Akai Professional MPK Mini: The Most COMPLETE REVIEW (2020) and instructions

In this video, I do a super complete review of the Akai Professional MPK Mini, the most popular mini MIDI keyboard controller out there!
➡️ Buy the Akai MPK MINI: amzn.to/2T4ZfrW
➡️ Download the files: go.musiconerd.com/files-download
➡️ Making Music with Arduino: go.musiconerd.com/nerd-musici...
➡️ Curso Fazendo Música com Arduino em Português: go.musiconerd.com/fazendo-mus...
➡️ Kicad PCB Design: go.musiconerd.com/kicad-pcb-d...
Akai Professional MPK Mini has:
- 25 compact keys
- 8 velocity-sensitive MPC pads
- 8 knobs for macro-mapping
- 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control
- Built-in arpeggiator
- Octave Up/Down buttons
- Software included: Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials
- Dimension: 7.1 x 12.4 x 1.8 inches
Opinion:
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is, definitely, the most popular compact MIDI keyboard controller in the market. One reason for its fame is its price combined with its brand because you know you are taking an Akai home.
Its design is beautiful and made of good quality plastic. I have one myself and I backpacked with it for three months in Southeast Asia and it survived with no issues at all.
One of its best features is the MPC pads, great for finger drumming, or as an extension of the keyboard. Talking about the keyboard, it's probably where it falls a little, keys are really small and the plastic doesn't feel the best. I haven't had any problems, but I read some bad reviews about it.
Also, it has great software included, but it might be a hassle to use it if you are a beginner, for the lack of tutorials on it.
Overall, I think it's a great beginner compact keyboard, not intended for serious performance, but great if you need a small keyboard on the go.
Pros:
- Design
- Price
- Software included
- MPC Pads
Cons:
- Keys are not great
- Complicated included software Set up
Patreon: / musiconerd
Blog: www.musiconerd.com
Facebook: / musiconerdmusiconerd
Instagram: / musiconerd
Translated titles:
Akai Professional MPK Mini: El más COMPLETO REVIEW (2020) e instrucciones
Akai Professional MPK Mini: Das VOLLSTÄNDIGSTE REVIEW (2020) und Anweisungen
Akai Professional MPK Mini: Le plus COMPLET REVIEW (2020) et instructions
Akai Professional MPK Mini: Os Mais Completos REVIEW (2020) e instruções
Akai Professional MPK Mini: द मोस्ट कंप्लीट REVIEW (2020) और निर
Akai Professional MPK Mini: Ən ƏMİN REVIEW (2020) və təlimatlar
Akai Professional MPK Mini：最完整REVIEW(2020)和说明

[@deepspacetheater]

A very nice presentation. I've just received an MPK Mini and will refer to your videos for guidance. Thank you!

[@joshuatoledo3048]

Thank you! Found this very helpful in my decision for which midi to get

[@donivangroesbeck6050]

I subbed because this vid gave me all of the info I needed, thanks!

[@NerdMusician]

Thanks for the sub!

[@usernamedenied1881]

I finally set up the arpeggitor after just getting used to it not working, having a blast

[@SilversteinRescue]

Just ordered one!! Can’t wait to learn how to make beats. I’ve been a musician my whole life and hip hop has become my favorite genre over the last 4 years so I’m excited to finally be able to make the music I’m currently into.

[@NerdMusician]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@WHMAGuy]

This channel is on another level.

[@deatheffect575]

Excellent review being im learning. Great job my friend.

[@andesneko]

Loving the color! I need the Mk3 with this pattern.

[@davidwagner85]

Very nice. I picked this midi keyboard up a couple of months ago. I wish it had a couple more octaves to it, but it is pretty slick either way! Good video! Cheers mate!

[@NerdMusician]

Glad you like it!

[@cocdezal]

change the octaves on your computer if you need to

[@davidwagner85]

@@cocdezal I'm not using a computer at all.

[@nuntana2]

@@davidwagner85 It's got like 10 octaves bro

[@jeffreykaiser3927]

very informative and helpful guide to this instrument and its value, especially to buyers!

