Akai MPK Mini VS MPK Mini Plus - The RIGHT Choice!

[@karthikks]

I bought a Mini mk3 during May last year, and once the Plus got announced in Oct, I immediately ordered it on Amazon and even waited for a month to finally get it in my hands. I later sold Mini mk3 and now a proud and a happy owner of the Plus :)

[@benirodriguez9516]

My take for Keyboards is.. if you're going to travel by flight, the MPK Mini fits in a backpack, so it's easier to travel with. However, if traveling by car, say to the cabin, another city, or to a friend's house, the Plus might be preferred. And if you ain't gonna travel.. the space you have and your playing skills decide what you should go for... 49, 61, or 88. (88 is overkill if you can't play the piano, and/or have no interest in learning it.)

[@SanjayC]

Good points

[@PatrickFungsca]

drumpads and keybed are BOTH important to me - can't live without one of these

[@SanjayC]

Cool! Do you do a lot of finger drumming?

[@PatrickFungsca]

@@SanjayC When I play around, yes...not that good though, but it makes me feel great to drum with a great feeling drumpads controller

[@benirodriguez9516]

precisely... I have to still find a "keyboard" that has great "sensitive" drumpads, although there are some out there I believe. I have a Novation Impulse 61 which has an ok keybed, and then a Novation Launchpad X for the drumpads. And both being the same brand, were merely coincidence!

[@bicrome]

As a pianist, key feel is a must. I have the oxigen pro 25, wich I put on top of my 88 weighted keys digital piano, so I can have good keys with pitch, mod, knobs and pads.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah that keyboard has good key feel. Very nice keyboard

[@bicrome]

@@magnuseriksson8081 I dont use them, cuz I play chords and sales myself, but they are awesome fetaures. I guess they sound good cuz they make you play in a fixed scale and can add alteration to chords, making them "jazzier".

[@MikeJamesGuerard]

I have the MPK Mini MKIII - it still use an MPK 49 - lately I enjoy using the MPC Beats DAW, but Pro-Tools is my go to. I'm not a fan of Ableton, but I have started using Reaper, and I'm very impressed. You should do an episode on Reaper.

[@SanjayC]

⬇ Links to all keyboards ⬇ 1. Akai MPK Mini Plus geni.us/FMNDS7 2. geni.us/6M2JNEM Other keyboards I recommend: 1. Minilab 3 geni.us/qjYl 2. M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini geni.us/cdGB7p 3. Native Instruments M32 geni.us/r1YI

[@kaip.9971]

i have the choice: mpk mini plus or minilab 3, which one would you take.

[@davidoluwatosinstephen9897]

I want to know which one to buy between novation and m audio midi control

[@davidoluwatosinstephen9897]

Good for logic

[@ladauphine2837]

Helpful video, thanks. 🙏 How about the built-in sound feature? It is not present in either one. Is it very important to have that as an extra feature, or would it make no difference?

[@ladauphine2837]

Hello Sanjay, I bought the AKAI PROFESSIONAL PMK mini plus. I just bought it to jam with my friends. That's all 😊 However, is there a way to get the sound out of it without using a computer/ software? Am not a computer savy at all. Is there a simple electronic device that I can get and just plug it in the back and get the sound out? 🤔 How about connecting the AKAI to an Amp, which I have. Would it work? Is there any further tutorial video from unboxing to setting up the Mini Plus without a computer for beginners like me who is discovering this new AKAI world?😊 please help 🙏

[@DrunkDuckXD]

Sequencer is a selling point for me. Im really just getting this to learn Reaper and make lofi beats for fun. Its important for me to just "riff" before I lay down a track

[@patsipes6561]

Good morning Sanjay. Very comprehensive review of the 2 keyboards. Great job as usual.

[@SanjayC]

Hi Pat...thank you so much! Hope you have an excellent day!

