AKAI MPK61 demo (Reason emphasis)
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- Опубліковано 1 січ 2013
- I've been using this controller keyboard for a good while now and have zero regrets. It's hefty, dependable, has the best tactile feel for sliders, pots, keys and pads and is very reasonably priced. I use this with Propellerhead's Reason software but it works with all of the top music production programs on the market. There are default global settings built in, but you can also change, map and save your own settings to whatever you like in your program. I've seen the newer Akai MAX series and I can just imagine those touch sensitive virtual sliders glitching out or something... not to mention I like the tactile feel of real sliders.
This keyboard can be purchased here:
goo.gl/LAa7Vr
The newer version is here:
goo.gl/eTVqZd
I apologize for forgetting to use my pop filter on my mic... I also tend to jump around without much planning in my reviews, which people seem to like so I guess that's my trademark. Either way - I hope this demo helps you decide in what controller may be best for you!
This is a great review man! Thank you much for taking the time and explaining so clearly.
Now I think I have a clear mind to take a decision wether it's a good idea to have or to find something else as to our different needs.
Awesome!
Excellent review! Told me everything I needed to know. Just beginning with ableton live, I got the MPK 225 and like you said these things are built, even the smaller one has some heft to it. But I do need more keys, seriously want to get my hands on one of the MPK 61's
I have the MPK 88 and i love it. No complanits here. LOVE THE WEIGHTED KEYS, They are a bit noisy but a dream to play.
That is an absolutely awesome review. Thankyou for that.
Thanks for your kind feedback!
Yeah, I actually got it to work a few days ago using one of those templates, I also found out the reason why it wasn't working as the MPK49 in reason so everything's good now! Thank a lot for the help! :D
Thanks bro! You're right about pads that how they do in many videos!
alternatingbitmusic great tutorial! I'm really wanting to get this keyboard to work with My PerSonus Studio One Artist 2. Thank you again and I hope you'll post more vidios on this keyboard.
Thank you so much for a great review !
Useful info! Thanks for the impressions!
Nice video. :) You're right, you did a better job of showing what it can do (apart from the pads) than a lot of the videos out there. I'm happy with the P6, but if I wasn't I'd definitely take a look at this one, or more likely the 88 key version since you mentioned it had more weighted keys.
Awesome!! I'll check out out right now. Thanks!!
thanks for this vidéo, i got the mpk 61 in reason since some years, And i didnt knew a lot of fonction
thank you for the review!
Most regular stand alone synthesizers can be used as MIDI controllers... your only limitations will be how the mapping interface interacts with Reason. Sometimes its just a matter of editing the remote map documents to assign controls manually.
I'd look at keyboards (with built in sounds) first, then find out how compatible it is with the software as a controller.
Hope that helps.
Great review. Thank you
Thanks for the review
best review ever
Great video....thanks for posting.
Hey Kev, that sticker was quite a find; I contacted Propellerhead in Sweden and inquired about getting another Reason sticker that came with my recent purchase of 6.5, and they just sent me like 2 of these... it wasn't the one that I originally got or even asked about, yet ironically I like this so much more due to its transparent nature. I have the other on my laptop.
Thanks. Can set up a Reason template to do takes in alternate midi lanes. This would eliminate a lot of mouse play
Dude, great review. I'm getting mine tomorrow. I've been through 4 key controllers. I'm looking for something that can actually be played. I hope this one is it. I keep sending the other ones back.
Rich Day if you don’t mind my asking what are the previous boards that you had? I’ve been torn with Keylab61, Code61 and this MPK61. Don’t know which one to choose. It will be my first MIDI keyboard coming from a piano.
Thanks for the video on the 61 key. And awesome info tool. Post your music sometime.
To be honest I found out about the Nektar series shortly after buying this, and while I thought I may have made a mistake, that thought faded rather quickly. For one, despite the Reason sticker I put on this controller, I don't want to feel stuck to one setup and want to have a keyboard that isn't exclusive or proprietary so I can have other options - and finally I like the look of the Akai much more. The black backdrop w/ black knobs is hard to see on the Panoramas.
Thanks. I know what to get now. I almost bought a Arturia today but the key action on it was crap.
Cool - glad I could be of help.
Good review. Thanks.
I'm pretty sure there is a demo version of reason (won't let you save/re-open a song) but yes, you do have to buy it. This keyboard does come with a copy of Ableton Live lite so you have something you can at least work with, but the whole idea is you buy it to control a DAW. Hope that helps, yo
Is there anyone out there who can show how to step by step show how to hook up your keyboard to the software so that you get the sound started and the drum pad to work from A to Z please.
