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

Product Information

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

Overall, I believe the Novation actually slightly edges out the Akai. I think the addition of the MIDI out is the main reason why. Overall, they’re very comparable keyboards, with the Akai being a little bit cheaper.When you look from left to right, you are met with a pitch-bend strip and a modulation strip. I will get into this in more detail a little further into the review. The OLED screen on this keyboard is extremely small but hey, its a screen, and that’s a really welcome addition to the AKAI MPK range. The screen is bright and legible, giving you a really clear and concise HUD to manage various parameters and settings within the DAW and the keyboard hardware itself. Why I Love The Akai MPK Mini Mk3 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. The inMusic Software Managerwill be saved as an application in your computer's Application or Programs folder. Just open the inMusic Software Manager to access your software and installers at any time!

The Novation MK3 comes with a pitch-bend strip and a modulation strip, whereas, the Akai MPK2 Mini MK2 comes with a wheel. 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 The MIDI out option is such a great addition to this controller as there aren’t many options that have this. You can control your favorite hardware synthesizers from your controller with this feature and a lot of synth players will appreciate this. 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.Of course, if a pitch bend toggle is high on your list of concerns, you may not agree with me here. 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 The Input Ports section in MIDI/Sync Preferences will display all available MIDI input ports in a list. Devices will automatically appear in the list when connected provided that Enable MIDI ports when discovered is set to ON.