Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII Overview

ultracompact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician

The black-on-white Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is an ultracompact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. It features twenty-five velocity-sensitive synth-action mini keys, a four-way thumbstick for pitch and modulation manipulation, eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads in two banks, and eight assignable Q-Link knobs. With an array of hardware controls, the MPK Mini allows for recording, composing, and performing, whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.

octave-up and octave-down buttons – sustain pedal input – onboard arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes

Dedicated octave-up and octave-down buttons increase the keyboard to the full melodic range, and a sustain pedal input is built-in for expressive playing and recording (pedal not included). An onboard arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes makes it easy to create intricate melodic lines. Plus, MPC Note Repeat and Full Level allow users to access technologies from Akai Professional’s line of MPC workstations.

Production software and virtual instruments

Production software and virtual instruments are included for immediate music creation. Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech is a high-definition synthesizer. SONiVOX’s Wobble is an electronic music grime synthesizer featuring two independent channels of spectral morphing synthesis with harmonic controls, individual filtering, and discrete LFO controls. MPC Essentials is groove-/beat-production and sample-triggering software that also runs in standalone mode for making music without a DAW.

Four memory banks can store hardware/software presets for quick and easy setup. The MPK Mini MIDI Editor is preset management software that lets you: Customize your hardware and software setup on a Mac or Windows computer; Create and tweak presets for favorite virtual instruments, plug-ins, and DAWs; and Store them on the controller. The controller requires no software drivers or external power adapter for operation. It supports plug-and-play connectivity, features USB-MIDI, and powers up with a single USB connection to a Mac or Windows computer.

Twenty-five synth-action mini keys

Four-way thumbstick for pitch and modulation control

Eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads with note repeat and full level

Eight assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more

Built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes

Dedicated octave-up and octave-down buttons

Full-size sustain pedal input jack

Comprehensive production software package includes Akai Pro MPC Essentials, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech (downloads)

Ultracompact design allows for creating anywhere

USB powered, no power adapter required