- Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii Specs
- Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii User Manual Software
- Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii User Manual Pdf
Akai MPK mini MKII USB Keyboard Go mobile without losing control. The Akai MPK mini is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK mini lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. Buy Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII 25 Key Portable USB MIDI Keyboard With 8 Backlit Performance Ready Pads, 8 Assignable Q Link Knobs & A 4 Way Thumbstick: Musical Instruments - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases.
One of the best selling mini midi controllers, ever!
Akai is an old and well-known manufacturer of keyboards. The company has been in the business for over 30 years.
In that period, they have been able to manufacture loads of music production gear, that have created some of the biggest tunes in all styles from hip hop to house.
The MPK Mini MKII is an improvement of their older version of mini midi controller.
This controller has been designed specifically for portability and has been made with enough knobs, pads and buttons to keep beatmakers on the move making sounds on the run.
Overall, we rate the device at 4.8 stars out of 5. Inside this Akai MPK Mini MK2 review will cover the key aspects of the device, including its notable advantages and disadvantages.
- Multiple controls, keys and knobs
- Amazing Value
- Portable Power House
- ultra-compact and easy to carry around
- Plug and play with all major DAW’s
- Has a solid and stable build
- Shipped with a great software bundle
- Massive value for money
- Small Keys (due to compact size)
- Pads are not the most responsive
- Midi Mapping software can take some learning
Key Features
One of the best capabilities of this keyboard is the velocity-sensitive pads.
The pads light up when pressed, making it a lot easier to use in poorly lit environments.
The pads light up when pressed, making it a lot easier to use in poorly lit environments.
The Mpk Mini has 8 pads and multiple banks to store your sounds.
The pads are made of thick rubber, and this improves the experience of using the device.
Good Things come in small packages.
Besides the pads, this product is designed with several other controllers.
These include the pitchbend joystick, note repeat, tap tempo button, and the full level control.
You will also enjoy using the dedicated keys for note repeat, octave up and down, and full level mode.
It is designed with 8 rotary knobs that can be reassigned as per your preferences.
These can be used to tweak synth parameters and manipulating effects from your fingertips.
The Akai mini works with both Windows 7 and up.
Users of iOS computers will have to use devices with OSX 10.7 or later versions of the operating system.
With this portable controller, you will not need to use a power adapter, letting you travel light when producing on the road.
The keyboard is powered by USB, and this is included in the original purchase.
All you need to do is connect it to your laptop or computer and the device will power up.
This makes the entire product even better for people who like to move around with their keyboards.
Whats in the box?
The main advantage of the Akai MPK Mini MK2 is its compact design. The keyboard is small enough to fit in a normal sized laptop bag.
The knobs are quite short. This helps to prevent damage, especially if the keyboard is carried in the backpack.
That said, the shortness of the knobs will make them more uncomfortable to turn, these are the sacrifices one must make when buying a mini controller.
Like all other Akai products, this keyboard is of desirable quality.
The MKII is one of the highest quality products that you can find in the mini midi keyboard range.
It will not get damaged under normal use. That said, it is not advisable to store it together with many other items.
If you intend to travel with it, you should remember that it is not indestructible.Poor use will shorten the life of the device.
The small size is definitely an advantage.However, you should be ready to work with really small keys.
It will be uncomfortable at first, especially if you are used to playing the keyboard with two hands like a piano.
The pads are just large enough for you to use two index fingers side by side.
They are also highly velocity-sensitive. You will, however, get used to the small pads after using them for a while.
Many people actually find the whole thing easy and fun to use once they get used to the small-sized keys.
The keyboard also lacks LED display and modulation wheels.
Plug and Play Integration
The Akai Mini MKII is meant to be used with a DAW.It will take you a considerable period of time to set up the program.
The gadget can integrate perfectly with many different programs, although you may have to configure the software first.
To make your work easier, you should read the user manual and use the resources provided on the internet.
Also, you can contact the manufacturer if you have trouble integrating it with your software.
Bundled Software
* SONiVOX Wobble- This is great for producing dubstep sounds.
However, it fails in almost everything else. Hybrid 3- This one is mostly used to produce electronic sounds.
You have to spend a lot of time learning about it to understand its functions.
