The semi-weighted keys are a significant plus. They allow for the most expression with strings/pianos but still have great flow for guitar/synth leads. The pads are also velocity sensitive, but I feel (as most others do) that they are very stiff. I only use them on the "Full Level" setting for drums and samples though. The stiffness in this regard means nothing to me, but may effect some others opinions of the board.

First off, this board will sync with any DAW. I'm set on Ableton, and this board is absolutely flawless with all settings. It took me a little while to figure out how to remap the keys on the board to my specific needs, but even the presets I still find myself using. Endless knobs make not only producing, but dj-ing, a sinch. As mentioned above- the semi-weighed, velocity sensitive keys and velocity sensitive pads are fantastic. Being able to remotely bind all of my pads, knobs, and buttons to whatever I choose is probably the best feature. There are 3 banks for the 8 knobs, 8 sliders, and 8 buttons, and 4 banks for the 16 pads. This makes a total of 136 potentially bindable keys.

The main selling point for this board was when I decided to take my research to the internet. While I was looking for tutorials on the three boards mentioned above, there was a lot of empty space and unanswered questions when it came to the Axiom and A-800. There were very few youtube videos, very few reviews, and I felt like I was taking a stab in the dark buying either of those boards. The MPK- however had tons of YouTube videos, tons of forum Q&A's (both on Ableton websites and Akai websites) and in one situation I even emailed Akai and had a real response in 2 days. (By real, I mean that my question was answered fully, by a real person, and not an automation). Anything I've needed to know about the board- including tutorials and how-to's, I've been able to find with ease.

The board itself feels very-very sturdy. Heavier and bigger than I thought it would be. I wouldn't say it's the kind of board you travel with though unless you have a really good case, The keys and knobs feel like I'll get a lifetime of use out of them, and even if I don't, I've already found videos on how to replace them. I did, however, remove a half of a star for the stiffness of the pads. They just feel too shallow and uncomfortable on anything other than "Full Level".

If this board lasts anywhere near as long as I thing it will, then no doubt about it. I felt like I had my money's worth after the first night of toying around.

As mentioned earlier, I hadn't even purchased the board yet, and had a very simple question for the support staff. I received a real response in 2 days. Perfect, in my opinion.

Buy this board, or any of the MPK series. It is absolutely the king of boards in this price range.

Piano/voice at age 5. Self taught guitar. Several bands and studio appearances.

Any and all. Music is my life.

hands down, this a very dynamic midi controller. Akai has really stepped up their performance and durability in this machine. the shipping packagewas very secured and it looked so fresh and new. its very easy with the plug and play and hooks up very easily. the controller is a bit heavy but if it was to ever drop on the floor for any reason it would withstand the impact with its great durabilty. couldnt have asked for a better controller. the 16 mpc triggers pads are what top it off, i can enjoy doing sampling like a standard mpc 1000 with any daw software. would definetly recommend this product.

just need a standard digital audio workstation software and sounds.

hobby

hiphop and dance

Playing and writing music for 40+ years

Very eclectic and constantly changing.

for 3year

all rock, hip-hop, country, blues, reggaeton...

Taught to read music back when public schools did.

Rock, Metal, EDM

I was an artist with CBS Records in the UK from 1972-1974. I've been playing music for 40 years.

R&B, Soul, Americana, Rock

This is a midi keyboard so it only controls the sounds you have in your software.

The keybed is semi weighted, the pads feel nice to play, the faders and roters are awesome

I use sonar and it can be very difficult to link this keyboard up to sonar

Strong, sturdy, heavy, well built

this product is definately worth every penny

havent really needed support as of yet

Its Akai! THE LOOK THE FEEL THE DESIGN! ITS AKAI!

Engineer, Producer

hip hop

Just a controller, no on-board sounds

The amount of controllers is excellent and they feel for the most part, really solid

Did not keep long enough to learn how to use it.

In my opinion - and I have been playing piano and keyboards for over 35 years - both the keyboard and pad sections of this instrument are low-quality and unplayable. It does not allow for any expression whatsoever. I was all ready to do the pad modification, but the keyboard on this thing is literally a nightmare. The velocity is all over the place and the keyboard is not even full size - the white keys are shorter than they should be. The responsiveness is intolerable.

No value to me, but I love Zzounds.com and expect that my exchange for the Roland A800 will go ultra smooth.

Did not have the opportunity to talk to support.

The knobs and buttons are great but the keyboard and pad sensitivity issues make this unplayable.

40 years, keys guitar vocals

Contemporary Christian