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Akai Professional Advance 49 Keyboard Controller

$300.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (29)

3 Critic Reviews

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Akai Advance 49

1 community setup

7 wishlisted

38 saved

Page last updated Jun 27, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.0 (9)

$300.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $300

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Akai Professional Advance 49 Keyboard Controller is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into a world of musical innovation with the Akai Professional Advance 49 Keyboard Controller, designed for artists who crave precision and versatility. This cutting-edge MIDI controller is packed with features that make it a standout choice for both studio and live performances. With 49 velocity-sensitive keys, the Advance 49 offers an expressive playing experience that mirrors the feel of a traditional piano, making it perfect for both seasoned musicians and aspiring creators.

Unleash your creativity with the 8 RGB-illuminated MPC pads, which are both velocity and pressure-sensitive, allowing for dynamic beat making and sampling. These pads, combined with the 8 endless rotary knobs, give you the power to tweak your sound with unmatched precision and flexibility. The 4.3" high-resolution color display is your portal to seamless integration with your DAW, providing intuitive control over plugins and instruments without the need for constant switching.

Whether you're composing your next hit or performing live, the Advance 49 ensures you're always in the driver's seat, delivering an unparalleled level of control and creativity. Experience the perfect blend of sophistication and functionality with this must-have tool for any modern musician.

Key Features:

49 velocity-sensitive keys for an authentic playing experience
8 RGB-illuminated, velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads
8 endless rotary knobs for real-time sound manipulation
4.3" high-resolution color display for seamless DAW integration
USB and MIDI out for versatile 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

Does the Akai Professional Advance 49 Keyboard Controller come with any included software?: Yes, the Akai Professional Advance 49 comes with a comprehensive software package, which includes the VIP3.0 software for advanced control over your virtual instruments and effects.
What type of keys does the Akai Professional Advance 49 have?: The Akai Professional Advance 49 features 49 semi-weighted keys, providing a natural and responsive feel that is ideal for expressive playing.
How does the Akai Professional Advance 49 connect to a computer?: The Akai Professional Advance 49 connects to a computer via USB, allowing for easy integration with your DAW and MIDI setup.
Can the Akai Professional Advance 49 be used with popular DAWs like Ableton Live or Logic Pro?: Yes, the Akai Professional Advance 49 is compatible with popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and others, thanks to its versatile MIDI and USB connectivity.
What are the standout features of the Akai Professional Advance 49's control interface?: The Akai Professional Advance 49 features 8 velocity-sensitive pads, assignable knobs, and buttons, providing comprehensive control over your software instruments and effects.

Videos

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Toolroom Records

Akai Advance 49 - Product Demo with specialist Andy Mac

Toolroom Records

Akai Pro Advance - the smart controller for all your plug-in needs

Ask.Audio

Review Of The Akai Advance 49 Controller Keyboard With VIP Software

Production Expert

Akai Advance 49 Key Controller Keyboard Akai Advance 49 Demo Review

GAK

Akai Professional Advance 49 Keyboard Controller Demo by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

AKAI Pro ADVANCE 49 MIDI Keyboard Review - Best Controller For Plugins?

SYNTH ANATOMY

AKAI PROFESSIONAL ADVANCE 49 Keyboard Controller Review

DJBooth Pro Audio

Reviews

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PROS

Direct MIDI channel change from the front panel for immediate versatility
Excellent integration with DAWs, enhancing workflow efficiency
Exceptional for use with VIP software, offering extensive pre-mapped functions
Includes valuable software and plugins, adding to its overall value
Action-packed with pads and knobs for versatile control options
Superior in class for controlling a wide range of software, including Kontact

CONS

Underutilized integration features if not fully leveraging Akai VIP software

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

0 0

The Advance 49's endless knobs are less preferred for organ patches compared to sliders found on other models like the MPK249.
Source
0 0

The built-in arp button offers convenience, though DAW-based arpeggiators provide more control and ease of use.
Source
0 0

Buttons have a satisfying feel and include common DAW controls like play, stop, record, and loop.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The MPK249 is favored for its low power mode, making it more compatible for use with an iPad without external power.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Users appreciate Akai's keybed action over other MIDI controllers in a similar price range, enhancing playability.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

An owner considered a $200 price point for the Advance 49 a significant bargain, influencing their purchase decision.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The pitch and mod wheels feature aesthetically pleasing blue backlighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

VIP software is noted for its powerful potential, but users find it clunky compared to traditional mouse controls for parameter adjustments.
Source
0 0

Serum's official plug-in map is now available, although some users still find VIP software cumbersome.
Source

User experience

0 0

The screen displays pad velocity and note information, but does not extend this functionality to the keybed.
Source

Critic Reviews

Akai Advance 49

soundonsound.com

Akai's Advance 49 is a feature-rich MIDI controller that bridges the gap between musician and computer with its robust hardware, large color display, and the versatile VIP software. It stands out for supporting any instrument plug-in and allowing stand-alone operation, making it a strong competitor to Native Instruments' S-series. The controller is lauded for its build quality, ergonomic design, and customizable control assignments. However, the user interface could benefit from improvements in navigation and instance-switching. Overall, it's a valuable tool for synth-based music production, offering significant software and performance capabilities.

positive

Full Review

Akai Advance 49 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai Professional Advance 49 impresses with its sleek design and intuitive interface, bridging the gap between DAW and controller seamlessly. It offers excellent build quality, vibrant color screen, and strong VST plug-in integration, making it a joy for live performances. However, the overly stiff keybed is a significant drawback, requiring excessive force to play, which may deter some users. Despite this, its robust feature set and ease of use make it a compelling choice for those seeking hands-on control over their music production.

positive

Full Review

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 29 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

john_withers

815

over 7 years ago

Excellent

Right up there with my NI Komplete as a MIDI keyboard to use with my DAW though because I use the NI stuff much more than the things in Akai VIP I often end up just using it as a MIDI keyboard without taking advantage of all the integration it offers. Lovely keyboard to use and one of the only ones that allows me to just change the MIDI channel from the front panel without the hassle of launching a computer program and uploading a new template. I love that as it makes it more immediately useful in lots of situations.

beloow

152

over 10 years ago

(c)omplete

Great for his VIP software and all the pre mapped and mappable MIDI functions. It really improve the workflow. i love it

soloprosquad

over 10 years ago

Hardware/Software Give birth...

The best of both audio worlds! Can't deny the MPC originator from their glory...AKAI nailed it! Great controller, but excellent software (VIP) makes it all work in harmony. Pick one up and never look back. The best midi controller in it's class....it even Kontrols Kontact (Pun intended). : )

SOLO CEO Solo Production Squad LLC

360degreesmusic

over 9 years ago

Amazing.

One of the greatest MIDI controllers you'll ever see, the Akai Advance is action packed. It is amazing what you can accomplish with the pads, the knobs, the included softwares and plugins and more.