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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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!
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
Sanjay's doing self sponsors... At least it's an actually good product being advertised though. The library looks amazing! Looking forward to purchasing
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)
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.
@@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:)
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?
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.
@@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.
my daughter is 12. She love music and I bought her one this Christmas. Great price but will get a real good as she get older. This is a great product if you trying to budget.
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 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
Dude. It's $118. How much can you expect from it. It's great for wanting to pitch bend my notes and come up with basslines and melody on keys rather than on the mpc pads. At least that's all I bought it for.
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 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
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.
I would recommend it unless you find a better deal on something with more options or better quality, for a beginner its quality and price point are very good it also comes with some free plugins and the akai mpc so you can try it out without investing too heavily into a DAW.
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.
@@MMAMadMax 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 live in a van down by the river and I'm contemplating between buying the MPK Mini and the MPK 261. I love the layout of the 261, reviews look good, price is extremely fair, but since I live in a van down by the river, I think the MPK Mini would be more practical. With that being said, I'm currently recording my music in a storage unit. So I'm thinking I could work around the potential space/theft issue by storing my 261 in my storage unit when I'm not using it. After watching this review I think I'm just gonna give it a full send and buy the 261. If you (or any other youtuber) thinks there's a more appropriate keyboard that I should check out before I spend my money I'd greatly appreciate your input. Also don't hit me with this "If you live in a van down by the river, you shouldn't be spending money on a keyboard" talk, sound like my fuckin dad. We all gotta die, I'm just tryna conjure up some fire ass music before I go out.
I really appreciate this review my friend. Most TH-camrs just rave about product and its obvious they're pushing sales. I gotta know whats really up bc music production is special you know? Got yourself a new sub! 😀
if you haven't upgraded yet, the Akai LPK25 Wireless is portable and works really well. if you prefer the additional pads and buttons then go for the MPK Mini MK3 - you won't be disappointed!
Akai is cool, but if you need help from Akai you can forget about it. They never answer. Arturia is very beautiful, but built with low quality materials. I will always prefer Native Instruments. I have a Rhodes 73 MKI 1978, lovely! Thanks!
My daughter wanted this after watching the lugalugaluga cat song, but her impression was that it was a standalone sampling live looper, so this video helped clarify things, thanks :)
I actually have the Arturia Minilab MK2 I actually have to disagree with your thoughts on that one. The Arturia one has a fatal flaw with the push down encoder knobs that hasn't been mentioned much by Arturia but a huge number of users complaining about. They go bad after a short time and just stop working correctly when trying to control plugin parameters with the knobs. they skip, jump or simply dont work... specifically the push down encoder knobs. I have had 2 different units with the same exact issue and they were units brand new out of the box. although the keys do feel good the rest of it isn't really worth it. it also seems that for the price the Akai has a bit more features like the arpeggiator and LCD screen.
How long it took before you started having problems with the knobs? I am thinking about buying a mini keyboard and am heavily on the side of Minilab Mk2 so far. Is the knob issue that serious?
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!
@@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.
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.
I’m new to music and I wanna buy this. But my question is I need to connect this to a computer right, idk how it really works but do I need to connect it to FL studio or something like that??
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
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 😂
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.
Thank you for the honest description. There I was thinking it would sync to Ableton automatically.... Could there be a worse delusional expectation lol
You have to download the main program after registering the product through their site. After you do so, they give you a product key. Within the main program, there are different types of keyboard programs that are free and downloadable. You unlock these licenses with the product key they give you after registering your product online. It works best described as a 'remote'. You can't play it without a computer. Sound also comes from the computer speakers. As I said, I'd call this more of a remote than a keyboard piano. I'd go as far as saying that it's essentially a modded computer keyboard that works and looks as a keyboard piano. You do however need to program the keyboard if you want to make music.
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. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
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.
⬇ 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.
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 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
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 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
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
📣 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
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.