Capabilities
The keyboard is capable of storing four different presets and each of these can be edited using the software provided.
The same software can be used to create new presets.
These presets can be transferred from the device to your computer and vice versa.You will need a USB device to do this.
The keyboard is plug and play.You will not need to install any drivers for it to function.
Also, you should update the operating system of your computer to a version that is supported by the keyboard.
People with larger fingers will definitely have trouble using the pads.
If you have such a problem, you will enjoy the fact that the pads are velocity-sensitive.
This simply means the velocity will be altered, depending on how hard you hit the keys. Unfortunately, the velocity settings of the device
Lets Check Out The Competition
Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note USB Keyboard Controller, MK2 Version
Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note USB Keyboard Controller, MK2 Version
1. Midiplus AKM320 Review
This keyboard costs a lot less than the Mini MKII.The device has 32 keys, which is more than those in the compact Mini MKII keyboard.
It offers basic controls and is compact enough to fit in any backpack.Therefore, it can be used when traveling.
With this device, you shouldn’t expect high functionality.It is actually very basic and will work poorly in creating beats.
As an advantage, it can integrate well with almost all popular DAWs.
Once you connect the device to your computer or laptop, it will automatically initiate a download of the necessary drivers.
This software will be installed in minutes and you can start using the device.
Being such a compact device, the keys are quite small.They are also very stiff, and this worsens the user experience even further.
Octave and transpose buttons are conveniently included in the design of this gadget.
The octave buttons allow you to cover greater range with the limited keys on the keyboard.
If you need to change key in the middle of a song, you can use the transpose buttons.
The keys are velocity-sensitive. However, this function ought to have been improved since the sensitivity is very low.
The keys are velocity-sensitive. However, this function ought to have been improved since the sensitivity is very low.
2. Novation Launchkey Mini Review
This portable keyboard is compatible with iOS and Linux devices.It has a compact design and can easily be carried along when traveling.
![Mini Mini](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126609005/569654360.jpg)
In order to use this keyboard with iOS devices, you will need a camera connection kit.
The device has 25 keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads. In addition, it has 7 function buttons and 8 assignable knobs.
The pads have RGB backlights in three different colors. Again, this device has very small keys.
The manufacturer makes up for this by including extra buttons, pads, and knobs.
The overall design helps you to gain better control of the device, though you will still miss the piano experience.
You will not need to install any drivers in order to use the gadget.
This device is seamlessly compatible with most DAWs. It comes with the Ableton Live Lite 9 software and 1 GB of samples and loops. https://powerupsole369.weebly.com/users-manual-btt9-fansync-bluetooth-transmitter-downlight.html.
It also integrates with other popular software like Pro Tools, FL Studio, and Reason.
Like the Akai MPK Mini MKII, this device does not require external power adapters to function.
It is powered through USB cables. That makes it very easy to carry around.
The keyboard only weighs 1.5 pounds. Overall, the product is well-designed and highly functional.
It offers a lot of control without being unnecessarily bulky. The keyboard is quite similar to the Mini MKII.
3. Nektar IMPACT LX25+ Review
The Nektar Impact LX25+ is also very compact.It is designed to hook up to your DAW automatically, and this offers great convenience.
Although it is small, the device has full-size keys that give you the traditional piano experience.
These keys are covered, and this helps to complete the design of the gadget.
Also, the cover helps to protect the keys from dust.
The keyboard has four velocity curves that increase in dynamics.
It also has three fixed velocity levels.
You can use these fixed velocity levels if you want consistent results. All the buttons and controls on the device are labeled, so you don’t need to bother learning their functions.
It is also designed with four octave and transpose buttons, all of which are conveniently positioned on the device.
In addition, it has 8 velocity-sensitive pads that you can use for groove and beat creation.
The pads can trigger with a light touch of the finger.
To show you the pad map that is presently being loaded, the device has LED lights.
These come in four colors and further serve to decorate the keyboard. Duracell 15 minute charger user manual.
The colors can also tell you the type of MIDI message the pads are sending.
The keyboard integrates with most of the popular DAWs.These include Reason, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper, Studio One, and Sonar.
Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii Specs
All you need to do is complete the installation of the software and you can start making music.
Nektar Impact LX25+ is generally easy to use and is also very compact.
