AKAI Professional MPK Mini MKII - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included

Product Information

powerful preset management software that lets MPK Mini users customize their hardware and software setup But in our testing, we found that while the MPK Mini will work with any DAW you throw at it, compatibility is a little iffy with little used DAWs or older versions of currently popular DAWs.

While the AKAI can and is used for multiple other genres; the second piece of software, Hybrid 3 is actually a nice little find. I've made no secret of my fondness for Akai's MIDI instruments. Neither am I alone in my Akai-favoritism – the brand remains the gold standard for most amateur musicians. Akai includes its MPC Beats software, a quality DAW (digital audio workstation) that can be a great tool for music production. Also included is VIP 3.1, full of VST instruments and effects that integrate seamlessly with MPC Beats. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is hands down the most popular midi controller for sale today. You can’t deny it! The knobs, are my favorite part of the MPK MINI II. Again, these can also be assigned and linked to your favorite VST’s, effects plugins and other controls within your DAW. The knobs are quite sensitive, which I don’t really mind but if you’ve got a heavy hand you can use the dials around each knob to help you stay in control.

The Basics of Both Models

With this keyboard, everything has been scaled down to maximize portability — and that includes the keys, which is about the size of a penny. So if you're an experienced keyboardist, don't expect to play on this thing in the same way you'd be playing on a full-sized piano with weighted keys. then store them on your MPK mini. You’ll spend less time setting up your gear and more time doing what

warp, manipulate and transform audio into whatever you can think of. Plus VST/AU compatibility means 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! That said, you don’t have to use all the software provided, and with a few easy setup ‘steps’ to get your controller working you can have the MPK MINI doing what you need it to do in a few minutes.

experience that feels natural and enhances creativity – the natural, tactile feel of hardware fused with The Launchkey Mini takes the crown when it comes to in-DAW integration with Ableton. However, for most other DAWs, the Akai is more compatible – this versatility being something the Novation struggles to match. The Akai’s pads run rings around the Arturia. Not only are they larger and taken from their high-end drum machines, but the pads on the Akai are also laid out far better. Finger drummers take note! MPC Note Repeat and Full Level allow users to access genuine technologies from Akai Professional’s line

This midi keyboard features 25 velocity-sensitive keys, which (just to clarify) aren’t full-size. However, the feel of the keys is really solid – they have a good actuation to them. Plus, they’re also a vast improvement on those used in the MPK Mini MK2! Go mobile without losing control. The new MPK mini is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for Next up is M-Audio's Oxygen 25 MK4 model. Currently in its 4th version of the series, the Oxygen 25 is another 25-note keyboard that features full-sized keys that people with larger fingers might find beneficial.You’ll also find dedicated buttons to switch between drum pad banks A and B, and select whether the pads transmit program change messages or MIDI cc’s in addition to their regular function as drum pads. The MiniLab meanwhile has a similar button to shift pad banks and both keyboards sport dedicated octave shift up/down buttons. Akai MPK Mini Mk2 vs Arturia MiniLab MkII: build It supports plug-and-play connectivity, features USB-MIDI, and powers up with a single USB connection to The keys each have some predefined alternate functions, which will work seamlessly if you use the included software. Mileage varies if you’re using another DAW. Drum Pads

Both these midi controllers feature 25 mini-sized keys (2 octaves) that are velocity sensitive and feel premium to touch. However as we said above, we prefer the keybed of the Arturia. Sorry Akai!This keyboard controller is plug and play on Mac and PC. You don’t need any drivers or special software to plug it in and start controlling your existing audio software.