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Akai adds a 37-key standalone workstation to its MPC lineup
Akai just released the MPC Key 37, a standalone workstation and groovebox that follows the larger Key 61. It costs $900 and is available to order right now.
Moog acquired by conglomerate inMusic, joining Akai and Alesis
Iconic synth manufacturer Moog has been acquired by super conglomerate inMusic, joining other brands snatched up by the company like Alesis, Akai, M-Audio and, well, a bunch more. In a statement, Moog president Joe Richardson says the acquisition could help the company overcome “ongoing challenges”, citing global distribution supply chain concerns.
Akai reveals a bigger sibling for one of the best budget MIDI controllers
Akai has unveiled a new budget MIDI controller that packs more keys and controls than you'd expect for the price.
Samsung's Tizen OS is coming to other brands' TVs
Last week LG announced that it would allow third-party TV manufacturers to use its webOS platform and now Samsung is following suit.
Akai finally brings vinyl simulation to MPC samplers
Probability and ratcheting rhythm features are also on the way.
Akai's third-gen MPK Mini Play keyboard offers a better feel and all-day battery life
Akai has unveiled a new version of its MPK Mini Play keyboard with a better key feel and enough battery life to jam all day.
Akai built a 'cheap' controller for its MPC 2 software (updated)
Akai has unveiled an MPC Studio controller for computers, dramatically lowering the cost of an MPC setup for music creators.
Akai brings classic MPC looks to its One groovebox
Akai has introduced an MPC One Retro that fuses a 1980s look with 2020s music production technology.
ICYMI: We take a deep dive into macOS Big Sur
A wrap up of this week's reviews, including those for macOS Big Sur, the HP EliteBook x360 1040 and the Elgato Wave:3 microphone.
Akai MPC Live II review: A truly portable all-in-one studio
The follow up the Akai's all-in-one music-making machine comes with built-in speakers, making the already portable device even more flexible.
MPK Mini mk3 is solid but iterative upgrade to a classic MIDI controller
Akai’s MPK Mini mkII is one of the best-selling MIDI controllers out there. It’s small, affordable, and has a solid arpeggiator plus the best pads on any budget or midrange controller. The portable MIDI controller field has gotten a lot more crowded, not to mention more competitive.
Akai introduces 'MPC Beats' music-making software for beginners
MPC Beats offers eight MIDI/instrument tracks and just two audio tracks.
Akai's MPC Live II is a portable studio with built-in speakers
Today, Akai reveals the MPC Live II. The Live II has one obvious new addition: a pair of “studio monitors” built right in. The speakers sit along the bottom and offer stereo sound wherever you are.
Akai's MPC One is a (reasonably) affordable music production machine
It's been a few years since Akai's iconic MPC line has seen a significant new entry. But at NAMM 2020 the company is not only introducing a new model, but specifically going for the entry level... or at least what qualifies as entry level for an MPC. The MPC One in a $699 standalone production studio that basically takes all the essential parts of the series and skips the luxuries.
The best portable (and affordable) USB MIDI controllers
Whether you're a musician always on the go or just tight on space, there are plenty of reasons to pick up a portable MIDI controller. I've been on the hunt for the perfect portable and affordable controller. (You don't want to lose or break something expensive while you're traveling, after all.) But honestly, there is no perfect controller. There are some very good ones out there, but none has ticked every box for me. Similarly, you'll need to figure out which one best addresses your specific needs, with the fewest trade-offs. None of these controllers rises head and shoulders above the rest to make it the clear winner. So I've laid out the strengths and weaknesses of what I think are the five best options currently on the market.
The best MIDI keyboard controller for beginners
By Al Griffin This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to MIDI keyboard controller for beginners. After 30 hours of research and hands-on testing, we think the Arturia MiniLab MkII is the best all-around 25-key MIDI keyboard controller for most people looking for an easy, cost-effective way to get into creating electronic music with computers. Arturia's controller is compact enough to fit in a backpack but has solid build quality and an uncluttered design that both beginners and experienced musicians will appreciate. The Arturia MiniLab MkII has the feel of a professional instrument. The keyboard and pads, though small, are highly responsive and can produce natural sounds from software plug-in instruments right out of the box. While customizing the controller's MIDI functions requires use of a separate app, the MiniLab MkII comes preconfigured to work with most popular computer music-making software, and it's bundled with Arturia's excellent Analog Lab Lite and UVI Grand Piano virtual instrument plug-ins. The Nektar Impact LX25+ makes a good choice for anyone who might be put off by the Arturia's small size, mini keys, and lack of onboard controls to configure its settings. This model also provides buttons to remotely control music-making software on your computer. Of all the controllers we tested, the Impact LX25+ proved the best option for live performance—the full-size keys had good action and responsiveness, and the rubber-coated pitch-bend and modulation wheels had a solid feel. The Nektar is the only controller of the bunch that doesn't offer out-of-the-box compatibility with the popular computer music software Ableton Live, but you can still configure it to work with that program. We recommend the Akai MPK Mini MKII to anyone seeking a compact, portable input device for making beats and triggering samples. The Akai's generously sized pads have a good feel and allow for a decent range of expressiveness when you're finger-drumming. And although the stiff keyboard action makes this model a lesser option for live performance, we found that the thumb-controlled pitch-bend and modulation joystick worked well. Also, the built-in arpeggiator is fun and easy to use, letting you trigger and shape complex synthesizer melodies on the fly.
Akai Force is for DJs and producers that want to ditch the laptop
Akai made its name around the early 90s thanks to its line of relatively affordable S-series samplers and the (now legendary) MPC. Since then, the company has continued to release new spins on those mainstays, the latest of which is the all-in-one Force workstation.
Akai's MPK Mini Play is a compact battery-powered beats machine
Portable instruments that run on AA batteries have been popping up for a while now. There's the Roland Boutique line, Korg's Monologue and even the iRig Keys I/O from IK Multimedia. Now Akai is getting into the portable game with an affordable update to one if it's most popular pieces of gear. The MPK Mini Play is a new version of the MPK Mini that's loaded with 128 sounds and 10 drum kits to get you started.
FL Studio gets its own dedicated music-making hardware
The favorite DAW (digital audio workstation) of producers like Metro Boomin and Mike Will Made It finally has a piece of hardware to call its own. Ableton got its first dedicated hardware controller way back in 2009. And Pro Tools has had them since... well honestly I don't even know, but long before that even. FL Studio though, despite its popularity, has had to make do with generic MIDI controllers until now. The Akai Professional Fire changes all of that.
Akai brings its iMPC music production app to Android devices
Akai's iOS-friendly iMPC app has been giving musicians and producers a much more mobile version of its MPC (Music Production Center) hardware for a while now. During MWC this week, the company is announcing a version for Android devices. There's a catch though: For now, it's only available on Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. Despite that caveat, you can expect the same 1,200 samples, 80 editable sequences and 50 editable programs the iOS version offers.
