Like its bigger siblings of the MPK series, the MPK Mini has been revamped and expanded with extra features. Often requested, and now it is finally possible to control the Pitch Bend and Modulation via the joystick. Squeezing even more features into the compact housing of the MPK Mini mkII is seemingly impossible and leaves the competition in the dust.
The 25 Synth action mini keys are incredibly comfortable and easy to play and control. 8 MPC pads with note-repeat are also impressive and are very popular among AKAI fans. The pads can be operated in three modes: Note, CC and program change commands. Together with the 8 freely programmable knobs, the result is an incredibly flexible controller.
Particularly noteworthy and unique in this compact class is the arpeggiator. This can be used both in a DAW as well as live via software driven synthesizer arpeggios. Parameters such as the resolution of note values, direction and swing can be set via the keyboard. The arpeggiator is always synchronized with the band through the Tap Tempo. The keyboard is quickly switched between pitches with the Octave Up and Down buttons.
The MPK mini mkII is naturally supplied with power via USB, to guarantee mobility.
Bought the MPK mini Mk2 as my first MIDI controller and piano and after many months of use, I'm super happy with it!
Pros:
+ Solid build quality
+ USB powered, so great to travel with
+ The joystick is a lot of fun to use!
+ Comes with Air Music Tech's Hybrid 3 Synth, which is worth the controller's price by itself. I saw this after buying the MPK mini and it was a nice surprise :)
+ The Hybrid 3 license can be used to upgrade to AIEP3 Complete for cheap (which is what I did, since I was starting out with electronic music and AIEP3 Complete brings a lot of top plugins).
+ Knobs, pads and keys feel good to use. Knobs and pads have to be setup on your DAW, keys and joystick work out of the box.
+ Arpeggiator is easy to configure, from the controller itself.
Cons:
- It's an amazing keyboard for a beginner, but if you are a beginner and plan to use it to learn to play piano on it, you may want to look into 49 or 61 key keyboards instead of, or together with the MPK mini (MPK mini has only 25 keys, which is not enough for learning piano beyond learning basic chord shapes). I'm using a 61 key keyboard (Nektar Impact GX61) to learn piano, and the MPK mini for general music production.
Summary:
Great controller at a very good price. If you're a beginner or you are thinking of getting this as a present for someone, go ahead with the MPK mini, it's a blast to work with!!
I bought this keyboard mainly for demos, but its features are mor than suitable for more advanced users. The keys action is not semi weighted, but after some time practicing, you can play with a certain degree of "feel". The tone shift slider and the option to connect a sustain pedal is a bonus.
Very compact usb controller for a good price for a mini controller from Akai brand. Simply to use and to transport. A little plastic but works and looks great. Plug & play very easy to use and great for small jobs outside the studio.