AKAI Professional MPK Mini Plus
- 37 Velocity-sensitive mini keys
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 451 x 180 x 52 mm
- Weight: 1260 g
AKAI Professional MPK Mini Plus Review
Here’s another exciting release from AKAI: the MPK Mini Plus. This upgraded version builds on its predecessor with some fantastic new features, all packed into a portable and affordable unit. Notably, it boasts a built-in 2-track sequencer, 8 pads, and much more. Inspired by the Keystep, the MPK Mini Plus stands out with added MIDI CV/Gate functionality, making it even more versatile.
When it comes to design, this keyboard is sleek and includes all the essential features you’d expect from a brand as reputable as AKAI. It’s truly impressive, but exactly what you’d hope for from a giant in the music production world.
The compact keyboard offers 37 mini keys, giving you a comfortable 3-octave range—perfect for getting started with melodies and harmonies. According to AKAI, the MPK Mini Plus features a Gen 2 dynamic keybed, making it great for expressive playing across a wide range of styles. While it doesn’t have aftertouch, the velocity sensitivity is excellent and adds a lot of playability.
Another highlight is the built-in step/live sequencer, featuring polyphonic 2-track functionality to help you craft melodies and drum patterns with ease. You can play up to 8 polyphonic notes per step and trigger 16 notes per drum pad. Plus, the built-in arpeggiator opens up even more creative possibilities for your music.
On the top right side of the panel above the keys, you’ll find eight assignable 360-degree rotary knobs. You can map these to different functions in your DAW, giving you plenty of flexibility. You can also choose between Chord Mode and Scale Mode, which are pretty self-explanatory. These modes offer a wide range of features and let you pick from 15 different scale settings.
The transport controls cover all the essentials for both playing and DAW functionality. There’s also a joystick that lets you assign up to four parameters and morph between them on an X/Y axis—a feature this type of controller is already well known for.
As you’d expect from AKAI, the unit comes with pads. Here, you get eight velocity-sensitive pads with RGB backlighting, making them great for programming drums. You can also assign them to trigger different functions in your DAW if you need, all easily managed from your software of choice.
MPK Mini Plus Connectivity
Thanks to its compact design, the MPK Mini Plus can be used anywhere, no matter the situation. It features both USB and MIDI connections, allowing you to control your DAW and any VST plugins you choose to use.
In addition, the keyboard lets you connect modular synths and other hardware from your setup, making it highly compatible for integrating with external devices and instruments.
If you’re traveling or performing on the road, the Mini Plus can easily be used as a standalone device. Whenever inspiration strikes, you can record your ideas anywhere and save them for later. Plus, with the five-pin MIDI connection, you can hook up any compatible MIDI devices and preserve your creativity.
On the back of the unit, you’ll find the following I/O options:
- 3 CV outputs (1/8″ or 3.5mm)
- 2 CV clock inputs and outputs (1/8″ or 3.5mm)
- A pair of MIDI DIN in/out ports
- Sustain pedal input
- USB Type-B for power (can be bus-powered or wall-powered)
Introducing the MPK Mini Plus—a groundbreaking keyboard controller packed with advanced features you won’t find anywhere else. With its built-in sequencer, CV and Gate connections, sync inputs and outputs, and eight RGB-backlit MPC drum pads, this versatile unit boosts the creativity and workflow of today’s musicians. The MPK Mini Plus is a valuable addition to any studio.
When you purchase the keyboard in a bundle, you’ll also receive a suite of software instruments, samples, and plugins to help you create professional, modern music. This includes the renowned Akai MPC Beats DAW software, a legendary digital recreation of the classic MPC hardware.
- Keyboard and live controller that are USB Class-compliant
- The 37-key Gen 2 keybed provides three octaves of comfortable note control
- A compact design makes it easy to transport in nearly any gig bag
- Featuring 8 RGB-backlit drum pads for exclusive sampling and looping functionality
- The new Polyphonic Step Sequencer feature
- A pitch bend and modulation wheel for live tweaking
- Compatibility with external equipment is provided by CV/Gate inputs and outputs
- A total of eight parameter knobs for controlling the mixing process
- A dedicated transport control system (Start, Stop, Record, Loop, Locator)
- The classic four-way joystick controller
- Compatible with standalone operation
- PC and Mac version of MPC Beats software is included
Why You Need the MPK Mini Plus
This is the latest release from AKAI Professional, and it’s a great choice for both professional producers and beginner beatmakers. As the next-generation unit after its smaller sibling, the MPK25 Mini, the MPK Mini Plus shows that the developers wanted to give users just a bit more of what made their budget bestseller so popular.
Now featuring 37 keys and even more functions than before, the MPK Mini Plus is the perfect companion for producing music on the go or in your home studio. Plus, it comes bundled with the original MPC software, letting you experience some of AKAI’s high-end features at an affordable price.
Conclusion
If you look at the review box above, you’ll notice we gave a lower score for sounds. That’s only because this unit doesn’t produce sounds on its own—it’s strictly a MIDI controller. Aside from that, it’s an excellent addition to any studio, and even experienced musicians will appreciate what it offers.
If you’re considering a new MIDI keyboard, we hope this review helps you decide to give this one a try. If you have any questions about this device, feel free to ask in the comment section below—we’re more than happy to help!
