AKAI MPK Mini MK3 - Before you buy it, watch this | MPK Mini MK3 Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ส.ค. 2020
- 🔥NEW: Akai vs other mini keyboards! • TOP 6 MIDI KEYBOARDS i...
1. Akai MPK Mini MK3 geni.us/6M2JNEM
3. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 geni.us/lL0Yhsy
4. Arturia Minilab 3 geni.us/qjYl
5. Native Instruments M32 geni.us/r1YI
Other keyboard reviews:
Novation Launchkey • Novation Launchkey Min...
Native Instruments M32 • Native Instruments M32...
Arturia Minilab • ARTURIA MINILAB 3 - Be...
This is my first hands-on video about the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 keyboard. The Akai MPK Mini Mk3 is a small, light, and cheap keyboard that Akai makes. I discuss the features, the size, the feel, and demo some sounds included with the MPK Mini MK3 keyboard. The Akai MPK Mini Mk3 has lots of features including an arpeggiator, note repeat, drum pads, encoder knobs, and more. This midi controller keyboard is light and easy to carry around. However, the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 is missing some features that other keyboards in this price range have. Watch and find out!
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Amazing studio monitors for the price - geni.us/t8gZ
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Subwoofer that did the job - geni.us/eEAGqai
My preferred mini keyboard - geni.us/qjYl
⬇ Links to all keyboards ⬇
1. Akai MPK Mini MK3 geni.us/6M2JNEM
3. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 geni.us/lL0Yhsy
4. Arturia Minilab 3 geni.us/qjYl
5. Native Instruments M32 geni.us/r1YI
JUST LOOKED AND YEAH THERE ARE APPS YOU SEE WHAT AND HOW MUCH IN THE APPS AND AS YOU LEARN WHAT THEY DO, NO MORE WONDERING ENDLESSLY WHAT THEY DO. ITS CALLED BEING SMART USING THE BRAIN. IF YOU WANT ENDLESS LAZY IM SURE YOU'LL PAY TOP DOLLAR TO BE LAZY, YOU USUALLY DO.
Who else is watching after buying
Yup wishin i got the arturia
Me 🙂 who else?
I'm trying to see what the different MPKs have different.
Lol me. I'm just trying to figure out how to use it. 😁
I bought it for my 12 yr old son who was uninterested. Have not tried it out yet.. watching this first.
I thought he was about to start spittin' bars at 0:30
LOL! I wish!
Wow zachcotton didnt expect ro see you here
LMFAOOO
He could’ve ate that bitch
lmao
Thank you for keeping it honest and not feeding into the hype like other videos do, love the comparisons to other keyboards
I appreciate that! Looking out for my viewers, Adam. There are lots of great choices, and this may be good for some people
A lot of the reviews I saw are pretty much the same as sanjay's I don't know what hype you're talking bout !!
Especially the comparisons to the competition Very helpful. Thanks Sanjay.
Love it 🤘🏻
right!
I love the fact how you did a comparative analysis of many features w other keyboards. It helps understand things into context.
16 pads are so ugly though... And a lot of people love infinite knobs, way more convenient
@@Checo43 yes infinite knobs are very essential. He didn't mention whether Novation and Arturia has it
@@OneStepToday Well just in case you don't know, I know that Arturia does have them
@@Checo43 yes, i am not sure about Novation. It is an important point of comparison and also the price.
I'm a newbie to music this seems ok to use for now but love how honest you are and how things could improve love your videos
As a simple, inexpensive, mobile bit of kit it’s very good.
One problem I had was matching the pads to impack on studio one. For some reason they are all an octave different bar one pad. Other than that it serves it’s purpose well.
I know how to do this, not sure if you figured it out yet, but let me know if not, and I can do my best to explain the process.
Studio One does not exactly program well with everything.
📣 What do you think? Was I too critical? Do you agree with my review? Comment here.
100%. You weren't too critical. You were just right.
I always agree with you sir. 💯
No, this is great. It's these little workflow details that make or break a product, and most reviews just gloss over those things (or more likely, the reviewer doesn't even know what they're talking about).
I'll stop at good stuff since im new to all of this MIDI or hardware stuff for music production! haha. and I like using MPC Beats for beginners!
haha
I went with this one over the minilab and launchkey mini. The pads fully configurable joystick and built in repeat/arpegiator are what sold me. It helped that I already have a decent 61 key controller. But really the note repeat and pressure sensitive pads are pretty indispensable for me.
how much can we buy it
@@AdedayoAbe79
That was actually the best review I've seen of anything on the internet. Good job dude!
