AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller
AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller Price comparison
AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller Price History
AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller Description
AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller
The AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller combines innovative technology with ergonomic design to create an ultimate music production tool. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned musicians, this controller provides a seamless experience that meets the demands of electronic music creation. Let’s delve into its key features and how it stands out in the competitive market.
Key Features of the AKAI Advance 61
- 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys: The full-sized keys are responsive and sensitive, allowing for dynamic performances. Each key captures subtle nuances, making it ideal for both studio recordings and live performances.
- 4.3-Inch Color Display: The bright, integrated screen offers easy navigation through software and presets. It provides real-time visual feedback, enhancing the user experience.
- MIDI and USB Connectivity: Compatible with devices that feature USB and MIDI ports, the AKAI Advance enables versatile use with a wide range of musical devices. Whether you’re using a PC or Mac, setup is a breeze.
- Durable Build: Manufactured from high-quality metal, it ensures longevity and reliability. The robust design stands up to the rigors of daily use, making it a dependable choice for touring musicians.
- Integrated Controls: With a range of knobs, sliders, and pads, you can easily manipulate various parameters within your software. This level of control allows for creative expression and flexibility in music production.
- Compatible Software Suite: The controller comes bundled with a rich suite of music production software, ensuring you have all the essentials to start creating right out of the box.
Price Comparison Across Suppliers
When looking at the prices of the AKAI Advance 61-Key Controller, you will find competitive offers across various suppliers. Prices tend to fluctuate, so it’s essential to keep an eye on trends. Here are some examples from leading retailers:
- Amazon: Here you can find the controller at a slightly higher price due to their customer service and delivery options.
- Best Buy: Typically offers competitive pricing, especially during sales events.
- Sweetwater: Known for their outstanding support and often has bundle deals that include essential accessories.
Overall, comparing prices regularly can save you significant amounts, especially during major sales events.
Price History Trends
The 6-month price history chart reveals interesting trends. Over the past few months, the price has shown a slight decrease, which may indicate an upcoming model release or seasonal discounting strategies. Observing these trends can help you make an informed decision about when to purchase the AKAI Advance 61-Key Controller.
User Reviews Summary
Customer reviews highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the AKAI Advance 61-Key Controller:
- Positive Feedback: Users frequently praise the responsiveness of the keys and the quality of the build. The display is noted for its clarity, contributing to a better workflow.
- Areas for Improvement: Some customers have noted that initial setup can be confusing, and they recommend reading the instructions carefully. A few users also mention that the bundled software could be improved for better functionality.
Explore Unboxing and Review Videos
If you’re considering the AKAI Advance 61 but want to see it in action, we recommend checking out related YouTube unboxing and review videos. These videos provide in-depth insights into functionality and usability, helping you visualize how it fits into your setup.
Final Thoughts on the AKAI Advance 61-Key Controller
In summary, the AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller is a powerful, versatile option for musicians. Its robust features, coupled with excellent connectivity and build quality, make it a top contender in the market. Be sure to compare prices to ensure you get the best deal possible, and don’t forget to check out user-generated content to gauge how this instrument performs in real-world scenarios.
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AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller Specification
Specification: AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller
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AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller Reviews (8)
8 reviews for AKAI Advance 61-Key Virtual Instrument Controller
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Ayrton Seri –
I personally think its awesome! VIP has never had any issues running with Ableton and I just figured out how to customize the pad colors and functions which is awesome. They also updated the software to 2.0 which not only added new functionalities and optimizations but also signaled that this thing has not become an abandoned project and will only get better.
I currently set up the pads so I can visualize and play any minor or major scale and also switch back to drums when I need it. I don’t understand the s***ty reviews. Mostly people complaining about iLok but I’m pretty sure you can transfer the license if you decide to sell it… Best keyboard out there in terms of functionality and I would (150% HONESTLY) not trade mine for any other keyboard at this moment in time except for a 61 key version instead of 49. I’ve had it since it first came out and these low ratings are seriously bothering me because this truly is an incredible product.
Client Amazon –
excellent
Jean-François Brogniet –
It’s amazing product if you’re looking high-end midi device just go for it
lucky –
Je n’ai eu que des soucis avec ce produit concernant son installation malgré plusieurs échanges de mail en anglais avec le fabricant. J’abandonne, j’ai demandé un retour de cet article à Amazon. Je suis en rage contre les micrologiciels intrusifs de ce produit et dont la mise à jour m’a posée que des problèmes ….
J. Thomas –
Oh NO ! It’s there !!!!!
In Looooove ….. looooooooove !
lucky –
Estéticamente es una preciosidad. Es bonito por el lado que lo mires. El tacto de las teclas es una delicatessen. Los pads son preciosos , de un tacto exquisito y con muy variados colores. Funciona con VIP y con el puedes controlar todos los parámetros de los sonidos e instrumentos. La pantalla es alucinante. Yo lo utilizo con FL Studio y poco a poco me voy haciendo con el. Como todo teclado midi es complicado de instalar y sobre todo si eres novato como yo. La pega mayor es que la parte negra del teclado se ralla con mirarlo.
CF –
Got this to replace a Native Instruments S49 MK2; and I feel very happy with it.