Thanks man, very useful video :)
Though your link didn't function for me, most regular synthesizers with midi can ALSO be used as a controller in addition to generating its own sounds. A controller is just that; only a controller.
when i use the arpeggiator or latch functions the keyboard wont work but the drum pad will, and when i use note repeat the drum pad doesnt work but the keyboard does. im super confused...
great job
Thank you for your tutorial. Do you know if you can customise/reassign what each slider controls? Thanks
Thanks for answering; Already got it right here next to me though ;) Lovin' it
can you program the filters to what plugin you want??
example: Use one Filter thing to adjust the volume in the plugin "massive" in Fl Studio
This keyboard is great ! The downside is that the pads need to be modified cause they arent responsive enough cause theres not enough padding under the pads i had to fix that on mine you can order paddings or fold strips of duct tape either one will work ...other than that its great
Hey man do you have any idea if this pad sensitivity problem happens only to the mpk61 or is it the same case for mpk261?
panorama p4 or p6 is best for reason 6 im lovin it i boxed up the mpk 49
Hello and thanks for the excellent tutorial great job! I just purchased the mpk61. The first preset I made is for a Hammond B3 Organ clone. The mpk61 is my top manual (swell) and my impulse 61 is my bottom manual (great) I noticed you said the sliders have 3 banks. On a Hammond organ there are 2 banks of drawbars (sliders) per manual. Could I have the sliders on the mpk61 set up with 2 different configuration of the 8 sliders and switch the banks back and forth with simply a press of a switch and assign that to a single preset? I know for sure that's not possible on the Impulse 61 with it's sliders . (I'm not to crazy about the keybed on it anyway after using the Mpk for a couple days) Hope the question isn't too convoluted it would definitely help if you knew the workings of a Hammond B3 to understand what I'm trying to accomplish. Thank you, Dave
I just recieved mine but it has issue with the A3 key as the velocity is either above 100 or not playing at all..the same with the F#3 key ...Is this a universal problem in Akai Mpk2 models . waiting for your Reply
Thanks
Amazing video! I'm getting the 61 instead of the 49 because of you! And I've watched other tutorials...but I'm actually getting it because I'm buying it for the mostly reasons you bought yours. Thank you.
Great to know I was helpful... what part of my video convinced you to go 61?
And are you going to go for the newer model then? (the MPK261)
Thanks - good info
I try the 249 and the keys feels small. Is this the same size of the keys ?
Hi Bro you did this video 5 years ago from your exprience if I buy this akai mpk61 do you think it is good? Hope to hear your reply. Thank you
Thank you
good vid
With regards to the BEHRINGER B-CONTROL ROTARY BCR2000 you referenced getting for the knobs, could the BEHRINGER B-CONTROL FADER BCF2000 serve the same function, but offer more? I'm just getting into this and the former is technically listed as a MIDI controller, the latter, a MIDI fader. It has 8 knobs at the top too, but then the physical faders. Are all those other knobs on the BEHRINGER B-CONTROL ROTARY BCR2000 necessary to serve the function you got it for, as oppossed to just using what's in the MPK61? Sorry if this is confusing.
From the Akai site:
"Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61's mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity". So, yes.
Which is better for Reason - Akai MPK or Nektar Panorama?
oh i agree my mpk49 was my work horse for a while, i dont perform live. come to think of it i never used the pots on my mk49. its not the gear its the hand controls it.
Hi I have the mpk 61, I am not getting sound. Is that I open it up in the reason software
Great review, have you make this keyboard work well with rack extensions ? How do you manage all different racks settings with the controller ?
Thanks
The settings are adjusted in the remotemap files.
Here's my tutorial that addresses the topic:
Reason Rack Extension Controller Mapping
Ops do I have to open up reason software first. This is all new to me but willing to learn
You had me at "the buttons have a nice hard click." I have a pet peeve with buttons of poor quality. Drives me fucking insane when you have to click a button more than once, or find a "sweet spot."
Great review man, I really want this keyboard. How would this compare to the new 261? Would you suggest to get the newer one or not? Thanks in advance
Thanks. I saw a great vid where a guy bought the MPK249 and also owned the MPK49 and made some comparisons. There are indeed pros and cons, but I think much of it boils down to how important the drum pads are to you. The new ones I believe are more sensitive and raised, plus have a lot of bling. The newer version has some more screen/MIDI options or are at least laid out better, so I'd go for the newer one. I think there were a few advantages of the older one (maybe the key feel) but at any rate, typically better to get something more up to date when it comes to computer interface.