[@NerdMusician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@teresaclara281]

Caaaara muito obrigado! Esse review me ajudou muito. Você disse que não é muito bom para iniciantes, por causa da falta de tutoriais, certo? qual modelo você indicaria pra alguém que está começando?

[@nixel562]

THE COLORS LOOK SICK THO!

[@dhess421]

My fiance just bought me this with all black keys 😍 thank you for the video

[@aliendoidobr]

Obrigado por esse vídeo. Não tem muitos review feito por brasileiros

[@NerdMusician]

Valeu!

[@BhishanRaiOfficial]

Awesome review 🙏🙏🙏

[@Prodar3s]

I'm Learning music theory while producing.

[@NerdMusician]

Best thing is learning while you make.

[@sumanchhetri1809]

Me 2

[@jasonlieberman4606]

@@NerdMusician for sure, that's the way people know how it applies FOR THEM PERSONALLY... I took theory courses in college 10 years ago and as a producer and guitarist, I've since totally forgotten reading and other things I don't apply as a musician... It's an individual thing

[@bayboy510nso]

Hello guys I’m a new producer and I’m having a situation with my Akia MPK mini I think it unsynced to my laptop. Like for an example. When I plug into my lab top the MPK lights up but I get no sound from the pads or anything from it. Can anyone help me out, I need to get back to work

[@bonibaby2697]

​@@jasonlieberman4606 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

[@jasongomez5344]

It seems to be in very good condition still if you went travelling with it. Not even a scratch on the keys.

[@milododds1]

I own this keyboard but after supporting the Anyma Phi Kickstarter project I was disappointed that they were compatible, however it sounds like I might be able to reprogram the keyboard to get it to work. That's a big deal for me. Thank you.i

[@WHATdaFUNK123]

This is so fucking cool I don’t even know how to play music and this will definitely help me keep my mind busy while I’m home healing

[@thejoey993]

Just bought this comes tomorrow

[@Baby.Hemlock]

Excellent review, bless you doggggg 🙏🏼

[@mitchelljohnson1010]

Great video. Thank you.

[@synthphoria7721]

i just picked this up as a serum controller thanks for the ez setup guide!

[@NerdMusician]

Nice!

[@adrianoreis494]

Brinquedo Poderoso! Estou procurando um identico com (a tecla vermelha) mas nao acho! Sabe onde consigo? Parabéns review, excelente!

[@MrAtown3057]

Great..... Now do a review on the mpk mini *3*

[@pxldj]

Amazing as always!

[@rikiheropon]

I just got one and made my first 3 or so songs and it's so easy and nice to use

[@NerdMusician]

Awesome!!

[@ianhenefield6491]

Very cool...what would I need to make loops if I did want to use it for live performance?

[@marcusmotorama]

great video, thx!

[@NerdMusician]

Glad it helped!

[@cardibeatzz7653]

liked and subscribed sir...very informative..definitely thinkin bout coppin this

[@NerdMusician]

Appreciate that! :)

[@nibbsplaysgames6263]

This was awesome, thank you! My buddy just got me one for my birthday. Does it work well with bandlab?

[@EdKidgell]

Best AKAI Mini review and tutorial I've seen!

[@NerdMusician]

Wow, thanks!

[@BrunoOliveiradotcom]

Great review, keep it up!

[@NerdMusician]

Thanks, will do!

[@AikenMailos]

Thank u bro. Helps alot

[@NerdMusician]

Happy to help!

[@MrRogue-uj6iz]

Will this work with the new macbooks? The ones with only 2 USB type c ports?

[@igorlaptev5492]

Thanx, mate

[@Murdercity007]

My mpk mini3 is recognized by my laptop in settings/devices but not in my FL studio inputs. It also does not show up in a midi test either just says no inputs. Installed it on a old laptop and everything is fine it works in FL studio. Same FL studio program and both running window 10, any ideas?

[@mcdebugger]

Thanks for the review! Also it was very useful that you showed the MIDI Monitor app.

[@NerdMusician]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zamphzibaha]

Great video, thanks for the review.

