Akai Pro Intros MPK Road 88 Hammer-Action Controller For Touring Musicians

At The 2019 NAMM Show, Akai Professional introduced their new MPK Road 88, a keyboard controller with their Model-A 88-key velocity-sensitive keybed, with aftertouch, 4-output USB soundcard, MIDI in/out connectors and three variable pedal inputs, all integrated into a tough road-ready travel case with carrying handle.

Akai says that the MPK Road 88 is ideal for touring musicians, because it offers both the great feel of hammer action keys and the versatility of a built-in soundcard, in a road-ready package.

Features:

  • 88-key velocity-sensitive, graded hammer-action keyboard with aftertouch
  • On-board 4 output USB Soundcard built-in with 2 TRS Aux and 2 TRS main outputs
  • MIDI-In and MIDI-Out connectors for connection to sound modules, sequencers and
    more
  • 3 variable pedal inputs (standard footswitch and variable pedal compatible
  • Transpose, Split and Preset selection Controls
  • Dedicated volume control for precise adjustment of Main, Aux and Headphone outputs
  • Integrated road-ready travel case with carry handle

Pricing and Availability

The Akai Professional MPK Road 88 will be available in Q1 2019, priced at $899.

7 thoughts on “Akai Pro Intros MPK Road 88 Hammer-Action Controller For Touring Musicians

  1. forget controller boards, inmusik! where´s the force *WORKSTATION*?? oh, and btw, no clip lauch matrix needed. implement a song mode instead.

  2. I would like a clearer understanding of how the internal soundcard can be used. What else is needed to play softsynths through it?

    1. The internal audio interface transfers audio from the computer over a USB cable. All you need is a computer running a softsynth host program such as Cantabile or Savihost and your favourite softsynth(s).

  3. David Sancious has played with a lot of pros such as Sting and Peter Gabriel. He especially loved the Peavey DPM-C8 controller because he could bring different synths in and out with pedals. This comes close, especially if the USB aspect will allow you to play synths in Mainstage or Cantibile. It depends on how it handles splits and program changes. Aftertouch has become rare, so that adds to the pro flavor. I can’t say how it might hold up on tour, but I can easily see it in a studio as the go-to weighted controller. Not for me, my piano days are over. I prefer playing little weiner controllers now. Easier on the hands after years of hammering away at real EPs.:P

  4. this is a nice release, what i don’t like about most controllers available is all the pads buttons knobs on top, this is very simple. the one design flaw i can see is the buttons and knob on the top, this limits the ability to have just under the desk, even on a sliding drawer. those could have been down around the pitch and mod wheel so the top could be flush.

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