Hi, I m thinking about buying a MIDI Keyboard controller, I got it down to an Akai mpk 26, or an Akai Advance 61, both I believe run Akai's V.I.P. software. my question is , in order to run V.I.P, do I need to run ilock. if its protected by ilock then I don't really want it on my system, which would swing my opinion back to the Akai MPK261, as this model is not so focused on the V.i.P. software

 

@jefft
Excuse my ignorance or maybe I am still sleeping but what is the VIP software you are talking about?

Thanks !

 

Hi! I have Advance 49. You don't have to own an ilok USB in order to use V.I.P. You only need an online ilok account that you can make in one minute. The problem is that they give you also other software for free with limited number of installations. So if you install Windows three times for example, the third time you can't install that software anymore, unless you buy the USB ilok. Even if I was so excited about using VIP software before buying the Advance, I found myself never using it, In fact I don't even know if I have it installed anymore. It is kinda unpractical for me to see those plugins inside another plugin. But if you can get used to it, then go for it. As about the hardware, I like it cause it seems professional, very good keys, pads and buttons for me. The people complain that it is scratching easily. Well I still have the plastic folio onto it even if I own it for almost two years now and all I can say is if you cut your nails properly and clean it at least weekly from dust, you won't scratch it.

 

http://www.akaipro.com/products/new-products/vip

 

Sooooo it boils down to the fact that if I'm not going to use the VIP software then logic tells me to go for the MPK 61 as it has 12 drum pads over the Advance which only has 8 pads and no sliders, that's what logic tells me....but OOh all those big Knobs and flashing lights do look appealing. Lol

 

Try the trial version: https://www.pluginboutique.com/products/3788-AKAI-VIP-Standard
See if it is suitable to your workflow to have plugins inside of other plugin. There seem to be many advantages like creating chains of plugins, which might help having the same chain from a daw to another or from a project to another. Honestly I never tried the 3.0 version. My workflow doesn't really include using templates cause I always change something and do a lot of music styles. And changing presets from a button is slower than using a mouse, unless you just zap through them.

 

I have a advance 61 on windows. I almost never use VIP cause I thinks it's easier just to use it in a DAW. VIP is more a gimmick than something useful. But overall a pretty good midi keyboard

 

I have a mpk261 I installed the VIP did not like it that much. I chose the mpk261 because of the pads and a few other things.

 

I have the MPK249, solid keyboard, glad i bought it. I installed iLok to use VIP 3.0, wanted to have the ability to use the premapped controls. Didn't affect my other plugins as far a i can tell!

 

I saw the presentation of the vip software at musikmesse and two things came to mind:
1. half-assed knock-off of Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
2. useless for studio work, maybe interesting if you're a stage keyboarder or sth like that.

 

Wow....great info from real users rather than internet hype. I will be using the controller in a studio situation and are trying to minimize button pressing so I guess the one to choose is the Akai MPK 261.

 

Last edited: Mar 1, 2018

How is the software of NI Komplete Kontrol in relation to Akai's? Does NI have a better integration with vst? Is it more useful than VIP 3?

 

Have the advance 61. Man, I forgot I had VIP. lol. tells much.

 

I know that the NI keyboards have a fartar keyboard bed. They have a real nice feel to them. When I was looking I asked around since I play guitar and not all guitars feel the same. Same goes for keyboards. I do like the mpk261 really good keyboard for the money. I have no regrets in getting it.

 

Ha ha ha ha You just reminded me that I have it too lol

 

I wanted to try VIP 3 so I installed it but it needs ILock to register. I installed it and when I registerer it then open ILock manager and ask for your account. I input my credentials and it say invalid bla bla bla,,, meaning you need to be online probably.
Fuck it. My studio pc never and will never go online.
Uninstalled immediately.
Bravo akai !