While becoming a music star is not something that can happen overnight, everything is possible as long as you are willing to put effort and time into it. If you want to be a part of the music industry, the first thing you need to invest in is good music equipment.
Apart from a high-quality audio interface, mixers, and a good condenser microphone, there is one more thing you need. First appearing back in the 1980s, a MIDI controller is the key to any great performance. Throughout the years, many big brands such as Akai, Korg, and Alesis came up with their models.
One of our favorites is the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII. What makes it a good buy? Let’s go ahead and take a look.
Comparison Chart
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is an affordable and ultra-compact MIDI controller that is a good buy if you are in the music industry.
Perfect for those who are on the go, this MIDI controller comes with four different software options that allow you to take full control, and express yourself through the plug-and-play method.
Overall, a great product, that deserves its place among the best-selling on the market.
Who is this product for?
The Akai Professional MPK is an essential backpack item for anyone who is interested in creating good music. Good for recording and performing, this MIDI controller is light and simple to use, making it a great choice for beginners. On the other hand, it comes with an array of innovative features that will satisfy the needs of an experienced musician.
What’s included?
There are a number of accessories that come with the Akai Professional Mini MIDI. First, there is the connecting USB cable and a software download card. Along with that, it includes an MPK mini editor and a user’s guide. Last but not least, it includes a safety and warranty manual that will instruct you on what to avoid, and how to contact customer service in case of trouble.
Overview of features
The Akai company is one of the leaders when it comes to MIDI controllers, and the Professional MPK Mini is a great example of the quality they offer. It comes with 25 velocity-sensitive keys as well as a 4-way thumbstick that allows great pitch and modulation, so you will be able to cover the full melodic range.
Not to forget, it comes with 8 assignable Q-Link knobs that will allow great recording features including tweaking, mixing, etc. If you want to connect your MIDI controller to a sustain pedal, there is nothing to worry about as it includes a TS input as well.
Talking about a number of different software options that this MIDI controller comes with, the Hybrid 3 will allow you to manipulate and create high-resolution digital sounds. Along with that, the SONiVOX Wobble is there to cover filtering and the use of harmonic controls. The MPC Essentials software comes with a 1GB sound library, while the VIP 3.1 will provide you with an array of digital musical instruments to include in your recordings.
Using this MIDI controller is as simple as plugging in a Windows or a Mac computer (up to Windows 8, and Mac 10). Still, although it has a beautiful design, this MIDI controller is not as sturdy as you would expect. Apart from this, the software installation process is quite complicated and not the easiest thing to do if you are a beginner. Taking everything into consideration, the Akai Professional MPK Mini is a good buy, though there are certain updates to be made.
How to use it
It is as simple as connecting it to your PC that runs on a Windows or a Mac operating system. Once you have done that, log in to their website and install the Akai Pro software. If you have any additional questions, the user’s guide should be able to cover it.
Pros
- Affordable
- 8 Q-Link Knobs
- Four different software
Cons
- Software installation complicated
- Not as sturdy
Alternatives
Acorn Masterkey 25
Talking about great alternatives to the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, the Acorn Masterkey is a well-made controller that comes with 25 high-velocity keys, as well as pitch and modulation wheels to cover your expressive performance. Apart from being extremely affordable, it is simple and compatible to use with any MIDI devices or software.
Conclusion
If you are interested in creating good music, investing in a proper MIDI controller is quite important. With this in mind, there are a few factors to consider during the buying process. The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is one of our favorites due to the fact that it stands at a reasonable price and comes with a number of innovative features and accessories.