Akai MPK Mini Plus: More than meets the eye in this MIDI keyboard // Full review & tutorial
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
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Gear in this video:
► East Beast by Cre8audio
► Ghost by Endorphin.es and Andrew Huang
► LED Meter module by Happy Nerding
► Cute small case by Uncertain Proportions (uncprop.com)
► A comparison to KeyStep 37:
Pros for KS37:
- The keys are wider and deeper (see the comparison in the video) - obviously this is subjective
- Aftertouch
- Strum mode
- Custom chords and scales
- LEDs on above the keys make editing the sequence easier than the small screen on MPK Mini Plus
- You can transition between the stored sequences seamlessly as part of a performance - they stay in time whereas on the MPK they do not
- Live recording into the sequence saves ties (as opposed to not recording them on the MPK)
- USB power and regular power (as opposed to just USB on MPK)
- Metal base may make it sturdier but it's heavier too.
- Can send MIDI out the MIDI port when plugged into a computer (as I mention in the video, MPK Mini Plus disconnects the keyboard from the ports for some reason, and you have to route MIDI through your computer back to the ports to send MIDI out)
- Knobs can be configured to go to different MIDI channels (pads and knobs can only go to one channel each on the MPK)
Pros for MPK Mini Plus:
- It can control 3 instruments at once - sequence 2 tracks + arp or playing the keyboard. KS37 is only either/or on the arpeggiator/sequencer
- 8 Pads, joystick, physical mod/strip controls transport for DAW control (KS37's transport is just for the internal arp/sequencer
- Screen allows for easier customization and operation
- DAW integration
- 8 physical encoders as opposed to 4 knobs (though there are 4 banks on KS37 for a total of 16 parameters)
- Note Repeat mode for the pads
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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:35 This setup
4:00 The hardware
4:45 Pads
6:00 Encoders
6:25 Keybed
7:00 Connectivity
7:50 Arpeggiator
10:05 Sequencing
11:40 Step seq
12:30 TR-style seq
13:55 Live rec
15:00 Ties
15:45 Transpose
16:15 Scales, chords
17:30 Note repeat
17:50 Configurability
18:50 Programs
19:35 Editor
20:20 MPC Beats
21:20 Ableton Live
22:00 Pros & cons
24:15 Outro jam
Submit review and video ideas here (sorry I don’t offer 1x1 sessions/setup/purchasing advice):
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
Hey! For those of you asking for a more in-depth comparison to the KeyStep 37 - please see the description!
I'm happy I found this video as well as very grateful for the comparison with the KS37 as described in the description, as I was just now looking for this type of controller and your arguments will help me a bit to make my decision.
I dont comment much on your videos but I do enjoy the indepth thoughrough deep dive into new gear! I believe no one does it like you!
So, keep up the awesome work!
Great video as always. Does it send arpeggios and note repeats as individual notes? I’m thinking about putting it before my Digitakt, recording the midi in the DT before sending it on to my synths.
@@LongEarthTradingCompany yes it only sends midi out including arp and repeats
@@loopop Thanks, now I'm sure I'm going to get it. It replaces both my currents midi keyboards (Launchkey 49 mk3 and Komplete Kontrol m32) as both of them have individual shortcomings that I really struggle to get along with. The Launchkey has a pretty decent keybed and midi out, but it's a bit big for my desk. The Komplete Kontrol has a great little keybed for the price, and work wonderfully together with Logic, but no midi out means I still need to have another keyboard for the hardware stuff. So this Akai keyboard could very well be a great replacement for both.
i read the description, but what kind of keys does the akai have??? semi weighted. weighted, etc.
Akai is sooo sneaky for this haha I THOUGHT I wanted the new Arturia Minilab 3 yesterday lol
Lmao 🤣 my thoughts. Did my eyes deceive me or this is a new mpk! Dropped right after Minlab
I just wish their products weren't so ugly... I know most people don't care but still... That black and red is yucky and outdated
@@musicdefinesgravity They match my Air Jordan’s so they’re cool with me…
@@musicdefinesgravity usually they offer other colors but this the classic theme. Look at MPK MINI MK3 colors (classic, full black, grey, white, and red/black) so you can get an idea how this would look when its launched. I have black on black and its fire 😈
*some colors are limited edition.
@@river718 to each their own I respect that
First channel I've ever seen hold the time stamps conveniently to side of our screen instead of making us scroll down to the description or comment box. More content creators needa pick up on this foreal. Salute brother
All of the last three you’ve shown have me really excited I’m glad to see new versions of these finally. Especially the minifreak.
