psr wrote:distortedtekno wrote:cyrus wrote:so this has a sequencer built in? so is this like a controller + sequencer? or is it running some kind of software vst/standalone deal?
It's a 32 step sequencer built into the unit, controlled by the touch faders. Definitely cool as a standalone for MIDI or CV/GATE synths. The CV/GATE OUTS also respond to MIDI from a DAW or whatever's connected to the MAX 49's MIDI IN. This really makes for a very flexible controller for both software and hardware. Truly the best of both worlds integrated very nicely in one package. I got a feeling I'm gonna end up buying the MAX 49 and be okay without that extra row of pads. At least it's 3 rows of 4, which I use mostly anyway. All the meat of my drums will go on the first pad bank and everything else will go on the other banks. I can roll with that. 
Yeah man... my MPK49 bout to be traded out for this. CV out and sequencing is impressive along with the auto map type of plugin control. this is a winner. It will help me more easily bring together my CV baring gear, sw synths, and midi hw and daw. nice one Akai.
Yeah I honestly can't think of a better controller for my setup. This is gonna go well with some analog DIY kits I've built that have been lying around. That also give me yet another reason to buy Logic Pro 9.
With the Mac Mini, Reason 6, Logic Pro 9, MAX 49, and my DIY analog synths, I'll have my workflow set up entirely to do everything I need.