It is also quite affordable. It costs just as much as the Mini MKII.
It is also quite affordable. It costs just as much as the Mini MKII.
Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mk2 Review
As you have seen in this Akai MPK Mini MK2 Review, the keyboard is quite a bargain.
Many other manufacturers hike their prices just because of features already available in this keyboard.
The product is designed for people who like to work on their music when traveling.
It is small and can be carried around easily. Also, it is powered by USB cables, and this makes it even easier to carry around.
The knobs are even short to prevent breakage in case it falls when being moved.
The only notable disadvantage of the gadget is the fact that it has small keys.
These can be hard to use since most people are already used to piano-style keys.
Regardless, we would recommend it to artists who travel a lot with their keyboards.
![Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii User Manual Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii User Manual](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1SixYK9zqK1RjSZFHq6z3CpXa3/New-Travel-Case-for-Akai-Professional-MPK-Mini-MKII-MPK-Mini-Play-25-Key-Ultra-Portable.jpg)
It serves its purpose better than most of the devices on the market, and for a much lower price.
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII | 25 Key Portable USB MIDI Keyboard With 8 Backlit Performance Ready Pads, 8 Assignable Q Link Knobs & A 4 Way Thumbstick - Get them Gifts They'll Remember this Holiday Season; The perfect music inspired Christmas gift for kids, women, men, mum, dad and Secret Santa
- Total Control Wherever You Go; USB MIDI keyboard controller with 25 velocity sensitive keys and octave up / down buttons to access the full melodic range; perfect virtual synthesizer control
- Express Yourself; Innovative 4 way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation MIDI control, plus a built in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- Plug & Play; No drivers required, USB powered and ultra portable design lets you create anywhere
- Beat Maker Essentials; 8 backlit velocity sensitive MPC drum pads with Note Repeat & Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual instrument / DAW controls
The MPK mini mkII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK mini lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. This article walks through the basics of getting to know the MPK mini mkII Editor.
Contents
Getting Started
Before installing and opening the editor, there are a few precautions to keep in mind in order to ensure the most stable communication between the MPK mini mkII and the editor software:
- Keep all other software closed while using the editor to ensure only the editor is using the port for your MPK Mini. This includes your DAW, other editors and even web browsers (yes, even Google Chrome wants to use your MIDI keyboard).
- Connect the MPK mini mkII directly to a USB port on your computer. External USB hubs are a popular way to connect several devices to your computer at once, but they way that they merge and transfer data back and forth can affect the success of the editor and we recommend avoiding it if possible.
Downloading and Installing the Editor
- Download the editor from the MPK mini mkII product page. Click on the Docs & Downloads tab and choose the version for your operating system:
- Find the editor in your downloads folder, right-click and select 'Extract All..' to unzip the folder before installing. If using a Mac, simply double-click on the zipped folder to unzip it.
- Double-click on the installer inside to run the installation. The installer will fill the screen during the installation:
- Click Next and accept the terms of the License Agreement when prompted. Continue to follow the prompts in each window and click Install when prompted. We do not recommend changing any install or folder locations during the process.
- Leave Run MPK mini mkII Editor checked in the last window and the editor will open once you click Finish.
Common Terms Explained
Before getting started with the editor, take a moment to learn about some of the common terms and symbols you may encounter during the editing process. These are common MIDI terms and will be good to know if you're just getting started with your MPK mini mkII and the world of MIDI and audio production:
- CC or Control Change - This is a MIDI protocol that will send a range of values between 0 - 127. Each knob or fader can be assigned to a CC number which will then send a value of 0 at it's lowest point and a value of 127 at it's highest point and every value in between. For example, the knob K1 is set to CC1 and when turned all the way up, the MPK mini mkII will send a value of 127 over CC1.
- Lo/Hi - This determines the value range of a CC message (as discussed above). Mostly used for encoders like the ones on the MPK mini mkII, this can be used to decide how much of a parameter is changed during the course of the knob's movement.
- PC or Program Change - Also known as a 'patch change', these messages are commonly used to tell hardware or software to switch to a different preset. In some cases, the program change number will be affiliated with a particular type of patch/instrument (piano, organ, etc), but some manufacturers will list patches in any order they wish. Most virtual instrument companies will not follow this standard since their sound sets are unique.For a list of common program change patch assignments, see our guide here.