[@iComplainer]

Not a musician but as a tech/gear nerd I just neeeeed it.

[@macendavid4822]

Hi would really appreciate it if you include some quick demo about it, thanks for the review.

[@NerdMusician]

Good idea.

[@JaeJae78]

does it come with the wire or do you buy that seperately?

[@kurtwogau1076]

Thanks for the video!!

[@NerdMusician]

No problem!

[@trollswan_0226]

is there any way to change the default key velocity? I always feel like it's too soft in ableton live.

[@ganzo86]

I dont know what it is but I really like your videos. I just trust what your saying about these wonderful machines

[@NerdMusician]

Thanks a lot! I put a lot of work on it. :)

[@honzapastor]

Hi, is it possible to change or browsing presets in DAW?

[@nutillion9334]

Wow really nice

[@francisco.amorim]

Comprei um hoje e achei os pads muito imprecisos, mas é o MK III. Tem que dar uma pancada forte para não ter risco de falhar, e isso que marquei a tecla full level.

[@francisco.amorim]

Tem um vídeo aqui no YT: Akai MPK Mini Pad Sensitivity Hack. Consiste em aplicar fita isolante na parte interna dos pads para melhorar o contato. O vídeo é sobre o MKII, mas fiz no MKIII e funcionou bem.

[@vinoblanco1426]

Can you have different sounds of the beat or keyboard? For example at the moment I use bandlab and there you can choose how you want the keyboard to sound, for example orchestra, bass, synth, piano etc.... Same for drum pads you can choose different kinds... How does it work with these???

[@hkaszowi]

is this the special edition MPK? I just bought this one and was wondering if it comes with any software?

[@nunopinheiro5543]

The ey kai? Granda maluco 😉

[@1pspgofan]

Hey there, I wanted to ask a question, for some reason, when im using a sample pack from mpc beats, whenever i switch banks to B, the bottom 4 pads dont trigger anything? Im on program 2, and switching to program 2 just seems to make things even worse

[@NerdMusician]

I don't know which notes your mpc beats is expecting, but you should investigate that and edit in the editor exactly the notes you want to send.

[@silarson6000]

how will I record the music and voice as well in the same keyboard?

[@Flo-wr8oh]

Hi thanks for your video. Is it possible to have an access at two knobs banks like bank pads A/B ? Or it's only possible to switch through Programs 1/2/3/4 and CC parameters ?

[@Zontar82]

is there a video on yt that shows these devices conenctd to an app on a windows machine? i think of getting one but sure as hell i am not getting a mac for it

[@jsyarto04]

Nice review! I’ve had mine for a few months now and it’s a nice little controller. I use it primarily with my iPhone and iPad. It is an easy connection with a usb cable. It’s great for creating music when I’m lying on the couch! It’s ideal for traveling as well and you could use it at the beach if you really wanted to! It’s fun creating music out doors! Some folks might find it difficult to play, but you will get used to it. It’s just strange going back to a full sized keyboard! It comes with some really cool software that you can download into your DAW. There’s some really nice sounds included in the software too

[@NerdMusician]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@caseyjtovey]

What software came with it? I bought mine used and it didn’t come with any software. I use it on ipad and iPhone, but also have used it on the PC. I wish i had the MPK editor program.

[@ovarium_]

hi :) i'm new to the game and have a question about the assignable knobs. nothing changes when i press a button and turn it. what could be the reason?

[@djmorfexx5843]

How it work with controller (Maybe ddj-rzx)?

[@CarlosMartinez-jn2cf]

Great video, quick question, does the software come with the keyboard?

[@NerdMusician]

You need to download it.

[@nanomiya790]

wait, why do you have the black and red keybeds?? mine is all black.

[@djspoiltkid]

Please what's the difference between akai mk3 and mini play? Which should I go for?

[@TinTin-rv3xb]

I like it

[@untitled746]

Is the toggle state of the pads reflected by the pad light?

