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Average Price: $307
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$200
$501+
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Description
The Akai Pro Advance 61 is not just a MIDI keyboard controller; it's a bridge between your creative inspiration and your digital audio workstation. Featuring 61 velocity-sensitive keys, this controller is designed to provide the tactile feedback that musicians crave. Its standout feature, a vibrant 4.3-inch color display, offers seamless navigation through your virtual instruments, making it easy to tweak parameters in real-time. This controller is all about hands-on control, boasting 8 assignable control knobs and 8 velocity-sensitive, backlit MPC pads that bring a dynamic edge to your music production. Whether you're laying down beats or crafting intricate melodies, the note repeat, tap tempo, and arpeggiator functions keep your creativity flowing effortlessly. The Akai Pro Advance 61 is crafted to meet the needs of both studio producers and live performers, offering an intuitive interface that doesn’t compromise on power or flexibility.
Key Features:
- 61 velocity-sensitive keys
- 4.3-inch color display for real-time navigation
- 8 assignable control knobs
- 8 velocity-sensitive, backlit MPC pads
- Note repeat and tap tempo functionality
- Integrated arpeggiator
- USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI I/O connectivity
- Compatible with most major DAWs and virtual instruments
Product specs
| Brand | Akai |
| Model | Advance 61 Keyboard Controller |
| 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 | 61 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 8 Pads |
FAQs
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What are the standout features of the Akai Pro Advance 61's sound engine?
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The Akai Pro Advance 61 features a full-color LCD screen and comes with a download of 10,000 sounds, enabling seamless control and integration with your virtual instruments. Its semi-weighted keys and 8 pads offer a versatile platform for both studio production and live performance.
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How easily does the Akai Pro Advance 61 integrate with popular DAWs?
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The Akai Pro Advance 61 is designed for seamless integration with major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools, thanks to its VIP software which allows for intuitive control and mapping of virtual instruments and effects.
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Is the Akai Pro Advance 61 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Akai Pro Advance 61 is well-suited for live performances, offering semi-weighted keys for expressive playability and a full-color LCD screen for easy navigation and control over your virtual instruments in real-time.
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Does the Akai Pro Advance 61 require an external power supply?
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The Akai Pro Advance 61 can be powered via USB, eliminating the need for an external power supply, making it convenient for both studio use and live performances.
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What kind of connectivity options does the Akai Pro Advance 61 offer?
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The Akai Pro Advance 61 provides MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing it to interface with a wide range of devices and software for versatile music production setups.
Videos
SoundsAndGear
Comparison: Akai Advance vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol Keyboard
Comparison: Akai Advance vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol Keyboard
SoundsAndGear
Review: Akai Advance 61 Keyboard Controller - SoundsAndGear.com
SoundsAndGear
Akai Pro Advance - the smart controller for all your plug-in needs
Ask.Audio
Akai Pro Advance Keyboards - Overview
AkaiProVideo
Advance Keyboards - In the Studio with PJ Morton
AkaiProVideo
Akai Advance 61 Unboxing | MAKING MORE BEATS
Archie Beatz
Akai Advance 61
muzykujkropkacom
AKAI Advance 61 USB/MIDI-keyboard | NAMM SHOW 2015
Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes
Best Midi Keyboard - AKAI ADVANCE 61 Review
M.CLASS DIAS
Akai Advance 61 at NAMM 2015
PA Shop AV Solutions
Reviews
PROS
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Solid hardware with customizable semi-weighted keys and LED pads.
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Bright LCD screen enhances usability for live and studio settings.
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Integrated arpeggiator and scale utilities add creative flexibility.
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VIP software organizes VST instruments and pre-maps controls efficiently.
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Highly customizable for different DAWs, including Logic, Cubase, and Ableton.
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Offers multi-layer sound functionality not found in other sub-$500 keyboards.
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Compact design with plush rotary knobs and good keybed feel.
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Provides a cheaper alternative to NI Complete Kontrol with comparable features.
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Suitable for both beginners and professionals seeking a reliable MIDI controller.
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Supports quick setlist programming and recall for live performances.
CONS
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iLok installation is mandatory, causing ownership and resale issues.
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VIP software has stability issues, occasionally crashing DAWs like Logic Pro X.
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Integration with Logic Pro X can be problematic and reliant on MIDI Machine Control.
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Jog wheel and navigation buttons are not MIDI-mappable, limiting DAW integration.
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VIP software updates are infrequent, raising concerns about future support.
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Some users report initial software registration issues and lack of seller support.
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No focus feature in VIP software for efficient sound browsing.
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VIP software lacks comprehensive support for some popular VST plugins.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Pro Advance 61.
Software and compatibility
Build quality
Features and functionality
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The Advance line does not play samples independently; it requires integration with a DAW for full functionality.
Source -
Pads require hard hits for full velocity, but a "full level" button allows constant maximum velocity.
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The screen displays pad velocity and note, but does not show this information for the keybed.
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There are toggle switches above the 8 pads that resemble pads but function differently.
Source -
Knobs are endless encoders stuck in absolute mode, causing parameter jumps across tracks without DAW feedback.
Source
User experience
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Despite being well-built, the controller's performance and software support may not meet expectations for some users.
Source -
Alesis customer support is generally effective, though setting up a support ticket requires effort.
Source -
Ableton's takeover mode set to Value Scaling can make the knobs more usable, mitigating some frustration with parameter jumps.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 18 Ratings
135
brilliant integration but keys suck
komplete s61 remains in front of me only because it is nice to touch. vip software is amazing. wish NI and AKAI would work together on this...
Artist usage
Add artist
In this instagram post Andrew is producing and the Akai Pro Advance 61 is clearly visible on the desk.
Hayley is seen playing the Akai pro 61 In this instagram video of her playing her song “ego death at a bachelorette party”
A.R. Rahman used the Akai Pro Advance 61 MIDI Keyboard Controller during his TED Talk titled "The Sublime Beauty of Indian Ragas."
At 0:19 onwards, you can see Zaytoven using the Akai Advance 61.
In the video titled "Advance Keyboards - In the Studio with Morgan Kibby," at the 0:10 mark, Morgan Kibby is seen using two Akai Pro Advance 61 MIDI Keyboard Controllers, and she discusses their features shortly thereafter.
In a Twitter post, Danja showcases his Akai Pro Advance 61 as part of his music setup, highlighting its role in his creative process.
In a YouTube interview titled "Haastattelussa: Guns N' Rosesin Melissa Reese," Melissa Reese is seen playing the Akai Pro Advance 61 keyboard live.
In an interview with MusicTech, Paddy Kingsland of the Radiophonic Workshop mentions using the Akai Pro Advance 61 keyboard as part of his stage setup, alongside other gear such as the Roland Jupiter-8, MacBook running Pro Tools, and a MOTU 1248 interface.
Album Usage
The Akai Pro Advance 61 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 Pro Advance 61, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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