Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (28)
$469.00
Guitar Center
4.0 (24)
$469.00
Amazon
4.5 (1730)
$417.15 Used
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$403.95 New
$97.60 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$469.00
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$469.00
B&H
3.4 (8)
$469.00

Average Price: $225

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Akai MPK249". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Showing prices and availability for the newer version, Akai MPK249.

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Description

The Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard is a powerhouse tool designed for musicians and producers seeking a versatile and intuitive MIDI controller. With its 49 semi-weighted keys, this keyboard offers a natural feel that closely emulates the response of a traditional piano. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the MPK49's comprehensive control surface includes eight full-size sliders and twelve authentic touch-sensitive MPC pads, perfect for dynamic beat making and fluid control over your digital audio workstations.

Experience seamless integration with all major DAWs, thanks to the MPK49's MMC/MIDI DAW command, which ensures that your creative process flows without interruption. The keyboard's three memory banks enhance your workflow by providing quick access to multiple presets and configurations, making it easier to switch up your sound on the fly. Designed to be plug-and-play with both Mac and PC, this MIDI controller eliminates the hassle of complicated setups, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your music.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Akai MPK49 provides the tools you need to bring your musical ideas to life. Its robust build and intuitive layout make it an essential addition to any studio setup.

Key Features:

  • 49 semi-weighted keys for a natural piano-like response
  • Twelve touch-sensitive MPC pads for beat making and triggering samples
  • Eight full-size sliders for comprehensive control over your DAW
  • Three memory banks for easy access to multiple presets
  • Seamless integration with major DAWs via MMC/MIDI DAW command
  • Plug-and-play connectivity with both Mac and PC

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model MPK49
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 12 Pads

FAQs

Is the Akai MPK49 suitable for beginners in music production?

Yes, the Akai MPK49 is beginner-friendly with its intuitive layout, including 49 semi-weighted keys and 12 MPC-style pads, making it a versatile choice for newcomers to music production.

Does the Akai MPK49 integrate easily with popular DAWs?

The Akai MPK49 is designed to integrate seamlessly with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, thanks to its USB MIDI connectivity and assignable controls.

What are the standout features of the Akai MPK49's sound engine?

The Akai MPK49 does not have its own sound engine; it functions as a MIDI controller, allowing you to control virtual instruments and software synthesizers on your computer.

Can the Akai MPK49 be used without a computer?

The Akai MPK49 is primarily designed for use with a computer, but it can also control external MIDI modules by connecting to a power source and using its MIDI output.

How many velocity-sensitive pads does the Akai MPK49 have?

The Akai MPK49 features 12 velocity-sensitive MPC pads, which are ideal for triggering samples and creating dynamic drum patterns.

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Akai Pro MPK49: Overview

Video thumbnail for Akai Pro MPK49: Overview by AkaiProVideo

Akai Pro MPK49: Overview

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Video thumbnail for Akai MPK49 Controller Overview by gearwire

Akai MPK49 Controller Overview

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Video thumbnail for AKAI MPK49 INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE by SampleKings

AKAI MPK49 INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE

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Video thumbnail for Akai MPK 49 usb midi keyboard - unboxing + test with ableton by Unboxingexperience7

Akai MPK 49 usb midi keyboard - unboxing + test with ableton

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Unboxingexperience7

Reviews

PROS

  • Works well with various software and hardware

  • Drum pads add great functionality

  • Keys have a good feel and response

  • Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator inspire creativity

  • Intuitive and powerful inbuilt controls

  • Durable and sturdy build quality

  • Plug&Play compatibility enhances ease of use

  • Versatile with knobs, faders, and drum pads for comprehensive control

  • Maps easily to popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic

  • Suitable for both studio and live settings

CONS

  • Bulkier design affects portability

  • Some users report low sensitivity of drum pads

  • Knobs lack backlighting for visual feedback

  • Not all keys are weighted, affecting playability for some

  • Reports of sending ghost signals, indicating reliability issues

  • Requires mapping for full functionality with some DAWs

  • Stock pads perceived as poor quality by some users

  • Some users find the device heavy

  • Position of pitch and mod wheels not ideal for everyone

  • Inconsistent and unreliable performance reported by some users

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 36 Reviews and 141 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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ikson

Midi Keyboard

This has been my main midi keyboard for the last four years, works great! It's a bit bulky though and I could probably do with something thinner with less features. I mainly play the keys so I think I've just discovered like 15% of what it's able to do. I've started to use the drum pads on it more as of late though, and that is a great add on. Has nice pitch and modulation wheels!

