, pans and mutes--or how about precise dedicated control over the many parameters of software synths, samplers or virtual drum machines. It's all possible with the nanoKONTROL.
To add to the nanoKONTROL's flexibility, an attack and decay time can be specified for the eighteen switches. This allows you to smoothly feed controller messages into parameters such as wet/dry levels for an effect, a filter for a synth, or a volume fader for that perfect fade.
What's in the Box Korg nanoKONTROL, USB cable, Owner's Manual

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Behringer XENYX X1204 USB mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used this mixer both for recording and live shows, and am pretty satisfied with it, as it generally does what it is supposed to do. It does (despite adjusting the high and mid-tones) sometimes produce a tinnier sound than I'd prefer, but I can't be sure as to whether this is due directly to the mixer or to the sound systems it has been connected to. The USB-to-computer recording feature is convenient, but for certain instruments it is difficult to get enough volume output. However, it is important to note that I am by no means a professional sound engineer, and have a lot to learn about how to optimize my equipment. All told, there is a lot of music I wouldn't have been able to produce without this mixer, and I certainly couldn't beat the price.

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UDG Creator Serator Record Sleeve - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)These were hard to come by for a while, but worth the wait. I wouldn't carry it to a gig with just one set of vinyl-it's much more rigid when it's full. Individual slots hold all the control vinyl you'd ever need at a gig. Keep your eye on it-cool stuff that says "Scratch Live" on the outside tends to disappear in a club...

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Korg PadKontrol USB Drum Pad Studio Controller, White Review

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(More customer reviews)The KORG padKontrol has only one purpose and that is to make the use of its input pads easy, flexible and reliable. The included manual is very thorough and explains every aspect well. The included editor software called Librarian, lets you program the entire pad very easily and requires little instruction, it is mainly click the image on the padKontrol on the screen and then set its parameters.
The pads are really what sets this unit apart though as they will register a hit even when they are struck on an edge or corner. If you've got sloppy fingers and are triggering things accidentally then just adjust the velocity curves to dial back the sensitivity. The pads light when the trigger which is a nice way to instantly see that you have a successful input. They can be set as momentary on/off or as toggle types. In toggle mode they act more like a switch where one hit turns it on and a second hit turns it off which is useful for sending MIDI events that you may want to remain "ON" longer than a split second like the momentary trigger gives.
The other buttons also light up as they are used which gives good feedback. The knobs are solid and have a very smooth action to them. The feet on the bottom of the unit are really sticky, not in a glue or tape sort of way, but rather in a it stay where you put it despite tapping away at it like mad. The touch-pad allows some very cool roll/flam effects but takes some practice to use well, it can also be reassigned to other functions.
Mine came with software samples from several manufacturers in the box. I am especially pleased with the one from Pianoteq and KORG's own M1Le synth engine. Those were unexpected, are very functional and have me thinking of actually upgrading them to their respective full versions.
KORG is a top tier name and this unit lives up to the reputation. Do not settle for cheaper imitations, you can see a big difference in quality.

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Akai Pro MPD18 Compact Pad Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)Just started messing around with beats. This thing is awesome and crazy affordable. Im not to the point where I can justify spending the money for the MPC's and such so this was right up my alley and does everything I need for my level of music production. Was a little difficult to set up and assign samples to pads at first cause the instructions are minimal at best, after a bunch of trial and error and youtube tutorials I was able to figure it out for the most part.

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BEHRINGER BCF2000 USB MIDI RECORDING+MIXING CONTROLLER Review

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(More customer reviews)For this price you will not find another control surface with this flexibility. I've got it controlling Adobe Audition 3 and it is working flawlessly. My ratings for ease of use and features are relative to the price.
Programming the unit is not as simple as some would have you believe, although you can find presets online for most DAWs and I found a template detailing what the default functions are for AA3. Easy to get up and running and with a little googling its simple to figure out what you need to. I would buy it again and have recommended it to everyone I know who has a similar setup at home.
mhlavinatgmaildotcom

