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 MPC Studio – MIDI Controller Beat Maker with 16 velocity sensitive RGB pads, MPC Software, assignable touch strip & LCD display

£164.99 £155.99

USB powered MIDI Controller – 8 banks of 16 RGB MPC Velocity & Pressure sensitive pads with Aftertouch ensure maximum expression to capture every detail of your performance Ribbon Touch Strip – Assign and control parameters like effects and note repe… read more

AKAI Professional MPC Key 37 Standalone Production Workstation, Drum Machine, MIDI Keyboard, Synthesizer with WiFi, Bluetooth, Touchscreen, Plug-ins

£759.99 £689.00

No Computer Needed – Music Production Center, Sampler, Beat Maker, Drum Machine, Synth, and Desktop Controller with powerful multi-core processor and 37-note synth-action keybed with aftertouch Standalone Supercharged – Featuring Wi-Fi & Bluetooth MI… 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 MPC One+ Standalone Drum Machine, Beat Maker and MIDI Controller with WiFi, Bluetooth, Drum Pads, Synth Plug-ins and Touchscreen

£579.00

No Computer Required – Powerful Sampler, Beat Maker, Drum Machine and Desktop Controller with MPC2 Software for Mac and PC that uses the MPC legacy iconic workflow in a compact format Standalone Supercharged – Featuring WiFi & Bluetooth MIDI, 16 Velo… 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

B-Stock

“B-stock” refers to items that are not brand new but are still sold by manufacturers or authorised dealers. These products could be customer returns, showroom displays, or items with minor cosmetic blemishes. They are typically tested and certified to be in full working condition before being sold. B-stock items often come with a warranty, but it may be shorter than the warranty for new products.

B-stock products are usually offered at a discount compared to their new counterparts, making them an attractive option for buyers looking for savings. Although they may show signs of light use or minor imperfections, they should function as intended.

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.

Studio

Any equipment destined for the studio is going to be a high-quality instrument designed specifically for use in a studio environment, focusing on in-depth sound design and versatile sound creation. These synthesisers are equipped with powerful sound engines and extensive modulation options, allowing for a wide variety of synthesis methods such as subtractive, FM, wavetable, and granular synthesis. Studio synths prioritise programmability, enabling sound designers and producers to craft unique sounds and textures for various projects, including music recordings, film scores, and game soundtracks.

Unlike portable or compact synths, studio synthesisers often feature a larger form factor, complete with full-sized keyboards, high-quality encoders, sliders, and detailed user interfaces with large displays. They are designed for seamless integration into studio setups, offering multiple inputs, outputs, and MIDI/USB connectivity, as well as DAW control features. Examples include the Nord Lead, Moog One, Korg Prologue, and Roland Jupiter-X, which provide rich features like multi-timbral layers, built-in effects, and advanced sequencing capabilities. Overall, a studio synth is an essential tool for serious producers seeking maximum control and flexibility in their sound design and music production process.