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Average Price: $300

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$200

$501+

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Description

Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds with the Akai Advance 49, a MIDI Keyboard Controller that's as versatile as it is vibrant. Designed for musicians who refuse to be boxed in by the limitations of traditional instruments, this controller is your gateway to an infinite soundscape. With its sleek design and intuitive interface, the Akai Advance 49 seamlessly blends control and expression, allowing you to bring your musical visions to life with unparalleled precision. Whether you're tweaking sounds in the studio or lighting up the stage, this MIDI marvel ensures your performance is nothing short of spectacular.

Key Features:

  • 49 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch for expressive performance
  • 8 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads for dynamic beat making and sample triggering
  • 8 assignable rotary encoders for real-time control over your software instruments and effects
  • Integrated 4.3" high-resolution full-color screen for instant visual feedback
  • Comprehensive control compatibility with virtually any VSTi virtual instrument
  • Customizable control mapping to easily interface with your favorite DAW
  • USB and 5-pin MIDI Input/Output for flexible connectivity options

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model Advance 49
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Number of Pads 8 Pads

FAQs

Is the Akai Advance 49 compatible with popular DAWs?

Yes, the Akai Advance 49 is compatible with most popular DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. It integrates seamlessly to provide an intuitive control surface for music production.

What type of keys does the Akai Advance 49 have?

The Akai Advance 49 features full-size, semi-weighted keys, offering a responsive and expressive playing experience similar to that of a traditional piano.

Does the Akai Advance 49 require a computer to function?

Yes, the Akai Advance 49 is a MIDI controller that requires a computer or compatible device to function, as it does not produce sound on its own.

How many pads are included on the Akai Advance 49?

The Akai Advance 49 includes 8 velocity-sensitive pads, which are ideal for triggering samples, loops, and beats in your music production setup.

What are the connectivity options for the Akai Advance 49?

The Akai Advance 49 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing for flexible integration with various music production setups.

Maschine Masters

Maschine Masters

Top 3 Features: Akai Advance 49 Midi Keyboard

Video thumbnail for Top 3 Features: Akai Advance 49 Midi Keyboard by Maschine Masters

Top 3 Features: Akai Advance 49 Midi Keyboard

Maschine Masters

Maschine Masters

Video thumbnail for Akai Advance 49 - Product Demo with specialist Andy Mac by Toolroom Records

Akai Advance 49 - Product Demo with specialist Andy Mac

Toolroom Records

Toolroom Records

Video thumbnail for Review Of The Akai Advance 49 Controller Keyboard With VIP Software by Production Expert

Review Of The Akai Advance 49 Controller Keyboard With VIP Software

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Akai Advance 49 Key Controller Keyboard Akai Advance 49 Demo Review by GAK

Akai Advance 49 Key Controller Keyboard Akai Advance 49 Demo Review

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for AKAI PROFESSIONAL ADVANCE 49 Keyboard Controller Review by DJBooth Pro Audio

AKAI PROFESSIONAL ADVANCE 49 Keyboard Controller Review

DJBooth Pro Audio

DJBooth Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2015: Akai Advance 49 Preview by Production Expert

NAMM 2015: Akai Advance 49 Preview

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Checking out some sounds using the Akai Advance 49 by DJ Kittrell

Checking out some sounds using the Akai Advance 49

DJ Kittrell

DJ Kittrell

Video thumbnail for Akai Advance 49 Unboxing & First Impressions by Street Geeks

Akai Advance 49 Unboxing & First Impressions

Street Geeks

Street Geeks

Reviews

PROS

  • High-quality sounds for advanced synth use

  • Excellent feel for playing virtual instruments

  • Suitable for beginners and advanced users alike

  • Can be found at a good price point used

CONS

  • Requires a powerful PC for full functionality

  • Not configured for Avid Pro Tools out of the box

  • VIP software issues, including crashes and potential lack of support

  • Rumors of Akai discontinuing support for the product

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Advance 49.