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Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard
OVERALL IMPRESSION: NOT A TOY! This is an excellent songwriting tool, that makes music making on the go a reality. Not intended to replace your main MIDI controller.
DISCLAIMER: I am an amateur musician making songs mostly to share with family and friends. Also, guitar is my native instrument, and my keyboard skills still leave much to be desired. That being said:
I LOVE THIS DEVICE!!
PROS:
-PORTABILITY AND SMALL FOOTPRINT. I can take this thing with me anywhere and it does not take much space in my laptop bag or work-surface. I have a 20"x20" wood board that I use as a work-surface for my laptop, mouse, LPK25, and headphones. Using that setup I composed whole songs in my bed, sofa, dinner table, backyard chair, passenger seat of my car (at work during lunch time), hotel room, in-laws house...you get the idea. I also have a room with a full size desktop piled with recording equipment in my house, but I only use that setup for recording vocals, guitars, mixing, and mastering (when I have time). Most of my music creation is done with the LPK25 and my laptop.
-PLAYABILITY. Although the keys are small they are still comfortable to play without hitting more than one note at once with each finger (and I have thick fingers). The keys also have great sinth-like action.
-BUILT-IN ARPEGIATOR. I am a novice at using arpegiators but I have found the built-in arpegiator on the LPK-25 very useful and simple to use. An excellent tool to develop ideas, particularly if you (like me) are lacking serious keyboard skills.
-USB POWERED. No power brick required, and it does not drain my laptop's battery quickly either.
-PLUG & PLAY: No drivers to download and fuss with.CONS:
-VELOCITY RANGE NOT AS WIDE AS I WOULD LIKE. The difference in loudness when you press a key fast/hard VS. soft/slow is not as noticeable as more expensive controllers I have used in the past. If you are a very expressive player you won't like it this very much.UNKNOWNS:
-QUALITY & LONGEVITY: I have only owned it for a few months so I don't know how well it will stand to the test of time. But that being said as far as I know AKAI products are pretty reliable, and well built, and this product feels solid.
FINAL NOTE: Although this will be obvious to most, I think it is worth mentioning that this is a midi controller and NOT A STAND ALONE KEYBOARD. The unit makes no sounds of its own and you need a separate computer program (i.e. virtual instrument) to use it.
UPDATE 12/08/2010: I am happy to report that as of today (12/08/2010) my Akai LPK25 is still working as good as the day I bought it.

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Create melodic and harmonic riffs in seconds, anywhere, with the Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard, a scaled-down relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. Made up of 25 miniature, velocity-sensitive keyboard keys with synth action, the LPK25 is a great choice for keyboard players who want to work with software on their computer. Measuring less than 13 inches across and weighing less than a pound, it easily fits into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.

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Akai MPC 5000 Music Production Center Review

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(More customer reviews)Imagine having a synthesizer added to your MPC (assuming you have used a MPC before). Same capabilities as the previous models, but my favorite addition is the arpeggio function. When a MIDI keyboard is hooked up you can play out chords and press the arpeggiator button instead of just holding down the note-repeat button. I actually ordered and installed different color pads to give my MPC that customized-look. The internal hard drive is loaded with more than enough soundsets. The ability to chop and edit samples has been simplified with a few auto options. It also has a built in multitrack recorder (which I have yet to mess with), but seems easily accessible at the click of a button. I save my sounds on the internal hard drive and back them up on computer via USB port built on the back of the unit. The option to save and/or load is available for both Compact Flash cards and internal hard drive. Optional DVD Drive can be installed, too...this made my beat CD creation a cinch. The internal ROM is loaded with basic drum sets and synth presets. Make sure you update the Operating System for I heard the original OS was "buggy" (unstable). Like I mentioned in my title...the MPC5000 is quite pricey, but the power of this machine is unrivaled.