- MIDI Channel - MIDI data can be assigned to travel over 16 different channels per MIDI port. The MPK mini mkII has one port, the USB connection, meaning you have 16 different channels over which to send the data from the keyboard. In most cases, this will be used to send different MIDI parameters to different areas. For example, the most common use would be sending the pads on the MPK mini mkII to one instrument (i.e. drums) and the keys to another (i.e. piano).If you're interested doing something like this, see our guide on using multiple instances of MPC Essentials to see it in action.
- Toggle and Momentary - There are two ways a MIDI note can be sent: Toggle and Momentary. When using a keyboard, you will most likely be using momentary messaging for MIDI notes. This means an ON message is created when pressing a key, and an OFF message is created when releasing the key. Sometimes when using drum pads or buttons, a toggle style functionality may be desirable. When using a toggle setting, the OFF messages is not sent when the pad is released. Instead, the pad will alternate between sending ON and OFF messages when struck.TIP: Using a button or pad with a toggle function will help control a parameter that needs to stay on after releasing the button/pad. This can be beneficial if controlling something like a solo, mute, or effects ON/OFF switch.
- Clock or MIDI Clock - MIDI Clock is a specific message used to keep two devices in sync with each other, like a metronome. For example, when using an arpeggiator, you will want it to stay in time with the rest your song, and the best way to do that is with MIDI clock. In that scenario, MIDI clock would be sent from your DAW or other software (i.e. MPC Essentials) to your keyboard for the keyboard to follow along, perfectly in time.Clock can be assigned as Internal or External: Internal meaning that the keyboard generates it's own MIDI clock and will follow itself (used when sync with another device is not necessary), and External, used when the keyboard will be receiving clock from an external source. When set to external clock, the arpeggiator will not respond until it starts to receive a clock signal.
Saving Programs and Loading Preset onto the MPK mini mkII
Once you have made your changes with the editor, the assignments will need to be sent to the MPK mini mkII to be stored in one of the program slots. Be sure to follow the Getting Started section before opening the editor and continuing with this section:
- With your changes applied in the editor window, select File > Save to save your changes. This will save a .mk2 file, which is unique to this editor. We recommend creating a folder to store all of your presets so that you have a backup for later.In order to open a preset later on, simply select File > Open and find your preset file. The preset will open into its own separate editor window.
- When you're ready to select Options > Device Setup from the menu at the top.
- In the window that appears, select MPKmini2 from the Output area only, then press OK. It is not necessary to choose an input when sending presets to your MPK mini mkII.
- Choose a program slot to store your assignments by clicking SEND under the chosen Program on the bottom left of the editor.You can also choose SEND TO RAM for an instant upload to the MPK mini mkII, but the program will be lost as soon as the keyboard is turned off/disconnected.
- Finally, on the MPK mini mkII, press and hold the PROG SELECT button and press the pad corresponding to the program of your choice (PROG 1, PROG 2, PROG 3, or PROG 4). This will load the new program. For example, if your assignments were sent to Program 1, use Pad 5 to select Program 1.
Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii User Manual Software
Installing the Preset for MPC Essentials
If your main goal for using the editor is to set up the keyboard with MPC Essentials, look no further! For most users, simply hold down the Prog Select button and press Pad 6 to select Preset 2 - MPC Essentials. This will line up the pads in MPC Essentials accordingly:
- Pad Bank A - Plays MPC Essentials pads 1-8
- Pad Bank B - Plays MPC Essentials pads 9-16
If this does not work right away, you may have an older model or have already overwritten the preset. But don't worry! We have a preset file already mapped out for you and ready to be loaded onto your MPK mini mkII. See the guide below for a preset download, install instructions and complete walkthrough on using the included sample content with the pads:
What's Next?
Now that you're getting to know your MPK mini mkII and all of the extra content and features, here are a few more guides and articles to explore:
Further Technical Support
Whether you are a customer or dealer, if you already own an Akai Pro product, or if you just have pre-sales questions, the Akai Pro technical support team is available to help!
Akai Professional Mpk Mini Mkii User Manual Pdf
Visit the link below to connect with any of the following support options: online community support, phone support, email support.