TURNTABLE LAB

Akai
APC40 Ableton Performance Controller

the most advanced USB controller for Ableton Live

OVERVIEW
Akai's highly anticipated APC40 is finally here! This innovative unit was designed in collaboration with Ableton to be the ultimate USB MIDI controller for Ableton's Live software. It is an unique, intuitive, and powerful instrument that gives total control to the user with over 72 pre-mapped knobs, buttons, and faders - all of which are completely customizable. In addition, the APC40 comes with with Ableton Live Akai Professional APC40 Edition software so you can get started producing right away. This is the most advanced Live controller available.

FEATURES
-DIRECT DESIGN
Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC40 specifically for Ableton Live, you don't need to map its controls to talk to the software. Just connect your laptop to the APC40 via USB and you're ready to make magic. The APC40 is plug and play, so you don't need to install drivers. First-time setup is literally three steps: load Ableton Live, plug in and power up your APC40, and select the APC40 as Ableton Live's controller. That's it. No mapping, no setup, no hassles.

The APC40 comes pre-mapped for instant use with Ableton Live software, so if you're new to it, you'll find using the APC40 to be easy to get around on. And if you're an experienced Live user, you'll be happy to note that you can custom-map every single knob, button, and fader on the APC40 to completely customize the controls for the way you like to work.

-VIRTUAL VIEW
The APC40 talks directly to Ableton Live and Live talks directly to the APC40. This bidirectional communication makes the APC40 an advanced controller in that it can receive feedback from the software and display it on its clip matrix of 40 triggers and on LED rings surrounding each knob. The clip matrix gives you an instant view of clip status: what's loaded, what's playing, and what's being recorded. Each state displays on the matrix in a different color so you can get a quick picture of clip state. You can shift your clip focus and get an overview of the clips you have loaded for your set. The APC40 has 16 knobs, each surrounded by a ring of LEDs. These LED rings make it easy to see your settings on dark stages, indicating the currently selected parameters' values.

- PREMIUM FEEL
Ableton selected Akai Professional as its partner in developing the APC40 because of Akai Pro's leadership position in great-feeling controllers that are rock solid, rugged, and precise. From the legendary MPC series that changed the way music is made to the industry-standard MPD and MPK controllers, Akai Professional is revered by musicians, DJs, and producers everywhere for creating the feel that powers their creativity. The APC40 is built with a rugged, metal chassis and slip-proof rubber detailing. All of the knobs and faders are solid and precise for pinpoint performance. It even features a high quality, replaceable crossfader for transitioning between clips and loops assigned to "A" or "B".

- CREATIVE CONTROL
The APC40 comes Ableton Live Akai Professional APC40 Edition software, which is fully functional for performance and production. Owners of standalone editions of Ableton Live 7 or 8 can also work seamlessly with the APC40. Live 7 with the latest automatic update has full support for the APC40 and all versions of Live 8 are APC40-ready.

The APC40 has two banks of eight knobs. The first set controls Global parameters so you'll always have instant access to your main sends, pans, and other essentials. The second bank of eight knobs is dynamically reassigned to the Track you select. You can control eight track parameters at a time, and as you switch channels, the Track knobs follow your focus. For example, you might be working with the Beat Decoder on track two. When you switch to track four, the eight Track knobs that you had been controlling the Beat Decoder with are now controlling the Flangeverb on track four. You'll even notice that the settings for each knob load on the light rings so you'll immediately see each knob's status.

The APC40 also enables special clip-status views and feedback that only the APC40's matrix can display. The matrix is not limited to only 40 clips: you can scroll and shift, enabling you to access, control, and perform with an unlimited number of cells.

The APC40 has a wide range of controllers. The eight Global knobs can access four banks of controls; the eight Track knobs control nine different track parameters each. This gives you a massive total of 72 controllers that are dynamically reassigned each time you switch tracks. Channel faders, bus faders, and a crossfader give you smooth control of key values. You have even more control power with special controls including Tap Tempo, Tempo Nudge, record enables, solo/cues, and two assignable footswitch inputs.

