Image Credit: AKAI

Musicians and producers have been writing music with the LPK25 and LPD8 USB MIDI controllers for so long now.

AKAI released the original LPK25 and LPD8 MIDI controllers 13 years ago. Though they have a new lick of paint, the two controls remain largely as they have for so long

For instance, they’re still small USB MIDI controllers that you can take with you anywhere, so they’re great for on-the-go production sessions.

However, both the LPK25 and LPD8 controllers are sporting a new look that reflects AKAI’s current line of popular products like the infamous MPK mini Mk3.

The new AKAI LPK25 MK II

The refreshed AKAI Professional LPK25 offers 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys like its predecessor.

However, the key bed is the same as the one you’ll find on the MPK mini Mk3, which is one of the reasons the latter model is so popular.

Apart from its new look, the new LPK25 is much the same as before though. You can still find the six buttons for octaves, sustain, extended functions, and the arpeggiator on the left of the controller’s interface.

But the arpeggiator has a new swing parameter which you can adjust in five steps.

You can configure the LPK25 on its free counterpart software editor. You can save a total of eight preset configurations in the software too.

And the AKAI LPK25 MK II includes MPC Beast music production software and a number of virtual instruments that you can control with the controller.

And the new presets AKAI LPD8

The original LPD8 featured only monochrome pads while this new model features eight backlit RGB pads. And AKAI claim these are the same heavy-duty pads you’ll find in the MPC X!

These pads can send MIDI CC events and program changes in addition to MIDI notes too.

And the eight rotary knobs allows you to control plugin parameters and software instruments without using your mouse.

Finally, you can use the counterpart software to configure the controller and save up to four presets.

Availability

You can pre-order the AKAI LPK25 and LPD8 now for $53 each with deliveries beginning in a few weeks.

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