Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII (25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller )

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a 25-Key USB MIDI Drum Pad & Keyboard Controller. Its now easy to have your own portable studio; create and perform music anywhere you like with this controller that easily fits in a laptop bag. A fantastic little controller (features slightly smaller sized keys), features a thumbstick (joystick) for pitch and mod control. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IJ6QAO2″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]See PRICE on Amazon[/easyazon_link].

Highlights

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a compact 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller that gives you complete command over most computer-based digital audio workstations & sequencers. You can use it for writing sessions, capturing ideas and for studio use, and works with nearly all music creation software.

Comes with several controls, knobs and pads, and its fully customizable.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Budget Friendly. Small and compact. Well laid out. Velocity-sensitive drums pads (feels like Akai’s MPC machine) . Great to begin digital music making.
• Cons: Keys are very small. Velocity settings on the keys cannot be adjusted. No transport controls on the keyboard. Small learning curve. Included software is limited.
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IJ6QAO2″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]See PRICE[/easyazon_link].

Review

The 25-key AKAI is perfect for those looking for a compact midi keyboard. The 8 pads are more than sufficient, and it packs all the necessary functions in a compact casing, available at a reasonable price too.

This USB keyboard controller is perfect for quickly entering notes and phrases into your computer, the velocity-sensitive keys allow you to accurately express dynamics. You can do much more with this controller such as easily shift the notes an Octave Up and Down by just pressing a button, create music in different time signatures and create interesting patterns with the built-in Arpeggiator.

• The build quality is not bad considering the size and price
• It has velocity sensitive keys, press a key just a little bit, it will be a soft sound, and if you press it hard, you’ll get a nice loud sound.
• The keys feel solid and durable, and not like a toy keyboard.

It can be difficult to use both the hands together (but that’s how its going to be on any 25 key keyboard).

Akai MPK Mini Mk2: Demo Video Review

Competition Check

Few other options that you may consider if you’re looking for a 25-Key Midi Controller.

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01M0KBF9F” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Nektar IMPACT LX25+ MIDI Controller[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B01MSNIVKE” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Arturia MiniLab MkII 25 Slim-Key Controller[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00VVNOMGI” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note USB Keyboard Controller[/easyazon_link]: For Ableton Live
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IJ6QAO2″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII[/easyazon_link]: This one

Technical Specs & Features

• 25-synth-action mini-keys
• 8 backlit velocity-sensitive rubber MIDI drum pads (2-Banks of MPC style pads)
• 8 assignable control knobs
• Eight Assignable Q-Link knobs for controlling virtually any MIDI-assignable parameters in software
• 4-way thumbstick for pitch and modulation control
• USB-powered; Powered by USB connection to computer, no additional power cable/supply needed
• Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC; no driver installation required.
• Octave up and down (cover a wide span of tonal spectrum), Note repeat, Full Level Button, and tap tempo controls for more flexibility
• Sustain Pedal Input, there’s also Sustain button
• Integrated arpeggiator, allows adjustments in mode and range.
• Includes powerful music production software (MPC essentials, Hybrid 3, Twist, MPK mini MIDI editor)
• Perfect for popular recording software such as Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, Digital Performer, Ableton, etc
• Available in Black & White design
• Dimensions: 12.4″ long, 1.6 lbs

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00IJ6QAO2″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”][/easyazon_link]

Buying Links

The Akai Pro MPK Mini MKII comes with several buttons, knobs and pads that makes it easy to provide “hands-on” performance and production control, no matter where you’re creating your music.

• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IJ6QAO2″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Buy on Amazon[/easyazon_link] | Buy on zZounds | Buy on Musiciansfriend

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KeytarHQ Editorial Team

KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.