OUR OPINION
This revolutionary controller will definitely change the way you interact with Ableton, in the best ways possible. If you are a performer, DJ, or remixer, this will help you get the most out of Live. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
all - digital djing / digital djing systems

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Akai
LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller

ultra portable USB MIDI controller

OVERVIEW
The LPD8 is an ultra-portable USB-MIDI controller featuring 8 light-up pads and 8 knobs you can assign to virtually any software parameter. With a slim profile weighing less than a pound and measuring less than 13" across, the LPD8 easily fits in your laptop case, backpack, or DJ bag for producing/performing on the go.

FEATURES
The LPD8 has eight orange light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. Additionally, the LPD8 has eight assignable Q-Link knobs you can assign to virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control and has four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs. Also includes a software editor for easy saving and changing of settings through your computer. Works plug and play with Mac or PC (no software driver installation or external power cord necessary).

OUR OPINION
As Akai's answer the Korg's Nano series, the LPD8 holds up very well and actually has a few advantages. While both feature ulra-slim profiles and portability, the LPD8 combines pads AND knobs in one unit (although the knobs are rather short) whereas you would have to buy 2 Nanos (the PAD and KONTROL) to get these features with Korg. It is also slightly shorter than the nanoPAD and features a nice matte finish with rounded corners. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
all - digital djing / accessories - digital djing / dj equipment - new arrivals

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Akai
MINIAK Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder

powerful synth with vocoder, sequencer & apreggiator

OVERVIEW
The MINIAK is a powerful performance and production synthesizer with phrase and step sequencing, a built-in drum machine/rhythm sequencer, an arpeggiator, a 40-band vocoder, stereo effects, and a virtual analog synth engine developed in partnership with the world-class Alesis synth team. Amazingly compact and portable, this synth shines on stage as well as in the production studio delivering 24-bit audio resolution and MIDI I/O.

FEATURES
The MINIAK puts up to 8 multi-timbral voices at your fingertips, each with three oscillators. You can create interesting and unique sounds and take advantage of the more-than-600 preset sounds and store up to 1,000 programs in the MINIAK. The synth also has two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, stereo effects, and a 40-band vocoder. On top of all of this sound-melding power, the MINIAK has a comprehensive sequencer with step and dynamic real time phrase sequencing, a drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and an arpeggiator to aid in creating the landscapes and textures you're after.

Rounding out this complete instrument are high-resolution, 24-bit balanced 1/4" inputs and outputs. The MINIAK has a 37-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity sensitivity for all-in-one performance. It can also be used as a sound source for MPCs, computer software, and keyboards via MIDI.


SEQUENCING
The MINIAK has extensive sequencing and arpeggiation performance capabilities. Arpeggios and sequences both respond to a key-press by playing a series of notes over a programmed rhythmic pattern. An arpeggio loops over whatever notes you are holding down on the keyboard. If you hold down a chord, the MINIAK will generate a melody by playing each note of your chord individually. A sequence has a melody line built in so you can hold down a single key and the MINIAK will play back that melody relative to that key. Pressing another key will transpose the sequence.

The MINIAK has MPC-style step sequencing and recorder-style dynamic real time phrase sequencing. There's also a drum machine/rhythm sequencer for the built-in drum sounds.

EFFECTS
The MINIAK has a full complement of stereo effects including Chorus, Feedback, Theta Flanger (Phaser + Flanger), Thru Zero Flanger, Super Phaser, Notch Frequency, String Phaser, 40-Band Vocoder, Analysis Gain, Sibilance Boost, Band Shift, Synthesis Input, Analysis Signal In, Analysis Mix, six types of Delay, and three types of Reverbs.