The price, compared to similar devices, is much lower; but that does not mean that quality or features are lesser. Akai has issues with quality; and that is known, so you may get the occasional lemon; but their support takes care of everything, so you will get your problem solved.
With that out of the way; the rest of what I have to say is mostly positive. The hardware feel solid; good keybed with semi-weighted keys; 8 LED pads, which can be customized as you prefer, 8 infinite rotary encoders, also customizable; extra buttons also customizable, and overall a very nice coating for the top part. The LCD screen is nice and bright; and while it is not the same quality of the one on the NI S49, it does its job.
The keyboard has most of the features already customized for different DAW, like Logic, Cubase, Ableton and such; you can write your own profile, if your DAW is not there. Basically you send CC midi commands from the keyboard to the DAW, so if you are using a DAW that is not ancient and is moderately popular, you will be able to configure all buttons and controls in very little time. Fundamentally the keyboard act as generic midi controller, so if you can assign a control on your DAW, you can assign it to the keyboard.
The keyboard has an integrated arpeggiator and scale utility, that you can configure as you see fit. For the scales you have multiple modes, and the only thing I wish was on the keyboard is lights on the keys, to see which keys are set for each scale; but it is not essential; since I always use the keyboard in an illuminated environment anyway.
The screen allow you to control all the features from the keyboard; there is a knob with push button and a 4 way directional cross, that will let you modify parameters, modes and what not. Keep in mind that these are features of the keyboard; not of the software, so these works with any software you use.
Then there is the software; which is OK in my opinion. I own other VST so what I get is mostly an extra. The main thing is the VIP software; which is borderline atrocious, but does its job. Fundamentally it is a sort of library for your sounds and VST; the app scan those instruments and sounds; and create a database, so you can recall these instruments from the keyboard. Most of the advanced features of the keyboard require you to use VIP; so keep that in mind.
VIP works as plugin, so if your DAW can load VST, then you can load VIP in a track and use the keyboard advanced features. To be honest there are so many, and you can watch youtube videos about those; but in short, you can create multi, which are a mix of different plugins/instruments, that play together. It is a feature that none of the other midi keyboard in the sub-500 dollars range has, so very useful. I can use VIP no problem on both Logic and Ableton.
VIP also has mappings for instruments, so if you load a VST like a synth; all your controls, knobs and buttons will be pre-mapped with parameters for that instrument. You can create your own mapping of course; but it is nice to use the out of the box setup. Keep in mind that the software is lacking on the profile aspect; so if Akai did not create a profile, you won’t see your instrument in VIP. To work around, use the forum and get the user-created mapping for most of the famous VST out there; otherwise, you have to make your own mapping, which is time consuming but doable. Just a warning, in case you buy this keyboard and then complain that there is no support for this or that plugin. Check on the forum what is supported. Komplete 12 is partially supported, while Komplete 10 and 11 should be fine.
The rest of the software is more synths; like Loom, which is great. You can check the single apps on youtube videos; although I think the base selection is quite limited to some synths, so if you don’t make RB or techno stuff, you will feel like there are not that many great sounds. I use Komplete and it works fine for me.
So in the end, the hardware is great; software is so-so, but for this price, you can’t find a better deal, on a keyboard with LCD screen and multi functionality to layer sounds. The UI is pretty clean and most of the features are mappable; the buttons are nicely placed, and the onboard features are a bit clunky at times, but just a matter to get used to it.
It is my 5th keyboard, and second Akai product, and I could not be happier. Fits the needs of the beginner that does not want to spend 700 for a professional keyboard, and the professional that want to integrate a solid hardware midi controller to his existing setup.
To be honest, unless you are into Native Instruments ecosystem and use only that; there is no reason to spend almost twice as much for an S49, which does mostly the same things, but it is severely limited by the fact that NI is not that friendly when using anything but their own apps and Ableton/Logic.
Ayrton Seri –
I’ve been using this for a few months now for live performances. It works well (with a few software glitches that have generally been quickly corrected through updates). I primarily use Ivory and Omnisphere , but have found some good sounds in the libraries that Akai provides.
I like VIP, but find myself foregoing that for Mainstage more often than not. I like the organs in Mainstage and the ability to quickly lay things out the way I want. Having all the knobs, buttons, and pads available on the keyboard to map the way I need is a big win. And when I want to use VIP, I can just load it up as a patch in Mainstage. Very cool.
Update 04/2017: I see a couple of people didn’t care for my review for whatever reason. Some additional context: I use this regularly (maybe 2 weekends a month) performing live with a Macbook Pro and a Peavey USB audio DAC (to plug in to the sound system). I use Synthogy Ivory, Omnisphere, and the odd patch included in the VIP bundle. As I noted above, I use Mainstage primarily (VIP has had some minor stability issues, but generally works okay – I just like the flexibility of Mainstage better). I also use a Mission EP expression pedal to control some of the sound parameters while I’m playing. That took a little time to find (supported pedals are not well-documented), but was well worth the effort to track down.
I mean, I sort of get it – it’s a ton of software (many gigabytes). Some of those plugins have to use the dumb iLok thing – but as crappy as that is, it’s standard for pro-level audio packages.
I still think this is underrated and don’t really understand the vitriol. It works well.