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

Product Information

It connects and powers by a standard USB-A to USB-B cable and does not require an additional power supply. I first bought the midi keyboard to practice music theory on the go and now the greatest thing about it is that I can easily advance to using it onto a DAW. Sample Packs consist of different sample libraries and premade kits that can be triggered from the MPK mini mk3's pads. This includes Air instruments Hybrid 3, Mini Grand and Velvet plus Akai’s own MPC Beats DAW and five MPC sound packs. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is the third instalment of one of the most popular mini keyboard controllers currently on the market.

When first trying out the Mini Play I made the crazy assumption that the sound engine was General MIDI and so 16‑part multitimbral. As a controller it works well enough for some MIDI control but has fewer knobs than the regular MPK Mini. The MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent MIDI controller that incorporates the essence of MPC-based performance and control into an incredibly compact and portable unit. Since then, they’ve consistently innovated and further developed their product range into all sorts of nifty gadgets, and the MPK range is no exception.If you think you will use the MIDI out function, then the Novation is your pick as it can do more than the Akai can in this regard. The MPK Mini Play is portable, fun to play, with some decent sounds and just enough tweaking to make it interesting. Using the arp with the filter and effects can quickly develop pretty much any sound into something interesting. This subscription service comes pre-baked with 39,000 presets along with 24GB of samples plus, new plugin and sound content added regularly. Overall i was pretty impressed with the Akai MPK Mk3 mini, it fits perfectly into my tiny travel backpack (which has a storage size of 13L) and sits flush next to my 15″ Razer Laptop.

This didn’t work for me, but I suspect that’s because I’m not on the latest Mac OS and Logic version. However, I only recommend products or services that I personally use or believe will be valuable to my readers. The software will load a full session with pre-loaded programs so you can start creating right out of the gate!tracks with world class audio effects, find any sound with the same synth engines found on our legendary MPCs, record audio and much more. Finally, MPK mini mk3 is available in three colourways, including the slick all black edition I have on the test bench. This feature alone completely negates the need for large vertical jog wheels/finger sliders, and frees up a lot of space for more features. The MicroLab may not tick all the boxes for a studio controller keyboard, but as a super portable travelling device it hits the mark. Akai also suggest that you turn off the internal sounds when using it with your computer, so you don’t get sound out of the keyboard at the same time as using a virtual instrument.

You can certainly play 16 pianos on 16 channels without any bother, but once I tried to allocate different sounds it all fell apart. Although the MPK’s smaller keys didn’t cause us any problems at all, and in fact may have actually been a bonus when it comes to playing fast runs and arpeggios, the MiniLab’s larger keys seem more suited to our hand size and have the edge when it came to a more high-quality feel overall.I wish they'd gone with a 1/4" jack for the headphone jack, seems like a weird decision to go with 3. New to MPK mini is a reimagined Gen 2 enhanced dynamic keybed, delivering a piano key performance fit for the world's finest keyboard players.

You might still find value in having a “one-hand” portable keyboard for MIDI production or even notation work, but it can’t be your main performance instrument. You have to be pretty precise with your movements as to not accidentally modulate while pitch bending, if you’re only trying to do one thing. Elsewhere, the MPK features a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes, plus an MPC-style Note Repeat function for hi-hats or fills and a Full Level button to disable velocity sensitivity, augmenting the function of the pads, another nod back to the original MPC drum machines that veteran beat makers will appreciate. In MPC Beats you can put a Program Change message onto any channel but the sound was only changed on channel 1.MusicRadar verdict: A very decent upgrade with genuinely pro features, that cements its position in the top handful of mini keyboard controllers available. Additionally, the mk3's keybed is a reimagined Gen 2 enhanced dynamic keybed, delivering a piano key performance fit for the world's finest keyboard players. I wish these were available in the different colors the regular MPK mini - I really don't like the color of this thing and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna paint the plastic case. The keyboard has been improved and is perfectly playable for me, especially compared with budget mini controllers.