Facts
I just brought this yesterday & you're not really complaining I agree with you. Like there's some lack of stuff in it but it's good for its price. Really glad this showed up in my recommendations
I don't know how your production is so good, it's a on a whole other level
Thanks so much. I work hard at it, so I appreciate you recognizing my work.
Akai improved exactly what they needed to improve. Foremost the much needed endless encoders. I do not like the drum pads of my MK1. So, the improvement of the drum pads is also great. I take an improvement of the key feel, too. I don't care much about that little screen and DAW modes. I do not expect MIDI out, but if I would have a choice, I would take that over that little screen. Overall, it's pretty close to the perfect mini keyboard for on the go. I don't worry too much about the knob mapping in Ableton, though. The 8 knobs of my MK1 always mapped automatically to the racks I use for mapping everything anyways. I think, that I may sell my MK1 to get the MK3. The improvements are significant.
“Undone” is tough, I like it. 👌🏼
I waited for this!!!!.....thank you for making this video!
Thank you so much for making this video. I am watching as I think to get one for Christmas. Amazing work and great information
I think this doesn't get said as much: the production quality of Sanjay's videos are on another level 🔥
Yeah
Totally!!
facts
I agree. Excellent presentation.
I'll say it again for you.. I think this doesn't get said as much: the production quality of Sanjay's videos are on another level 🔥✊
This is literally just what I needed
Glad I could help!
I like you honest in depth look and insight on your product break downs def just gained a new subscriber
Awesome and informative review! Very excited for my MPK Mini mk3 to arrive
Thank you Sanjay C., you have provided me some additional information I hadn't gotten in other videos. BTW you also helped me pick which of the three color choices, I am going with the white with the black keys over the red or pure black one. Right now I am a total newbie to digital music creation but I have a video editing background so some of these things are not foreign and very comfortable with timeline editing. So what got me into all of this was being part of the Artiphon Orba Kickstarter. I fell in love with the Orba then started working with Garage Band for the past 3 weeks. I am going to give the MPC Beats a try since it comes with the keyboard and give that a go, however in time I will work my way up to Ableton Live perhaps by Christmas? Ok time to go watch more of your videos.
Nice idea! MPC Beats looks pretty cool. When you're ready to take on Ableton, I have the simplest tutorial here th-cam.com/video/LLcKyoUPrZs/w-d-xo.html
I'm planning to buy the AKAI MPK MINI so I'm glad I found this 😌😃😃❤️🎹
This is really great because I was checking out a lot of videos for starter mini mixers but they didnt really go into the touch and feel of them they way you did. Cant wait to watch some of your tutorials as well! Will be using your amazon sponsored link to support you when I make my purchase :)
Thanks for the review! Helped me a lot, bought the Arturia minilab mk2 and totally happy!
Glad I could help!
novation's 25 key mini mk3 has 3.5 midi out :)
I've used quite a few budget controllers, Akai, Arturia, Nektar. they all have there pluses and minuses. Arturia has the best build quality and feels the best. Nektar has the best DAW integration with all the major DAWs the MPK mini for me is the best of both worlds, the keys are all right, better than the Nektar, it has decent DAW integration (with ableton) But why its the winner for me is literally size, the other ones were so big even the 25 key models thats I had no room for anything else on my tiny desk. this on fits nicely with a launchpad and I am loving it!
Oh and any one who had trouble like me looking for the "manual" and the editor software. you have to download the software manager that comes with it, and you can find the manual under help or settings and under settings enable Advanced software to find the program editor for the MKIII
Who else is watching AFTER buying?
It's in the proceed to checkout
Me
😂
My friend, let me borrow his five years ago and moved to Canada. I tried to mail it to him. We lost contact. I’ve been making music for a long time but mostly sequencing because I don’t know how to play the piano and now I wanna see if I can make use of it.
First video I saw of you love the honesty and comparisons
As a total newbie, trying to choose an inexpensive way to start dabbling…your videos are invaluable. Thanks for them!
Bought this today! Thanks for the vid. Awesome as always🔥
You’re welcome!
hey how can we change octaves with this midi ? i mean it has only 2 so how can i play piano up to scale c5/c4?