I just love the mpc mini workflow it's a pleasure to work with
I am buying this baby, I love progressive new features like the included scales and chords features on this keyboard.
I always appreciate this about your gear videos: you aren't just here to shill for anyone. This certainly isn't a unique quality on yt but it's not as common as it should be either. Of all the videos I watched on this controller, yours is the only one that didn't sound like boot-licking fawning. Thanks for keeping it genuine.
Amazingly thorough review. Thank you!
They really are running with these new midi controllers. Great video.
this combined with the built-in sounds of the Mini Play would be so nice for beginners.
Thank you so much for arguably the best MPK mini plus demo online ! On top of that, you sound a whole lot like Carl Sagan which is very convincing to me.
Great outstanding review super helpful and simple to follow along.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
Who wants to bet Mr loopop has his hands on a Octatrack mk3 like device for a while now waiting for the embargo to end
Nice job Akai. Keep including scales and chords features to your products and I’ll keep recommending and buying them.
Yes scales and chords so important
@@pierrefitch and more important is to learn how about scales and chords, and not depending on some gadget.
Wow! That's a heap of "bang for the buck"! Definitely on my imminent purchase list. Good vid as always. (Every time I watch your videos, it costs me money! Lol)
man oh man as soon as i saw this thing i had the exact same impression: "what other ultra portable keyboard at this price does more than this?". i just got mine today as an early christmas gift and i am overjoyed.
the joystick gets a lot of flack, but i plan on using it for vector synthesis. just gonna set the volume of 4 different synths all tied to the keys to the x+ x- Y+ y- and roll that sucker around when i put on some chords. your imagination truly is the limit with the joystick, and i welcome weird peripherals on my midi keyboards.
im also using sunvox and i can confirm that this midi keyboard works nicely with it. cant wait to go indepth with the knobs and the FMX module.
Thanks for this awesome and super pro video. I just bought this thing!!!
I initially had the impression that this is sort of a beatstep/keystep in 1? Also the cv outs seem to make it a must have for me, perfect combo for the deluge
2 mini midi keyboards releases in one week?
Christmas must be right around the corner.
Techtober
big brain time
Love your reviews, definitely see way more use for the MPK line with Dawless now even alongside a Keystep 37. Sweetwater link doesn't seem to show it yet, excited to see when it comes out!
Thanks for the kind words and for checking the links! Stores take a while to get the products listed on launch day - Sweetwater and Thomann are live now
Nice! I've been waiting for a decent 37 key controller. It's the the sweet spot for me regarding octaves and the small desk space I have. Currently using a Microkorg as a midi controller but think I'll retire it for this.
Can't wait for the alternate color versions
Great video. answered all my questions.. getting one
Love your reviews man, the best! I also do small tutorials on the SPMK2 and I love the graphics you've been applying to your videos. How are you generating these? Thank you!
Thanks! It's an overlay using video editing software, of a screen capture of synthesia
You can edit the keys velocity curve in the editor software by changing the values in the 4 time parts. Then the curve will change. To get full level I set all 4 values on highest possible. But you can also create a curve with the time values. A bit complicated, maybe fixed with an update, to change the velocity directly and maybe direct on the keyboard then, like a generation before. There you had to press the full level button for 5 seconds, to change the velocity. In the editor today it would be easier to grab and change the 4 velocity time positions with mouse, instead of changing values by "hand". Maybe they can fix that. By the way, to get (download) the Editor, you have to open the mini plus software manager. Up on the left click the preferences button and set a mark on "Show advances software". Then the Editor appears in the software manager for download.
Even worse, I finally downloaded the Program Editor, but it won't run on any version of MacOs earlier than 10.15, and mine is 10.14.7. That is total crap.
So many keyboard reviews in this short time! 👍
yes pretty crazy - but that's it, after this I promise at least a few weeks with no new keyboards...
@@loopop whattaya trying to say here...😉
@@loopop Yamaha? Did they send you anything? 😲
@@tonylancer7367 even if they did, I couldn’t say
@@tonylancer7367 who cares, really. After the modx+, I've lost faith :(
Very nice review, thanks.
Akai did it again! Wow! 🎉
I got one of these because it has old skool MIDI ports on the back (not just USB), which means I can connect it to retro hardware. Plus it was pretty small (but not too small), and I don't have a huge amount of space free.
hey loopop! i love watching your videos, and i love your music too. I had a question, do you do livestreams? if you did, you could make whole concerts with all your stuff! never stop being the g.o.a.t!!!
Thanks very much! No livestreams for now but maybe live concerts ;)
Very impressive. Cheaper than I thought it would be too.
