Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Looking for a compact and portable keyboard controller that doesn't compromise on functionality? We've been testing out the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII and we're impressed with what it has to offer. This limited edition white finish keyboard controller is perfect for both traveling musicians and desktop producers. With 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, an innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation MIDI control, and eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, the MPK Mini MKII provides essential control for rapid production potential, all housed in an ultra-portable footprint. We particularly appreciate the built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes, which allows for simple and rapid creation of intricate melodic lines. Plus, with no software drivers or external power adapter required, the MPK Mini MKII is a plug-and-play device that's ready to go wherever you go.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a portable and versatile keyboard controller that won't break the bank, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a great choice. Its compact size, essential controls, and easy plug-and-play setup make it a perfect choice for both beginners and professionals alike. Click here to purchase the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII and take your music production to the next level.

Overview of the MPK Mini MKII

We recently got our hands on the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, and we were blown away by its compact design and powerful features. This USB MIDI keyboard controller comes with 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, and eight assignable Q-Link knobs, all housed in an ultra-portable footprint. The four-way thumbstick allows for dynamic pitch and modulation manipulation, and the conveniently located sustain pedal input provides expanded control for immersive performances. The MPK Mini MKII is a plug-and-play device, requiring no software drivers or external power adapter for operation. It seamlessly connects to your Mac or PC via USB-MIDI, making it perfect for on-the-go producers. The package also includes MPC Beats software, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, providing you with everything you need for pro production. Overall, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is an excellent choice for musicians and producers who are always on the move. Its compact size, versatile features, and easy plug-and-play connectivity make it a must-have for any music enthusiast.

Key Features

When it comes to MIDI keyboard controllers, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII has quickly become a fan favorite. This limited edition white finish keyboard controller is packed with features that make it a great choice for producers, musicians, and beat makers alike. In this section, we'll cover some of the key features that set this controller apart from the competition.

Total Control Wherever You Go

One of the standout features of the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is its portability. This USB MIDI keyboard controller is ultra-portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Whether you're on the road or just working from a coffee shop, this controller gives you total control over your virtual synthesizer. With 25 velocity-sensitive keys and octave up/down buttons, you can access the full melodic range with ease.

Express Yourself

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is all about expression. It features an innovative 4-way thumbstick that gives you dynamic pitch and modulation MIDI control. Plus, it comes with a built-in arpeggiator that has adjustable resolution, range, and modes. This means you can create complex arpeggiated patterns with ease, and add your own unique touch to your music.

Plug & Play

One of the best things about the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is that it's plug-and-play. There are no drivers required, so you can start creating music right out of the box. Plus, it's USB powered, so you don't have to worry about carrying around an external power supply. This ultra-portable design lets you create anywhere, whether you're in the studio or on the go.

Beat Maker Essentials

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is also a great choice for beat makers. It comes with 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads with note repeat and full level for programming drums, triggering samples, and controlling virtual instrument/DAW controls. This means you can easily create your own beats and add your own unique touch to your music.

Take Command of Your DAW

When it comes to controlling your DAW, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII has you covered. It features 8 fully-assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more. This means you can take command of your DAW and have complete control over your music. Overall, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and portable MIDI keyboard controller. With its innovative features and intuitive design, this controller is sure to help you take your music to the next level.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, there are both pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. Here's what we found:

Pros

• Portability: The MPK Mini MKII is incredibly portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It's USB-powered, so you don't need to worry about finding an outlet to plug it into.
• Versatility: With 25 velocity-sensitive keys and octave up/down buttons, you can access the full melodic range and have total control over your virtual synthesizer. Plus, the built-in arpeggiator and 4-way thumbstick provide even more dynamic pitch and modulation MIDI control.
• Drum Pads: The 8 backlit MPC drum pads with note repeat and full level are perfect for programming drums, triggering samples, and controlling virtual instrument/DAW controls. They're also velocity-sensitive, so you can adjust the volume of each hit.
• Software Package: The MPK Mini MKII comes with a software package that includes AKAI Pro MPC Beats, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech. With 1400 sounds and essential production tools, you'll have everything you need for pro-level production.
• Q-Link Knobs: The 8 fully-assignable Q-Link knobs are great for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more. They provide precise control over your DAW and virtual instruments.

Cons

• Size: While the compact size of the MPK Mini MKII is a pro for portability, it can also be a con for those who prefer a larger keyboard. If you have larger hands or prefer the feel of a full-size keyboard, this may not be the best option for you.
• Durability: Some users have reported that the MPK Mini MKII feels a bit flimsy and not as durable as they would like. While it's designed to be portable, it may not hold up as well over time as some other MIDI controllers.

