Akai MPK Mini Plus II: Can You Say MPC Integration?
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The new MPK Mini Plus II from Akai Professional not only improves the keys and pads and adds generative modes, the controller also integrates directly with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop. It’s a whole new world!
Akai MPK Mini Plus II
Akai Professional is best known for its MPC series of instruments, and rightfully so. But it also kicks ass when it comes to controllers. Four years ago, Akai dropped the MPK Mini Plus, a 37-key MIDI controller that our writer Lasse Eilers called a KeyStep killer. Today, Akai has announced MPK Mini Plus II, a follow-up model that takes things to a whole new level.
Akai MPK Mini Plus II: Better Keys, Better Pads, Better Better
Let’s start with the basic stuff. For a follow-up model, you expect improvements, and in that ,Akai MPK Mini Plus II does not disappoint. The new model features an upgraded 37-key mini keybed. It’s also got a pad refresh, with the eight RGB MPC pads now velocity- and pressure-sensitive.
There’s also a new display now with full color. That’s something you don’t expect on an affordable controller like this. Dual-bank control further expands the functions available from the pads and encoders.
And speaking of, you’ll notice that the eight assignable 360-degree knobs and push encoder have a new color scheme – as does the whole unit, now that you mention it. In fact, it looks like classic MPC. More on that in a few.
Akai MPK Mini Plus II: New Creative Tools
Part of the fun of the MPK Mini Plus is the onboard playing tools like arpeggiator and chord modes. That’s been given a refresh too, with Expanded Arpeggiator, Chord Creator and Note Repeat modes bringing custom arpeggiator patterns to the controller. There are also User Progressions and advanced Chord workflows that let you create and perform chord progressions from the pads or keys.
Most exciting is the new set of generative tools. These include Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze and Follow, which “introduce additional ways to transform melodies, rhythms and chords, helping creators experiment without interrupting their workflow,” says Akai.
Akai MPK Mini Plus II: MPC Integration, DAW Control
So, the new look. MPK Mini Plus II definitely recalls classic MPCs and there’s a good reason for that: it’s been designed to directly integrate with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop.
The controller provides hands-on access to transport controls, pads, Q-Links, pitch and mod wheels, mixer functions, clip launching, plugin presets, and track navigation so you can play parts, launch clips, adjust plugins and navigate projects directly from the keyboard.
Of course, it works with DAWs too, with integration with MPC 3, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase and more, as well as full NKS compatibility with Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol system.
Akai MPK Mini Plus II: Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the new Akai controller features USB-C for MIDI out, a full-size five-pin DIN MIDI out port, three CV/Gate outputs (pitch, gate, mod), and a 1/4-inch sustain pedal input.
Power comes via USB-C and can be run off a power bank.
Akai MPK Mini Plus II: Price and Availability
“MPK Mini has introduced a lot of creators to hands-on making music, and MPK Mini Plus II is built for the creator who’s ready for the next step,” said Andy Mac, Executive Manager of Content, Artist Relations and Business Development at Akai Professional. “Tools like Glitch, Mutate and Strum help turn simple ideas in new directions, while deeper MPC, DAW, MIDI and CV integration gives creators room to build a much bigger setup around one compact keyboard.”
MPK Mini Plus II is available now from Thomann* for €149. Purchase includes a bundle of software, including Studio Instrument Collection, Native Instruments Komplete Select (Akai Edition) and MPC Beats.
More Information
- Akai Professional homepage
- More about Akai
- More about MIDI controllers
- Buy controllers at Thomann*
*Note: This article contains advertising links that help us pay for this site. Don’t worry: the price for you will always be the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
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