robhsmit

All Around Great Controller

I picked up this UBS / MIDI controller to replace an older MIDI keyboard. This has a great feel to it and the buttons are very well placed. When working with Abelton it is amazing. When working with FL Studio, I had to dig around the net to find some mapping. Although, mapping is pretty easy in FL Studio. The unit has a good weight to it and I haven't taken it out of my home office/studio. The one negative review that people tend to have about this controller is the low sensitivity of the 12 gray pads. While I have noticed this a bit, it has not been too bothersome in recording or performance.

henry_byers

I like it

This is a great midi keyboard, but the pads do not work that great. I saw on a forum where someone had installed their own pads, and they said that they work much better. Also, I wish the knobs had lighting so I could see how far they are turned up. All in all, it is a great keyboard for a desk studio. Not very portable, but I plan on buying the mini version soon.

samil

Great Midi Keyboard

Works well with just about anything really. Plug&play, used it on Logic Pro X and even to control samples and sounds on my Electribe ESX-1 through the MPC One.

From Gear Setup
sparkdnb

Solid heavy body multifunction but

I used it for live 3 years or so, this MIDI keyboard has so many function, fader and knobs but very heavy. Now, my MPK49 has a mass of problems and troubles, sending ghost signal so frequently. I think it's broken but it's too fast for me. it's unreliable and no longer could be used live now.

seethru

Perfect

I have the limited edition red version of the MPK 49 and I love it. The keys aren't weighted, but they have a great response and don't feel cheap or fragile like a lot of midi keyboards. The pads are also really responsive, and the built in sequencer and arpeggiator are great for quick inspiration.

newyorkimposter

I actually miss this keyboard

Aside from the keys not being realistically weighted, I have very little bad to say about this keyboard. It's sturdy, does the job and was very easy to remap. The inbuilt controls are also very intuitive and powerful. I sold it when I was moving country and was sorry to see it go.

carlbnl

Great shell, some quirks!

I have been loving this unit ever since ive got this, BUT that counts for the weighted keys, the pads are something you want to aftermarket straight away. the stock pads are dred awfull. Furthermore this thing is a tank and can withstand a lot of torture.

thetimeripper

Versatile keyboard with seamless Ableton integration

I love having a full piano in case I just want to jam out and not have to worry about switching octaves, and the drum pads/knobs are really nice. It also MIDI Maps right up to Ableton Live so that is nice too!! Love it.

gabberrwalkie

Best Midi Controller

I love this controller. It has everything a musician could ask for. Fader panel, drum pads, and a great set of keys. The only downside is the position of the pitch and mod wheels. Great for live sets.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Skrillex uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Skrillex

Music Producer

From First to Last

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:59, Skrillex is seen using the MPK 49 as a performance tool.

See how Trent Reznor uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

Trent is seen using this controller at 2:22 during The Fragile

See how Madeon uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Madeon

Music Producer

...
Verified via Musicradar

When creating his winning entry for the Pendulum remix competition in 2010, Madeon was using the Akai MPK49 MIDI Keyboard.

See how Flume uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Flume

Music Producer, DJ

What So Not

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Flume, the Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard is visible positioned below a Nord Synthesizer.

See how Flying Lotus uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Flying Lotus

Rapper, Music Producer

FLYamSAM

...
Verified via Wikidot

the Akai MPK49 is listed on this page

See how Kanye West uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Kanye West

Rapper, Music Producer

Sunday Service Choir

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Kanye West is seen using an Akai MPK49.

See how Kygo uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Kygo

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Firestone (Kygo feat. Conrad) - Cover by Burschi1977" on YouTube, Kygo is seen using the Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard.

See how Dr. Dre uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Dr. Dre

Rapper, Music Producer

Soul Assassins

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 0:01 into this video beside the Apple iMac

See how Deorro uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Deorro

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Deorro showcases the Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard while collaborating with @trentmazur and @mikeWfresh.

See how Brendon Urie uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Brendon Urie

Singer, Guitarist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via YouTube

He doesn't specifically talk about the gear he uses in his Music Production setup seen in the video (Timestamp: 4:55) However, if you look closely, you can specifically see the branding of his midi keyboard to be the Akai Mpk 49.

See how Headhunterz uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Headhunterz

Music Producer, DJ

Project One

...
Verified via Twitter

Headhunterz posted a photo on Twitter where the Akai MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard can be spotted.

See how Jamie xx uses Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard

Jamie xx

Drummer, Music Producer

The xx

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:12, Jamie xx's Akai MPK 49 is visible.

Album Usage

The Akai Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard 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 Professional MPK49 USB MIDI Keyboard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
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deiveed

Gear IQ 135

dylan_a_santos

dylan_a_santos

Gear IQ 172

samil

samil

Gear IQ 536

matiasdapena

matiasdapena

Gear IQ 166

djscratchone

djscratchone

Gear IQ 168

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