Akai Professional is a Japanese brand that specializes in electronic music production equipment, particularly MIDI controllers, drum machines, and samplers. The brand's products are known for their high-quality performance and durability.
Founded in Tokyo in 1929 as Akai Electric Company
Introduced its first reel-to-reel tape recorders in 1954
In the 1980s, Akai became known for creating the first-ever sampler, the Akai S612
In 2005, the brand was acquired by inMusic Brands and began focusing on producing professional music equipment
Akai Professional currently has headquarters in Japan, the UK, and the USA.
Novation is a UK-based brand that produces MIDI controllers, synthesizers, and audio interfaces. Its products are geared towards electronic music production and live performance.
Native Instruments is a German brand that produces software and hardware for music production, particularly for electronic music. Its products include software synthesizers, samplers, and effects plugins, as well as MIDI controllers and audio interfaces.
Arturia is a French brand that specializes in software and hardware for music production. Its products include software synthesizers and effects plugins, as well as MIDI controllers, drum machines, and synthesizers.
A series of standalone and software-based samplers and sequencers that have been a staple of hip-hop production for decades.
Akai produces a range of MIDI controllers, including the MPK series, which includes keyboard-style controllers with pads and faders, as well as the APC series, which is designed specifically for Ableton Live.
Akai produces a range of drum machines, including the MPC One and MPC Live, which are standalone devices with built-in sampling and sequencing capabilities.
The main difference between the two devices is that the MPC X has a larger screen and more inputs and outputs, while the MPC Live is more portable and has a built-in battery.
Yes, Akai's MIDI controllers are designed to work seamlessly with Ableton Live, particularly the APC series.
No, Akai's drum machines can be used as standalone devices, but they can also be connected to a computer for additional functionality.
The MPC Live is a popular option for live performers due to its portable design and built-in battery. It also has a touch screen for easy navigation.
A sampler is a device that records and plays back audio samples, while a synthesizer generates sounds electronically. Samplers are often used in hip-hop and electronic music production for their ability to manipulate and recontextualize existing sounds.