OUR OPINION
The MINIAK appears to be Akai's direct answer to Korg's popular MicroKorg. Both feature virtual analog synth modeling, vocoder and arpeggiator, but the MINIAK takes it one step further with on-board MPC style phrase sequencing and drum machine rhythm sequencer. Add to this a powerful shaping capabilities, a bounty of presets, effects, and 24-bit audio resolution and you have an incredibly versatile synth for under $500. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Akai
MPC1000 Sampling Production Studio

OVERVIEW
Now in black. The MPC 1000 is a fully re-designed MPC series. It maintains the key features that made the orignal series the industry standard, but also integrates new features to make it more portable and easier to integrate to computer-based studios.

USES
• recording + sampling
• audio + MIDI sequencing
• audio manipulation
• drum programming
• portable sample trigger/performance instrument

FEATURES
The MPC 1000 features a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo sampler with 136 seconds of mono sampling time standard (expandable to 24m28sec). Sound wave patterns are displayed as wave forms, making it possible to edit samples both visually and aurally. Effects including pitch, LFOs, envelopes, time stretch and resample are available for use with all sounds. A new addition to the 1000 series includes two stereo effects and one master effect each of which are assignable to all sounds. These stereo effects include chorus, flanger, bit grunger, 4-band EQ (also available in master), compressor (also available in master), phase shifter, tremolo, flying pan and reverb. Another improvement over past MPC's is the inclusion of a high pass filter, and both the low and high pass filters on the 1000 are 2-pole per voice.

The sequencer section is where the MPC has really derived its great reputation. With a 100,000 note memory and a capacity of up to 99 sequences that can be recorded in either linear or pattern-style, the 1000 is an extremely powerful machine. It also features a step edit mode, a loop recording function and 16 level, full level, tap tempo, auto punch and undo sequence features, making it extremely fast and intuitive to work with.

The hardware on the MPC 1000 offers enough connections to satisfy the most demanding recording applications. 2 new hardware features on the 1000 make it more compatible with computer based studios than its predecessors. The first improvement is the Compact Flash port which takes cards that range from 32MB (included) to 2GB. The second is the inclusion of a USB port that supports storage on MAC and PC via the Mass Storage Class USB standard. Basically, M.S.C. is a file management system that allows you to drag and drop sound files from the MPC to your computer's hard drive and vice versa, via the USB port. These 2 features negate the need for those slow floppy and zip disks, a weakness of previous MPC models.

The back panel of the 1000 is equipped with stereo 1/4" INs and OUTs, four 1/4" individual OUTs, digital S/PDIF IN and OUT, two MIDI INs and OUTs, a headphone OUT and two footswitch INs. The dimensions of the unit are 13" by 8" and it weighs less than 8lbs. Its sample reading capabilities are compatible with the MPC 2000XL, MPC 4000, Z4, Z8 and the S5000/6000.

OUR OPINION
I can remember when the MPC 60 cost $3200 brand new out of the box. We've come a long way in these 15 years and as advancements in technologies are made, the consumer is the real winner in the end. The 1000 is a real deal production center, equipped with most of the features that made the MPC so legendary.

Some of the new features included with the MPC 1000 should be especially appealing to today's musician. The addition of a 2-pole high pass filter gives the user a new range of sound design possibilities previously unavailable to the MPC. On previous models, the internal effects were either limited or cost extra to buy the expansion boards. The different effects that come standard with the 1000 allow the user to more fully shape their sounds within the MPC, lessening the need for outboard gear or upgrades.

In our opinion, the greatest improvement with the 1000 is the inclusion of the Mass Storage Class USB standard and the Compact Flash port. For CPU users this will negate the need for floppy and Zip discs that can be slow and difficult to manage. The speed of being able to drag and drop sound files as well as the convenience of having all your samples at your finger tips, displayed on your computer screen, will save a lot of time and creative energy. The new methods of memory storage (Compact Flash card and USB) will ensure that the user's data doesn't get lost as formats change and that the MPC 1000 will be able to communicate with new equipment as it is released in the future.

