Free Reaktor module from Akai for LPD8

Akai are feeling generous and have released a free module for Reaktor designed to work with Akai’s LPD8 drum pad controller. The module comprises of analog drum machine samples and is quite good so go download it for yourself and have some fun.

Free software Akai LPD8, analog, drum machines, free download, module, Reaktor

Akai LPD8 review

I’ve just put up a review of Akai’s LPD8 nano midi controller. Certainly some competition for Korg’s nanopad but you lose some pads and gain some knobs. Interesting how these two will face up to each other. Same price by the way, well korg lowered their price to match the LPD8′d. Let the battke begin.

Midi controllers, review Akai LPD8, Midi controllers, Nano controllers, review

As the popularity of Korgs nano series of controllers grows, it was inevitable that someone else would jump on the band wagon but who would have thought Akai would be first. Akai have annouced the release of two new nano controllers, the LPD8 and the LPD25.

LPD8

Price = £49.99 /58.86 euros

The akai LPD8 is a drum/trigger controller with 8 velocity sensitive backlit pads and 8 Q link knobs. The pads have 4 banks of memory, similar to the nanopads. The price, size and wieght seems to be similar to the nanopads too, making it a viable choice for live performances. The knobs on the LPD8 and backlit pads might just make it more popular than the nanopad though, thats if you don’t care about losing two pads and an XY pad.

LPK25

Akai LPK25

Price = £49.99 / 58.86 euros

The LPK25 is a midi controller keyboard featuring 25 mini velocity sensitive keys capable of sending note and on/off/trigger messages. The LPK25 also boasts  an arpeggiator, sustain button, octave up and down, and tap tempo controls. With the LPK25 Akai seem to have taken Korgs nanoKey and vastly improving it with proper mini keys and improving the versitility with octave up and down functions. Overall the Akai LPK25 seems to be a winner and would suit any laptop performer wanting a portable function packed mini controller.

The LPD8 and LPK25 have not been released yet so we’ll have to wait and see what the response is and hopefully i’ll review them and probably do a comparaison test with Korgs nano series.

Zander

Live, Midi controllers, hardware Akai LPD8, Akai LPK25, laptop performers, live performance, Midi controllers, Nano controllers