Review
Akai - News and Rumours
You want all the latest news, rumours and everything else there’s to know about Akai? We're happy to oblige: On this page you’ll find everything at a glance – and it’s always up to date!
Portable MIDI Keyboards
Best Portable Keyboard Controllers 2026: MIDI Keyboards for Your Hand Luggage
23 Mar · Like to travel light? A portable keyboard controller fits in your hand luggage and lets you get creative in your favorite DAW software wherever you are.
CHRIS HUGGETT
Chris Huggett: The History of a British Synth Giant
13 Mar · Chris Hugget pioneered a hybrid analogue/digital synthesis and perfected it in instruments for EDP, OSC, Novation and more.
Fred Again..
Fred again.. Gear and Sound: Why Even Daft Punk Legend Thomas Bangalter Celebrates His Live Show
12 Mar · Fred again.. rebuilds his tracks live on stage using Logic Pro, samples, and controllers. Even Daft Punk legend Thomas Bangalter is watching closely.
Software Deals
Moog, AKAI, iZotope: 3 Massive Software Deals
24 Feb · Moog, AKAI, and iZotope offer major software deals. Add analog character, MPC groove, and creative vocals at reduced prices.
Deep House with Modern Hardware: 3 Essential Pieces for the Perfect Match
13 Feb · Planning your deep house setup for 2026? These three essential hardware picks – plus smart alternatives – help you build a warm, groove-driven studio workflow.
Highlights 2025
Highlights of the Year: My Favorite Gear of 2025
25 Dec 2025 · Happy Holidays, everyone! Before we get ready for the new year, it's time to look back at my personal highlights of 2025. Spoiler alert: no synths this time!
Best Samplers & Grooveboxes
Best Samplers, Grooveboxes and Drum Machines of 2025: Our Top 5
15 Dec 2025 · With several spectacular new releases, 2025 was a great year for groove machines! We check out the best samplers and drum machines of the year.
Best Synth Deals for Cyberweek 2025: Moog, Behringer, Elektron & More – Update!
28 Nov 2025 · Thomann’s Cyberweek sale is in full swing and a bunch of new synth deals have just been added! Save on synths, drum machines, and controllers!
Boom Bap Beats Like in the 90s: Here’s What You Need – Perfect Match!
10 Oct 2025 · What do you need to create explosive boom bap beats? Today, we'll reveal the secret ingredients for achieving 90s-style hip-hop sounds. The perfect match!
Review
AKAI MPC Live III Review: Welcome to the Future
02 Oct 2025 · The AKAI MPC Live III is a true quantum leap – not only in terms of sheer power, but also in terms of workflow and expression. Read our review to find out more.
Deals of the week
Roland V-Drums Deal, MPC Key 37, and AutoTune Pedal: Deals of the Week!
20 Sep 2025 · Deals of the week! Check out this sweet Roland V-Drums deal at 10% off! Also save on the Akai MPC Key 37 and the Headrush VX5!
DAW CONTROLLERS
The Best DAW Controllers to Improve your Production Workflow
04 Sep 2025 · Is using a mouse too clinical? We discuss control protocols and check out some of the best DAW controllers for your home studio setup.
BUDGET BEAT-MAKING
The best budget beat-making gear to help you get creative
25 Aug 2025 · Looking for more affordable ways to create beats? We take a look at some of the best budget beat-making equipment to get you started!
Synth Journal
Wind Controllers, Artemis Update, Eurorack Drones: Synth Journal
07 Aug 2025 · Ever wanted to learn how to play wind controllers like the AKAI EWI? This awesome 1980s video tutorial on wind synthesis has got you covered!
AKAI Professional MPC Desktop 3.5 Beta offers VST3 Support, Keygroup Synth Engine, and more
30 May 2025 · Users can participate in the AKAI Professional MPC Desktop 3.5 Beta alongside version 2, but the projects are not backwards compatible yet.
AKAI Force 3.5: The Force Gets Its Biggest Update Yet
20 May 2025 · The AKAI Force just got a huge update! Force 3.5 brings many features from MPC 3 to the standalone workstation, including full plugin support and MPC Stems.
Native Instruments Announces NKS Support for Arturia Controllers
07 May 2025 · Native Instruments and Arturia have announced that the Arturia KeyLab MK3, KeyLab Essential MK3, and MiniLab MK3 series will soon support NKS.
Easter Synth Deals at Thomann: Deals Sweeter Than Chocolate!
10 Apr 2025 · Easter Synth Deals at Thomann: Europe’s largest music retailer kicks off its Easter Sale with massive discounts! We’ve found some of the best offers for you!
SYNTH JOURNAL
Upcoming iOS Ambient Music Feature, New Life for the Korg DW-8000 & More: Synth Journal
27 Feb 2025 · Demos of the Steampipe and Sequential 12, a new OS for the DW-8000, and a dedicated iOS ambient music feature coming in version 18.4.
Software Deals
Software Deals from Moog, AKAI, Steinberg, u-he & More
25 Feb 2025 · In this week’s edition of Software Deals, you can save on Moog Moogerfooger plugins, Steinberg Nuendo, u-he Repro, Baby Audio Transit 2, and more!
AKAI Professional and Native Instruments Announce Collaboration
22 Jan 2025 · AKAI Professional and Native Instruments have announced their collaboration. MPC users will have access to exclusive content. And the MPK gets an upgrade, too!
WORKSTATION KEYBOARDS
The Best Workstation Keyboards under $2500
20 Jan 2025 · We check out some of the best workstation keyboards under $2500 for music production and arrangement, as well as for live performance.
Software Deals