AKAI Professional MPK Mini Plus
- 37 Velocity-sensitive mini keys
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 451 x 180 x 52 mm
- Weight: 1260 g
AKAI Professional MPK Mini Plus Review
Featuring a built-in 2-track sequencer, 8 MPC pads, and more, the Akai Pro MPK Mini Plus is a new portable, affordable MIDI CV/gate keyboard. With its design inspired by the Keystep, the MPK Mini Plus is a new MIDI CV/Gate controller keyboard.
It appears to be a very neat and clear design. However, this alone is not the most important aspect, but the feature set and the overall design are very impressive.
This keyboard has 37 mini keys and a three-octave range. Akai claims that it incorporates a Gen 2 dynamic keybed, which allows for a more extensive range of melodic and harmonic creations. There is no aftertouch control and only velocity is available.
There is a built-in step/live sequencer with polyphonic 2-track capability that captures new melodic and drum patterns on the fly. There are eight polyphonic notes per step, and sixteen notes per drum step. An onboard arpeggiator is also available for endless creative possibilities.
There are also 8 assignable 360-rotary knobs on the Mini Plus, along with two modes: Chords Mode, which plays multiple notes and inversions with a single keystroke, and Scales Mode, which plays notes only within the selected scale. The two modes offer a wide range of options, as well as 15-scale settings.
With the transport controls, you can cover all the obvious bases, and the joystick allows you to assign four parameters to the X/Y axis and morph between them.
An Akai Pro product should not be without MPC pads. The package contains 8 velocity-sensitive RGB-backlit MPC drum pads that are ideal for programming drums. In addition, they can be assigned to trigger additional CC parameters and modify the program.
MPK Mini Plus Connectivity
Due to its compact design, the Mini Plus can be used in virtually any setting for the summarization of musical concoctions. A USB and MIDI connection will be available so that you may control your DAW or VST host. Additionally, you will be able to connect to a modular synthesizer or another compatible hardware unit for easy integration with external devices.
When you are on the go, the Mini Plus can be used as a standalone device for instant use. Have you thought of the perfect melody while you are out? Any compatible device may be connected through the included USB and 5-pin MIDI connections, ensuring that your moment of musical genius is preserved.
On the back of the machine, you will find the following I/O:
- Three CV outputs of 1/8″ (3.5mm)
- Two 1/8″ (3.5mm) CV clock inputs and outputs
- A pair of MIDI DIN in/out ports
- Sustain Pedal input
- Powered by USB Type-B (Bus-powered or wall-powered)
“Introducing the MPK Mini Plus, a new keyboard controller that offers advanced features unlike anything else on the market. With a built-in sequencer, CV and Gate connections, Sync inputs and outputs, and eight RGB-backlit MPC drum pads, this unit enhances the workflow and creativity of modern musicians. Any studio will benefit from the addition of the MPK Mini Plus.” –Dan Gill, Senior Product Manager, Akai Professional
A collection of software instruments, samples, and plug-ins, aimed at creating modern, professional music, is included with the controller, including Akai’s MPC Beats DAW software based on the company’s legendary MPC hardware.
- Keyboard and live controller that are USB Class-compliant
- The 37-key Gen 2 keybed provides three octaves of comfortable note control
- A compact design makes it easy to transport in nearly any gig bag
- Featuring 8 RGB-backlit drum pads for exclusive sampling and looping functionality
- The new Polyphonic Step Sequencer feature
- A pitch bend and modulation wheel for live tweaking
- Compatibility with external equipment is provided by CV/Gate inputs and outputs
- A total of eight parameter knobs for controlling the mixing process
- A dedicated transport control system (Start, Stop, Record, Loop, Locator)
- The classic four-way joystick controller
- Compatible with standalone operation
- PC and Mac version of MPC Beats software is included
Why You Need the MPK Mini Plus
This is the latest release from AKAI Professional that both professionals and beginning beatmakers might find useful. Being the next generation unit after its smaller sibling, the MPK25 Mini tells us that the developers had the same idea in mind, but to provide the users just a little bit more of their budget bestseller.
Now with 37 keys and more features than before, the MPK Mini Plus is the perfect companion for on-the-road producing and in your home studio as well. And with the original MPC software coming with it, you will taste some of the high-end from AKAI for a really affordable amount.
Conclusion
Well, if you check the above review box, you will notice that we gave a lower rate on the sounds, but that is because this unit doesn’t work on the sound and is only a MIDI controller. Aside from that, this is a really great unit for every studio and even veterans will want it.
We hope that if you are at the point of getting a new MIDI keyboard, this review will nudge you toward getting this one. If you are having any questions in regards to this device, please let us know in the comment section below and we will be more than happy to provide more answers!
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