MusicRadar verdict: A very decent upgrade with genuinely pro features, that cements its position in the top handful of mini keyboard controllers available. The web says As a tool for building beats, loops and patterns, you’ll find little that can beat the MPK Mini and its bundled software – with the possible exception of an actual MPC hardware unit!" 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.

Yes! These three software titles are separate plugins and can be used in different DAWs like Garageband, Ableton, and more. Each plugin comes with VST, AU, and AAX (Pro Tools) versions to be used in your favorite software. Would’ve loved to see aftertouch, but I totally get that not a lot of mini controllers have this feature yet. There’s not a lot happening here as far as inputs and outputs. Everything is controlled and powered over a single USB MIDI connection, using a standard cable you probably already have lying around. There’s also a quarter-inch sustain pedal input.If you’re a keyboard-trained musician looking for a powerful yet compact way to make beats, basslines, chords, melodies and more, an MPK Mini can be an invaluable part of your arsenal. It’s especially useful for musicians who know they want at least some ability to use both a conventional piano keyboard layout and MIDI drum pads in the same device. Though there are only eight pads, you’re not limited to only eight assignments. With two banks, you can toggle between two sets of assignments with the touch of an A/B button. The MPK Mini Play MkIII is a lively looking mini keyboard with most of the features of the MPK Mini MkIII. It sacrifices a few knobs to benefit from a bank of 128 internal sounds, 10 drum kits, and a speaker. It can be battery powered to sit it on your knee and enjoy playing the sounds on the bus, in the park or wherever you may be without any other gear.

After installing the application, find and open the iLok License Manager from your Programs or Applications folder.The Novation MK3 comes with a pitch-bend strip and a modulation strip, whereas, the Akai MPK2 Mini MK2 comes with a wheel. I’ve always disliked sustain buttons as they’re not very helpful if you’re using two hands. Features For the MK3, Akai has added a “Gen 2 Enhanced Dynamic Keybed.” One of the criticisms of the MK2 was that the keys felt cheap and flimsy, so it seems the company is seeking to improve in this area. The keys are still smallish, but they feel more responsive than the MK2’s keys do.

Hybrid 3 by AIR and SONiVOX Wobble are also included. These synth collections add even more depth to your library. Styles The MPK Editor can be directly opened at any time from your computer's Application or Program folder.When this button is active, the MPK mini's pads will send MIDI Program Change ( PC) messages instead of MIDI Note On messages. PC messages send data to devices to select a specific program or preset. This would be a useful feature to use if you wanted to change a plugin preset on the fly directly from the hardware.