[@kuskus5842]

Yuup

[@CAJUNVOODOO666]

So when iam at the akai download software page..Some say install some say installed. How do I open the already installed ones

[@JerryDechant]

I have a Akai Pro LPK 25 which the keyboard sensitivity, velocity sensitivity sucks. Is there an adjustment for this keyboard where I can adjust it so the attack isn't so hard, i.e., I have to hit the keyboard pretty hard before it makes a sound and it doesn't make a smooth change between notes, the notes are very pronounced rather than transitioning between notes like a slur. Does this make sense? Does the midi control you reviewed have better control over the keyboard sensitivity like you demonstrated for the pads? I want a basic mini midi keyboard like the one I have, just with better velocity control, are there any that fit that requirement? Thanks for your help. :)

[@NerdMusician]

Whatch this video with the 10 "best" portable MIDI controllers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KaqqV_rNZ3jqM

[@elvuelodelaavutardapocha7021]

is there any possibility to restore it from the factory?

[@untitled746]

+1 Only a nerd musician would call them potentiometers.

[@NerdMusician]

I actually got confused: do normal people actually call this potentiometer or knobs (or what)?

[@untitled746]

Músico Nerd I never called them potentiometers until I started building my first midi controller (thanks to your content). I’ve always heard the word knob used.

[@vaughnmiller5319]

Pots, for short...

[@dalesandberg7698]

Actually, he is trying to be precise, these could either be potentiometers or encoders, both of which usually have knobs.

[@untitled746]

Dale Sandberg I’m not criticizing him, I was commenting on his channel’s name :) Potentiometers aren’t the same as encoders. Encoders are digital, whereas potentiometers are analog. I learned the difference the hard way when I thought I could simply multiplex 16 of them as simply as potentiometers. Fun times!

[@bennymonjoable]

I JUST WANTED TO SHOW THIS COOL CLIP OF INDONESIA :P that was funny 🤣🤣

[@NerdMusician]

I have so many videos from there, finally found an excuse...

[@adsr5562]

@@NerdMusician I live in Indonesia, thanks for showing it :)

[@min-abubakarrsamura301]

i really love this keyboard, please send me the link

[@jhongomz2335]

Can we use in our Android mobile? Without pc Or laptop?

[@glennlayaguin]

Thanks for sharing godless stay safe

[@balareddy8625]

Hi Nerd. That's a great video.My son got this Mini 2. He assigned Grand Piano to midi. So when he plays its not sounding full level. So how to make it Full Level sound when he press a key. I know when we press the Full Level button it will switch off the Touch Sensitivity on Drum pads as you shown in the video. Could you please let me know how to switch off the touch sensitivity on Keys as well. By the way my son is using Live as DAW. Appreciate if you could reply to me.

[@ZorynHD]

Hi there, if you press and hold the "Full Level" button for 5 seconds, you'll be able to change the Key Velocity with the knobs from 1 to 5 🤓

[@WhirlOmar]

I like your shirt! Where did you get it from?

[@Iriod]

Hello please is this better than the M audio keystation Mini 32 MK3. Please I’d like to know Cos I have plans of buying the keystation Mini 32 MK3 already before coming across this video

[@ricshmitz83]

Is the sound bank generated from the choice of software?

[@tjbronson]

Great video, thanks! I am thinking of getting mpk to add pb/mod, knobs and pads to an 88 key board which doesn't have these features. Is it possible to use two controllers together like that with a DAW? edit: to be more clear, for example, can I use the pitch/mod stick on the mpk to control what I'm playing on the other keyboard?

[@NerdMusician]

Yes. The trick is in the routing. You have to listen to all MIDI controllers in the same track, but the MIDI channel of the pitch bend must be the same as the notes of your other keyboard. You just need to configure it to make sure they are in the same channel.

[@tjbronson]

@@NerdMusician Thanks for the reply! This helps a lot. Now I just need some instruments...

[@coldthenamug]

im trying to get my pads to go from middle c down, and middle c up and i can't figure it out

[@Brhudsonjr]

Does it work with Protools... Nobody answered any questions, but does it supports HUI or Protools faders

[@mrboogy1]

How to assign tracks to pads.. and thank u for the video

[@mastermillo117]

I'm going to start producing and i might buy this, great vídeo

[@NerdMusician]

Nice!! Thanks!

