Akai LPK25

The AKAI LPK25(short for Laptop Performance Keyboard) is a compact sized midi keyboard from AKAI. It features 25 velocity sensitive keys, octave up and down buttons, a Sustain function, and an arpeggiator with tap tempo. And it really is extremely small.

The package in which the LPK25 arrvies contains a USB cable for connecting the LPK25 to your computer and a CD with editing software. The editing software is very simple, but it works. You can edit arpeggios, and save up to 4 different presets. The Sustain works as expected. The arpeggiator is well thought out, and you can easily switch between the different modes(UP, DOWN, EXCL, INCL, RAND) and time divisions(1/4T to 1/32T).

The LPK25 connects to your computer through USB. There is unfortunately NO midi out, so you can't control anything else with it, which is a shame, since that would really have made it quite perfect.

UTILIZATION

Setting up the LPK25 could not be easier. You simply plug it in to your computers USB port and play. There is literally nothing more to it.

The 25 keys feel great for such a small size. You probably can't play anything super too complicated with it, but it works great for simple melodies and motifs. It will also take a while to get used to the smaller keys, but that's the same with any new keyboard.


OVERALL OPINION

In conclusion, I loved the LPK25. It has a solid feeling, and it's only about as big as a laptop keyboard. I doubt I've ever seen better value for such a price. The durable build quality(I've dropped it on the floor a few times) and great arpeggiator are the cherry on top of the cake.

I would recommend this for anyone who wants a portable and well made midi controller. Of course it won't replace a full size midi keyboard, but for this price, who can complain?

So far, from playing around with the Akai LPK25 for about an hour, it seems pretty nice. Keys feel good and construction is light but durable. Velocity curve seems OK. Arpeggiator is fun - I thought I wouldn't use it, but maybe I will, since I often have to plunk out baselines at gigs and I'm not really a keyboardist by any stretch of the imagination! I like the different arp modes and the latching system.


UTILIZATION

Sustain switch is not that useful when not in arpeggiator mode, because it takes a finger to hold it down (granted the keyboard is small, so you can still use a few fingers form that hand to play). I would have preferred a jack for a foot switch (even if it had to be 1/8" to fit, you could easily use a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter). I also wish it had at least one continuous controller. A suggestion would be to use software that turns your laptop track pad into a continuous MIDI controller. I am not sure what's out there to do that, but it can be done in Max/MSP very easily.



OVERALL OPINION

Overall, I wish there was some indication of how many octaves you have shifted up or down - right now the button backlights if you have shifted by any number of octaves in the direction. A different color LED backlight to the button or even a blinking pattern (the cheaper solution) to indicate how MANY octaves you are shifted in a direction would be good. Also the graphics above the octave keys appear to be wrong - there is an UP pointing arrow over the octave down (left) key and a DOWN pointing arrow over the octave up (right) key no big deal, but kind of weird. But this is a nice portable midi controller that you will use often In your portable set up. Akai has done it again.

The Akai LPK 25 is a 25 key midi keyboard that is really small. I was very surprised to see how small and compact it is. The space between the top of the keys and the top of the board is virtually not even there . There is just a little black strip which cuts the height of the board down and makes it smaller than most 25 key controllers. Akai has really taken over some of the midi keyboards recently with some of there larger models. But the LPK25 is one of the lower end models that they produce. You will NOT be satisfied with this if you play with both hands. You will have to record your lower end instruments and sequences separate from your melodies just because there arent enough keys. I wouldn’t get this unless you are looking for something small enough to go into your back pack so you can pull it out on the go and make music wherever you are.


UTILIZATION

If you are looking for a good midi controller at home I wouldn’t get this either unless you are tight on workspace and need something small. Not that it cant do what a 61 or 88 key can do because in the end its all the same. But I like to play my melodies with my low end at the same time to really get the sound of it before I record the midi sequence.


OVERALL OPINION

I am not bias but im just not a fan of 25 key midi controllers because they are just not enough for me. If I am going to use a 25 key controller I mine as well load up FL studio and just use the recorder keys that are on my laptop as the piano keys (fl studio has an option for this) and make my patterns and save money from buying at 25 key controller.

I purchase this keyboard for 2 main reasons. 1 It's small and portable and 2. Akai made it and I already owned the bigger version (Akai mpk49) but didn't want to spend money on the Mpk25 (cost too much for what I needed. I needed something that was thin and could fit in my backpack along with my laptop,headphones and maschine

This Keyboard connects via USB which is excellent makes it easy, the drivers automatically install for you (can't argue with that)

There are some pretty nice features on this unit such as sustain, octave, tap tempo.

I was actually glad it had the tap tempo feature

UTILIZATION

I do a lot of music production projects with this little keyword - especially when I'm traveling. It's perfect for getting little ideas out and or full projects but again since inspiration can hit at anytime I like to take the AKAI LP25 with me everywhere I go. I literally just put it in my backpack along with my laptop and the rest of my portable gear and I'm on my way.

I also use the lpk25 for auditioning sounds when I'm sound designing. it's just easier to pull this out rather than my bigger keyboard.

OVERALL OPINION

The only thing I don't like about this mini keyboard is there is no actual mod or pitch bend wheel. I also don't like the cheap feel of the keyboard but then again it was only $50.00 and it's light weight so I guess I can't really complain to much.

I've used a lot of other mini 25 key keyboards before but this was the thinnest of all as well as the 1st mini akai I had used (at the time) before then it was the bigger much clunky looking oxygen 25.

I personally think this unit performs well especially for what it cost it works well with everything application I've ever used it with. - It gets the job done!