About Akai

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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 MPD218 – USB MIDI Pad Controller and Drum Machine with MPC Pads, Assignable Knobs, Note Repeat & Full Level Buttons, Production Software

£84.99 £75.00

Beat making anywhere – portable, feature-rich USB pad controller with 16 pressure-dynamic MPC pads for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects and layers; recording drum sequences Easy-access controls for three pad banks offer a total of 48 assign… read more

AKAI Professional MPD218 – USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC Drum Pads + M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 – Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

£127.98 £113.00

Beat production, anywhere – Ultra-portable, feature-packed and USB powered pad controller with 16 thick fat MPC pads for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects and more Expandable banks – Easily accessible dedicated controls for three pad banks p… read more

AKAI Professional MPD218 – MIDI pad controller/drum pad machine/beat maker with 16 pads, assignable controls, production software included & MPK Mini– 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

£169.98 £150.00

Product 1: Beat making anywhere – portable, feature-rich USB pad controller with 16 pressure-dynamic MPC pads for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects and layers; recording drum sequences Product 1: Easy-access controls for three pad banks offe… read more

AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller with 8 Responsive MPC Drum Pads for Mac and PC, 8 Assignable Knobs and Music Production Software

£49.99 £39.99

Beat Maker Essential – 33cm pad controller for music production with 8 RGB-backlit responsive MPC drum pads same as MPC X for triggering samples, loops, virtual instruments, and more Hands-On Control – 8 assignable Q-Link knobs for seamless mapping t… read more

AKAI Professional MPD226 – USB MIDI Controller with 16 RBG MPC Pads, Fully-Assignable Production-Ready Controls & Production Software Package Included

£169.99 £152.00

Pro Beat Production, Anywhere – Ultra-portable feature-packed pad controller with 16 Thick Fat RGB illuminated velocity and pressure sensitive MPC pads Feature Packed – Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo controls f… read more

Controller

This product functions as a MIDI controller, designed to give you hands-on control over your digital audio workstation (DAW) and virtual instruments. With features like velocity-sensitive keys, customisable pads, knobs, and sliders, this controller allows for expressive performance and precise control, making it a versatile tool for studio production or live performances.

Midi

MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a technical standard that enables electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other. It allows for the transmission of musical data such as note messages, control signals, and synchronization commands between compatible devices. MIDI data does not contain actual audio; instead, it contains instructions for generating sound, controlling parameters, and sequencing musical events. This versatile protocol has revolutionized music production by facilitating seamless integration between different hardware and software components, enabling musicians, producers, and composers to create, manipulate, and perform music with unprecedented flexibility and precision

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.

Pad

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.