[@chickennuggets7350]

Can you change the velocity of the regular keys???

[@JaeJae78]

How do you connect headphones to the keyboard directly?

[@aaronjeb2683]

Is this just a controller or it allows you to play with beats ?

[@koollee]

Hello. I got an Akai Mpk61 from a pawnshop and havent used it yet. I need a newer laptop, i know mine is too old. Can u recommend a fast laptop for alot of music production flexibility?

[@koollee]

.. if u reply, can u email to me? I have a hard time finding replies when i come back to youtube

[@brina-esthersmith1439]

Can you do a video of connecting the mpk mini

[@joielollis]

Got that same one too!

[@NerdMusician]

Nice!

[@DbugII]

Hi, question for you! I do have this device (mine is the black one, not that matters) and I've been trying to find a complete list of the midi support, like does it has system exclusive messages, etc... but I did not manage to find anything at all. Do you think there is a way to request the position of the all the knobs?

[@NerdMusician]

No SysEx as fas as I know, only what you can find in the software editor. And I don't think ther's such a function for recalling all the values.

[@DbugII]

​@@NerdMusician Yeah, I ran the MPK editor and used Pocket Midi to "listen" to what the tool was sending when calling "Get From Hardware", it does send some SysEx commands to retrieve the values, but all I get seem to be the parameters: Which CC is defined, what are the min and max values, etc... but not the actual values set on the machine, which is kind of a shame really :( If other people are interested, the actual data to request values is: 0xF0, 0x47, 0x00, 0x26, 0x66, 0x00, 0x01, [nn], 0xF7 , with "nn" being 0 for "Ram", and 1 to 4 for the various programs.

[@SippenCodeine]

Can you use the keyboard without computer?

[@rushdilatiff4003]

I bought this today and downloaded MPC software from the Akai pro website. But after connecting the akai mpk and trying to play the keys nothing happens. For some reason I went into samples and draged few beats and the pads were working. How do u get the piano/keyboard work? And what is the software you are using to create beats?

[@NerdMusician]

If you can play the beat you should be able to play the keys, no fancy routing should be needed. Just make sure your track has a instrument loaded and is listening to all MIDI channels (just in case).

[@sivasubrahmanyam4974]

Impressive

[@NerdMusician]

:)

[@diegohappy8118]

I have the same midi limited edition, can yo do a video tutorial with fl studio?

[@soneroguz5705]

nice video thank u. Can u make a video like u bought brand new and come home .setting , program etc. please ?

[@NerdMusician]

If only Akai sent me one for free :p

[@telecastersRthebest]

Can you connect an expression pedal to it and use said pedal to control some plugins (e.g. wah plugins)?

[@NerdMusician]

Nope... :/

[@telecastersRthebest]

Músico Nerd ahh that’s too bad. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

[@HrafnNordhri]

Can this be played as a stand alone unit or do you need to connect to a PC?

[@NerdMusician]

You need a pc.

[@nicksrc908]

I like how you got Deep Purple sounds on itl

[@areks29]

hi there ,how can I get a 8 bit commodore 64 sound from this midi controller???

[@NerdMusician]

You'll need to connect to a synth that has the Commodore sounds.

[@bayboy510nso]

Hello guys I’m a new producer and I’m having a situation with my Akia MPK mini I think it unsynced to my laptop. Like for an example. When I plug into my lab top the MPK lights up but I get no sound from the pads or anything from it. Can anyone help me out, I need to get back to work

[@manuelgonzales6483]

Where did you get that shirt please? Thanks for the review too.

[@NerdMusician]

I think I got in a local store... :p Thanks!

[@cheesypizzajokes]

Hello! May I ask a question? Why am I unable to play 2 octaves on this keyboard on FL Studio. I cannot play the middle octave and lower octave together --> I can only play the middle octave. Why is this the case?

[@NerdMusician]

Wut? Is this only on FL?

[@cheesypizzajokes]

Músico Nerd FL studio is the only DAW that I use. I'll try other softwares.

[@rafaelcardenas5225]

I need a interface? O only laptop o mac?