I've realized when it comes to midi controllers it doesn't really matter between brand and price. I use m-audio midi controllers and they are great. Pretty cheap, well made, and they just work!
which one do you have? i’m looking to buy one
@@ronisimhoni1393 the oxygen25
fr
I’m subscribing and going to take a look at some more of your videos because I love how clean and precise this video is and I want my videos to be as clean and precise. Really great video and I’m learned a lot about my videos from watching this video. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I just love and enjoy every feature you explained. Thanks Sanjay.
Thank you Ini Bapak Budi!
Oh O! I already bought it!! I mean the software you get with it is INCREDIBLE. All three plugins (especially Mini Grand) are suuper high quality and you can do a lot with them)
I agree, Air makes very nice instruments.
Excellent review and reviewer. Thank you for the tips, still making my mind about a mini keyboard, but this video really gave me a good overview. You have my like, this is a 5 star video.
My pleasure!
Stellar video, mate. Very well produced, thank you.
Very nice thorough review! Thanks!
Wish I'd seen this before I purchased, but even so it's a great first midi controller. Keyboard and pads worked out of the box with Reaper. I did customize it using the MPK Professional Program Editor in order to get everything just the way I wanted. I set up two alternative programs. The first sets the knobs to control various track volumes. It also sets the arp clock to my DAW's clock to match its arpeggio rate. And finally, I changed the direction of the joystick for pitchbend. The 2nd program I set up works with SpitFires BBC SO's instrument articulations, setting the pads to C-1 through D#-1, so I can easily get long, staccato, pizzicato , and trem articulations.
This off topic, but I really in joy your music virtual instrument, it’s amazing.
No problem being off topic if you are complimenting my virtual instrument!!! HAHA!
Hi SanjayC! Thanks for the excellent review! I love your videos 😍
Thank you so much!
Thanks for being real instead of keeping out the things it doesn't have so i wont be disappointed when I get it thanks you
Nice, detailed and unbiased overview of this controller. Personally I think it looks like a decent upgrade. They've kept the price almost the same, while improving on some of the weakest areas of the Mk II, like the keybed.
I don't see current Mk II owners as the intended target for this, since people don't typically upgrade to the latest MIDI controller all the time. My main controller is still an MPK61 from 2009, with the Mini Mk II as a small secondary keyboard that I can keep on my computer desk.
Thanks much. Good points.
@@SanjayC can I use this without a computer or anything?
@@unlimitedminds149 You need to plug this into a computer or a groove box for it to do anything.
@@TheMightyClark yh I figured that out thanks anyways, I don't have a computer so this would be useless to buy
@@unlimitedminds149 TH-cam deleted my comment apparently. I'd recommend looking at two pieces of gear: the Akai MPK Mini Play and the Novation Circuit Tracks. The Mini Play is the Mini MK3 but with these key differences: battery powered, has 128 instruments loaded into it, and it has a speaker. However, I'm not sure if it can record music.
The Novation Circuit Tracks is a self contained groove box that is pretty awesome. You can go completely dawless with it and plug synths and midi devices into it and it obviously has the ability to record. However, it doesn't have a built in speaker, but it does have a headphone jack.
Honorable mention: FL Studio Mobile.
If you have an Android phone and you just want to start making beats right away, this is a pretty awesome and powerful app and it's only 15 bucks.
Sanjay's doing self sponsors... At least it's an actually good product being advertised though. The library looks amazing! Looking forward to purchasing
Self-sponsorship is best - always invest in yourself, first! :-) And I'm glad you think my product is good :-D
I think musicians and producers spend so much time teaching and helping others, it's good that they get a chance to plug there own stuff
Wow, great review. Thank you Sanjay C!
Glad you liked it!
Just got this from Amazon, and I will be using it for just beat making. Great review!
It's perfect for MPC Beats and this is what I'm interested in. Your critic seems valid.
Good to hear that. Yes, for MPC Beats, this is the way to go
So what I’m getting from this is, if you have the MK2, the upgrade isn’t worth it, but if you don’t then the MK3 is the best option
Which do you recommend more? This or the M audio oxygen pro mini?
You speak so well and are very informative. Thank you.
Eyy! Wanted this review! Thanks!
What do you think of this keyboard?
Great video! I am buying it. I love Akai and I plan to use MPC beats. **I used your link to buy it FYI.
Thank you for the review. I went ahead and bough an Arturia Mini Lab and I'm lovin it!
Thank you for making this video this really helps keep making videos
Great review Sanjay. Can't say
I'd ever buy one of these, but that didn't stop me from watching. the whole thing.
I am so glad i looked into this before purchasing. Thank you so much for your review on it, it helped me in making my decision for first starting out with producing musics lol
You are so welcome!
which did you decide on?
