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.

Drum Machine

Live

MPC

Pianos and Keyboards

From expressive stage pianos to versatile MIDI controllers and classic electric keyboards, this category brings together everything you need to play, perform, and produce. Whether you’re after the weighted feel of hammer-action keys, the vintage charm of a Rhodes-style sound, or a compact keyboard to control your synth rig, you’ll find something here to suit your playing style. Ideal for both studio work and live performance, these instruments offer tactile connection and musical freedom across genres — from ambient textures to punchy techno stabs and everything in between.

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.