Overall the most important element the 1000 retained from its MPC lineage is its ease of use. Its layout and sequencing section is intuitive, making it a fast learn. The trademark trigger pads and sequencing features make it a powerful, realistic drum programming tool. Portability is no longer an issue with the 1000's new compact size. Take it to djing gigs and trigger sound effects or homemade creations into the mix. For live bands the 1000 can add anything from more powerful drums to atmospheric sound scapes, all at the touch of sixteen buttons. By no means a lightweight, the 1000 will probably end up dominating the hardware based production market for years to come.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects

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Akai
MPC2500 Beat Production Station

OVERVIEW
The Akai MPC 2500 is a completely redesigned MPC that bridges the gap between the high-end MPC 4000 and the industry standard MPC 2000, while adding several new, unique features. At its foundation, the MPC 2500 retains all the features that make the MPC series so popular: 64 track MIDI sequencing, 32-voice/ 16 bit digital sampler, easy editing, and those 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads, the signature of the MPC series.

USES
- recording + sampling
- audio + MIDI sequencing
- audio manipulation
- drum programming


KEY UPGRADES FROM THE MPC 2000
- USB connection for MAC and Windows
- the MPC 2500 includes standard the effects board and digital outputs, both expensive add-ons for the MPC 2000.
- comes equipped with 16 MB of RAM, expandable to 128 MB (MPC 2000 = 2 MB/32 MB)
- more effects: the MPC 2500 has more effects choices plus two effects processors that can be used simultaneously for more sound variation.
- 10 outputs included, upgraded to balanced.
- more storage capabilities: included Compact Flash Drive and internal hard drive compatibility (hard drive not included).
- optional, user-installable CD-RW/DVD drive
- advanced functions taken from the MPC 5000: Grid Sequence, Patch Phrase, and Auto Slice.
- 2 MIDI input and upgraded 4 MIDI output
- foot switch connections
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dj equipment - sales + specials

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Akai
MPC500 Portable Production Workstation

OVERVIEW
The MPC-500 is Akai's latest entry in their legendary MPC line, and it's their most portable and affordable unit yet. Not only is the MPC-500 the smallest MPC yet, it also has the ability to run on 6 AA batteries, which automatically makes this the go to choice for dj's and producers who travel a lot (think of all that airport downtime). The 500 shrinks down the MPC-1000 frame with a smaller overall size, slimmer profile and a streamlined group of features. You are still getting Akai's professional level recording + sampling features, sequencing functions, and programming ability, just in a smaller package.

FEATURES
The Akai MPC500 is a compact, portable, full-featured music
production center featuring a 48-track, 16-channel MIDI sequencer
combined with a 32-voice drum/phrase sampler. The MPC500
supports 16-bit/44.1 kHz sample rates and provides upward of
128MB of RAM. The unit's MIDI sequencer supports the SMF
(standard MIDI file) format, while the sampler accepts WAV files. Like
all Akai MPC units, the MPC500 provides velocity sensitive pads (12)
for triggering sounds and the unit includes Akai's legendary 12 Levels
function—where one sound can be assigned to all pads with varied
level or tuning per pad. The MPC500 provides numerous onboard
effects plus two stereo effects sends and a Master control. For transferring work to other Akai MPC models, a Compact
Flash storage card is included for use with the internal CF drive. The
MPC500 includes a USB port for use as a slave connector with a computer.
Memory expansion is available.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dj equipment - sales + specials / samplers + effects