Value and pricing

  • A near mint Akai Advance 49 was purchased for $200, highlighting potential bargain opportunities for interested buyers.

    Source

User experience

  • Alesis customer support is praised for responsiveness and competence once a support ticket is established.

    Source
  • Some users find that pads require excessive force to reach full velocity, despite the "full level" button feature.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Akai Advance 49's keybed action, preferring it over other MIDI controllers in a similar price range.

    Source
  • The keys of the Akai Advance 49 are praised for their weight and aftertouch, offering a satisfying feel.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Endless encoders' absolute mode causes parameter jumping issues in Ableton; Value Scaling takeover mode is a workaround.

    Source
  • VIP software is noted for being clunky, despite Serum now having an official plug-in map.

    Source
  • Reason's Edit Remote Override Mapping feature allows manual mapping, which users suggest saving as a template for efficiency.

    Source
  • Users face challenges with Akai Advance 49's lack of native support in Reason, necessitating manual mapping setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The built-in arpeggiator is less versatile than DAW arpeggiators, offering limited control.

    Source
  • The screen is useful for showing velocity and pad notes, but lacks keybed note display.

    Source
  • The Akai Advance 49 is designed more for DJ situations, with its proprietary software suite, than for studio synth use.

    Source
  • The Akai Advance 49 features endless knobs, which are less desirable for users seeking sliders, especially for organ patch adjustments.

    Source
  • To use MIDI via 5-pin without a computer, the Akai Advance 49 must be powered directly from a wall adapter.

    Source

Build quality

  • The RGB lighting on the pads adds a unique personal flair, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Akai MPK249 is favored for its ability to operate in low power mode, making it more suitable for mobile setups like iPads without external power.

    Source
  • The Akai MPK249 provides better native integration with Reason compared to the Advance 49.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Akai Advance 49

soundonsound.com

The Akai Advance 49 is a capable MIDI controller that effectively integrates with your virtual instruments, boasting a user-friendly interface and a solid build. Its standout feature is the built-in color screen, which simplifies browsing patches. However, the interface can be overly dependent on screen navigation, resulting in a less fluid workflow compared to rivals like Native Instruments. Additionally, the lack of automatic instance-switching when interfacing with DAWs can hinder efficiency. While it excels in patch management and offers extensive compatibility with various VSTs, those seeking seamless DAW integration may find it falls short. A worthwhile option for synth enthusiasts, but not without its drawbacks.

Akai Advance 49 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai Advance 49 dazzles with its sleek design, intuitive controls, and vibrant color screen that enhances usability. Its plug-in mapping feature is a game changer, allowing seamless integration of VSTs directly from the keyboard. However, the experience is marred by a stiff keybed that requires excessive force to trigger notes, making it challenging for nuanced playing. While the build quality and performance options impress, the lack of a main volume knob and the keybed's stiffness are significant drawbacks. Overall, it's a powerful tool for both studio work and live performances, but players may find the keybed a dealbreaker.

positive

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Akai Advance 49 shines with its stunning design and intuitive integration with VIP software, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creativity. The keyboard's responsiveness and customizable pads make it a joy to play. However, the reliance on VST instruments and a non-resizable main window in VIP could limit some users’ flexibility. Despite these drawbacks, the impressive plugin caching and ease of use position the Advance as a standout in its class. With ongoing updates promised, it's a solid investment for musicians looking to elevate their sound.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas DeLonge uses Akai Advance 49

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from Rocksound, Thomas DeLonge is shown in his studio with an Akai Advance 49 MIDI Keyboard Controller.

See how Ozan Yildrim uses Akai Advance 49

Ozan Yildrim

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Screenshot of a Recent OZ Instagram Story, there’s someone seen Playing the Keys on OZ's Akai Advance 49.

See how Elliot Vernon uses Akai Advance 49

Elliot Vernon

Singer, Bassist

Alestorm

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 0:18, Elliot Vernon can be seen using an Akai Advance 49.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai Advance 49, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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olkris

olkris

Gear IQ 61

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