Akai Professional line, NI Keyboard Killer?

Off-Topic
1

So Akai has recently announced their Professional line to compete with the NI products and automap,

Key features:

  • Integrated high-resolution full-colour 4.3-inch display.
  • Works with almost ANY VST/VSTi.
  • Standard pitch and mod wheels.
  • 8 RGB backlit, velocity, and pressure sensitive pads
  • 8 endless knobs.
  • Aftertouch and semi-weighted.
  • LIVE PLAYING: VIP(Virtual Instrument Playing) - Play with or without any DAW
  • VIP runs VSTi, AU, RTAS, or AAX plugins.
  • And up to 8 VST’s at a time

I haven’t heard anything about Linux support, but let’s hope for the best!

So what are your thoughts on it peeps?

I know that I’m selling my impulse as soon as possible since Automap doesn’t work with Renoise.

Website: http://www.akaipro.com/microsites/advance/index.php#hardware

2

Looks like a VST host VST to integrate with the midi controller it doesn’t have a sequencer looks like it will have a lighter cpu foot print than maschine i can see the appeal if you use a lot of vsts though

3

How automap doesnt work with renoise?
Ive used novation nocturn with automap and with duplex very nicely…

4

Definitely interested. Even without the colorful key lights it seems a more attractive purchase than KK. $100 cheaper and works with (hopefully) any VST/AU.

5

@terminalbash - That’s definitely what I see out of it.

@Akiz - More explicitly Renoise doesn’t play well with the Impulse line of Novation Keyboards and there’s no module to use with Duplex as well, Seriously take a look inside the forums (i.e. search “Novation Impulse”).

  • However I still love the keybed in comparison to the other keyboards available.*

@nullcollider - I’ve heard that it comes with a bundle of their own VSTs that outweigh the price, so that’s a consideration.

6

Hi! I’m interested in this MIDI controller too…

Now I have a BCR2000 what nicely integrates into Renoise (as MIDI to USB converter and a bidirectional context parameter controller via Duplex). One minus is that I can’t see the name of a tweaking parameter, because it doesn’t have any displays at the encoders.

It will be nice, if AKAI Advance series keyboards will give a similar functionality as one of their working modes.If I understand it gives a four groups of encoders (eight in each group) with parameter namings on the LCD screen.

Maybe someone will have an experience of using it sooner…