Thanks for the help and fast reply! For me the pads are not as important as the keys, but they are a nice bonus. I compared pics of the new and old layouts and the only real difference is that the new one does not have a separate split button... but apparently you can still split with it (doesn't really make sense to me) . But you're right, newer is probably the best choice.
Remember, the range of functions you can assign to these keyboards would take up hours of videos - creativity and originality IS ESSENTIAL so throw away your magazine subscriptions and 'how to' guides !!!
Looks fun :)
Thank you for your review! I purchased an mpk25, but one of the keys does not have the same velocity as the rest. Any such problems with mpk 61? Have you also by chance compared it to the Novation Impulse 49/61?
Cant seem to find any drivers for my baby...
So you have to have a daw to use this
Nice review I don get y every body uses the pads either anyway thanks
Specs can be found on line, but what the intrument can do is only with sounds from the instrument, music is the only way to show an musical instrument, thatś why is a musical intrument not some motor device.
Berlosabido Pronto I believe you are confused. This keyboard is not a music instrument per se. I makes NO sound on its own, it is only a control device.
since you like reason i got a question
in kong can i set multiple automation clips ?
i tried but it wouldnt work
I recently upgraded to Reason 7 and I am using an MPK61 from Akai. The only problem is that Reason no longer automatically detects the MPK61 and only goes up to the MPK49 as far as detecting it goes. Do I have to register the keyboard in the system as an "other" MIDI controller or is there a way I can get reason to detect the keyboard as the MPK61? I am very confused and need some help! Thank you!
Yes, this is strictly a controller keyboard, it does not generate sounds on its own.
Technically the controls are virtually the same other than # of pads. I know seeing "MPK49" in your controller setup may feel like an insult, but it should work perfectly fine.
I have seen people make their own remote map that you can download... fish around the Propellerhead forum and you should be able to find one.
What software should i use wth it, any responce greatful
Wondering if you thought at all about the Neptune Panorama seeing you are a Reason user, if so why did you pick the Akai over it? Thanks for your time.
just bought a mpk 261 and 3 keys are not playing . Is there anything I can do electronically to get them working or send it back for another one?
I appreciate you approaching me for advice but I guess as with any consumer situation I'd return it. Before doing so I'd first transpose an octave in both directions to make sure its not an inaudible sound you are triggering.
So cool I use the same midi contrôler
With the 'Latch' feature - is this only when in Appregiator mode? - or does it latch on normal keyboard mode? Thanks
So to get any sound from this I would have to connect it to a computer and from there to headphones or an amp?
This keyboard is a controller only. It doesn't PRODUCE sound on its own regardless of an amp and it doesn't have a headphone jack. Think of it as a MIDI TRIGGER. It will trigger music software. Technically it could be amp'd from the computer, but that's again assuming you are triggering some software. Hope that helps.
Well for one, did you at least have Reason FIND it via the control surfaces default? It sees it as an MPK49, which is just fine. There are also some people who have mapped it for MPK61 more proper, but I haven't had any issues. I don't think the pots are mapped for the SSL mixer automatically so you'd have to edit the remotemap manually for that. Mine arps fine in Reason, but I haven't tried the note repeat feature in Reason. Hope that helps some...
Does this have sound on its own or does it need to be plugged in to something?
This one or Axiom 61? I need soft and responsive keys, and I need the edges to be smooth as possible for comfortable glissando. Thanks in advance.
If you plan on doing a lot of Glissando the may not be the best. I personally do not like the feel of the Axiom keyboards but they are soft and smooth. Once my MPK finally dies I will get another. Do what I did and go to a music store and feel for yourself. It is really the only way to get the right board for you.
So what is the actual weight of the whole thing? I can't seem to find this specified anywhere.
Does the mpk 61 have after touch or volocity switching?
Same program as for all of the music; Propellerhead Reason.
why kogote uses this version and not the 88K ver?
keyboard controller as in no built in sounds correct? Not an analog synth as well as a controller?
Hey,
MIDI controllers only deal with data messages. They have no built-in sounds themselves. Think of it like a qwerty keyboard that sometimes is used to trigger virtual instruments on your DAW (i.e. Ableton, Protools, etc.).
