AKAI Professional MPK Mini– 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included

Product Information

Would’ve loved to see aftertouch, but I totally get that not a lot of mini controllers have this feature yet. What’s missing, though, is a truly in-depth review, one that dives into every feature and component of theAkai Professional MPK Mini Mkiii(and MK2). If you’re looking for a deep dive into what makes the Akai MPK Mini family of keyboard controllers special, not just a few paragraphs, you’ve come to the right place.

By assigning these to knobs near your playing surface, you can manipulate your sounds in real time while holding a chord or hitting some beats.Similarly to the keybed, the drum pads on the MPK Mini Mk3 were also revamped. This one’s debatable though. I’ve heard some people comment that they preferred the older model’s “squishier” nature. Personally, though, I find the newer, firmer ones to be more responsive and tactile than ever before. In any case, they are up there with the standards of today’s generation of MPCs. MPC Beats can also be used as a plugin with your favorite DAW and comes with VST, AU, RTAS, and AAX versions. Preset 1 on the MPK mini mk3 is configured to align with MPC Beats. To load the MPC preset, press and hold down the Prog Select Button and press Pad 1. Now, your MPK's pads will line up perfectly with MPC Beats!

Last but definitely not least, in my opinion, one of the biggest and most notable features that have been added to this new generation of MPK is the addition of a tiny digital screen. For this reason, Novation chose to go with the strips, rather than the knobs for the pitch-bend and mod-wheels. A lot of people have complained about the Akai MPK Mini MK2 keyboards pitch-bend as it has been known to break quite easily and be non-responsive. Read the full review on this here. Portability Further settings and behaviours including MIDI channel, specific CC assignments, knob behaviour and aftertouch are set in the desktop editor app (MPK mini 3 Program Editor).For any feature we don’t talk about in this section, you can assume the MK3 is more or less identical to its predecessor. We’re just highlighting the differences below. Upgraded Keyboard and Build Quality Akai has added a small OLED display to the MPK Mini MK3. This is a huge improvement, as you can now read assignments directly on the device rather than having to locate them in the software. Included Software The Akai MPK Mini mk3is USB hub powered. It connects and powers by a standard USB-A to USB-B cable and does not require an additional power supply. I believe it does. There are a couple of really neat things with the MK3 and I believe it might be the most intuitive mini option currently available. Pros

Besides the upgrades, there are a few other things worth mentioning in the review that are quite unique to the Akai MPK Mini series. I figured I should include them as they may help you decide whether or not the device is a right fit for you. Truly Compact & Portable I recently acquired the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3, and I can't help but sing its praises! This compact MIDI controller is marvelous.Chances are, if you’re interested in these specific models, you already know that they will meet your needs. Still, if you’re new to one or more aspects of music production, it’s worth exploring who these devices are — and aren’t — for. I’ve always disliked sustain buttons as they’re not very helpful if you’re using two hands. Features Having a sensitive and tactile set of keys is essential when looking to capture emotion or feeling from a performance. A lot of smaller keyboards tend to have issues with the keys feeling awkward or unnatural, but the MPK Mini manages to succinctly and effectively avoid the ‘toy box’ vibe that plagues many other units that I won’t name. Upgraded Pads First, the keybed is new (Akai’s Dynamic Gen 2 design) and although I’m not a massive fan of mini keys in general, this is solid, responsive and mechanically quiet. In need of some fresh new instruments and effects? Our friends at Reason Studios have you covered. Registered customers can now get a 6-month FREE subscription to Reason+.