I have been looking for a replacement for my KORG microKONTROL, and I think I have found the perfect new product.
Very impressed by this video.... thanks!
I would love to see a review of the East Beast and West Pest!
Great video !
Thank for all the explications !
Fantastic overview, as ever. Thank you! Joystick indeed feels like a bit of waste as I'm sure wasn't cheap to make/integrate. It could be a fun/musical way to set auto-repeat values while playing live (left to halve, right to double, up for triplets...). Or a quick way to set "accent" (up) or "ghost" (down) notes while sequencing regardless of played velocity.
With a MIDI routing box, this keyboard is really cool w a Volca Sample and a Volca Bass.
looks like win all around with that feature set and at that price
I'd love to hear your thoughts about Ableton's Note app. As always, thanks for sharing your great reviews! You rock!
As a MPC studio user this makes sense for me The chords and scales mode should be great in MPC 2.11 software
Absolutely perfect companion for it. I'm sold!!
I was wondering the same cause Im an MPC Studio User too lmao.
And there is a mapping for it, mapping 8 qlinks, pads, and transport controls.
Ive been waiting yeaaaaars for a 37 mpk mini
this is like the keystep pro but a bit less. perfect!
Needed a new Mini nice
I think he is the King you can correct me if i am wrong, there is everything you need i feel little bit overwhelmed with those features after watching this video but i can learn. I don't need so much but it is there if i need. I ordered today so we will see.
Nice review, just ordered one. Hope I made the right choice picking this over the Launchkey 37 MK3 or Keystep 37.
What’s it like 7 months on?
very interesting video! Greetings from Italy
I’m a big east beast fan!
Hi Loopop, huge fan of your work, you've made music so much more accessible to me! I'm reaching out to see if you had any information on when the MPK Mini Plus will officially be added to the "control surfaces" menu if Abelton. With the current version, the transport controls and encoder knobs require manual mapping and unfortunately don't automap to tracks as showcased in your review. Is the beta Abelton live version you described available to be accessed by the general public or if not, do you have any information on when it may be distributed more widely?
Also, I've checked the Akai website for editor software and that doesn't seem to have been released either! Any guidance or direction you can offer is greatly appreciated! Many thanks!
Thanks very much for the kind words and for letting me know, I've seen other comments about the script as well and it's a bummer they're not delivering on this. I've reached out to them - no word yet - and will do so again now, and I'll update you if I hear anything. If you haven't please reach out to their tech support too so they get it from all angles.
Hey - I heard back from Akai - the script should be included in the next ableton update and meanwhile you can email/call akai support and they'll send you the script
@@loopop Thank you so much for taking the time to help with this. I’ll get on that now! Sending you all the best and looking forward to your next video, as always! Peace!
@@loopop thanks!
I would really HOPE that everything done on this little keyboard could be done with that mpc key 61
Two tracks sequencer dope, but the lack of aftertouch, and I still like to sequencer options better on the keystep
Akai finally swapped the rows for the q link knobs.. One day after an update I noticed they were no longer upside down. But they still need to implement a 2nd bank.
I wish this was out 4 months ago when I bought my Komplete Kontrol M32. I like the M32, but I'd prefer seamless integration with the MPC Software / MPC One.
Any chance of a tutorial on how to control NI's Komplete Kontrol software with this ? I'd actually prefer this over the M32 for the pads, 37 keys and physical wheels.
Nice video.. thanks sir
Hi @loopop!
Superb review as usual. Is there a way to hold/latch keys without the arpeggiator? I can't find this option on mine and it seems you do hold some chords. Or are you using the sequencer?
Thanks! I am traveling right now, so I don’t have it in front of me, but for sure latch is possible for the arp
@@loopop No worries! Yes, latch is available for the arp but I wonder if it's also available without the arp. I've been reading the manual but couldn't find anything.
Did you ever check that you could record MIDI note data in your DAW, play it back and have the notes transmit via the MPK with CV Setup Source set to CH 1 and actually get CV/Gate to output the notes played on a MIDI Track in your DAW? It seems nobody can confirm that this actually works as intended, my MPK will only output CV/Gate with Source Key or one of the internal Sequencers. DAW MIDI Clock is being relayed correctly via the MPK's Clock Out, but not Note data via CV or Gate. So far nobody on TH-cam did as thorough a deep dive into the unit as you did, hence the question. Asking for a friend.
Great video as always! I don’t know if i missed it in the video, but can i use this standalone dawless? Arp, sequencer?
Thanks and yes you can use this to sequence/arp MIDI capable gear
Thank you for this excellent overview! Are the onboard sequences stored on the unit after it is switched off? This would be crucial for playing live.
