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Average Price: $242

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$200

$501+

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Description

Dive into the heart of music production with the Akai MAX49, a versatile MIDI Keyboard Controller that bridges the gap between the digital and analog worlds. Its 49 semi-weighted keys offer an expressive playing experience, catering to both the nuanced performer and the innovative composer. The MAX49 isn't just about keys; it's a powerhouse filled with creative tools, including velocity-sensitive pads and dynamic fader strips, designed to inspire your musical journey. Whether you're sequencing melodies, crafting beats, or integrating with DAWs and analog synths, this controller stands as your ultimate musical partner. Don't just play music, create it with precision and passion.

Key Features:

  • 49 semi-weighted keys for an expressive playing experience
  • Velocity-sensitive touch pads for dynamic beat creation
  • Fader strips enhance real-time control over your sound
  • Onboard step sequencer and arpeggiator for intricate musical patterns
  • CV/Gate outputs enable seamless integration with analog synthesizers
  • Compatibility with DAWs for a streamlined workflow in digital music production

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model MAX49 Keyboard Controller
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 49 Keys
Number of Pads 12 Pads

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Akai MAX49 MIDI controller?

The Akai MAX49 features 49 semi-weighted keys, 12 backlit pads, and a unique LED touch fader system, offering a versatile and expressive control experience for musicians and producers.

Is the Akai MAX49 compatible with major DAWs?

Yes, the Akai MAX49 is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, offering seamless integration for music production.

How does the Akai MAX49 connect to other devices?

The Akai MAX49 connects via USB MIDI for computer integration and also features traditional MIDI input and output for connecting to other MIDI hardware.

Can the Akai MAX49 be used without a computer?

Yes, the Akai MAX49 can control external MIDI modules without a computer by connecting its MIDI output to the device and using an optional power adapter.

Are the keys on the Akai MAX49 velocity-sensitive?

Yes, the 49 semi-weighted keys on the Akai MAX49 are velocity-sensitive, allowing for dynamic and expressive playing.

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MAX49: Overview

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MAX49: Overview by AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MAX49: Overview

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for Akai MAX49 Midi/Mackie CV/GATE Controller Review by sonicstate

Akai MAX49 Midi/Mackie CV/GATE Controller Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MAX49: Step Sequencing with MIDI by AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MAX49: Step Sequencing with MIDI

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for Akai MAX 49 Overview and Demo | UniqueSquared.com by UniqueSquared

Akai MAX 49 Overview and Demo | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

UniqueSquared

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MAX49: Controller Editing Tutorial by AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MAX49: Controller Editing Tutorial

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for Akai MAX 49 MIDI USB CV Controller Keyboard Review by DV247 Music Store UK TV

Akai MAX 49 MIDI USB CV Controller Keyboard Review

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MAX49: CV Out to Effects Pedals Demo — Daniel Fisher by Sweetwater

Akai Pro MAX49: CV Out to Effects Pedals Demo — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for NEW Akai Pro MAX49 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller (Winter 2012 NAMM Show) by Sonic Electronix

NEW Akai Pro MAX49 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller (Winter 2012 NAMM Show)

Sonic Electronix

Sonic Electronix

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MAX49: Step Sequencing with CV by AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MAX49: Step Sequencing with CV

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MAX49: Product Introduction by AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MAX49: Product Introduction

AkaiProVideo

AkaiProVideo

Video thumbnail for Akai MAX49 49 Key USB MIDI CV Keyboard Controller - Akai Max49 by American Musical Supply

Akai MAX49 49 Key USB MIDI CV Keyboard Controller - Akai Max49

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

PROS

  • Great for producing high-quality beats

  • Comfortable medium velocity keys for those accustomed

  • Exceptional with both Ableton and FL Studio

  • Quality semi-weighted keys enhance performance

  • Includes great MPC drum pads

CONS

  • Touch faders can be unusable for some

  • May require a high-performance computer to avoid sync issues

  • Limited DAW integration compared to alternatives

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 24 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cheetahsweater

it's freaking awesome

my beats are so bangin now :) and i can play don't let me down by the beatles

mark_filatov

easy to get used to

I use this midi keyboard and it is interestingly comfortable to me because some people don't like medium velocity keys while I am used to it. If you have synchronization issues, it depends on the computer because if the computer is laggy, of course the keyboard wont be synchronized the way you want it to be, Even the slightest lag can make the keyboard a bit off. Keep that in mind

juniorprimate

great controller

Pads are great and keys are good but I must say the touch faders are a bit unusable really. Going to likely replace this with a mpk249 at some point to get knobs and faders and a better daw integration.

dyskmusic

Amazing piece of gear

Used it with both ableton and fl studio. Works amazing.

chims

Love this.

Good semi-weighted keys. Great MPC drumpads. I combine it with a sustain pedal.

C

Helps to have a midi keyboard lying around for piano performances and getting natural sounding midi velocities.

Q

This is my controller Akai makes nice products

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Aoki uses Akai MAX49

Steve Aoki

Music Producer, DJ

Rifoki

...
Verified via Photo

This photo of Steve Aoki in his villa in Ibiza shows him in front of what looks like a practice DJ setup, with a TV for the visuals, Pioneer gear, Serato running on his laptop, and KRK monitors. To Aoki's left is the red Akai MAX49 MIDI keyboard controller. This photo is a screenshot from Aoki's documentary, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead".

See how DVBBS uses Akai MAX49

DVBBS

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

In this Instagram photo, Chris of DVBBS sits in front of an Akai Max49 controller.

See how Gesaffelstein uses Akai MAX49

Gesaffelstein

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

A video Boys Noize posted on instagram. Sounds like Gesaffelstein is using one his unique synth noises and working on an upcoming banger

See how Zaytoven uses Akai MAX49

Zaytoven

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 1:01 into this video

See how Boris Brejcha uses Akai MAX49

Boris Brejcha

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Instagram

At 0:16 Boris is playing this MIDI Controller

You can pause the video at this exact moment here :

http://scontent-eze1-1.cdninstagram.com/t50.2886-16/15193256_368616023482509_2899063643029110784_n.mp4

See how Carpenter Brut uses Akai MAX49

Carpenter Brut

...
Verified via Photo

Akai Max 49 can be seen on this photo

See how Hit-Boy uses Akai MAX49

Hit-Boy

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Chief Keef uses Akai MAX49

Chief Keef

Rapper

1017 Brick Squad

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:13 and earlier, we can shots of the Akai Max 49 in Keef's studio. He used this while making his home-made beats in 2014-2015. Featured on his BFTD 2 project and later.

See how Tinashe Kachingwe uses Akai MAX49

Tinashe Kachingwe

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

While giving a tour of her home bedroom studio on Aug 20th 2013, Tinashe is shown making a beat from scratch. At 1:30 into the video she is shown making drums and keyboard tracks on the Akai Max49 keyboard

See how Johnny Juliano uses Akai MAX49

Johnny Juliano

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

in this photo we can see his akai max 49..

See how Soulja Boy uses Akai MAX49

Soulja Boy

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see it at 0:08 of the video.

See how Tinashé uses Akai MAX49

Tinashé

Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video titled Inside My Home Studio, Tinashe gives a tour of her bedroom studio and discusses and demos her Akai MAX49 starting at 1:10.

Here's my little keyboard controller. I have it connected up to Logic, because that's where I usually produce my beats from.

Album Usage

The Akai MAX49 has been featured on the following albums:

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 MAX49, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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rawplaya

rawplaya

Gear IQ 269

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