We're living in the days when the analog synthesizers are true vintage and are used by legends/big names only, in search for old and extremely specific sounds no computer or plugin can replicate so far. The rest is pure tech and tech has a natural tendency to grow smaller, more efficient, more capable and more user-friendly. World-renowned Japanese company Akai has followed this trend down to the last bite and the result was simply beautiful and super-functional: the Akai MPK49 USB/MIDI controller.

Akai Professional product manager, Glen Darcey, said about the MPK49 that it is by far "the next generation of USB/MIDI controller". Taking a closer look at this very handsome piece of tech... he may be damn right: the Akai PMK49 sports everything needed to exert control on a multitude of other devices in your sound-enthusiast home, studio, or even on stage.

It has 8 360 degree rotating, full scaled pots with 3 banks each (thus making a total of 24), 8 sliders and 8 assignable lit switches (everything in 3-bank configuration) and scaled as any pro similar object would be. The backlit LCD display is rather large and quite readable, while the transport control buttons are large as well and very easy to use.

New in this kind of controllers are the 12 drumpads (4 bank add 36 more) assignable and playable as the user wishes. Even more, the Akai PMK49 is performance-ready as it comes with Arpeggiator with on-site riff-design, Tap Tempo and Note Repeat - all features heavily use din today's music.

As I assume you figured out, it has 49 keys with aftertouch (sensitive) and it also sports the pitch and modulator wheels in a classical left-side position. Being able to control and operate so many devices (hardware or software) via MMC/MIDI, it looks like the Akai MPK49 could easily become one of the next most popular choice among both enthusiasts, VJs, DJs and artists alike, a truly convenient DAW controller. Price is yet to be announced.