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Akai
MPD24 USB/MIDI Pad Control Unit

play drums, trigger samples, and more

Akai's MPD24 Controller improves upon the popular MPD16 with many new features that will benefit producers of all skill levels. Modeled after the legendary MPC series, the MPD24 features 16 velocity sensitive pads that allow for extremely expressive and intuitive percussion and rhythm programming. The MPD also features four selectable pad banks for a total of 64 playable pads, six assignable faders and eight assignable, 360 degree knobs for transmitting MIDI Control Change data, and transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications. All these features backed with the Akai brand of quality make this an excellent choice for any studio environment.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Akai
MPK25 USB/MIDI Controller

compact keyboard controller with MPC pads and features

OVERVIEW
The MPK25 is a portable keyboard controller with MPC production controls. Based closely on the MPK49, the first keyboard ever to feature MPC pads, the MPK25 scales down the keyboard by 24 keys and retains the utility, capability, and flexibility that made the MPK49 a Lab best seller. Its smaller, more portable size makes the MPK25 the perfect travel companion for producers on the go.

FEATURES
MPK25 combines a 25-key keyboard and 12 genuine MPC pads. The keyboard is semi-weighted and features aftertouch for expressive melodic control. The MPC pads are pressure and velocity-sensitive to capture every nuance of your creative concepts. The pads can access four banks of sounds, so you have 48 samples at your fingertips with the touch of a button.

MPK25 places dedicated transport controls within your reach for easy control of some of the most important tracking and editing controls. The MPK25 has modulation and pitch-bend wheels for expressive musicality, and two assignable footswitch inputs enable you to connect an expression pedal or other continuous controller and a footswitch for momentary controls like patch change or start/stop.

One of the most important input devices on an MPC is its Q-Link assignable control section. The MPK25 gives you twelve virtual knobs and four virtual buttons that are assignable to control nearly any software parameter. You can control two different parameters per Q-Link thanks to the knobs' dual-bank selection.

Two technologies pioneered in the MPC series and built into the MPK series are MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. These note-modifying features can be heard in many of the most popular tracks over the last two decades. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK (or MPC) to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel.

On top of MPC technologies, the MPK25 has its own arpeggiator, which enables you to create quick, creative riffs in seconds.

MPK25 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 12-Level on its pads, as well as Tap Tempo and Time Division so you can nail the tempo, timing, and dynamics exactly as you hear them in your head.

The MPK25 is a MIDI controller that sends its MIDI values over USB. It is bus powered, so all you need to connect and power the MPK25 is the supplied USB cable. Because it is MIDI compliant, the MPK25 works with most MIDI recording, sequencing, and performance software for musical performers from keyboard players to producers to DJs and even VJs. Includes Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition so you can begin producing right out of the box. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Akai
MPK49 USB/MIDI Controller

keys and pad controls

OVERVIEW
The MPK49 is Akai's fully loaded, next generation USB/MIDI controller. It combines 49 high quality, semi-weighted, full size keys (with aftertouch) with 12 genuine MPC drum pads (48 pads total with 4 pad banks). In addition to the keys and pads, a large array of various sliders, knobs and wheels are at your disposal - 76 assignable controls total!


FEATURES
Having USB/MIDI connectivity, 49 high quality, semi-weighted, full size keys (with aftertouch) and 12 genuine MPC drum pads (48 pads total with 4 pad banks) all in one piece is the maind draw of the MPK49. The pads themselves not only look and feel just like those on an MPC, but they also feature the MPC's velocity and pressure sensitivity, Full Level and 12 Levels option, Note Repeat, Swing Parameters, and Arpeggio functions. Tap tempo and time-division buttons are also available for real time control of Note Repeat and Arpeggio clock speeds. In addition to the pads there are several other controls including 8 full-sized sliders (with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total), 8 assignable backlit switches (with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total), pitch bend and mod wheel, and input for expression pedals for a total of 76 assignable controls. A large, easy to read custom LCD display and MMC/MIDI start stop transport buttons are also available.

Also of note is the included Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software (Mac or PC) which contains 28 custom Akai impulse presets with samples so you can start producing right out of the box.


