Akai Synthstation 49

[breckjay]

Would this be consider a midi controllervthat plays vsts for the iPad, rompler or va? Also is anyone thinking about getting it? It looks cool but I never heard its sound so....your thoughts?

[Alex E]

It doesn't have it's own sounds, it just plays iPad Apps the same way a regular Midi Controller would play a VST.

[nylon]

Acually Akai has made their own app for it. As I understand it this is designed iPod touch and iPhones. Basically any app for these can be controlled with the synthstation. I'm not sure if it works with ipads actually. The videos I've seen were all with iPod touches.

[Blue Monster 65]

The small controller seen on You Tube and elsewhere is the Synthstation 25 - it works with not only the Synthstation app, but with plenty of others. It has 25 keys, USB midi, battery power, etc. Full specs are here: http://www.akaipro.com/synthstation25 I will attest that it's loads of fun to haul around and play, though I wish the app had a few more bells 'n' whistles, like being able to sequence in real time (currently it's step-entry only). The sound is very good for a VA engine - I've heard conflicting reports on which instrument it's based on, either the Ion/Micron or one of Alesis' earlier models (QS-series?).

The larger, 49-key controller isn't expected to be available until later this year and will be for the iPad. Akai also says they will make a native version of the Synthstation app for the iPad available then.

There are discussions about iPod/iPhone/iPad apps throughout the software section that include this info, too, if you need more info about what's available.