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Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller

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Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller

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$185.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (20)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

Find out who is using Akai Professional MPK88

2 community setups

5 wishlisted

39 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

5.0 (6)

$185.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $185

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Unleash your musical potential with the Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller, a powerhouse designed for both the studio and the stage. Featuring a fully weighted, hammer-action 88-key keyboard, the MPK88 delivers an authentic piano feel, allowing you to express every nuance of your performance. Whether you're laying down complex compositions or jamming live, this controller is engineered to meet the demands of professional musicians.

The MPK88 isn't just about keys—its 16 MPC-style pads are both velocity and pressure-sensitive, offering you the tactile response needed to create intricate beats and dynamic rhythms. These pads are equipped with Akai's signature MPC Note Repeat and Swing functions, giving your music that iconic groove and feel. With an intuitive layout of assignable knobs, faders, and buttons, you have the freedom to manipulate your sounds in real-time, making it easier than ever to bring your creative vision to life.

In addition to its robust hardware, the MPK88 offers seamless integration with your favorite DAWs and MIDI software, thanks to its USB connectivity and plug-and-play compatibility. This ensures you spend more time creating and less time configuring. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned performer, the Akai Professional MPK88 is your perfect partner in music production.

Key Features:

88-key fully weighted, hammer-action keyboard with aftertouch
16 MPC-style pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
MPC Note Repeat and Swing for dynamic rhythms
Eight Q-Link knobs, faders, and buttons, each with three banks
Key Split feature for controlling two sounds simultaneously
Dedicated transport controls for easy tracking and editing
USB MIDI for seamless integration with most music software
Comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Professional Edition software
Class compliant and bus powered for easy setup and portability

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	MPK88
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Weighted
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	88 Keys
Number of Pads	16 Pads

FAQs

What type of key action does the Akai MPK88 have?: The Akai MPK88 features a fully weighted keyboard action, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for pianists transitioning to a MIDI controller.
How many keys are on the Akai MPK88, and are they full-size?: The Akai MPK88 comes with 88 full-size keys, offering the same range as a traditional piano, which is perfect for comprehensive music compositions.
Can the Akai MPK88 be used with any DAW software?: Yes, the Akai MPK88 is compatible with most major DAW software, allowing seamless integration into various digital audio workstations for music production.
Does the Akai MPK88 have built-in sounds or require a computer to generate sound?: The Akai MPK88 does not have built-in sounds and requires connection to a computer or external sound module to generate audio, functioning as a MIDI controller.
What connectivity options does the Akai MPK88 offer?: The Akai MPK88 provides MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, ensuring versatile options for integrating with other musical equipment or computers.
How many pads are included on the Akai MPK88, and what are they used for?: The Akai MPK88 includes 16 pads, which are useful for triggering samples, loops, or drum sounds, making it a versatile tool for live performances and studio work.

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Weighted keys provide realistic touch for classically trained pianists
Easy to use for controlling live software, suitable for group settings
Additional capabilities and features beyond expectations
Faders, knobs, and drum pads enhance music production
Assignable controls for personalized live set management
Attractive design and durable build
Compact size for an 88-key controller

CONS

Some concerns over key noise and internal buzzing
Could benefit from better VST integration

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional MPK88 Keyboard and USB MIDI Controller.

Software and compatibility

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Some users mention that the MPK88 may not immediately appear as a MIDI device in DAWs like FL Studio or Logic Pro, suggesting a need to manually check input settings.
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It's recommended to install Akai's free DAW, MPC Beats, as its drivers might resolve recognition issues with the MPK88 on both Mac and Windows systems.
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The MPK88 may require a powered USB hub to function correctly with an iPad, even if powered by an AC adapter directly.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users advise ensuring that MIDI tracks are selected within the DAW, and a VST instrument is assigned to confirm the MPK88’s functionality.
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Owners report that older MIDI keyboards can be successfully integrated with iOS devices using iRig MIDI 2 or Yamaha Bluetooth MIDI interfaces.
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Actual XLR plugs cannot physically connect with a 5-pin DIN MIDI port, confirming the need for proper MIDI cables for setup.
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The MPK88 does not receive power through MIDI connections, requiring a separate power supply or USB for operation.
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User experience

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Owners have noted that older models of the MPK series sometimes appear generically as 'USB Device' yet function correctly once setup steps are followed.
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Bluetooth MIDI setup on iPads can be tricky, but multiple owners are satisfied with the performance for non-live applications.
Source

Features and functionality

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Using a Bluetooth MIDI converter like the Yamaha MD-BT01 allows the iPad to remain connected to a charger during use.
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0 0

The Akai MPK88's default setting disables the 5-pin DIN port when the USB is connected; this needs to be enabled in the menu for MIDI use.
Source
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Users should consider a new USB cable if power issues arise, as even lightly used cables can sometimes fail unexpectedly.
Source

Build quality

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The MPK88 requires a 6v power supply for reliable operation, indicating potential power issues with USB-only setups.
Source

Critic Reviews

Akai MPK88 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai MPK88 impresses with its excellent weighted hammer-action keybed and comprehensive controls, making it ideal for diverse playing styles. However, its hefty size and weight might be cumbersome for some, and the sliders feel less robust than expected for the price. It offers limited MIDI ports and only two keyboard zones, which might hinder flexibility. The lack of a power adapter and preset mapping for Logic Pro is a letdown. Despite these drawbacks, its build quality and playability earn it a recommendation for those unfazed by its limitations.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 20 Ratings

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chasecaffey

176

over 11 years ago

My Flagship!

I was very skeptical at first to buy this keyboard after reading all of the reviews online. So many people were concerned with the "noise" of the keys and the internal buzzing sound, but when it came to my doorstep I knew I had made the right choice.

Here's Why: The keys are so incredibly weighted! For all classically trained pianist out there - this keyboard offers the most realistic touch/velocity sensitivity you can get for the price. Once I had my piano's all connected, the "sound" of the keys were not even recognizable.. The fleaux that this piano creates for the user is quite enjoyable.

Not to mention the faders, knobs and drum pads make creating a beat from scratch like clockwork. My favorite part of this Hybrid piano is that I can assign anything I want to it! So during my live sets, I have %100 control over the vibe of what is being played.

Akai did a great job creating a piano that has workflow - Not to mention the beautiful design and durability.

I am excited to see what sound I create with this beast - and to all who are worried about the flaws of it - I'll say it once again, the keys really do not make much noise at all. And the Perc's easily outweigh the "Flaws" of anything that may be there. So try it for yourself and tell me you don't fall in love with this beautifully crafted 88 key controller.

Much Love,

Chase Caffey

ladislausnet

over 8 years ago

love it, at the center of all my productions

this beautiful weighted keyboard and all of the knobs and dials and faders have gotten me through too many studio sessions to count. and then the lovely mpc pads let me be a finger drummer on top of controlling all my software without a mouse as much as possible.