ReviewFinder MIDI Controllers

Akai Pro MPK249

TLDR: The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Akai Pro MPK249 rank #33 out of 95. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.1
Great

The product receives great reviews on average (consumer score 9.1). This is slightly above the median midi controller score of 8.7.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Akai Pro MPK249 is $349, available here. This is above the median midi controller price of $169.99.
  • Lowest price: $38
  • Median price: $169.99
  • Highest price: $2499
  • Akai Pro MPK249 price: $349
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Expert consensus

The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.

The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard that offers a range of features and controls suitable for musicians and producers. It features 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys that provide a natural feel and excellent response. The semi-weighted action adds a slight resistance to the keys, giving them a more realistic feel.

The MPK249 comes with 8 assignable control knobs and 8 faders, allowing for precise control over various parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments. It also includes pitch bend and modulation wheels, transport controls, and an LCD screen for easy navigation and parameter adjustment.

The built-in arpeggiator and assignable buttons provide additional control options.

In terms of connectivity, the MPK249 offers a USB-B input for easy integration with digital audio workstations and software. It also has a USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI input and output, allowing for connection to external MIDI equipment. The optional power supply connection provides flexibility for those who prefer to power the controller via a power supply rather than USB.

The Kensington socket and security lock offer added security for live performances or studio environments.

The MPK249 is relatively compact and lightweight, making it suitable for on-the-go use. While it does not come with a dedicated carrying case or bag, it is designed with portability in mind and is durable enough to handle travel well. Its good heft and sturdiness add to its portability.

Experts praise the build quality of the MPK249, describing it as well-built, well-designed, and surprisingly portable for its size. The controls, including the MPC-borrowed pads, semi-weighted keyboard, sliders, and knobs, are noted for their robustness and rich craftsmanship. The MPK249 is considered a reliable choice for musicians and producers who value durability and reliability in their equipment, whether used in a studio or for live performances.

Features

The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, 8 control knobs, 8 faders, and various other features, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers.

The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard that features 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys. These keys are designed to provide a natural feel and excellent response for keyboard performance. The semi-weighted action adds a slight resistance to the keys, giving them a more realistic feel compared to fully weighted or synth-action keyboards.

In terms of controls, the MPK249 comes with 8 assignable control knobs and 8 faders. These knobs and faders allow for precise control over various parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments. They provide a full performance workspace and make it easy to control volume levels, automation settings, and other functions.

The MPK249 also includes other features such as pitch bend and modulation wheels, transport controls, and an LCD screen for easy navigation and parameter adjustment. It also has a built-in arpeggiator and a variety of assignable buttons for additional control options.

Overall, the Akai Pro MPK249 is a versatile MIDI controller keyboard that is suitable for musicians and producers who want a balance between the feel of a piano and the flexibility of a MIDI controller. It offers a range of features and controls that make it ideal for use in music production, live performances, and studio recording.

How many keys does the Akai Pro MPK249 come with?

The Akai Pro MPK249 comes with 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys. These keys are designed to provide an excellent response and a natural feel for keyboard performance.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the size of the keys on the Akai Pro MPK249?

The Akai Pro MPK249 features 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys. This means that the keys are the standard size of a piano keyboard, providing a familiar playing experience for musicians. The semi-weighted action adds a slight resistance to the keys, giving them a more realistic feel compared to fully weighted or synth-action keyboards. According to the product description, the keybed of the MPK249 is designed to provide an unprecedented response and natural feel.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What type of keyboard action does the Akai Pro MPK249 come with?

The Akai Pro MPK249 comes with a semi-weighted keyboard action. This means that the keys have a certain amount of resistance and mimic the feel of a traditional piano, while still allowing for some level of sensitivity to touch. According to the product features, the MPK249 has 49 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive full-size keys and a premium piano-style keybed for an unprecedented response and natural feel. This type of keyboard action is often preferred by musicians who want a balance between the feel of a piano and the flexibility of a MIDI controller.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How many knobs does the Akai Pro MPK249 have?

The Akai Pro MPK249 has a total of 8 control knobs, according to the expert review from Music Critic. These assignable knobs can be used to control various parameters in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or virtual instruments. They provide a full performance workspace and allow for easy and convenient control over your music production process.
Based on 3 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

How many faders are included on the Akai Pro MPK249?

The Akai Pro MPK249 includes 8 faders. This allows you to have precise control over various parameters, such as volume levels or automation settings, in your digital audio workstation (DAW) or virtual instruments. These faders are assignable, meaning you can map them to different functions according to your needs.

Connectivity

The Akai Pro MPK249 offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, power supply, and security lock, making it a versatile and reliable choice for musicians and producers.

The Akai Pro MPK249 offers a range of connectivity options to suit various needs. It has a USB-B input for connecting to a computer or MIDI device, allowing for easy integration with digital audio workstations and software. The USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI input and output enables connection to external MIDI equipment, making it suitable for musicians who want to incorporate hardware synths or drum machines into their setup.

The optional power supply connection provides flexibility for those who prefer to power the controller via a power supply rather than USB. Additionally, the Kensington socket and corresponding security lock offer added security for the controller, making it ideal for live performances or studio environments where equipment safety is a concern.