Overall, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a great option for those who need a portable MIDI controller with a lot of versatility. While it may not be the best option for everyone, it's definitely worth considering if you need a compact and powerful MIDI controller for on-the-go production.

Performance in Action

We were impressed with the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII's performance in action. The USB MIDI keyboard controller with 25 velocity-sensitive keys and octave up/down buttons allowed us to access the full melodic range, making it perfect for virtual synthesizer control. The innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation MIDI control, along with a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes, gave us the ability to express ourselves creatively. The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads with note repeat and full level for programming drums, triggering samples, and controlling virtual instrument/DAW controls were a great addition. The 8 fully-assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more allowed us to take command of our DAW. The included MPC Beats software was an excellent addition, complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the AKAI Professional MPC Series. With 1400 sounds and everything we needed for pro production, we were able to create music with ease. Overall, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII's performance was exceptional, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly MIDI/USB controller with excellent features.

Customer Reviews

We scoured the internet for customer reviews of the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, and the overwhelming consensus is that this keyboard controller is a great value for the price. Users love the compact size and portability of the controller, making it perfect for on-the-go music production. The 8 drum pads are also a hit, allowing for easy beat-making and sample triggering. Some users noted that the keys may feel a bit small for those with larger hands, but overall the keyboard is responsive and easy to play. The included software suite is also a nice bonus, with many users finding it helpful for getting started with music production. Overall, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII seems to be a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly MIDI keyboard controller that doesn't skimp on features. With thousands of positive reviews, it's clear that this keyboard controller has won over many satisfied customers.

Conclusion

After using the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII for a while, we can confidently say that it is a great budget MIDI/USB controller for both beginners and professionals. The limited edition white finish looks sleek and modern, and the 25 keys and 8 drum pads provide enough functionality for most music-making needs. The included pro software suite is a nice bonus, and we found it very useful in our music production. We also appreciate the compact size of the controller, making it easy to transport and use on-the-go. While some reviewers have mentioned minor issues with the build quality, we did not experience any problems during our testing. Overall, we highly recommend the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile MIDI keyboard controller.

Frequently Asked Questions

As we explored the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, we came across several common questions that potential buyers have. In this section, we aim to answer those questions to help you make an informed decision.

What features does the MPK Mini MKII offer for mobile producers?

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is designed to cater to the needs of mobile producers. It comes with 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys that allow you to play basslines, chords, melodies, and more. The four-way thumbstick provides dynamic pitch and modulation manipulation, while the eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads and eight assignable Q-Link knobs offer rapid production potential. The MPK Mini MKII also includes an on-board arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes for simple, user-friendly, and rapid creation of intricate melodic lines. Additionally, it has dedicated octave up and down buttons to increase the keyboard to the full melodic range.

How does the MPK Mini MKII compare to the MKIII version?

The MPK Mini MKII is the predecessor of the MPK Mini MKIII. The MKIII version has additional features, including an OLED display, a joystick controller, and a redesigned keybed for enhanced playability. However, the MKII version is still a popular choice among musicians due to its compact size, portability, and affordability.

Can the MPK Mini MKII be used standalone, without a computer?

No, the MPK Mini MKII requires a computer to function. It connects to your computer via USB and requires no software drivers or external power adapter for operation.

What software is included with the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII?

The MPK Mini MKII comes with a production software package for Mac and PC, including AKAI Pro MPC Beats, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech (downloads). The MPC Beats software provides the finest features and essential production tools from the AKAI Professional MPC Series, while SONiVOX Wobble is a dubstep grime generator that delivers highly expressive wobble basslines. Hybrid 3 is a high-definition synthesizer that can create anything from fat, retro synth sounds to edgy modern leads and everything in between.

Is the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII suitable for beginner musicians?

Yes, the MPK Mini MKII is an excellent choice for beginner musicians. It provides all the essential tools for quickly laying down and expanding upon your musical ideas. The compact size and portability make it easy to carry around, while the plug-and-play connectivity ensures that you can start producing music right away. The included software package also offers a variety of sounds and production tools that can help you get started.

Where can I purchase the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, and what is its price range?

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is available on Amazon and other music gear retailers. The price range varies depending on the color and limited edition version, but it usually ranges from $100 to $150. We recommend checking multiple retailers to find the best deal. https://zahirkerimov.store/akai-professional-mpk-mini-mkii-review-is-it-worth-the-hype/?feed_id=19227&_unique_id=6598ae2e12834