My pleasure and yes they are stored
Thank you for your prompt reply Loopop! Much appreciated. BTW the Ghost & East Beast combination is a real winner! Love the musical examples.
nice video! But how did you change the color of the drum pads?
does a lot for the price. I'm seriously considering it for dawless.
Hi loopop, hope you're doing well man, great video, as usual,
I have one question,
how good is it for controlling something such as OP-Z?
I hope you see this comment,
I really need to find a good MIDI controller for the OP-Z
Thank you for all your great reviews/tutorials 😊✌
Thanks! I've never used an OP-Z but if it accepts MIDI and CCs which I assume it does, you can control it with this like any other controller
@@loopop thank you for replying so fast man if this thing had faders instead of encoders it would have been Ideal for the op-z workflow especially because it has USB C, but it has so much good stuff going on, I think I'm going to get it ... 😊✌
thanks for the tutorial! could you suggest how to adjust the keys sensitivity/velocity on the mini plus? it seems the FULL LEVEL + turning knobs trick that worked on the akai mpk mini doesn't seem to work on this model :(
Great keyboard at a good price.
Any idea if you can send colours TO the pads from a DAW? I.e. if you wanted to use them as mute/solo controls.
Can you please do a comparison video of the Mpk mini vs the M-audio Oxygen Pro Mini connected to the Akai Force pros and cons and ease of integration workflo. Thanks. Looking for a portable backpack set up.
Lovely
I connected it to my Ableton but it is not mapping anything automatic :( can't find it in the list of controllers in midi section...
I have Ableton 11
Hi. This or the mpk225 is better value ? Have you reviewed that one? I’d like to get one of the two and eventually hookup to mother-32 etc
is it possible to use pressure pads just to control afertouch without generating any note data?
(i mean: playing melody on keys while holding finger on a single pad just to control the expression)
I like the concept and it looks nice but for ableton and logic I will be sticking with novation launchkey 37 and launchkey mini. This does look nice but I wasn't a fan of the mk2 or mk3 mini
Is It possible to set start and end points when chopping Up samples in MPC Beats by just using the hardware knobs?
Ack, I just bought a Launchkey and now kind of wished I got this one instead. Looks a temptong product.
Launchkey is great though. Make something awesome and don't worry about missing out.
I am thinking Launchkey37 bc full size keys and build quality- this looks kind of cheap like the one guy said above, the keys are all a SINGLE piece, one breaks, whole thing is unrepairable. They don't make things worth fixing anymore.
Ah! I got my answer right at the end: no automation for midi CC knobs. Telle me if I understand this correctly, if I record some keys and play with the knobs to modulate sound, only the keys will be recorded? Is that true also with the pitch / mod wheels and sustain / mod pedal?
Just got this yesterday. How did you map the mod wheel to the filter cutoff? Been trying to figure this out.
Just making sure but the MPK Mini Plus sends midi notes from the arpeggiator from the MIDI out 5 pin port if its just powered on and not connected to Ableton/daw correct? Let's say you just have it powered on via USB
Excellent review, i'm really impressed about all the possibilities it offers.
You ask us to tell you if another mini keyboard can challenge this Akai. Well i don't know because i have tested but what do you think about the M-Audio oxygene pro mini? It have less connectivity but the specs are interesting. It could be nice to make a comparison between this 2.
Thanks a lot very good and very interesting video. Good job😉👍
Thanks! I've not tried that one but I think it doesn't have a sequencer?
Arf yes you are right, well so not this one for me too...
Not easy to find something for me as beginner i have max 300€ i'm not limited in place i can go until 49 key. But i would like a keyboard with max connectivity to keep it a long time and to learn easely. An idea perhaps?
The most interesting question is how to load the sounds, kicks whatever to pads. I got mpc beats,but how can me help?
Can it be battery powered? That seems to be a glaring omission for mini MIDI keyboards which have proper MIDI outs (i.e. not ones that only have USB MIDI). It makes them a lot less portable
Just get a little usb powerbank, you can use it with anything bus powered and its way better than encouraging the use of disposable batteries
@@DRRNNDGL I understand both viewpoints. Power banks work better when traveling for extended periods. As a counterpoint some power banks shut off the output if the power draw is too low and having two pieces of hardware will always feel a bit clumsy. I rotate two sets of 6 rechargeable AA's with my Yamaha and i love it.