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The Akai MPC5000 has a greatly expanded feature set and that legendary MPC feel! The MPC series set the standard for beat production. What would it take to make the ultimate MPC? Dozens of engineers, 20 years of experience and a new synth and drum sampling engine unlike any MPC ever. Introducing the MPC5000; the new standard for music production. Purchase the Akai MPC5000 today and get a FREE Download of the MC5000 OS 2.0 from www.akaipro.com! Check out the in-depth comparison chart for all the MPC's that Akai makes. Use it to find out exactly how much power you need! The MPC5000 is the first MPC ever to include 8-track streaming hard disk recording, a 20-voice, 3-oscillator analog synthesizer with arpeggiator, a new sequencing engine with 960 ppq resolution, pad and track muting and mixing, 64 continuous sample tracks. There's even a new FX engine with 4 FX buses and 2FX per bus. Akai MPC5000 Features 64-voice drum/phrase sampler with 64MB memory (Expandable to 192MB) Three-oscillator virtual analog synth engine with built-in arpeggiator Over 300 Virtual Analog synth presets included Eight tracks of Direct-to-Hard Disk recording Over 40 all new effects available within a modular 4-bus effects processor Master compressor and equalizer Built-in hard disk drive Optional CD-R/DVD drive USB 2.0 port for computer con

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NEW ABLETON LIVE (AUDIO EDITING) STICKER FOR KEYBOARD Review

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(More customer reviews)You don't need stickers for Ableton Live, due to key-mapping!
I dove into computer audio/video recently, buying Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Sony Vegas. I bought keyboard stickers for all three because I wanted to limit the learning curve and just get going as fast as possible.
I use the Sony Vegas stickers, but NOT THE ABLETON stickers! The reason is, Ableton Live has a key mapping function that is very intuitive to use. It allows you to assign a keyboard button to any on-screen (clickable) function within about 3 seconds: no menus, no data-chart, etc. The letters appear on-screen during mapping mode.
Ableton is a very well designed piece of software. It makes the 'immovable' shortcut keys of other software seem very 20th century. Isn't it ridiculous that as a video or software editor or musician, that you have to "relearn" how to do an edit, even if you've done it for years? (like me)
What would be useful is if someone made stickers that corresponded to the icons within the program, so you could make your own assignments on the keyboard.
I don't know why this item is cross-posted in "Office supplies", "Everything Else", and "Books" as of Wed January 26, 2011. That is why I am cross-posting my review, to save people from buying a basically unnecessary product.
Of the stickers I recevied, a GOOD MANY of them don't seem to work as defined. I think they are probably out of date. This was true of my Sony Vegas stickers as well.

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Akai MPK 49 Controller Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all, the pads DO suck. MPC's are known for their pads so you'd think Akai would at least be able to put the same type of pad/contact design on their MPK line. Instead they put a bunch of pads with no play that feel like buttons and make the keyboard housing vibrate when you pound them. On top of that they placed the contacts so far away it's damn near impossible to get 127 velocity on the pads without going Full Level. Even my LPD8 feels better than this thing. And even though they look like the MPC1000 pads, the 1000 pads are twice as thick as the ones here. I would have loved for them to have put the 1000 pads on this. At least then I'd be able to play back a chopped loop without feeling like I'm dialing a phone number.
The best part of the controller is the control surface. The transport keys, knobs, and sliders feel great. The LCD screen looks great.
Something unique about the controller is that it has built in MIDI settings that mimic classic MPC functions (16 level, MPC swing, note repeat). Too bad the pads keep you from fully enjoying these features.
The keys are decent but slightly noisy because they vibrate on release. The controller is also one of the few 49 key controllers out there with aftertouch. I prefer the lever-like feel of the Axiom when it comes to using aftertouch but the keys here are not a dealbreaker.
There's also a simple arpeggiator you can use. It's fairly simple in that there are only 5 settings you can use to separate notes in a chord. If you've used a more sophisticated arp (like the one on a Yamaha KX8), you'll be disappointed though.
The MPK is a good controller but Akai could have done way better than this. If you're using this for the keys and control surface it's a decent investment. But if you're thinking of buying this for the pads so you can drum and play back chopped loops, get an MPD instead.

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More than just a USB/MIDI controller, the Akai MPK49 USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard helps you maximize your musical ideas on-stage or in the studio. It combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 genuine MPC drum pads. It also offers 48 total accessible pads via 4 pad banks, and you can control up to 72 different parameters via 24 assignable Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons as well as optional footswitches.

