Akai Pro MPX8
When controllers are produced from their respective manufacturers, we usually know what to expect from them – and this has more to do with their product branding than anything else. If Pioneer releases a controller tomorrow, we should expect it to be nothing less than ground breaking, and expensive. Likewise, if Korg does the same thing we don’t know if this will be part of their top end collection or their budget buys from guys who are just starting out. Akai has sort of a strange spot in this paradigm, since they rarely produce something they are going to regret later on. Even their cheapest MIDI controllers are given more respect than Korg’s cheapest, and since Akai has the long history with button mashing machines, we shouldn’t find it strange that we expect something odd form them, from time to time. Their MPX8 is something of a nice change. It is a small controller that takes its cues from a budget controller – yet it is built as solid as tank. Even if you find yourself only needing the use it a few times in a performance, the quality and feel of it might be worth paying the extra for. True MIDI user will be happy with this one. http://djworx.com/review-akai-pro-mpx8-sample-player/#.UxjWx_ldW1B