I hate those virtual sliders... seems like the first thing to go glitchy. Not to mention the color... it's all about personal preference. As for mappings, there are mappings for the Akai MPK49/61, etc. out there now, generated by fans and you can always edit/tweak your own. To me the final sell is the look, feel & productivity, and this Akai works just fine for me. Thanks for the input though (:
in reason 6.5 I dont see it in the dialog box only mpk49 (I want mpk88)
Iliyan Trayanov As I mentioned in the video I had to select mpk49 for the 61... same for the 88. Should work just fine.
do you have to buy reason? i've been having a hard time finding programs for my AKAI MPK 61 in stores. can i download reason for free online? help me yo
Can you put guitar pedals
Ok quick question... I just purchased the MPK61 after doing a ton of research and weighing out how the other usual suspects feel. This keyboard by far has the best and most professional feel. Would you be able to give me any insight into getting it synced with Reason? Setting the tap tempo, setting up the faders to work with the mixer in Reason 6.5, getting the note repeat to work, or the arp? Is there something I am missing?
what is the music software that you use with this keyboard??? I use garageband right now but id like a bigger sound library. I like to experiment with a lot of weird sounds.
so this midi key would work well with Reason 11 and Native Instr Komplete 12 suite? the $599 version??
I still have this controller and it works fine with Reason 10 so you'd probably be fine. However if I was choosing a controller exclusive to reason I'd go with a Nektar Panorama.
How is it with KeyBass sounds? Does it work well with Logic X? And is it good in a live setting for playing Keybass?
Sorry, I'm not familiar with any of those programs.
Thanks for the vid....recently ordered one of these to go with my DAW. Obviously through a DAW we can map/filter/merge/redirect/re-zone MIDI events to our heart's content, but I'm wondering...
As a stand alone controller (No DAW in the loop) using hardware tone generators, can this controller be zoned and mapped? I.E. program it to send an octave over channel 1, another octave over channel 2, the drum pads over channel 10, the rest of the keys over channel 3, and so on? How about fully manual individual key by key, slider and pot mapping? Does it allow that sort of thing in stand alone mode?
Just curious, as it's info I haven't found as of yet. Most literature and reviews just say, "Has DAW presets.............."
The main reason I'm asking is so I know if I can start getting prepared get rid of some of the older/larger/worn out clunky junk in my 'live' set-up where life is more about juggling patches and presets across different instruments than trying to run any sort of sequence..
Thanks
If you mean like CV, then no... but I'm not familiar with what you mean by "zoned," but the only mapping I'm familiar with is with a DAW. This unit does have MIDI though, so I do use it to control my hardware synths, but that's just with basic keystrokes. Hope that helps.
alternatingbitmusic
Thanks again.
By 'zone' I mean: I.E. Assign Keys from the lowest/left most - C3 to a MIDI tone generator assigned to channel 1 (A zone) but maybe transpose that 'zone' up an octave so the instrument actually plays up and octave. Another 'zone' (B zone) might be Keys C4 - C5 with no transposition....set to transmit on two different midi channels/instruments at the same time for a layering effect between two different synths. Finally in this example, the remainder of the keyboard C-5 and up (C Zone) might be individually mapped key by key to to some alternative on/off type controllers such as single note-on/off events, pedal on/off to various channels, etc. Then have the MPC stuff mapped out individually to emulate rank/zone and stop preset changes in an organ (just an example). The icing on the cake of a controller that can handle 'zones' in a stand alone mode (not using a DAW, MIDI Patch Bay, etc.) would be the ability to build up Patch Changes for all the 'zoned instruments' with just the punch of one or two buttons (priceless when trying to emulate organ stops).
By mapping I mean literally going in and putting specific MIDI events of my choice on each key and controller one by one.
In realizing most everyone is running in the least some kind of baby DAW or sequencer in a Pad type device these days (which can easily do the sorts of MIDI manipulation I'm talking about), and that most hardware tone generators can let you build the 'patches themselves' in various zones and layers... I'm not really 'expecting' the MPK2 series to offer this sort of support, but I am just a bit curious. I do have a really old KX 76 controller that CAN do many of the things I've mentioned, but the velocity resolution is really bad, plus the thing weighs a ton, won't fit on my desk, and isn't terribly reliable after all these years without having it somewhat refurbished by some old geezer (like me) technician who is willing to use a soldering iron. Sadly those old techs are getting very hard to find (we're all going blind and can't see anymore to cross reference available parts and solder anymore). When I do find one, there's a line 2 years long, and s/he understandably wants a big pot full of money to go to work on it.
I did finally find and download the manual this morning and didn't see the kind of abilities I'm looking for...but sometimes there are 'addendum' for 'advanced users' that I haven't found yet...so just thought I'd ask around.
Credo1970 That KX 76 sounds interesting. And the MPK61 is by no means a lightweight keyboard like many other controllers out there, just so you know. As for your zoning, there's certainly the transpose ability but I guess that's not what you mean. I'll take a look and see if I can do any sort of mapping with my hardware synths via this keyboard controller. Obviously it's easy to do with a DAW, but maybe there's a computer interface w/ the Akai (I don't recall what software there was on the CDRom besides a light version of Ableton Live) that lets you make such mappings, but you have to use a computer first.
alternatingbitmusic
Thanks again. I'm learning much from your videos about a great deal of things musical.
