AKAI Professional MPK Mini– 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included

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Also, shoutouts to the small but highly effective decision to add illuminated lights to the text on the Mk3’s buttons, rather than the entire buttons itself (which was a little hard to read in the past). A Brand New OLED Screen

MPC Beats comes bundled with a variety of Demo Projects and Project Templates to help familiarize you with the MPC workflow. Simply launch MPC Beats and select a Demo or Template Project from the pop-up menu. The software will load a full session with pre-loaded programs so you can start creating right out of the gate!In addition to MPC Beats, MPK mini Play also includes multiple world-class plugin instruments from award-winning sound design company AIR Music Technology. Available in both AU and VST are Hybrid 3 — a powerful The MPC Beats Installer will automatically open. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation. Yes! There are eight built-in presets that can be chosen in the controller. These presets can be edited, adjusted, and uploaded to the MPK Mini using the MPK Editor. Beginning with the keys; the MPK mk3 mini features a new generation of keybed, with a more responsive feeling and smoother travel. This new keybed still features 25 velocity-sensitive keys and is created to aid in the capture of even the smallest nuances that a lot of players might miss when using something with keys that are a lot stiffer or less weighted. Setting it up with my preferred software was a breeze, and the included software bundles are a fantastic bonus. The inclusion of MPC Beats and AIR Hybrid 3 greatly expands my sonic palette.

I’ve always disliked sustain buttons as they’re not very helpful if you’re using two hands. Features The MPK Editor can be directly opened at any time from your computer's Application or Program folder.Overall, I believe the Novation actually slightly edges out the Akai. I think the addition of the MIDI out is the main reason why. Overall, they’re very comparable keyboards, with the Akai being a little bit cheaper. This intuitive instrument distills all of the key tools required by a producer into one compact unit. From a range of pads and assignable controls, to immediate integration with your preferred music production software and a new and improved Generation 2 enhanced dynamic keybed, this controller punches well above its weight. Borrowed from the MPC are the Full Level and Note Repeat buttons which work with both the pads and keys. Full Level plays everything at maximum velocity; handy when trying not to wake the rest of the house. When the Note Repeat button is held, the first encoder adjusts the time division of repeats. Of course, if a pitch bend toggle is high on your list of concerns, you may not agree with me here.