@@HughManateaIs this still an issue? I'm looking at this to use with Studio One 6
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.
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
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?
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 🔥✊
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
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
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.
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.
That was actually the best review I've seen of anything on the internet. Good job dude!
Facts
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
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?🤨🤨
“Undone” is tough, I like it. 👌🏼
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:)
After watching this.. only 1 word is needed to describe this review... GENUINE 💗
I appreciate that, Dhanush!
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!
I'm planning to buy the AKAI MPK MINI so I'm glad I found this 😌😃😃❤️🎹
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
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.
I just don’t want to use my typing keyboard anymore💀
my daughter is 12. She love music and I bought her one this Christmas. Great price but will get a real good as she get older. This is a great product if you trying to budget.
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
From Iraq your channel is rich with information
Keep going for the better
Thank you!
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?
I just love and enjoy every feature you explained. Thanks Sanjay.
Thank you Ini Bapak Budi!
Dude. It's $118. How much can you expect from it. It's great for wanting to pitch bend my notes and come up with basslines and melody on keys rather than on the mpc pads. At least that's all I bought it for.
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.
This is literally just what I needed
Glad I could help!
Thank you sir!!! I absolutely love your channel and content. You're freaking awesome 💯💪🏽🔥
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!
The best review, I expected nothing less, Keep it up dude
Thanks a ton!
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?
Best review I've ever seen!!
Lots of thanks from 🇮🇳
Thanks so much!
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!
for just getting started would this be a good one to get or should I go all out
I would recommend it unless you find a better deal on something with more options or better quality, for a beginner its quality and price point are very good it also comes with some free plugins and the akai mpc so you can try it out without investing too heavily into a DAW.
I really want this for Christmas
Same
Same I want to make movie soundtracks with this
Lol me too
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!
Great video! I am buying it. I love Akai and I plan to use MPC beats. **I used your link to buy it FYI.
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
@@MMAMadMax 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 live in a van down by the river and I'm contemplating between buying the MPK Mini and the MPK 261. I love the layout of the 261, reviews look good, price is extremely fair, but since I live in a van down by the river, I think the MPK Mini would be more practical. With that being said, I'm currently recording my music in a storage unit. So I'm thinking I could work around the potential space/theft issue by storing my 261 in my storage unit when I'm not using it. After watching this review I think I'm just gonna give it a full send and buy the 261. If you (or any other youtuber) thinks there's a more appropriate keyboard that I should check out before I spend my money I'd greatly appreciate your input.
Also don't hit me with this "If you live in a van down by the river, you shouldn't be spending money on a keyboard" talk, sound like my fuckin dad. We all gotta die, I'm just tryna conjure up some fire ass music before I go out.
I really appreciate this review my friend. Most TH-camrs just rave about product and its obvious they're pushing sales. I gotta know whats really up bc music production is special you know? Got yourself a new sub! 😀
I appreciate that!
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?
Awesome and informative review! Very excited for my MPK Mini mk3 to arrive
You're my favorite reviewer of gear on TH-cam.
Just got this from Amazon, and I will be using it for just beat making. Great review!
This dudes so chill love the vibes
I waited for this!!!!.....thank you for making this video!
I just want something I can use for
The next 5 years with out needing new hardware
The worst technology today is the the best from the past.
if you haven't upgraded yet, the Akai LPK25 Wireless is portable and works really well. if you prefer the additional pads and buttons then go for the MPK Mini MK3 - you won't be disappointed!
@@TheEpicAverageMan well said, I’m just getting started building a studio so this has been great for me.
I was just about to buy it thank YOUUUUUUu🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
You're welcome!
Akai is cool, but if you need help from Akai you can forget about it. They never answer. Arturia is very beautiful, but built with low quality materials. I will always prefer Native Instruments. I have a Rhodes 73 MKI 1978, lovely! Thanks!
Hi Luciano. Thanks for the advice. And thank you for getting the Rhodes!
