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 began with the first model of its MPC (Music Production Centre) range in 1988 with the MPC60. 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. The Akai MPK mini mk3is supported on the latest operating systems, including Windows 10 and macOS Catalina 10.15. It also lands on just about every meta-review of mini MIDI keyboards out there. (And sure enough, we included it as one of our top 25-key choices in our review, The 12 Best Mini MIDI Keyboards for Your Mobile or Home Studio.) There’s no onboard audio or audio out here, meaning that neither model is capable of being a standalone performance device. But, really, if you’re looking for that kind of device, you’re not going to be happy with the limited two-octave span in the first place.

Additionally, all the included software is available as a unified install so you can get making music even faster.Note: Keep in mind that this code will license Hybrid, Mini Grand, and Velvet so you only need to redeem it once in iLok to authorize all of your AIR plugins. The MPK mini mk3 comes with 3 AIR plugins that can be installed directly from the MPK mini Software Manager. These virtual instruments are a great way to expand your melodic ideas. The MPK mini is a class-compliant, plug-and-play device that does not require a driver and will function with all major Windows and Mac operating systems. The Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3 is a small but perfectly formed MIDI controller that works great with or without Ableton Live. Borrowed from the MPC are the Full Level and Note Repeat buttons which work with both the pads and keys. Full Level plays everything at maximum velocity; handy when trying not to wake the rest of the house. When the Note Repeat button is held, the first encoder adjusts the time division of repeats.

Though there are only eight pads, you’re not limited to only eight assignments. With two banks, you can toggle between two sets of assignments with the touch of an A/B button. 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 TheAkai Professional MPK Mini Mkiiiis the newer model of the two. It largely builds on the strong success of its predecessor, theAkai MPK MK2. For this reason, we’ll build this in-depth review primarily around the earlier and more widely adoptedMPK Mini MK2. We’ll follow that up with a discussion of all the changes and enhancements found in the newerAkai MPK MK3. The content below should answer any questions you have about this family of controllers. The Basics of Both Models As producers, you struggle to get inspired if you're using the same thing. A lot of times, a piece of analogue gear can break you out of that rut" – Shaun Lopez on crafting synth sounds for the long-awaited second album from Crosses assignable controls let you take complete command of every aspect of your production; the new Gen 2 enhanced dynamic keybed guarantees your performance is captured with every subtle infection of your delivery.The MPC Beats installer is located in the i nMusic Software Center and does not require an authorization code to use. Simply install the software and start making music! The AIR team has released standalone software versions of the Hybrid, Mini Grand, and Velvet plugins. These apps will install on your computer when you run the plugin installers from the MPK mini Software Manager. These standalone programs are great to play with if you're not looking to use a DAW and just want to plug in the MPK and make some noise!

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. From grand pianos to searing synth leads and lush electric pianos, this keybed guarantees to get the best out of any playing style and virtual instrument. Everything the modern producer demands is here: Universal compatibility for instant integration with your favorite host music production application; it's compact size makes it an ideal travel companion; its arsenal of pads andAkai market the pads as “pulled right from our flagship MPC”. The actual pad rubbers do appear to be the same as those on the MPC One, but the mechanism does not feel the same, having a shallower, tappy action. They certainly do the job, though. The MPK Editor can be directly opened at any time from your computer's Application or Program folder. After installing the application, find and open the iLok License Manager from your Programs or Applications folder. Controller-wise, both keyboards offer the same amount of drum pads – eight in all, assignable in two banks for a total of sixteen – but in different layouts. The MiniLab lays all eight pads out in a single row, while the MPK prefers a 4 x 2 layout. This layout allows the pads on the MPK to be larger than those offered by the MiniLab, despite the MPK’s smaller overall footprint. The pads on both machines are illuminated, and both pressure and velocity-sensitive, but Akai has a serious pedigree when it comes to pads, and these examples, derived from the famous MPC product family, offer a greater degree of sensitivity, giving the MPK the edge in this regard.