Akai Releases Wireless MIDI Pad and Keyboard Controllers

Akai Pro tells us the new "wireless 25-key MIDI keyboard enables performers to play, record and control their plug-in instruments from anywhere in the room, without the annoyance of connection cords." And the new LPD8 is a "wireless drum pad controller enables an untethered beat creation and pad performing experience, commanding your favourite VST kits from almost anywhere in the same room as your computer."

Here's the official press releases for both new MIDI controllers:

Akai LPK25 Wireless 

Ash Vale, UK (22nd November 2016) — Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, today announced the introduction of their LPK25 Wireless, a groundbreaking portable 25-key Bluetooth MIDI keyboard. Recognising the need for a wireless keyboard that doesn’t sacrifice versatility and great sound, the new LPK25 Wireless takes portability and feature-rich performance to the next level with its Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, allowing players to control their plug-in instruments from anywhere in the room, providing the ultimate in studio setup flexibility. 

Lightweight and perfect for the laptop musician on the go, LPK25 Wireless is full of expressive sound. At the centre of the controller is a solid, 25-note mini-keybed with responsive action that experienced players will truly appreciate. Octave-up and octave-down buttons ensure that players are playing in exactly the note range they want. The powerful Arpeggiator mode turns chords into exciting and complex music phrases. The LPK25 Wireless also comes equipped with a sustain pedal input for additional control over every chord, riff and run. 

Another advantage of going wireless: No more accidentally disconnecting the USB connection or tripping over power cables in the middle of a performance. 

Music Apps—enhanced 

The LPK25 Wireless can also connect to any iOS device. Players can rip the keys on countless available music apps for truly on-the-go performance, while maintaining a truly mobile setup. 

Two of a Kind 

Paired with Akai Professional’s new LPD8 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI pad controller, these two controllers form an outstanding combo of wireless musical portability. The musical possibilities for mobile producers and performers are virtually unlimited. 

Features  

• Supports Bluetooth MIDI for iOS and Mac OS X
• USB MIDI, works with virtually any music software or app 
• 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard keys 
• Arpeggiator, sustain pedal input, octave up and down and tap tempo controls 
• Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC; no driver installation required 
• Small enough to fit in a backpack or laptop bag 
• Four programmable memory banks 
• Comes with editor software for Mac and PC 
• USB bus or battery powered (3 AA, not included) 

“The LPK25 Wireless delivers exactly what mobile producers and performers have been waiting for—a great-feeling, versatile, compact keyboard coupled with complete freedom of motion and no cords to get in the way,” said Dan Gill, Product Manager for Akai Professional. “This unit sets the player free, while retaining all the performance and feel they demand. The LPK25 really redefines what portability is all about.” 

Akai LPD8 Wireless

Ash Vale, UK (22nd November 2016) — Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, today announced the introduction of their LPD8 Wireless, a new Bluetooth MIDI pad controller. Recognising a critical need in the market for a portable pad controller that’s light and compact but robust and full- featured, the LPD8 gives musicians the ultimate in beat-making capability and total freedom of motion.

The LPD8’s six UI buttons and eight assignable slim-design pots deliver a truly versatile range of performance and control options. The newly added Full Level button guarantees your pad performances are loud, clear and at an equal velocity, when even volume is a must. The LPD8 Wireless also has a Note Repeat button, perfect for the dance music performer who loves creating build-ups before the drop. Artists can use the NR Config button to control and fine tune Swing and Time Division parameters. 

Another advantage of going cord-free: No more accidentally disconnecting the USB connection or tripping over power cables in the middle of a performance. 

Music Apps—enhanced 

The LPD8 Wireless can also connect to any iOS device. Used in tandem with beat making apps such as iMPC Pro, the LPD8 Wireless provides enhanced compositional control and expressive power over any music creation app, while maintaining a truly mobile setup. 

Two of a Kind 

Paired with Akai Professional’s new LPK25 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI-enabled keyboard, these two controllers form an outstanding combo of wireless musical portability. The musical possibilities for mobile producers and performers are virtually unlimited. 

Features

• Supports Bluetooth MIDI for iOS and Mac OS X 
• USB MIDI, works with virtually any music software or app 
• 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads to send note or program changes 
• 8 assignable knobs for controlling nearly any parameter 
• 4 programmable memory banks 
• Editing software for Mac and PC included 
• USB bus or battery powered (3 AA, not included) 
• Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC, no driver required 

“The LPD8 Wireless delivers exactly what mobile producers and performers have been waiting for—great beat-making coupled with freedom of motion and no cords to worry about,” said Dan Gill, Product Manager for Akai Professional. “This unit changes the wireless musical landscape completely.”