Akai MPK225 25 Key Keyboard Controller

Akai Professional MPK225 brings powerful performance features and deep software integration in a small but mighty configuration.

 MPK225 features 25 semi-weighted keys with after touch, 8 MPC-style pads with RGB feedback, 8 assignable knobs, 4 backlit buttons, and onboard transport buttons providing deep integration with your favourite DAW’s and instruments. Three banks expand the number of knobs and switches (up to 24 and 12, respectively), and four pad banks expand the number of pads (up to 32 total).

 The MPK225’s screen has been developed to display the most important information during live performance and provide you with a highly intuitive interface. Built-in control pre-sets for instant mapping are included for all popular software packages for Plug and Play control via USB.

• 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys with after touch
• 8 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 32 pads
• 12 assignable Q-Link controllers include 8 control knobs and 4 backlit buttons
• Revamped control layout with backlit LCD screen
• USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
• iOS compatibility using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
• Comprehensive transport and parameter controls for hands-on DAW integration
• MPC Note Repeat and arpeggiator for advanced rhythmic and melodic manipulation
• MPC Full Level, Tap Tempo, and Time Division assist with dynamics and tempo
• Pitch bend, modulation, and octave controls for expressive recording and performing
• 1 assignable footswitch jack & 1 expression jack
• USB power and plug-and-play connectivity
• Production software package included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist 2.0 & MPC Beats (downloads)
  Includes VIP3.0 - the ground-breaking, award-winning music software platform that provides musicians and composers with a powerful hands-on control solution for their virtual instrument and virtual effect collection

Experience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with MPK225 and Akai Pro VIP3.0 (Free Download Included a $99.99 Value). VIP3.0 provides you with unparalleled access to your virtual instrument and effect collection, seamlessly integrating the hardware / software experience and grants the unrestricted freedom to create in a user-friendly, intuitive format. The combination of VIP and MPK225 maximizes workflow and ensures a playing experience that feels natural and enhances creativity – the natural, tactile feel of hardware fused with the unrivalled processing capability of virtual Instruments. Quickly find sounds based on instrument type, timbre, style or articulation from your entire VST library; sculpt immersive, expressive sounds and textures layering up to 8 separate instruments and patches per VIP instance; load up to 4 different VST effects per instrument channel to sculpt the perfect sound; put power into your performance with Pad Chord Progressions and user-friendly Key Control processors; and much more. From live performance to studio production, VIP’s user-friendly functionality coupled with a diverse feature set guarantees simple, seamless integration into your existing setup and provides the ultimate platform for unrestricted creative expression.

MPK225 comes equipped with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys and a premium piano-style key bed for unprecedented response and natural feel. Each key is velocity-sensitive and outfitted with after touch for dynamic, expressive performances and recordings. In addition, onboard Octave Up and Down controls allow players to access the entire melodic range; play bass lines, piano harmony, solo leads and much more.

Classic MPC Note Repeat and MPC Full Level are onboard for further inspiration. With MPK225, musicians and composers can incorporate genuine MPC workflow into their productions and create with the tools that producers have relied on for years. In addition, an arpeggiator, with adjustable resolution, range, and patterns, enables users to explore complex melodic ideas, effortlessly. Genuine MPC Functionality

MPK225 is armed with powerful production software—Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats—for out-of-the-box music creation. Ableton Live Lite is a fluid audio/MIDI environment that enables musicians and producers to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas. MPC Beats is a free and fully featured beat making DAW software for both Mac and PC based on the legendary MPC workflow. It also works as a VST plugin inside any major DAW. From the moment you install MPC Beats, you're ready to start creating, fast. Utilize over 2GB worth of content including samples, loops, and built-in virtual instrument plugins to craft your sound. Experience plug and play compatibility with all class-compliant USB controllers. MPC Beats has plenty of power for ambitious creators with over 80 audio FX plugins to warp, manipulate and transform audio into whatever you can think of. Plus VST/AU compatibility means there's room to expand your sonic palette with compatible third-party virtual instrument plugins and audio processing plugins. You can even record instruments or vocals with 2 stereo audio tracks to add live elements to your music.

Two high-definition virtual synthesizers bring the best of synthesis technology to MPK225 users. Hybrid 3, by AIR Music Tech, is a versatile virtual synthesizer that combines the warmth of legendary analogue synths with a full range of futuristic, digital manipulation capabilities. SONiVOX Twist, a spectral morphing synthesis virtual instrument, makes it easy to create serious sounds using simple controls. Together, these powerful instruments give MPK225 users professional music-creation tools that can jumpstart any project.

Ableton Live Lite is a trademark of Ableton AG. Akai Professional, AIR Music Technology, and MPC are registered trademarks of inMusic Brands Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. inMusic is the exclusive distributor of SONiVOX.