

Hardly will you come across a keyboard that supports a 4×4 pad grid with relatively longer faders.

On the whole, however, the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is much more complex and serious in design, even more than most MIDI keyboards you will find in the market today. Talk about similarities, you can say there’s a striking resemblance between the MkII and Essential. It also may not be exactly hands-on for newbies who just need something less complex with entry options.

The controller comes with 49 medium-weight sensitive keys, 16 stylish pads (four bank spaces for each) with RGB feedback, 8 work-ready knobs, and onboard transportation functions. Then there’s the keyboard that comes with third-party optimization letting you directly integrate with a Mac or Windows PC using plug-and-play or USB functionalities.

This entry into the Akai Professional family also has an elaborate interface for messing around with DAWs, virtual instruments, plug-ins, and so much more. The Akai Professional MPK 249 is a high-performance keyboard controller and pad that combines the unique abilities of super-enhanced workflow, software integrations, and advanced workstation technologies.