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Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Korg nanoPAD and just recently returned it because a few of the pads would stick down. This is really annoying when you're trying to play quick notes. I bought this midi controller as a replacement, and for the most part, I'm happy with it. I'll definitely be keeping this one.
Pros:
*Back-lit keys when you hit the pad are REALLY nice to have (this comes in handy later too).
*Control knobs! You don't get those on the nanoPAD. They are handy to have, and you can assign them to anything you want in Ableton Live (which like the other reviewer, I use also).
*In Ableton Live, the drum kits are in a 4x4 grid arrangement. With the nanoPAD, since it was 6 wide, the pads didn't line up with the on-screen grid. They do to a greater degree with this pad, so it's easier to see what you're hitting.
Cons:
*This pad is NOT as sensitive as the nanoPAD, so I find myself hitting it significantly harder than I had to on the Korg model. This is made better by the fact that they light up when it registers a hit, but I still wish it was a little more sensitive.
Summary:
This is a great pad for the money, and for me, the back-lighting and control knobs really make it worth the money.


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No matter where you are when an idea pops into your head, you can turn it into a beat by simply plugging the Akai Pro LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller into your Mac or PC. A great choice for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators on the go, this compact controller easily fits in your laptop bag or backpack so you can always have it on hand.

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Stanton FSOPEN Final Scratch Open Review

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(More customer reviews)What a flaky company. This is basically new old stock with no current software development planned or promised. Even though Stanton claims differently, it does not work on Mac OS 10.6 or Intel Macs. "Open" means they opened up the software hoping someone else would develop something for it, but no one ever did. A huge waste of money.

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Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center Review

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(More customer reviews)My first impressions on the newest and smallest MPC in Akais great lineup of sampler/beat machine was thatit just HAD to be a lesser equiped version of those higher numbered MPC. WRONG!!!. I've used all MPCs and can say that I am pretty skilled with the MPC-60, 60 II, 2000, 200xl, and 3000 and just begining to peak at what the MPC4000 can truly do (it is in a whole different level and not at all for the novice).
The MPC1000, in my opinion is the best of the lot (not including the MPC4000). It doesn't have the warm sound that the MPC-60/60 II has but overall it can do anything that you want it to do. It does everything that a 2000/2000xl can do. It may have a smaller number of outputs but that is not that big of a deal if you know what you are doing.
Armed with a computer (as most of us are) the MPC1000 is extremely capable of accomplising any task that its big brothers can. In fact it handles many things better than those costing much more.
The MPC1000 is set up more like an MPC4000 and will aid those who hope to step up to using the big boy. Starting with a 2000 or 3000 will hinder you, in that some of those things you will do on those machines you will have to re-learn how to do those same things on the 4000 (once you pay the big bucks to make that move).
Don't be put off by it's tiny size. Max out it's memory, get a big compact flash card (it canhandle up to a 2 gig card, WOW) and this little box will STOMP the 2000 and 3000, even the 60 (remember those aren't made anymore and are quit old).
This thing KICKS.

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Inheriting all the essential MPC series features, the Akai MPC1000 complements its larger siblings while also providing a powerful Music Production Center on its own. It features 32-voice stereo sampling, 64-track sequencing, and 16 velocity, and pressure-sensitive MPC pads--all in an affordable and compact package that weighs just 7.6 pounds. The MPC1000 is small, rugged and incredibly portable for an easy fit into a backpack or laptop bag for the traveling producer.
It comes with 16 MB of onboard memory (expandable up to 128 MB), and you can further enhance your storage with optional standard Compact Flash memory cards (up to 2 GB in size). A preloaded CF card with popular Akai Pro samples is included to get you going. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and MPC1000's CF card.
Key Features
Pattern-based and linear 64-track sequencer with 32 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for expressive programming
16-level pad function maps one sound to all pads with varied level, tuning, attack, decay or filter per pad
Two Q-link sliders for real-time performance control
Built-in Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Standard WAV files samples and MIDI-file sequences
Analog and digital I/Os, headphone output and two MIDI In/Out
Internal sounds in flash
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Four-pole filters (two two-pole filters) filtering for each of the 32 voices
Two on-board effects processors plus main-output effect processor, all which can be used simultaneously
Outputs can be re-sampled

