MPC One and akai lpk

Support and discussion for all of Akai’s modern standalone MPCs including the MPC X / X SE, MPC Live 1, 2 & 3, MPC One / One+, MPC Key 37/61.
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MPC One and akai lpk

By Christov Sat Jun 18, 2022 5:24 pm
Since the summer is about to start and making beats on the attic is a no no, I'm figuring out a way to make beats in my livingroom during the summer. I already got a laptopstand which fits nicely above my recordplayer in the living room to put the MPC on. I'm gonna use my hifiamp for playback.

The only thing I really need is a cheap midikeyboard. Upstairs I got a Microkorg which I use as a midikeyboard, but I don't really wanna take it downstairs (got a five year old kid around). The MPC One can easily be stowed away in the travelcase, so I was looking for a small midikeyboard which can also easily put away.

I don't have a problem with minikeys at all, so the akai lpk 25 looked interesting enough, but as far as I see it's powered over USB and I can't figure out if the MPC One can also provide the energy over the USB port for the lpk to work. Does anyone here knows if it does or doesn't?

Thanks in advance!
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Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By HanHuman Sat Jun 18, 2022 6:39 pm
Arturia keystep is a very safe bet imo. Has aftertouch and really decent keys. Plugged mine on the Live II and worked perfectly. Probably a lot for sale on second hand markets if you don't want to buy it new.
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Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By Lampdog Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:23 pm
I was JUST gonna say, step away from miniak and go Arturia.

Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By Patientrichard Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:33 pm
I have a Keith Mcmillan Kboard, which is small and fits into the UDG bag for the live mk2.

It has some nice features, but doesn't have hammer style keys.

Throwing it in as an outlier

Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By KaoticShock Sat Jun 18, 2022 9:19 pm
I have an Alesis Vmini, but I also recommend the Keystep. 32 and 37 key versions for cheap on Reverb.

Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By Christov Sun Jun 19, 2022 7:41 am
Thanx for all the feedback guys!

Lampdog wrote:I was JUST gonna say, step away from miniak and go Arturia.


Why is that? Is the akai so bad?

HanHuman wrote:Arturia keystep is a very safe bet imo. Has aftertouch and really decent keys. Plugged mine on the Live II and worked perfectly. Probably a lot for sale on second hand markets if you don't want to buy it new.


So that works without a extra power line providing power for your keystep if I understand you correct?

The arturia keystep 32 looks really nice, but probably has some features which I won't use. Perhaps the microlab is more suited for my needs. Anyone has any experience with the microlab?
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Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By 83dude Sun Jun 19, 2022 9:35 am
The arturia keystep 32 looks really nice, but probably has some features which I won't use. Perhaps the microlab is more suited for my needs. Anyone has any experience with the microlab?


I am very happy with the Microlab. It‘s very compact and also fits into my bag with MPC Live II (it has the same width) and all relevant chords, except for headphones. I do love the ribbon controllers (although they need some time getting used to them) and the way the cable „compartment“ is designed. The HOLD and CHORDS features are nice, although I rarely use them.

It‘s simple and doesn‘t have any schnickschnack. I have various MIDI keyboards but I use this one most of the time.

Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By Straker Sun Jun 19, 2022 5:17 pm
I have LPK 25 and I use it with my Mpc Live through usb.
I don't know why they tell you bad things about it, it works perfectly and the size is perfect, it fits easily in a bag.
I had arturia keystep before, too big and heavy and full of useless features for me.
Lpk is perfect with Mpc.
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Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By Lampdog Mon Jun 20, 2022 12:24 pm
Christov wrote:Why is that? Is the akai so bad.


No not bad, it’s just a weird feeling keybed for me. A few friends have akai kybds, I’ve had an mpk at one time, never liked the feel.

Another friend has 2 Arturia midi kybds, I like the hardware feel of that better, it doesn’t feel cheap.

Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By Christov Mon Jun 20, 2022 3:01 pm
Lampdog wrote:
Christov wrote:Why is that? Is the akai so bad.


No not bad, it’s just a weird feeling keybed for me. A few friends have akai kybds, I’ve had an mpk at one time, never liked the feel.

Another friend has 2 Arturia midi kybds, I like the hardware feel of that better, it doesn’t feel cheap.


Ah okay, yeah well considering the fact I'm probably only gonna use it for basslines and nothing too complicated I guess a LPK or microlab would work out for my needs. Gonna see if I can try out either of them before purchasing one of them.
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Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By 83dude Mon Jun 20, 2022 3:38 pm
I‘ce had an MPK mini mk2? (I think) for some while, but the sensor mats beneath the first keys were pierced after about 18 months, after some further weeks more and more keys wouldn‘t work anymore. I‘m not quite convinced by its‘ build quality but can‘t judge the more recent mk3 since I never actually tested it. Same goes for larger versions of that, because I wanted one that‘s portable.
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Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By HanHuman Mon Jun 20, 2022 3:42 pm
Christov wrote:So that works without a extra power line providing power for your keystep if I understand you correct?

Yep, USB powered + MIDI signal via a single USB cable from the Keystep to Live 2 (or any other MPC I guess). Pretty handy for a quick setup that you can put away in seconds to free space. Just gotta set up little switches in the back to set the Keystep in USB mode.

Re: MPC One and akai lpk

By Christov Mon Nov 21, 2022 7:22 pm
Ended up ordering the Akai MPK mini mk3, didnt need the pads, but the rotary encoders could be usefull in the future and they got travel cases and Decksavers for them, so that makes more sense for me than a LPK... plus the price difference over here atleast makes it a no brainer.
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