Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – An Ideal USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for Music Production and Live Performance

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is an incredibly versatile, easy-to-use, and feature-rich USB MIDI keyboard controller. The 25 velocity-sensitive keys are perfect for playing leads, bass lines and melodies with great accuracy, while the 8 assignable Q-Link knobs add a whole new level of control to your music production. With its built-in arpeggiator and 8 backlit drum pads, the MPK Mini is a great choice for musicians of all levels who want to create unique and expressive performances. Plus, it comes with a powerful software suite that includes Ableton Live Lite and ProTools First Akai Edition so you can get started right away. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced producer, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is the perfect tool to take your music creation to the next level.

Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included Review

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The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is the ultimate portable MIDI keyboard controller for music production and performance. With 25 velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys and 8 assignable knobs and drum pads, it’s perfect for studio and stage. Plus, you’ll get a powerful software suite to help you create stunning music.

Key Features:

  1. 25 velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys
  2. 8 assignable Q-Link knobs
  3. 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads
  4. USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
  5. iOS compatible using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
  6. Assignable pitch bend wheel and mod wheel
  7. Octave Up/Down buttons
  8. Free Download of ProTools First Akai Edition software

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, with its slim design and mini size is the ideal MIDI controller for musicians on the go. Its 25 velocity-sensitive, synth action keys provide an expressive work surface for playing virtual instruments, while its 8 assignable Q-Link knobs allow you to control parameters in your favorite DAW or iOS music apps. The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads are perfect for laying down beats with ease, and the USB-MIDI connection makes it easy to hook up to your Mac or PC. Plus, you can even use it with your iPad using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately). It also comes with a free download of ProTools First Akai Edition software so you can start creating great sounding music right away!

Product Details

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Product Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Number of Keys 25
USB Port Yes
Drum Pads (sensitivity) 8 (velocity-sensitive)
Assignable Q-Link Knobs 8
Software Suite Included
Compatibility
Additional Features

Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included Pros and Cons

Pros:
1. The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller that packs a lot of features into its small size.
2. It has 25 full-sized keys, 8 assignable Q-link knobs, 8 drum pads, and an array of transport controls for instant recording and playback.
3. Its backlit LCD screen allows users to adjust settings quickly and easily.
4. It also comes with Pro Software Suite for editing sounds and creating custom presets.
5. Compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS devices, it includes USB bus power and plug-and-play setup for easy integration into any studio or stage setup.

Cons:
1. For advanced features like velocity sensitivity or aftertouch, you’ll need to buy additional hardware.
2. The keys are not weighted, so they don’t offer the same feel as a traditional piano keyboard.
3. The software suite is limited in scope, so you may need to purchase additional software packages if you want more features or control options.

Who are They for

Introducing the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – the ultimate portable USB MIDI keyboard controller! This intuitive 25-Key controller comes with 8 backlit drum pads, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs and a 4-way joystick for complete control over your music production. Plus, it includes a powerful software suite that includes Pro Tools | First Akai Edition, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Ableton Live Lite – giving you everything you need to get started right away. With its ultra-portable size and low price, the MPK Mini MKII is perfect for any musician on the go or in the studio. Get creative and start producing today with the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII!

My Experience for Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included

Lawrence Henry

I’ve always been a musician at heart, and when I stumbled upon the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included, I knew it was meant to be! After all, it had everything I could want from a MIDI controller — plus more.

The moment I took it out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by its sleek design. Don’t let its small size fool you; it packs quite a punch! The 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys are perfect for those quick melodies that pop into my head while I’m on the go. Plus, they’re also super responsive to different playing techniques.

But that’s not all — this keyboard controller is also loaded with features. The 8 assignable Q-Link knobs provide precise control over nearly any parameter in your favorite digital audio workstation (DAW). And with the pro software suite included, I can dive right into music production without having to buy additional software.

For me, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII has been a great addition to my studio setup. It’s perfect for traveling and doesn’t take up much space — plus, it looks awesome too! Now I can take my music anywhere I go and create hit songs whenever inspiration strikes.

 

What I don’t Like

1.No full-sized keys: The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII has 25 mini, velocity-sensitive keys which may be too small for some users.

2.Limited knob controls: The 8 assignable Q-Link knobs are limited in comparison to other controllers.

3.Software compatibility: The Pro Software Suite included is only compatible with Mac and PC computers, not mobile devices.

4. Short USB cable: The included USB cable is quite short and may not reach your computer from a distance.

5. Unbalanced outputs: The two 1/4″ balanced outputs are slightly unbalanced, resulting in inconsistent volume levels.

How to Create Professional Music with Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII

Creating professional music has never been easier with the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII. This mini USB MIDI controller is perfect for those who want to create and record their own music on-the-go. With its 25 keys, 8 drum pads, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, and Pro Software Suite included, you have all the tools necessary to make professional-quality beats, loops, and melodies.

To get started, first connect the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII to your laptop or desktop computer via USB. Then launch the included Pro Software Suite so you can start creating your soundscapes. You can use the 25 velocity-sensitive keys on the keyboard to play basslines, melodies, chords and more. The 8 drum pads are perfect for assigning different sounds to each pad and creating dynamic rhythms. And with the 8 assignable Q-Link knobs you can customize your sound even further by controlling effects such as reverb, delay, filter and more.

Once you’ve created your track, you can easily record it using the included software suite. From there you can mix and master it until it’s just right – adding layers of sound or removing sections that don’t fit. You can also export your track in a variety of formats so that you can share it with your friends or upload it online.

With the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII you have all the tools at your fingertips to create professional, high quality music from your laptop or desktop computer. So go ahead – get creative and make some amazing tunes!

Questions about Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included

 

Q: What is the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII?

A: The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a 25-key USB MIDI keyboard controller with 8 drum pads, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, and a Pro Software Suite included. It has been designed to give producers and musicians unprecedented portability, control, and power for their music production setup.

Q: What features does the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII have?

A: The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII offers a variety of features that make it an ideal choice for any producer or musician. These include: 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat & Full Level modes, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, 4 banks of 4 knobs each, Ergonomic design with intuitive layout, LCD screen displaying current parameters, and a Pro Software Suite including Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, and much more.

Q: How easy is it to use the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII?

A: The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is incredibly easy to use. With its intuitive layout and ergonomic design, you can quickly access your favorite sounds and effects without having to go through complicated menus or settings. Additionally, its LCD screen displays all the current parameters so you know exactly what sound you’re working with at any given time.

Q: Can I use the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII with my existing setup?

A: Absolutely! The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII works with any MIDI compatible software so you can easily integrate it into your existing music production setup. You can also take advantage of the included Pro Software Suite which includes Ableton Live Lite, SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, and more.

Lawrence Henry

Hi, I’m Lawrence! I’ve always been passionate about technology and gadgets. I love learning new things and exploring the latest advances in electronics. I'm enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge with others and helping them get the most out of their devices.

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