As a sort of halfway house, I plug my phone into the USB port of the controller to effectively use the phone as a powerbank. Not particularly great if your phone battery is already low, but saves carrying around a powerbank specifically for the controller
@@DRRNNDGL I have one but it's still a bit of a pain compared to devices being properly battery powered
I bought one of these to use with my standalone MPC Live, and was disappointed that it doesn't map equivalent to the Beats software. It's like a generic midi controller, and MPC doesn't let you map the Q-Links. So if you thought you could use one of these for more tactile sound design with MPC's plugins, you can't. I'd love to see a firmware update on either device that would make this work.
AKAI MPK MINI PLUS vs Novation Launchkey 37 MK3? Which one is more durable and has less issues?
Just got mine and I am really liking it so far but I can't get the Ableton program to work right, nothing is mapped automatically. You said you were using a beta program? Is there a remote script I need to download? Anyone know how I set this up? thanks
Same issue here. You got any updates?
Hi! Does it fully integrate into Cubase?
Will I be able to use the knobs?
I can't decide between this and the M Audio oxygen pro mini. I can't go and try it anywhere, which pads and keys are better?
Is there a software you feels pairs up most intuitively with the MPK mini? I want to move away from web based platforms and into the next level of production.
Hi, can you use both midi 5 pin and USB at the same time using an ipad and external hardware? Thanks!
Just got this controller today. I use Pro tools and I got it playing the virtual instruments in the Daw but I can't seem to get the transport controls working the Play and Record and such in Pro tools. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I have a question, if i were to choose for example an extended chord like idk minor 9 chord and select a scale is the chord transposed to the scale or would it play just a minor 9 on all degrees?
loopop the king👑
I can't find the program editor software anywhere, any insight on what's going on here?
Does it really exist?
Is the arp the same like on the Mini (play) or does it have more arp pattern?
just bought.
I thought the sequencer sent and received midi clock sync (start/stop and bpm/tempo) but it doesn’t work.
furthermore the bpm ext sync (arp&sequencer) only works via midi pin and doesn't work via usb midi, at least on ipad (korg gadget).
Dang. This MPK is going after the Keystep line pretty hard.
How do I download the program editor and do the transport controls work in logic pro?
22:00 how did you do that? What surface controller did you select in ableton to do this? the mpk mini plus is missing in that section
Wharcables are included with the Akai MPK Mini and Mini Plu?
Great overview. Just got mine this afternoon. What control surface setting are we to use in Ableton? For some reason the knob mapping is not working and official instructions are scant.
Thanks! There should be an MPK Mini Plus options - I got a file from the company as part of the beta, but they told me it should automatically be installed in an Ableton update, so perhaps make sure you're using the latest version, or just contact their tech support
Thanks so much! I’ll give it a try.
I reached out to Akai support on this and was told there was no control surface available or developed for the Mini Plus. Seems that person was not well informed. Also not in the latest Ableton update, nor does it seem to be part of their beta releases. A little disappointed as that was one of the reasons I picked this board up (that + portability / feature parity with the keystep).
@@j4ustin thanks for the update. I haven’t heard back from my Akai support ticket yet. Ableton support just deferred to Akai. Surprised there aren’t more complaints/threads about this out there.
@@spektorama Yeah, it was the akai chat support that responded to me w/ that. I agree though, seems misleading from both the marketing side and the content side. At least make the control surface available as a beta download on the support page.
From day one I'm sorry I bought this keyboard. I wanted to be able to adjust the keyboard velocity, but apparently the only way I can do that is by using their app, which is not very user friendly. Contrast that with the Novation keyboards which allow you to simply adjust the keyboard velocity on the keyboard itself.
Since the mpk can only do one midi channel for the pads and not assign individually is there a way to use this with the hermod? Maybe using the additional voices feature? Trying to see if there’s a work around to utilize for beat repeat
Not that I know
@@loopop ok thanks for the reply 😣
Zero complaints about the MPKs (amazing for the price since the very first) but the one thing that keeps me going back to Arturia controllers is how nimble they are at switching MIDI channels. In the heat of the moment, I just want to hit SHIFT+D2 to point everything at controlling track 3 (set for MIDI CH 3), for instance. Faffing with menus is a buzzkill.
Yeah that’s a bummer. But at least you can switch it from the keyboard. Some like my Korg nano key studio you can only save 8 scenes on a computer. No switching midi whatsoever from the keyboard. You have to switch it on the keyboard by switching to your computer programmed scenes with the scene buttons.
Hey guys. Can you help me to understand how to get into cc mode, where pad changes to Midi cc messages instead of midi notes. I need that for the live performances where I can do it really fast. I have previous version where there is button “CC” for that, but on mini plus i dont see it. Do i need to hold shift?????😢