Crate Kings » Akai

New Akai MPC2500SE Coming Early 2010

Semantik — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:23:46 +0000

Here’s a thought for anyone considering the purchase an Akai MPC2500. Akai plans to release a Special Edition MPC2500SE sampler/sequencer that will be available in white with carbon paneling and come equipped with 128MB RAM and a CD-R drive pre-installed.

The Akai MPC2500SE is slated for early 2010 availability.

More pics after the break!

Evidence Using 88-Keys’s Akai MPC3000

Semantik — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:03:03 +0000

Evidence makes a guest appearance on 88-Keys’s MPC3000 during the Fresh Rhymes & Videotape Tour.

On the Fresh Rhymes & Videotape Tour bus I brought my trusty (& never rusty… but sometimes ‘crusty’) Akai MPC 3000 (named “Raw Dawg”) with me to try & get it pop’n on the ’studio’ in our tour bus… We all actually wound up having way more fun than planned so none of us really got it pop’n in our ‘make-shift studio’ on the tour bus.

Akai Introduces MPK61 Keyboard & LPD8 Pad Controller

Semantik — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:59:36 +0000

Summer NAMM is almost upon us, so get ready for an avalanche of new product announcements. Like many other manufacturers, Akai will introduce a number of new products, including the MPK61 keyboard and LPD8 pad controllers.

Akai MPK61 Keyboard
"The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano-style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q-Link controllers and some of the technologies from the icon MPC. Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61’s mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q-Link, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator."

Akai LPD8 Controller
"The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional’s MPC line of iconic music product stations. While the smallest model, the MPC500 is quite portable, many producers prefer to work with software on their computer and the LPD8 gives their laptop the controls they prefer over a mouse and keyboard. The LPD8 has eight blue light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. The LPD8 also has eight assignable Q-Link knobs to which users can assign virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control."

Readers can expect both products to be available during the third quarter of 2009.

See Akai for more info.

DJ Premier Discusses New Technology & Favorite Samplers

Semantik — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:16:34 +0000

LUSSW Magazine drops an in-studio interview with DJ Premier as he talks about the evolution of hip-hop from a music of young people to a mix of both older and younger participants, reveals his all-time favorite equipment (Akai MPC 60, 60II, and S950), and gives his opinion about new and emerging technologies involved in music creation.

Notable Quotes:
"I noticed that once you learn it, you have have to make the machine do what you want it to do. It’s like you program your own language into it. The machine is useless without the person’s mind."

"As long as you’re applying the elements of making good music come out of those speakers… do what you do."

Disko Dave Creates “The Good Vibe”

Semantik — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:29:46 +0000

Another Crate Kings favorite, producer Disko Dave tackles CTI and gives us a little taste of "The Good Vibe."

Akai Pro Interviews The Alchemist: MPC Products + Production History

Semantik — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:16:14 +0000

Akai Pro got together with producer The Alchemist to discuss a number of topics including the origins of his name, getting involved in music, and his early use of the MPC3000 and Ensoniq ASR 10, and later move to the MPC. While it’s pretty much a big promo drop for Akai, it’s still a good read that’s packed with useful info.

Read the complete interview.

Akai MPC5000 OS 2.0 Released

Semantik — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:29:48 +0000

Akai has announced the release of OS 2.0 for the MPC 5000. Taking user feedback into account, the free 2.0 upgrade includes over 25 added improvements and functions.

Some of additions and improvements include:

Ability to import S1000, S3000, S5000/S6000, Z4/Z8 and MPC4000-format sample libraries from Akai Professional and third party developers.
Automation recording for any of the parameters in the effects set
Controller Grid Edit window added to Grid Edit Mode, which enables users to see a graphic view of controller automation and edit events.
MultiEdit function enables users to edit parameters for multiple pads all at once.
Zoom function added to Chopshop.

Head over to Akai for more info.

DJ Quik MPC 5000 Workout

Semantik — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:07:53 +0000

DJ Quik plays with an Akai MPC 5000 and contrasts some of the functional differences between it and the MPC 3000.

Respect to Phil for the heads up!

Akai APC40 Ableton Controller Announced

Semantik — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:19:03 +0000

Akai has just announced the APC40 controller for Ableton Live. Designed specifically for use with Ableton, the APC40 offers seamless integration and eliminates the need for control mapping. The APC40 also comes with a special edition of Ableton Lite for new users and free upgrades for existing users.

Other APC40 Features Include:

Clip matrix with multicolor lighting displays current clip status
No mapping required for use with Ableton Live
Exclusive bidirectional communication between the APC40 and Ableton Live
Professional feel with rugged, metal chassis and premium controls
USB plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC
Premium controller with rugged, metal chassis

See Akai for more info.

Akai MPK25 USB/MIDI Keyboard Coming Soon

Semantik — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:32:48 +0000

Akai is set to debut the MPK25 USB/MIDI keyboard in the next couple days at NAMM. Not too much info on specific features yet, but the ever present MPC pads are a reassuring sight.