Specifications
Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Hard Drive (optional - req. HDM-10): any standard IDE 2.5-inch hard drive
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:
(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(6) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs [Stereo L/R + 4 Assignable Outs]
(1) Headphone Output

Digital Input/Output:
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Input [RCA]
(1) Coaxial S/PDIF Output [RCA]

MIDI Input/Output:
(2) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(2) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:
(2) 1/4-inch Footswitch
(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:
Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +17dBu [Stereo & Assignable Outs]

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:
136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:
100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song

Pad Details:
16 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Synchronization: MIDI Clock only
Power Options:
100v - 240v
50/60Hz
19W

Dimensions: 13 x 2.97 x 8.98 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 7.6 pounds
Data Compatibility:
MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility

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Akai Pro MPK mini Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you have spent any time reading the reviews of the LPD8 and the LPK25, rest assured you can apply them to this product as well. The MPK Mini is literally a combination of the LPD8 and LPK25; nothing less and nothing more. Which is a great thing if you've been considering both!
This is my first MPC product but I am an experienced keyboardist. The Pads are pretty nice. I enjoy how they light up when you hit them. Like others said regarding the LPD8, they aren't as sensitive as some might prefer, and I'm inclined to agree. It tends not to register some of might lighter hits, so I'm having to get used to how hard I have to hit it. No big deal. It's also nice to have the knobs. They aren't as nice as professional grade knobs, but they work nicely for such a compact unit. The keyboard has mini keys and they are very sturdy. Some complain that it feels like a toy keyboard. Of course it does, they are mini keys! The keys are fine for their purpose of capturing ideas. I do not consider them performance worthy.
For those comparing this to other 25 key midi controllers, please know what you are comparing. There's a reason this is $100. It's simply a combination of two other products. Don't complain about the lack of pitch/mod wheels. The purpose of this product is portability and to allow you to capture ideas when you don't feel like lugging around larger equipment. For these reasons, I find it to be an excellent product.
Definitely pick this product up if you're looking for something extremely portable with acceptable mini keys and very playable MPC pads.

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Korg MICROKORG 37 Key Keyboard Synthesizer With 8 Band Vocoder Microphone Bundle Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You know those reviews that say, "If it was stolen I'd buy another?" Well my MicroKorg WAS stolen! I was a proud MicroKorg owner for years when unfortunately someone pilfered it right out of my car.
And as much competition as there is in the market right now for tiny but powerful analog modelling MIDI synths, I came back to the original MicroKorg because it just feels so right.
I will spare you a review of the actual keyboard... you can check out the standalone item if you want reviews of the keyboard. This review is to focus more on the bundle itself.
Pros:
Bundled stand and bag for the same price as a standalone MicroKorg
Bag bears Korg logo, is very nice quality for a free bag
Cons:
Keyboard stand is universal X style frame, with an adjustable bracket in the center that widens the X. There are 5 different settings for height and width but 3 of them are too wide to hold the MicroKorg. The only two settings that work bring the micro korg up to belly button and then armpit level when standing so forget about using this stand and sitting in a chair.
Other thoughts:
I have owned this synth for 5 years since it was new and even today I will listen to the radio and hear a preset from this synth on a recording. Gorillaz, Mates of State, Chromeo, Crystal Castles, LCD Soundsystem, Metric, Royksopp, and lots of struggling indie bands just to name a few.
This should tell you that the sounds are not faddish! For being a digital modelling synth it comes as close to recreating a fat analog sound as any setup that costs thousands of dollars more. Plus it is small enough to slip in a backpack for shows... if you've ever had to lug around an actual vintage analog synth or organ, it's well worth the tradeoff! You lose nothing in quality and gain so much in portability and accessibility. Buy it!

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