OUR OPINION
With the genuine MPC pads and control features - the MPK49 is almost like purchasing an MPC and high-end USB controller keyboard in one (for a very reasonable price). In addition - it has ample assignable controls for even the most demanding producers and knob tweekers and is very well equipped to be rocked in the studio or live performance. All this, plus Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition included makes the MPK-49 a top notch choice for anyone looking for a USB/MIDI controller. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Akai
MPK61 USB/MIDI Controller

popular controller now in larger format

OVERVIEW
Now in larger 61 key version. The MPK61 is Akai's fully loaded, next generation USB/MIDI controller. It combines 61 high quality, semi-weighted, full size keys (with aftertouch) with 16 genuine MPC drum pads, 72 assignable Q-Link controllers, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. In addition to the keys and pads, a large array of various sliders, knobs and wheels are at your disposal - 72 assignable controls total!


FEATURES
Having USB/MIDI connectivity, 49 high quality, semi-weighted, full size keys (with aftertouch) and 12 genuine MPC drum pads (48 pads total with 4 pad banks) all in one piece is the maind draw of the MPK49. The pads themselves not only look and feel just like those on an MPC, but they also feature the MPC's velocity and pressure sensitivity, Full Level and 12 Levels option, Note Repeat, Swing Parameters, and Arpeggio functions. Tap tempo and time-division buttons are also available for real time control of Note Repeat and Arpeggio clock speeds. In addition to the pads there are several other controls including 8 full-sized sliders (with 3 controller banks for each for 24 sliders total), 8 assignable backlit switches (with 3 controller banks each for 24 switches total), pitch bend and mod wheel, and input for expression pedals for a total of 76 assignable controls. A large, easy to read custom LCD display and MMC/MIDI start stop transport buttons are also available.

Also of note is the included Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software (Mac or PC) which contains 28 custom Akai impulse presets with samples so you can start producing right out of the box.


OUR OPINION
With the genuine MPC pads and control features - the MPK61 is almost like purchasing an MPC and high-end USB controller keyboard in one (for a very reasonable price). In addition - it has ample assignable controls for even the most demanding producers and knob tweekers and is very well equipped to be rocked in the studio or live performance. All this, plus Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition included makes the MPK-61 a top notch choice for anyone looking for a USB/MIDI controller. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Akai
Power Supply For MPD-16

Replacement power supply for Akai MPD-16 controller.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
replacement parts / akai parts

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Akai
XR20 Beat Production Station w/$30.00 Rebate

compact all-in-one production unit

SPECIAL REBATE: Get $30 back with mail-in rebate from Akai when you purchase the XR20 between 11/1/2009 - 12/31/2009. click for rebate form

OVERVIEW
The XR20 is Akai's smallest all-in-one beat production station. This ultra-compact and portable unit allows you to produce beats on the go (via optional battery powered operation) or in the studio with over 700 pre-loaded sounds, an integrated effects engine, MIDI I/O and a mic input for laying down vocals over your creation. All this with the trusted feel and sound quality Akai is famous for.


FEATURES
For it's compact size, the XR20 is big on features. It comes with over 700 pre-loaded sounds and kits including professional sounding drums (electronic and analog), percussion, bass, synths, sound effects, vocal and instrument hits as well as an integrated effects engine for high quality reverb, EQ, and compression for full control over the sound. The XR20 also features
a mic input for mixing vocals with your patterns plus a very useful MIDI I/O for integrating the unit into your MIDI setup.

The unit itself is incredibly compact and can run off batteries or AC adaptor for added portabillity. It's sleek black frame is accentuated with a bright blue LCD screen and brilliant backlit pads that actually light up while following the beat for visual cues and added precision. Different patterns you create can be triggered by individual pads for even more versatility. Additional features include drum roll/note repeat for added realism and expression, footswitch input and headphone out.


OUR OPINION
Akai's XR20 is a heavyweight contender in the portable production unit realm with an impressive list of features and a very attractive price. Boasting professional quality sounds built-in, MIDI I/O, mic input, trusted Akai functionality and much more for under $300, the XR20 is the perfect unit for producers of all skill levels that want a portable all-in-one production unit for a reasonable price.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects

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