Overall, the Akai Pro MPK249's connectivity options cater to a wide range of use cases, making it a versatile and reliable choice for musicians and producers.

What types of connectivity options are available on the Akai Pro MPK249?

The Akai Pro MPK249 offers several connectivity options. It has a USB-B input for connecting to your computer or MIDI device. Additionally, it features a USB-MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI input and output, allowing you to connect to external MIDI equipment. There is also an optional power supply connection on the back of the controller, in case you prefer to power it via a power supply instead of USB. Finally, it has a Kensington socket that is compatible with a corresponding security lock, providing an extra layer of security for your controller.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How many USB ports are available on the Akai Pro MPK249?

The Akai Pro MPK249 has one USB-B input port. According to the product review on musikproduzentwerden.de, the keyboard can be powered via USB, but there is also an optional power supply connection available on the back of the controller.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Size and Portability

The Akai Pro MPK249 is a compact and lightweight MIDI controller designed for easy transportation, making it a reliable choice for musicians on the go.

The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller with dimensions of approximately 29.1 inches in length, 12.3 inches in width, and 3.4 inches in height. It weighs around 12.6 pounds, making it relatively compact and lightweight for easy transportation. While it does not come with a dedicated carrying case or bag, it is designed with portability in mind and is durable enough to handle travel well.

The compact and lightweight design of the MPK249 makes it suitable for on-the-go use, particularly for musicians who need to transport their equipment to studios or live gigs. Its smaller size compared to other MIDI controllers makes it easier to lug around, and its good heft and sturdiness add to its portability.

Overall, the MPK249 is considered to be a well-rounded instrument in terms of design and build-quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians who prioritize size and portability.

What are the dimensions (length, width, height) of the Akai Pro MPK249?

The dimensions of the Akai Pro MPK249 are approximately 29.1 inches in length, 12.3 inches in width, and 3.4 inches in height. These dimensions make it a relatively compact and portable MIDI controller. According to the product review on aalbergaudio.com, the slightly smaller size of the MPK249 makes it a better choice for lugging around to live gigs.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the weight of the Akai Pro MPK249?

The Akai Pro MPK249 weighs approximately 12.6 pounds (5.7 kilograms). This information is based on the product description and specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Akai Pro MPK249 come with a carrying case or bag for easy transportation?

According to the product reviews on digitalpianoreviewguide.com and newdigitalpianoreview.com, the Akai Pro MPK249 does not come with a carrying case or bag for easy transportation. However, the reviews mention that the MIDI controller is lightweight (12.6 pounds) and durable enough to handle travel well. So while it may not come with a dedicated carrying case, it seems to be designed with portability in mind, making it easier to transport to studios or gigs. If you require a carrying case or bag, you may need to purchase one separately.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Akai Pro MPK249 have a compact and lightweight design that makes it suitable for on-the-go use?

Yes, according to the product reviews in ReviewFinder's database, the Akai Pro MPK249 has a compact and lightweight design that makes it suitable for on-the-go use. The keyboard is well-built and surprisingly portable for its size. It has good heft and sturdiness, while still being lighter than it looks at 12.6 pounds. The slightly smaller size also makes it a better choice for lugging around to live gigs. Overall, the MPK249 is considered to be a well-rounded instrument in terms of design and build-quality, and it seems like it would handle travel pretty well.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Build Quality

The Akai Pro MPK249 is highly regarded for its build quality, with experts praising its well-built, well-designed, and surprisingly portable construction, as well as its robust controls and high-quality components.

The Akai Pro MPK249 is highly regarded for its build quality by experts. It is described as well-built, well-designed, and surprisingly portable for its size. The materials used in its construction are not specified, but the product is praised for its good heft and sturdiness. The controls, including the MPC-borrowed pads, semi-weighted keyboard, sliders, and knobs, are noted for their robustness and rich craftsmanship.

The MPK249 is considered to be a well-rounded instrument in terms of design and build quality. It is suitable for musicians and producers who value durability and reliability in their equipment. Whether used in a studio or for live performances, the MPK249 is praised for its solid construction and high-quality components.

What materials are used in the construction of the Akai Pro MPK249?

The Akai Pro MPK249 is well-built and designed with quality materials. While specific information about the construction materials is not available, product experts have mentioned that it has good heft and sturdiness. The controls, including the MPC-borrowed pads, semi-weighted keyboard, sliders, and knobs, feel robust and richly crafted. According to the reviews, the overall build quality of the MPK249 is impressive.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the build quality of the Akai Pro MPK249?

According to the experts, the build quality of the Akai Pro MPK249 is highly praised. They describe it as well-built, well-designed, and surprisingly portable for its size. The keyboard has good heft and sturdiness, and all the controls feel robust and richly crafted. The MPC-borrowed pads, semi-weighted keyboard, and sliders are particularly mentioned for their quality. Overall, the MPK249 is considered to be a well-rounded instrument in terms of design and build quality.
Based on 8 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 6 expert reviews of Akai Pro MPK249.

Expert reviews [6]

100
Total expert reviews: 6
  • with a score: 1
  • without a score: 5

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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Position in ranking

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Akai Pro MPK249
The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
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ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. midi controllers below are at the top of our ranking this March.

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The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.