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!
AKAI Force 3.5: The Force Gets Its Biggest Update Yet
20 May · 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 · 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 · 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!
Portable MIDI Keyboards
Best Portable Keyboard Controllers 2025: MIDI Keyboards for Your Hand Luggage
24 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.
SYNTH JOURNAL
Upcoming iOS Ambient Music Feature, New Life for the Korg DW-8000 & More: Synth Journal
27 Feb · 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 · 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 · 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 · We check out some of the best workstation keyboards under $2500 for music production and arrangement, as well as for live performance.
Best Samplers & Grooveboxes
Best Samplers, Grooveboxes and Drum Machines of 2024: Our Top 6
13 Dec 2024 · Which new samplers and groove machines stood out from the rest in 2024? Here are the best samplers, grooveboxes, and drum machines of the year.
Software Deals
Software Deals from Universal Audio, IK Multimedia, AKAI & More
10 Dec 2024 · The UAD Ultimate 13 Bundle is the biggest collection of Universal Audio plugins to date – and it’s now 85% off! Check out the best software deals of the week.
OLD-SCHOOL SAMPLING
How to Get that Old-school Sampler Sound
18 Nov 2024 · Ever wondered how to get the old-school sampler sound? Punchy lo-fi drums and underwater pad sounds can give your music a retro feel.
Black Friday Synth Deals: AKAI, Moog, Studio Electronics
12 Nov 2024 · AKAI Professional is now throwing in a huge software package worth up to $1000 with every MPC Live II and MPC Key 61. Check out these Black Friday Synth Deals!
OCTATRACK ALTERNATIVES
Elektron Octatrack Alternatives for Dawless Music Production
05 Nov 2024 · Need a creative outlet for your music that has to be Dawless? Here's some of the best Elektron Octatrack Alternatives for studio and stage.
DAW CONTROLLERS
The Best DAW Controllers to Improve your Production Workflow
30 Sep 2024 · Is using a mouse too clinical? We discuss control protocols and check out some of the best DAW controllers for your home studio setup.
The best Synth Deals in September – Thomann’s 70th Anniversary
01 Sep 2024 · Thomann is celebrating its 70th anniversary with loads of awesome synth deals and limited editions. Check out the new deals for September here!
GROOVEBOXES
The Best Grooveboxes for Beat Creation and Live Performance
29 Aug 2024 · Looking to stay creative while traveling, or simply to step outside your DAW? We check out the best grooveboxes for crafting beats.
Software Deals
Software Deals: MPC Expansions, Output, Flux, Pulsar Audio & more
06 Aug 2024 · In this week’s edition of Software Deals, stock up on AKAI MPC Expansions for an amazing price! Other bargains are coming your way from Flux, Output, Pulsar Audio, and Expressive E.
Synth Deals
Synth Deals: Korg SQ-64, Akai MPC, and Endorphin.es on sale!
31 Jul 2024 · Save up to 30 percent with these synth deals on the Korg SQ-64, MPCs from Akai and even a Eurorack effects' module in stereo from Endorphin.es!
Samplette shows you the best samples and sounds on YouTube
30 Jul 2024 · Vinyl is so passé: Samplette turns your browser into an endless sample source. If only it weren't for the copyright.
MIDI CONTROLLERS
5 Budget MIDI Controllers for Music Production
22 Jul 2024 · Are you getting the most from your DAW workflow? We're looking at some of the best budget MIDI controllers for different studio setups.
AKAI MPC Stems: Now for Standalone MPCs!
11 Jul 2024 · AKAI MPC Stems is finally available for standalone MPCs! The new feature separates samples into up to four stems.
BUDGET BEAT-MAKING
The best budget beat-making gear to help you get creative
11 Jul 2024 · 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!
SAMPLERS