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The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a MIDI keyboard controller that has 25 synth-action mini keys. It features a 4-way thumb-stick, 8 MPC-style backlit pads, and 8 control knobs. It has dimensions of 1.75” by 12.5” by 7.13,” and it weighs 1.65lbs.
Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii
Summary
If you’re a home producer or traveling musician, then you’ll know just how vital a mini keyboard is like a piece of equipment. It is an integral part of your setup that you could not live without. And if you’ve yet to invest in this piece of gear, then you will quickly learn just how necessary it is once you’ve integrated it into your setup.
Akai Professional is a trusted name when it comes to mini keyboards, having produced audio equipment of this type for well over 30 years. The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is an excellent example of just how good Akai Professional instruments are. It is built to the highest quality, feels good to play, and is loaded with lots of nifty features.
When it comes to the basics, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII offers you all you might want from a mini keyboard. It has 25 velocity-sensitive keys, as well as 8 pressure and velocity-sensitive MPC-style backlit pads for perfect visibility, even in dark environments.
It also has eight assignable controller pots and a 4-way thumb-stick that can be used for controlling pitch and modulation. It is ready to go out of the box. It has USB connectivity, so you need to plug it into your laptop or power source, and then you’re set.
Now that we know what the basics are let’s have a look at what makes the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII so good. The first is the functionality of the keyboard. It has been built to increase your workflow. Everything has been designed to offer better efficiency, meaning that there is no need to fiddle around with unnecessary knobs to achieve the ends you want.
The ergonomic 4-way thumb-stick is an excellent example of how user-friendly this mini keyboard is. It allows you to bend pitch as well as control modulations effortlessly. There are also dedicated buttons for going up and down through the octaves. This simple feature is very much appreciated during both live performances and the home studio.
Of course, a mini keyboard is only as good as the software that you use it with. Fortunately, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII comes with Akai Professional VIP 3.0 virtual instrument software. They combine perfectly, which helps you increase your workflow, as the hardware and software are a system that is only complete together.
Traveling musicians will love the portability of the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII. With a weight of 1.65lbs and dimensions of 1.75” by 12.5” by 7.13”, it could easily fit inside your backpack. Another feature that DJs will like is the 8 Q-link knobs, which can be assigned for whatever purpose you require, whether that’s for altering plugins, mixing, or another use.
Overall, the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a superb piece of equipment. It is portable, easy to play, and has been designed with the musician and producer in mind, allowing for an increase in workflow.
This is further enhanced by the included Akai Professional VIP software, which works perfectly with the mini keyboard. Considering the price, it is a safe investment for anyone seeking a reliable, versatile mini keyboard for the home studio or for live performances.
Pros
+ It is very portable thanks to its low weight of 1.65lbs and its dimensions of 1.75” by 12.5” by 7.13”, which make it perfect for a live gig, on the road, or for integrating into your home studio workstation.
+ It comes with Akai Professional VIP 3.0 software, which is loaded with effects, works perfectly with the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, and will help you to create your own sound.
+ The ergonomic 4-way thumb-stick is a superb feature that allows for easy control over pitch and modulations.
+ The combination of the excellent keyboard and the free Akai Professional 3.0 software makes it an outstanding choice in terms of value for money.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulties setting up the keyboard in conjunction with the included software, but as long as you follow the instruction, you shouldn’t share these issues.
Why We Like It
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is quite simply an exceptional mini-keyboard. It is easy and comfortable to play, comes with excellent software, and has been designed to increase your workflow and be more efficient when you are creating your next legendary tracks in the home studio or knocking them out at a live performance.
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