What is the Akai Pro MPK Mini
I’ve been looking for a new portable MIDI controller for a while now and was thrilled to find the Akai Pro MPK mini
I need something to use with my Apple Logic system that I run on my laptop and this 25-note keyboard is perfect.
It has 8 back-lit, MPC-style pads and 8 Q-Link knobs that give you tons of input control. I like to use the pads for drum inputs more that the keyboard.
I like that the MPK mini has velocity-sensitive keys. This will allow me to accurately express dynamics and that saves a lot of fixing time.
You can create cool leads and great driving bass-lines with various time denominations and patterns with the built-in Arpeggiator. I use the tap tempo buttons a lot!
Check out the features!
- Ultra-portable software MIDI controller
- 25-note, velocity-sensitive mini keyboard
- Eight backlit, velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads (2 banks, 16 total)
- Pads can send note information, MIDI CCs and program changes
- Eight assignable Q-Link knobs to adjust virtually any parameter
Look at what new owners say:
Jason D. Says:
The MPK Mini is a combination of the LPD8 and LPK25, which is a great thing if you’ve been considering both!
This is my first MPC product but I am an experienced keyboardist. I like the pads and how they light up when you hit them, however, they aren’t as sensitive as some might prefer, and I’m inclined to agree. It tends not to register some lighter hits, so I’m having to get used to how hard I have to hit it. The knobs aren’t as nice as professional grade knobs, but they work nicely for such a compact unit. The keyboard has mini keys and they are very sturdy. The keys are fine for their purpose of capturing ideas. I do not consider them performance worthy.
The purpose of this product is portability and to allow you to capture ideas when you don’t feel like lugging around larger equipment. For these reasons, I find it to be an excellent product.
Definitely pick this product up if you’re looking for something extremely portable with acceptable mini keys and very playable MPC pads.
Review paraphrased for length. See the full review here.
If you are looking for a good controller that is portable and easy to use, the Akai Pro MPK Mini is a good choice. Highly recommended for working away from home, not so much as a studio controller.