I hear ya on the weight of the MPK261, 40+ pounds isn't exactly 'light' but it's still going to weigh in less than the Yamaha KX 76, plus it has a MUCH smaller footprint and shaves a few inches of 'length' by putting the mod wheels above the keys instead of way out on the left end of the board (the KX puts the mod wheels on the left end, plus has a little more than another octave of keys). It was really designed to work a pair of DX7s out of the box, with a little room to grow and layer/zone up to 4 of them....yeah, we're talking late 1980s when monophonic synths were the norm and multi-timbrel stuff was just cutting some teeth.. Throughout the early 90s...a slew of really powerful controllers came along (I.E. the Peavey C8, a long line of great stuff by Kurzwiell, etc.) that were like a super MIDI patch bay and MIDI sequencer all built into one....again most of those just don't fit on a desk so well, and sometimes even require two people to move around (the better ones were often full 88 weighted Key, and tucked into stuff like a solid/real Hardwood chassis). One thing I'll certainly NOT miss about the gear of the late 80s, early 90s...is the PRICE. Some of those controllers pushed the 3k mark.....even the smaller versions would often push the 2k mark.
The MPK261 is a lot of board for $500ish bucks :)
I mainly ordered the MPK2 so I can drive CuBase and cram it all into some more aesthetically pleasing and mobile cabinetry (a real piece of furniture but the controller needs to be less than 37" wide) that'll hide all the cables, look nice, and be closed when not in use and easily roll around (to get at the back-side for patching and such).
can you use this to learn piano then once ready for other music production?
p.s I want an actual keyboard that plays out of the instrument not just digitally
The keys here are a bit weighted but not entirely. Transitioning might be difficult because of that.
Thinking of buying the keyboard right now, but I've heard I'll have to do a PAD upgrade.
I want to replace my M-Audio Axiom AIR61 which is an absolute pile of shit!
"I'm going to demonstrate the AKAI MPK61 and scare the shit out of you with this loud music out of nowhere"
LOL - at least with your comment others are now forewarned.
Is it OK for split ?
Does this have sounds?
Yeah thanks for the video! does Akai Professional have it's own software or do you have to buy Ableton Live etc ? one-more thing >> can you program Akai on an more or an moog synthesiser sound, nine inch nails type of style ? cheers
I think the keyboard came with a light edition of Ableton or something...
As far as a Moog sound or whatever, reminder: Akai MPK does NOT generate any SOUND on its own. It merely TRIGGERS software or other synths. The sounds you'd want would all depend on the other synth or software. Thanks for watching.
anola, currently I think the MPK2 series comes with the following software:
Production/Sequencing:
Ableton Live Lite
AKAI Pro MPC Essentials
Tone Generation:
Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech
SONiVOX Twist 2.0
SONiVOX Eighty Eight Ensemble
To get a run down of each software package cut and paste them into google and you can get an idea of what each bit of software is designed for, and even find reviews and tutorials on the products. Some of them may be 'light' versions rather than the full blown professional variants, but if you're new to these things you'll get months of use out of it before discovering if/why upgrades to bigger versions are even necessary.
Hello. I´ve got question.
I would like to buy some synthesizer. And I found out that great option is to buy just controller and use it with some software (I already have Reason). BUT...As I understand it all, it this case, you just control synth in soft by controller - so you always have to play with computer? Isn´t there option to "load" the sound into controller or something like that? I found that Mark Foster use it like this /watch?v=cLTlqHEFwb0 without any PC around. How is it set up?
Can we hear the keyboard or…?
DUDE AWSOME VIDEO JUST GOT MY SETUP MPK 61,REASON 7 , HOW COULD I SET IT UP THE WAY YOU HAVE YOURS IM FREAKIN LOST ITS BEEN A WHILE THANKZ
You are using Behringer BCR2000 MIDI controller and I am gonna get one MIDI controller to assign parameters, what do you recommend that might be the most complete one ? thanks again
It really depends on your situation, needs and what you are comfortable with.
This is the keyboard they used in pumped up kicks
And customise the knobs as well?
Yes, Pads, sliders, knobs can all be customized, configured in your DAW.
No doubt the Panorma is a top choice to use with Reason, as it was developed primarily for that exact purpose. But you also need to consider some people may want something that isn't limited to one software, or just studio vs stage, etc. Also it is nice to know if anything else can work with Reason since personal preference with look & feel of a keyboard still comes into play.