Review of the Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus
The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus is a powerful USB MIDI keyboard controller designed for musicians, producers, and sound designers looking for a compact yet feature-rich solution for music production. Launched on October 20, 2022, this controller boasts a series of improvements over its predecessors, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Let’s delve into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if this is the right MIDI controller for you.
Build Quality and Design
Weighing in at a mere 2.8 pounds and measuring 7.1 x 17.9 x 2 inches, the MPK Mini Plus is incredibly lightweight and portable. It is constructed primarily from plastic, which contributes to its featherweight design. However, many users have noted that despite its lightweight nature, the build quality is surprisingly sturdy. This is a significant advantage for musicians who frequently travel or perform live. The compact form factor makes it easy to fit into a backpack alongside a laptop, making it an ideal choice for mobile music production.
The keyboard features 37 mini keys, which provide three full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance. While some users may initially find the mini keys less appealing compared to full-sized keys, many reviews indicate that they feel surprisingly responsive and comfortable once broken in.
Performance Features
One of the standout features of the MPK Mini Plus is its advanced connectivity options. The controller includes MIDI I/O and CV/Gate outputs, allowing users to connect to a variety of sound sources, including modular gear, sound modules, and synthesizers. This opens up a world of possibilities for sound design and live performance, enabling users to integrate different hardware into their music production setup seamlessly.
The onboard 64-step sequencer is another impressive feature that allows users to record and compose without a computer. With dedicated tracks for both drums and melodies or chords, users can easily create complex arrangements on the fly. This feature is especially useful for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to music creation.
User Interface
The MPK Mini Plus is equipped with eight RGB-backlit MPC pads, known for their responsiveness and durability. Users have reported that while the pads may initially feel a bit stiff, they can be adjusted to suit individual playing styles. These pads are complemented by eight assignable rotary knobs, giving users tactile control over their DAW and allowing for precise adjustments in EQ, volume, and automation.
The transport section of the controller provides intuitive hardware control of your DAW, making it easy to navigate large sessions. Users can arm and start recordings, stop playback, and rewind or fast-forward through projects with a simple touch of a button.
Software Integration
The MPK Mini Plus is designed to work seamlessly with any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) compatible with Windows or macOS. Plug-and-play functionality ensures that users can get started quickly, though some setup may be required for DAWs other than the bundled MPC Beats software. This software is based on the iconic MPC hardware and comes with thousands of drum samples and plugin instrument presets, making it a valuable addition for anyone looking to dive into beat-making.
Additionally, buyers are granted a full month of access to Splice, unlocking a vast library of samples to inspire creativity and production.
User Feedback
Reviews from users highlight a range of positive experiences with the MPK Mini Plus. Many appreciate the balance between portability and functionality, allowing them to create music on the go without sacrificing control. The transport controls and rotary knobs have been praised for their effectiveness, although some users expressed frustration over limited documentation and resources available to help them fully utilize all features.
One user remarked on the controller’s excellent price-to-performance ratio, especially considering the inclusion of three industry-grade plugins. The overall consensus is that Akai has maintained its reputation for quality products with the MPK Mini Plus.
However, it’s essential to note that some users found the pads to be a little firm, requiring a firmer tap to trigger effectively. This stiffness may take some getting used to, but many agree that the pads provide a satisfying playing experience once adjusted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus is a robust MIDI keyboard controller that offers a wealth of features in a compact package. With its advanced connectivity, responsive pads, and intuitive controls, it’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced music producers looking to enhance their creative workflows. While there may be a slight learning curve due to the multitude of functions, the benefits far outweigh the initial challenges.
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, the Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus earns a solid 4.5 out of 5. It combines portability with functionality, making it a valuable addition to any music producer’s arsenal. Whether you’re creating beats at home or on the road, this MIDI controller is sure to inspire your musical journey.
Bryan –
Spoiler: This is definitely my favorite controller among those I’ve tested.
DISCLAIMER: I focused mainly on an “out of the box” plug-and-play experience and did not evaluate any bundled software. Most of my usage, including playing, looping, and configuration, occurred in Garageband for iPad, with a bit of Logic Pro X for iPad. After watching numerous reviews on YouTube, I decided to test these controllers myself. As someone relatively new to the DAW/MIDI controller scene—having dabbled in piano and synth for decades but not being an expert—I was unsure which controller would suit me best. Here’s my assessment of the Akai MPK Mini Plus.
Devices tested for comparison:
What I liked about the Akai MPK Mini Plus:
What I disliked about the Akai MPK Mini Plus:
Overall build quality of the Akai MPK Mini Plus: Excellent. Everything feels high-quality. The pads are outstanding, and while the keys feel good, they don’t quite match the level of Arturia. The encoder knobs are also very satisfying to use.
R. Tyson –
The keys require a short adjustment period, but once you get used to them, they feel like a high-quality product. It’s extremely lightweight and portable, making it very easy to transport. While the drum pads are somewhat stiff, they can be modified for improved performance. The interface features numerous control buttons that might seem daunting at first, but they’re quite user-friendly. It offers plug-and-play functionality, though some setup is necessary if you’re using a different DAW than the one provided; however, it works seamlessly with any DAW, delivering instant responsiveness while playing. Akai is renowned for its quality products, and with the inclusion of three free, professional-grade plugins, the price truly feels like a steal.
Musicandtheartofbeing –
I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of this midi keyboard! I anticipated it would feel flimsy, but it’s surprisingly sturdy. As someone just starting my music career, I researched various options to find the best midi keyboard for my needs as an artist and producer, and I’m so glad I chose this one! It’s lightweight and portable, yet built with amazing quality. The drum pads are a bit firm, so they require a little more force to tap, but aside from that, I absolutely love the sleek design and colors. It’s perfect for my intended use! I would definitely recommend it for beginners!
R. Tyson –
I can comfortably fit both hands on this 37-key MIDI controller that I’ve been using with Ableton Live. The play, stop, and rewind buttons make recording a breeze. The knobs have a full range of motion, and the pads feel great, featuring two banks and various functions. The key action is just right for my needs. It also has a sequencer and can connect to synthesizers and drum machines via 5-pin in/out, USB, and 3.5mm, though I haven’t explored that yet. One downside is the lack of comprehensive documentation for the MPK Plus; there’s only a handful of YouTube videos and some Reddit threads. Overall, I got it at a reasonable price, and it’s enjoyable to use, even as I continue to learn all its features. I purchased this to replace my Akai MPK Mini 3, and I’m really glad I chose the MPK Plus instead. It’s much more versatile, offering a wider range of capabilities while still being compact enough for my studio. Plus, it’s compatible with nearly every DAW out there. If you’re in the market for a keyboard controller, I highly recommend this one—just like I did! 😁
Bryan –
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like this keyboard. The quality is impressive, and it definitely doesn’t feel low-end. The keys are enjoyable to use, even though they’re compact. It’s also quite portable. It integrates well with GarageBand, although the transport controls (play/pause/rec) don’t seem to map for some reason. Nonetheless, I believe it’s worth the price, especially considering there aren’t many options with three full octaves.
Musicandtheartofbeing –
This keyboard offers all the MIDI features you need, including CV gate in/out, MIDI in/out, and control knobs for various functions, plus transport controls for play, stop, and more to integrate seamlessly with your DAW. It’s a fantastic little device, and combining it with MPC Beats is just a blast! Akai really excels in this area. Keep in mind that it requires USB power and a computer to function, so it’s not a standalone option suitable for a child’s first keyboard. If that’s what you’re looking for, the MPK Mini Play might be a better fit, as it includes a speaker but has fewer features.