Akai Professional, from MPCs to modern computer‑music controllers

Since the late 1980s, Akai Professional has left a strong mark on music production with its legendary MPC workstations, pad‑based samplers and sequencers that helped define the sound of hip‑hop, electronic music and many urban genres. Created as a dedicated division to focus on production gear, Akai Professional now brings this heritage into controller keyboards, USB/MIDI controllers and compact samplers designed to control DAWs, trigger samples, mix and build beats in the studio and on stage. For AudioLight customers in Lot‑et‑Garonne, Akai gear is a natural fit for modern hybrid setups combining laptops, grooveboxes and hardware synths.

Pad controllers, controller keyboards and compact mixers

Whether you want to play melodies, launch loops or mix a session, Akai offers dedicated tools: MPK keyboards, MIDImix controllers, MPX samplers and MPC units in standalone or controller mode. The velocity‑sensitive pads inherit the classic MPC feel—thick, responsive pads for expressive finger drumming—while faders, knobs and encoders provide precise control over tracks, effects and automation in leading DAWs such as Ableton Live, FL Studio and Logic. This lets AudioLight users build hands‑on workflows for beatmaking, clip launching and live mixing, both in fixed studio configurations and in portable rigs for gigs and rehearsals.

MPK Mini Plus: 37‑key controller with MPC pads and sequencer

The Akai MPK Mini Plus is a compact 37‑key controller keyboard that builds on the MPK Mini concept with an extra octave, more controls and expanded connectivity. It provides 8 RGB backlit MPC‑style pads, 8 rotary encoders, an assignable X/Y joystick, an arpeggiator, chord and scale modes, plus a 2‑track polyphonic sequencer with both step and live recording to capture melodic and rhythmic patterns. Beyond USB MIDI, the MPK Mini Plus includes 5‑pin MIDI I/O, CV/Gate outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod) and CV clock I/O so you can drive analog synths, modular rigs and hardware sequencers in a hybrid studio or live setup. Compact yet very capable, it is an excellent centrepiece for mobile production or a more elaborate workstation, available from AudioLight in Agen with tailored advice and setup support.

MPX16: SD‑based sample player/recorder with pads

The Akai MPX16 is a compact sample player/recorder with 16 velocity‑sensitive pads that plays back and records WAV samples to SD or SDHC cards. It lets you trigger one‑shots, loops and atmospheres directly from the pads, with per‑pad control over pitch, filter, envelopes and choke groups so you can tailor the response to live performance or production needs. Samples can be recorded via the audio inputs or built‑in microphone and saved to the card, while the rear‑panel USB port allows drag‑and‑drop sample transfer from a computer and lets the MPX16 act as an SD card reader/writer. USB MIDI and 5‑pin MIDI I/O mean you can trigger pads from a DAW or external controller, or use the MPX16 itself as a pad controller to drive plug‑ins and other MIDI gear, making it a flexible addition to live and studio rigs built around AudioLight equipment.

MIDImix: USB MIDI controller with faders and 24 knobs

The Akai MIDImix is an ultra‑compact USB MIDI control surface featuring 8 channel faders, 1 master fader, 24 rotary knobs (three per channel) and 16 buttons for mute, solo, record‑arm or other assignable functions. Designed as a “mini mixer for your DAW”, it offers direct integration with Ableton Live—including a copy of Ableton Live Lite in the box—and a dedicated button to send the current MIDImix state straight into your session. Ideal for users who want to mix, automate effects or control a live set without relying solely on a mouse, the MIDImix fits easily into a backpack alongside a laptop and compact keyboard controller, and serves as an efficient companion to the audio interfaces and controllers available from AudioLight Agen.