At the 2012 NAMM Show, Akai will be showing the SynthStation49 iPad workstation.
Here’s what Akai has to say about the SynthStation49:
SynthStation49 is the most advanced, intuitive music controller designed specifically for use with the iPad or iPad 2 and the first true iPad performance tool for musicians. Working seamlessly with Akai Professional’s heralded SynthStation software, SynthStation49 provides unparalleled music creation capabilities, including direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and array of transport controls.
In addition to its integration with the SynthStation app, SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, making it instantly compatible with dozens of music apps already in the App Store and hundreds more on the way.
Features:
- Portable, velocity-sensitive keyboard with pitch and modulation wheels
- Nine velocity-sensitive MPC-style drum pads which light when triggered
- Dedicated transport control buttons including Play, Pause and Record
- Play MIDI keyboard and drum pad performances into an iPad via CoreMIDI or AkaiConnect apps
- Built-in, adjustable dock charges your iPad while positioning the screen at the perfect angle
- USB port for connecting to a Mac or PC, receiving power and controlling MIDI music software
- Works with iPad or iPad 2
- Professional ¼” stereo outputs with volume control to connect mixers, speakers and recording equipment
- Headphone output to practice and compose in private
The 25 was crap!
no midi in…. does USB receive midi?
USB can easily transmit and receive MIDI if the hardware/software is set up for it. It looks like this will be designed for both, and if it’s not, apps like midiBridge can alleviate many of those functions.
I think pricing is already known – lots of UK shops have it listed. Just no word on release date..
Is it just me, or does it seem really silly to have dedicated transport controls placed six inches to the right of where the source transport controls are? This is probably a cool unit, but since I already own a keyboard and other input devices it holds zero interest. The IO Dock or a good USB interface offers far more functionality in that scenario.
That being said, I wonder what the keys feel like to play? I can see something like this being fantastic in schools or similar collaboration environments, where a student could show up and pop in an iPad full of their work and sounds.
That was announced 1 year ago to date and was never released…
Now they announcing it again and it will never be released 😉
Buying Akai’s synth station app is one of the only times I have felt truly ripped off on the app store.
I couldnt believe that they endorsed,produced and put their name to something so crap.
Truly aweful software, and now they make a keyboard to go with it? WTF Akai? Numark is ruining you.
I really hope this MPC Renaissance is an amazing piece of kit…