Manufacturer faults fall at the doorstep of the retailer. If it doesn't work you should return it to the store. Its not akais issue.
My daughter wanted this after watching the lugalugaluga cat song, but her impression was that it was a standalone sampling live looper, so this video helped clarify things, thanks :)
I actually have the Arturia Minilab MK2 I actually have to disagree with your thoughts on that one. The Arturia one has a fatal flaw with the push down encoder knobs that hasn't been mentioned much by Arturia but a huge number of users complaining about. They go bad after a short time and just stop working correctly when trying to control plugin parameters with the knobs. they skip, jump or simply dont work... specifically the push down encoder knobs. I have had 2 different units with the same exact issue and they were units brand new out of the box. although the keys do feel good the rest of it isn't really worth it. it also seems that for the price the Akai has a bit more features like the arpeggiator and LCD screen.
That's really helpful for me, thank you, definitely MK3 is the one for me!
How long it took before you started having problems with the knobs? I am thinking about buying a mini keyboard and am heavily on the side of Minilab Mk2 so far. Is the knob issue that serious?
Awesome review. Always best review😍
Glad you liked it!
I'm not sure if I'm watching this video for the keyboard review or just to listen to Sanjay talking about it, with his voice so sweet and warm
LOL! I appreciate that
First video I saw of you love the honesty and comparisons
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!
i love well made videos like this one, new sub
Thanks for the sub!
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
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
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...
Thank you for you in depth and concise info. Great presentation. I Subbed
Thanks for the sub!
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.
I love your content man keep it up and btw your sound is a miracle
I appreciate it!
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.
Hi SanjayC! Thanks for the excellent review! I love your videos 😍
Thank you so much!
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 😂❤️
I’m new to music and I wanna buy this. But my question is I need to connect this to a computer right, idk how it really works but do I need to connect it to FL studio or something like that??
Yes
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
Love it ! Sanjay C and Dharti ! 🤗❤️👏👍
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 😂
As a total newbie, trying to choose an inexpensive way to start dabbling…your videos are invaluable. Thanks for them!
My dad got it for me.
Btw you did an amazing review and you were keeping it 💯
You speak so well and are very informative. Thank you.
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!
So can you use this without a pc? Sorry if i sound dumb
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 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 feel like we were Myspace friends band in the day.
so which one do I go for then? I want to join the producing community cuz I just love and feel music, but I am a newbie into electronics idk...
Hey Sanjay, Do you like the Novation mini MK3 better than this?
I do. The others dont have midi out ports.
Great video and congratulations on the first virtual instrument!
Thank you so much!
Hi, i wonder if you have to program it? Or if its automatacliy sound when you buy it
Pls respond
You have to download the main program after registering the product through their site. After you do so, they give you a product key. Within the main program, there are different types of keyboard programs that are free and downloadable. You unlock these licenses with the product key they give you after registering your product online.
It works best described as a 'remote'. You can't play it without a computer. Sound also comes from the computer speakers. As I said, I'd call this more of a remote than a keyboard piano. I'd go as far as saying that it's essentially a modded computer keyboard that works and looks as a keyboard piano.
You do however need to program the keyboard if you want to make music.
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. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Would this be a good controller for creating synth sequences for playing overparts of songs for a metal band who uses Presonis Studio One?
Yes, you can use it for that
Thursday morning squad in effect 😎 Thanks for the vid Sanjay!
What's up, Troy!
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.
great video and outline of the pros and cons. i still bought this and i will find it useful for my work in reaper. thanks for sharing your insights.
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
Could I use this keyboard to write music by the beach with only my laptop without a power?
Yes
His voice reminds me of the turtle from
Over the Hedge
OMG I’M DYING-😂
OK...I just watched the turtle part in Over the Hedge and I can't hear it :-P LOL! But I do think that turtle is pretty good!
Wow, great review. Thank you Sanjay C!
Glad you liked it!