About Akai

We have one of the largest online selection of new and used Akai music gear. If you are looking for your next synth, we will have it online at SynthForSale with fast delivery direct to you at home. Every item on the SynthForSale marketplace is delivered by sellers to all areas of UK, England, Ireland, Scotland & wales

Akai is a Japanese company best known for its influential role in the development of music production equipment, particularly in the realms of sampling and beat-making. Founded in 1929, Akai entered the world of electronic musical instruments in the 1980s with its S-series of digital samplers, which became industry standards. However, Akai truly made its mark with the launch of the MPC (Music Production Center) series, designed in collaboration with Roger Linn. The MPC series revolutionized the music industry by providing a powerful, standalone hardware sampler and sequencer, allowing artists to sample, chop, and arrange beats in a tactile and intuitive way. The MPC’s pads, swing, and workflow played a major role in shaping genres like hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.

Over the years, Akai has expanded its product line to include MIDI controllers like the popular MPK series, performance-oriented tools like the APC (Ableton Performance Controller) series, and standalone units like the MPC Live and MPC X, which integrate modern features such as touchscreen control and DAW-like functionality. The company’s focus on innovation and adaptability has kept Akai at the forefront of music production technology, making its equipment a go-to choice for producers, DJs, and performers worldwide. Akai remains synonymous with sampling and beat-making, continuing to release products that cater to both traditional beatmakers and modern producers alike.

AKAI Professional LPK25 – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 25 Responsive Synth Keys for Mac and PC, Arpeggiator and Music Production Software

£39.99 £34.99

Mini Keys, Major Performance – 25-key MIDI controller keyboard with responsive keys to play with feel and dynamics. Enjoy expressive songwriting, composing, jamming, playing melodies, bass lines, and more Full Range Experience – Play every note with … read more

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included

£84.99 £75.00

Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesiser control and beat production Total Control of your Production – Innovative 4-way thum… read more

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included (Black)

£84.99 £81.10

Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesiser control and beat production Total Control of your Production – Innovative 4-way thum… read more

AKAI Professional MPK Mini Plus – 37 mini Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, and Music Production Software

£139.99 £125.00

Full Creative Control – A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance. Easily connect to your DAW or your studio equipment with the USB-powered MIDI Controller Advanced Connectivity – Connect to different sou… read more

M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 32 Velocity Sensitive Mini Keys and Recording Software Included

£42.99 £38.00

Pro Music Production Wherever You Go – USB MIDI keyboard controller with slimline footprint and 32 mini piano style velocity-sensitive keys for a natural feel Customisable Response – Mini keys with selectable velocity curves match any playing style i… read more

Keyboard

A music keyboard is a versatile musical instrument consisting of a set of keys or buttons that produce different pitches when pressed. Keyboards come in various forms, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, synthesizers, and MIDI controllers. They allow musicians to play melodies, harmonies, and chords with ease, making them fundamental tools in a wide range of musical genres and settings. Keyboards often feature additional controls such as knobs, sliders, and buttons for manipulating sound parameters, and they can be connected to other devices like computers or sound modules for expanded functionality. Whether used for classical, pop, jazz, or electronic music, the keyboard’s intuitive layout and expressive capabilities make it an essential component of modern music production and performance.

Mini

it isn’t how big it is but what you do with it.

Buying a mini synth or a compact piece of electronic musical equipment can offer several benefits, depending on a musician’s or producer’s needs. One key reason is *portability*—mini synths are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for musicians on the go, those with limited studio space, or performers needing compact gear for live shows. Despite their size, many mini synths are equipped with versatile sound engines, allowing users to create professional-quality sounds without requiring a full-sized instrument.

Another reason is *affordability*. Mini synths and small electronic gear often come at a lower price point compared to full-sized counterparts, making them accessible to beginners, hobbyists, or anyone exploring new sounds without a large financial investment. Additionally, these compact devices can offer unique sonic capabilities, quirky features, and hands-on control, which can spark creativity and lead to distinctive sound design. For producers and musicians who want to experiment, add new flavours to their setup, or complement existing gear, a mini synth can be a valuable and inspiring addition.

New

This product is brand new, unused, and in its original packaging. It has never been opened or used, ensuring you receive it in pristine, factory-sealed condition, just as originally manufactured.

It is ideal for those who want the assurance of a fresh start with their gear.

Professional

A **professional synthesizer** is a high-quality instrument designed to meet the demanding needs of musicians, producers, and sound designers in professional settings. These synthesizers offer advanced features, robust build quality, and versatile sound engines capable of creating a vast array of tones. Professional synths typically include comprehensive modulation options, multiple oscillators, and high-quality effects, allowing users to shape and refine their sounds with precision. They often have premium components such as velocity-sensitive, aftertouch-enabled keyboards, durable encoders, and high-resolution screens for detailed editing. Brands like Nord, Moog, Roland, and Korg are known for producing professional-grade synthesizers that are trusted in live performance, studio recording, and sound design for films and games.

These synthesizers often come with extensive connectivity options, including MIDI, USB, and audio outputs, to integrate seamlessly into complex setups. Additionally, professional synths provide a range of synthesis methods—such as subtractive, FM, wavetable, granular, and physical modeling—offering musicians and producers the flexibility to explore various soundscapes. Their sound engines are designed to deliver rich and expressive tones, with deep control over parameters, making them suitable for complex arrangements or performances. Essentially, a professional synth is built for reliability, expressiveness, and adaptability, catering to those who need top-tier sound and performance capabilities in their creative work.

USB

Having a USB connection provides crucial benefits for modern musicians and producers, primarily related to connectivity and workflow. USB enables a direct link between the synthesizer and a computer, making it possible to transmit MIDI data seamlessly without relying on traditional 5-pin MIDI cables. This connection allows the synth to function as a MIDI controller, sending and receiving MIDI signals to and from a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). As a result, musicians can easily sequence and record their synth performances, automate parameters, or even use the synth to control virtual instruments within the DAW. This streamlined setup saves time and reduces the amount of cabling and interfaces required, creating a more efficient studio or performance environment.

In addition to MIDI capabilities, USB ports on synthesizers often support data transfer and software updates. This means users can back up and restore patches, download new firmware updates to add features or improvements and manage their sounds with dedicated software. For some portable or compact synths, USB connections also offer a convenient power source, allowing the synth to draw power directly from a computer or USB battery pack. This combination of data management, connectivity, and power makes USB-equipped synthesizers a versatile and practical choice for musicians seeking flexibility and ease of use in their setups.