Thanks for the detailed overview. I'll stick with my LaunchKey Mini mk3, but this looks like a nice improvement over the previous version (which was also on my shortlist).
If you use Native Instruments plugins a lot, i think a good addition to your setup is the M32. you get extra features to use with Komplete Kontrol software that you don't have on your Launchkey .
@@SanjayC I would love to get an M32, but I have a Komplete Kontrol S49 and they don't work together in Ableton Live (the M32 always takes over and the S49 becomes a basic MIDI controller). If NI ever figures that out I will probably pick one up.
Thank you for you in depth and concise info. Great presentation. I Subbed
Thanks for the sub!
Thanks for the info, loved the vid and subbed.
we need the daws and see how they interact with them, especialy fl studio because they never say anything about it, the demo version will do
This dudes so chill love the vibes
You and your videos should be in the million sub group by now. Great reviews by a nice fella and professional videos. Thanks
i appreciate that, Andy!
Thanks for this video! I recently picked up a MPK Mini MK3 and I learned a lot about the device from your video. New at creating digital music as opposed to traditional band tracking and recording which this ticked all the boxes for me. It's a great device with some caveats you've covered. Subbed!
so. how is you experience with this midi? how does it feel?
Cool, thanks!
@@eddiehitthebeat1831 Keys and MPC style pads feel really nice. I was expecting pretty mediocre keys at this price but I'm really happy with it. At first the velocity on the keys felt dull so to speak but after playing on them for about 10 hours or so the keys are broken in or my muscle memory has adapted. Either way they feel really nice.
HomeBrewedBeats that’s nice. I am Waiting for mine now haha thank u so much!
@@homebrewedbeats8157 Ayo. is there a way to modify the keys sensivity? Kinda feel like i had to push very hard to get a full velocity sound...
Hi Sanjay. Any chance of an updated review to see if any of these “not yet” features have been implemented or improved? Especially with regard to auto mapping to DAWs?
Agreed!
thanks for the video. I am looking at getting one of these.
Thursday morning squad in effect 😎 Thanks for the vid Sanjay!
What's up, Troy!
I love the critical review! I Love that you show the pros and cons of this product! More power to your channel it is my daily must watch channel
Thank you!
You're my favorite reviewer of gear on TH-cam.
After watching this.. only 1 word is needed to describe this review... GENUINE 💗
I appreciate that, Dhanush!
I was just about to buy it thank YOUUUUUUu🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
You're welcome!
Hey Sanjay C I learned a lot about music production from you
Even I'm good at piano grades I'm really bad at DAWs or plugins it's all possible because of you thanks for that. Let me know when you're in India we'll meet someday
I really appreciate you saying that, Leander. I'm honored.
Don't be you deserve everything for your effort
You guys are so nice
I really want this for Christmas
Same
Same I want to make movie soundtracks with this
Lol me too
Great video and congratulations on the first virtual instrument!
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much nice review
Good review. I’ve been indecisive for a few weeks, but this video convinced me that this is probably the best choice for me. The things that bugged Sanjay are not relevant for me, but the things he liked are. Bought one right after seeing this.
Glad I could help!
Thank you for the honest description. There I was thinking it would sync to Ableton automatically.... Could there be a worse delusional expectation lol
LOL
Thanks 🙏🏿 this video answers a lot of question and concerns I may have. 👍🏽
Glad it was helpful!
Love it ! Sanjay C and Dharti ! 🤗❤️👏👍
I just need something to start off with. I knew when it comes to beat making & sampling and only do this for fun. If anyone have any suggestions for midi keyboards and samplers let me know. Ain’t trying to be a famous hop hop artist. Just some fun stuff to pass time
I always wanted 2 learn how 2 make my own beats. It seems so difficult 2 do but I hope this will be a good start. Have u gotten yours yet?
The best review, I expected nothing less, Keep it up dude
Thanks a ton!
i still have 2 mpk minis mk one.Im glad the pads have improved which is what i got them for.I have used pads the pads for launching samples in Serato dj pro.It was great value and i might get the updated version
The 2nd Sanjay I've seen in life. Nice name. Love the review. I purchased the AKai MPK for 30 sec commercial recording. I look forward to experimenting with it. the keyboard and pads sold me. Thanks for sharing your input.
I'm a complete beginner, and I'm going to buy this controller to get started, with MPC Beats! Your channel is amazing bro! Hugs from Brazil !
Hi Hard Gms! Thanks so much! Good luck with MPC Beats!
