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Average Price: $682

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$501+

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Description

Elevate your music creation with the Akai Professional MAX25, a MIDI keyboard controller that blends traditional functionality with cutting-edge features. Its standout LED touch faders and MPC pads bring a tactile and immersive experience to your studio, allowing for precise control and creative expression. Whether you're crafting intricate sequences or laying down beats, the MAX25 puts unparalleled power at your fingertips, all within a compact design that fits any creative space.

Key Features:

  • 25 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch for expressive performance
  • Innovative LED touch faders for precise control over parameters
  • MPC pads provide legendary feel and responsiveness
  • Integrated step sequencer and arpeggiator for advanced sound manipulation
  • USB and MIDI connectivity for versatile integration with your setup

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model MAX25
Finish Red
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 25 Keys
Number of Pads 8 Pads

FAQs

Is the Akai Professional MAX25 compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?

Yes, the Akai Professional MAX25 is compatible with major DAWs, including Ableton Live and Pro Tools, thanks to its USB MIDI connectivity and customizable control options.

What kind of keyboard action does the Akai Professional MAX25 have?

The Akai Professional MAX25 features semi-weighted keys, providing a responsive feel that is suitable for expressive playing and dynamic performance.

Does the Akai Professional MAX25 require an external power supply?

No, the Akai Professional MAX25 can be powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply when connected to a computer.

How many pads are included on the Akai Professional MAX25, and what are they used for?

The Akai Professional MAX25 includes 8 pads, which can be used for triggering samples, loops, and other MIDI events, enhancing your music production and performance capabilities.

Can the Akai Professional MAX25 be used to control external MIDI hardware?

Yes, the Akai Professional MAX25 has both MIDI input and output ports, allowing you to control external MIDI hardware alongside your software instruments.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Akai MAX25 USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller Overview - Sweetwater Sound at Winter NAMM 2013

Video thumbnail for Akai MAX25 USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller Overview - Sweetwater Sound at Winter NAMM 2013 by Sweetwater

Akai MAX25 USB/MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller Overview - Sweetwater Sound at Winter NAMM 2013

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2013: Akai Max 25 | UniqueSquared.com by UniqueSquared

NAMM 2013: Akai Max 25 | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

UniqueSquared

Video thumbnail for Akai Max 25 Keyboard @NAMM 2013 With DJkit.tv by djkit®

Akai Max 25 Keyboard @NAMM 2013 With DJkit.tv

djkit®

djkit®

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2013: Akai Max25 MIDI controller keyboard with CV by MusicRadar Tech

NAMM 2013: Akai Max25 MIDI controller keyboard with CV

MusicRadar Tech

MusicRadar Tech

Video thumbnail for Winter NAMM 2013 Akai MAX25 controller by HarmonyCentral

Winter NAMM 2013 Akai MAX25 controller

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning Ferrari red finish; looks even better in person

  • Excellent build quality; feels solid and durable

  • Responsive MPC-style pads enhance user experience

  • Smooth integration with DAWs like Ableton Live and Propellerheads Reason

  • USB and power adapter options for flexible power management

  • Easy to learn through experimentation, encouraging creativity

  • Comes with Ableton Lite, great for beginners

  • Useful ribbon slider/faders for quick adjustments

CONS

  • Sequencer not top-tier compared to competitors

  • Limited built-in support for Pro Tools and Cubase

  • Short owner's manual assumes prior MIDI controller knowledge

  • Requires computer for sound production; no standalone sound capabilities

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional MAX25.

Features and functionality

  • The Akai MAX25 includes both CV/gate and MIDI outputs, plus two wheels, a joystick, and touch-sliders, offering diverse control options for users seeking tactile interaction.

    Source
  • The Akai MAX25 is praised for its MIDI and CV outputs, allowing for versatile connectivity and control in music production setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Arturia Keystep, the Akai MAX25 provides physical modulation and pitch wheels, which some users prefer over touch pads for more tactile control.

    Source
  • The Yamaha Reface minikeys are considered superior to the Akai MPK Mini's, offering better weight and velocity sensitivity, although at a higher price point.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Akai MAX25 is recommended for those needing a small MIDI controller with both CV out capabilities and tactile controls, suitable for versatile music production setups.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that users looking for compact controllers with CV out and physical wheels find the Akai MAX25 aligns closely with these needs, offering a comprehensive control interface.

    Source
  • A user highlights the Akai MAX25's solid MIDI capabilities, noting its robust sliders and pads which enhance its MIDI potential.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners describe the Akai MAX25 keys as weighted and sturdy, adding to its overall solid build quality and appealing candy apple red finish.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Akai Max 25 Keyboard Controller : Ask.Audio

ask.audio

The Akai Professional MAX25 is a sleek and robust MIDI controller that stands out with its semi-weighted keys and responsive ribbon controllers. Its standout features include a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator, allowing for intricate MIDI and Control Voltage manipulation, making it an excellent tool for both DAW and hardware enthusiasts. While the sequencer may not be the most robust, it offers ample creative potential for live performances and simple sequences. With included software like Ableton Live Lite and Akai Connect, the MAX25 presents a versatile package at a reasonable price. Overall, it's highly recommended for musicians looking for a reliable, multi-functional controller that can grow with their evolving needs.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zaytoven uses Akai Professional MAX25

Zaytoven

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, at 0:23 you can see Zaytoven using the Akai Max 25.

See how Ruby Rose uses Akai Professional MAX25

Ruby Rose

DJ

Evermoist

...
Verified via Photo

On March 27th 2015, Ruby Rose posted a photo of her home studio where the AKAI MAX 25 can be seen to the left of her Mac computer keyboard.

See how Adam Hyde uses Akai Professional MAX25

Adam Hyde

Music Producer

Peking Duk

...
Verified via Facebook

The keyboard can be seen in the bottom left corner of that rather blurry image, but the Akai branding can clearly be seen, and by being careful, you can see the pads on top.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai Professional MAX25, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Akai Professional MPC Renaissance Controller
Akai Professional MPC Renaissance Controller Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Akai MPC 2500
Akai MPC 2500 Production & Groove
1

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