[Failed Muso]

1.Name of the product and current version: Akai MPK49
2.When you bought the product: Early 2008
3.Why you bought it: I didn't actually buy it. I received mine as part of my freelance work with Akai/Alesis
4. Cost? See Above
5.Set up and/or installation: Simple/ complicated?: Simplicity itself. USB Class compliant, it's instantly recognised. The supplied Vyzex software editor is equally easy to install and use, as was copying the required map files to be used in a variety of DAW's
6.What do you like about the product?: My god, this controller is a sturdy mutha ! It's weighty and substantial and feels like it can take a proper beating. The keybed is superb. One of the nicest semi weighted actions I've ever used, and aftertouch to boot. The MPC pads are a big bonus. The built in arpeggiator and MPC Note Repeat are incredibly inspirational. The sliders, knobs and switches work well too.
7.What don’t you like about it?: Very little to be honest. I am struggling to think of anything.
8.Any improvements you would like to suggest for the product?: The ability to output MIDI over USB and the standard MIDI port simultaneously would be a good thing. Also, Global Settings don't save after power down.
9.How does it compare to similar products out there?: Unmatched when it comes to versatility. The MPC features and arpeggiator set it well apart.
10.Would you buy it again?: If I hadn't got mine for free, I'd have bought one, no doubt. It is now my main keyboard controller in my studio.
11.Pros and cons summary: Pro's ? It's level of control, quality of keybed and pads and it's substantial weight and solid build. Con's ? Inability to output MIDI over USB and standard port at the same time and Global Settings not being retained at power down.