I’ll be back later this week with a new installment of Tech
Talk, but this particular review is dedicated to all the beat makers, producers
and aspiring tunesmiths. I want to tell
you about a product from Akai Professional called the MPK49. Released in 2007, it is geared toward those who want to go studio to stage with beat making, MIDI sequencing and live performance capabilities.
Key Features49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and full sized keys8 full-sized, 360 degree rotation pots, each with 3
banks for 24 pots total12 genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure
sensitivity8 full-sized sliders with 3 controller banks for each
for 24 sliders totalMPC note repeat and all-new arpeggiator8 assignable backlit switches with 3 controller banks
each for 24 switches totalMMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttonsLarge, easy-to-read custom LCD display
Here is a professional demo on the MPK49:
Since I’m not a producer myself, I recruited
the help of my friend Jimmylee of DOA Productions for some feedback. Here is his assessment:
Hot Point: The all-in-one package makes the most of the
given space. Having a full size mixer
you to maximize your productivity. The construction is very sturdy, and the
weighted keys give you the response you expect from an acoustic instrument
Not Hot
Point
: Did not care for the arpeggiator. It allows the player toautomatically step through a sequence of notes based on the player’s input, and it
only had one noticeable setting. The
touch pads were at times under-sensitive, and at other times over-sensitive.
Troy
Gayle is the Founder of www.gadget-t.com
