Akai Goes Cord-Free With LPK25 & LPD8 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Controllers

Akai just announced the introduction of the LPD8 Wireless, a new Bluetooth MIDI pad controller as well as the LPK25 Wireless, an innovative portable 25-key Bluetooth MIDI keyboard.

Being satisfied owners of the ‘classic’ LPD8 ourselves (and loving everything-wireless), we are happy to help spread the word and give a little insight into each of these affordable Bluetooth tools.
I know, the word Bluetooth raises questions about latency and battery life. Well, we are looking forward to testing these guys soon, stay tuned…

LPD8 Wireless
Recognizing 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.

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

LPK25 Wireless
Akai also noticed 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 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.

Music Apps—enhanced
As seen with the LPD8 Wireless, 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.

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)

Price & Availability
Both LPD8 Wireless and LPK25 Wireless will ship with an MSRP of £69.99 (approx. $89/89€) each and will be available in December 2016, just in time for the holidays!

For more information, visit akaipro.com.