Best free daw is Traction Waveform
comprei hoje .
Beginner here as well and MPC Beats tutorials make sense to me
@@armandomorales3809 What about Cakewalk?🤨🤨
I have been searching for this equipment for long time. Since I’m interested to learn to compose Lofi music (although still in learning process)
Did you get it? And how are you enjoying it, I am looking to get one as novice myself.
Thank you for the review...👍 will it work with the spire pro...
Great review Sanjay!!! Thank you:]
My pleasure
You were on point about this video, Akai needs to update this Mini Mk3, so that it will become an awesome unit at this price. Thanks for the video.
You're very welcome! I'm glad you agree
Pretty straightforward review. I would add that your production style plays a factor too, especially for road/tour situations or if (like me) use a standalone MPC & need something for the house outside of the studio then budget wise this is probably the cheapest option.
Good point
Hey Sanjay. Great video. I just bought the Akai and had no clue how to use it…until now. Subscribed mate : )
I friend of mine bought the mk 3 version, and we found the bass was amazing. She was getting a sore neck from playing her bass. I said does the MPK have a good bass. She said she didn't know, but we started it up. Being a keyboard play originally, she flew playing bass on the keys...for all the faults you have found, the Mk3 is a good unit. We will keep at it. Good value for money for what we need to do.
oh wow, i was surprised and also very happy when i see this uploaded not on your usual schedule!
anyway, i've seen other youtubers doing reviews on akai mpk mini mk3, and i think this one is the most honest, thorough, as well as the most aesthetically pleasing. thank you for the video, as always!
also, as someone who owns an arturia minilab mk2, i love it even more as i watch this video... sorry akai 😂
Hi annxhilation. Thank you so much for the positive comment. haha @ arturia love
@@SanjayC Yes, haha 😂
My dad got it for me.
Btw you did an amazing review and you were keeping it 💯
Already purchased it...however...its just for messin about on n havin some fun...so its great for what ill use it for!
Great video, and will look forward to watchng more of them.
Cheers
I love your content man keep it up and btw your sound is a miracle
I appreciate it!
46th view, man I'm happy for your growth man!!! Keep up the amazing content, never let go of what you love ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for the well wishes.
After watching the video 46 times, you must have it memorized! (Joking 😉)
@@randymiles7023 I meant, I was the 46th person to watch the video, haha I'm definitely not a person who can potentially watch a video 46 times 😂❤️
Sir, you are inspirational really love your content. I will be starting my journey in hindi reggae/rap genre soon. Your videos are mine of gold. Hope we had such content creators in homeland who make such content for Indian public. Prices are extremely high here in India a macbook 16 inch in india cost $3500. And midi keyboards start at $250. Really upset regarding it. We are privileged that this channel is free.
Wow awesome! Congrats on your new journey. And I will be here to help you along the way.
@@SanjayC Thank you, man do visit India. Love to see you here.
You dont need a macbook to make music lmao
@@jetaddict420 I know but I love Logic and it is Mac only software... I can't make a portable hackintosh
@@gaurang1379 I believe a lot of people have managed to install iOS on their Windows device. If you're interested in doing so, I suggest looking it up online!
i appreciate your comparisons
Won a subscriber! Greetings from Australia hope your staying safe, thanks for the honest snake-oil free review!
I was waiting for this...
Edit: I have the Arturia Minilab Mk2 and I am very, very, impressed:)
Thanks for being patient. I wanted to test it out well before posting anything :-D
@@SanjayC Well, you did do a great job at it. This is the most detailed review I've seen on TH-cam on the keyboard till now.
Wow...thanks so much man! I really appreciate that compliement!
@@SanjayC And I also hope that Arturia Minilab MK3 will have even more features because I love that keyboard so much that I have no idea of upgrading the keyboard to a bigger on at all😃😃
@@SanjayC If its anyone who should be thankful, I think it should be us. I mean you do stuff every week for us and I think all the Sanjay C fans should make something like an appreciation video for you:)
I feel like we were Myspace friends band in the day.
Your video is so sweet to watch & listen to~!! Thanks, Sanjay! 😀👍
So nice of you
Among all the midi small keyboards on market, I definitely wouldn't change my arturia's for anything. I love Arturia. Awesome quality, Thanks Sanjay C. :D
Good review ! I have question : which DAW do you recommend with the MPK mini on iPad ?
You need a pc to use the software for it
Caustic3! a nice DAW app for android and IOS maybe the best ! just try