[@MatthewHarrold]

I just carved an 88 note keyboard out of a 42mm * 19mm piece of scrap wood out of boredom and even went the extra mile and painted the keys white and black. It came out at exactly 585mm in length, and took about 6 hours, using a custom 3mm chisel to clean out between the black keys. For extra fun, I started making a KX88 model body to put the key-bed into, but my blind 14 year old Australian Kelpie got startled by the unannounced arrival of a delivery driver who came up our steep driveway in a hybrid minivan. Nevertheless I wish I had used oak instead of pine because he managed to do some serious damage to the lowest B note, and after some meditation, I seriously questioned the original motivation for such a mathematically challenging task (10mm per white key, 6.5mm per black key), nothing moves, nothing works, it's just a sculpture ruined by Winston the dog. $0.02

[@SanjayC]

Wow! That is super cool! I can't believe you did that! Pictures?

[@MatthewHarrold]

@@SanjayC I'll take a picture tomorrow on FB and give you a link, it's 12.26am right now and school is back (dad's taxi). Such a waste of time, but I'm now an expert in not cracking black keys while hogging out the middle, the trick is to use the existing wood on either the left or right as support while you gently pry the waste away.

[@RedshiftDougal]

A thank you to Sanjay C for this and a few other videos on the pros and cons of the models on the market in 2023. Balanced, objective and BS-free content is hard to find, so good on you for making it. As of today, I'm the very happy owner of an Akai MPK Mini Plus. Thanks to your pointers, there were no surprises when I opened the box and set it up.

[@greasewhite6724]

We are feeling you down here in San Antonio Texas Sanjay C I use my MPK mini plus with studio one and it's been awesome

[@SanjayC]

Hey thanks so much. Love to San Antonio!

[@Zeisslermusic]

Many years ago, I bought an AKAI Mini and still use it today. I just bought an Ipad M2 and now I can connect my keyboard directly to the ipad. Before I had to use a usb hub for power. But no more today. Perfect for taking it to the beach or the forest. I love it..Regards Thomas

[@nickmack1976]

Cheers Sanjay! One big thing to add is that you can assign the drum pads to DAW transport buttons. This is perfect for me because I want something as small as possible for travelling, but never do any finger drumming

[@djsunnysideup23]

drum pad feel for me is more important because I am not really a piano player, but love sampling and making rhythm sections.

[@ROQSTAR]

Great review! Mini plus is really nice. Traditional wheels are a must for orchestral automation.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!

[@JEtienneMusic]

Sanjay thank you man for all the wonderful comparisons and in depth reviews. If I'm ever in a position to upgrade then I always come back to videos I've already watched of yours before adding to shopping cart ❤️

[@SanjayC]

I appreciate that so much. These videos take a long time to make so it’s nice to hear that you like them

[@baltimega]

You can set up transport control on the mini putting thr pads in cc mode and mapping it do whatever daw you're using. You have two banks of pads to use for ccs

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, at least you have a workaround, but they really just need to add those dedicated transport controls

[@baltimega]

@@SanjayC true. I am going to get one at some point. I wish it still had the pad ccs though for additional control. I like setting it up with reaper custom actions to move through tracks, turn the metronome on/off, switch between tracks, etc. The additional controls kind of turn reaper into a groovebox

[@jamesangell6027]

I bought the MPK Mini MKIII - Black Edition and only really wanted it to give me some work flow back as I binned my old Midi Keyboard over a year ago. I’ve not opened it yet as it came yesterday but I’m debating sending it back brand new and getting the plus now 😅

[@jamesfindice2871]

I'm pretty sold on the plus as it has the sequencer and transport buttons. I love dawless jams and am building a new setup again. I can sequence a synth and a drum machine as well as play another with the keys/arp. Oh yeah and the bonus keys and mod wheels are a huge plus! Minus for not being able to store sequences. I'd love a keystep with some assignable knobs/encoders. Although i could always get like a Korg nanocontrol/nanopad to complement. In the end i just might get a mpk mini and a MPC ONE :D

[@HarryLoveTV]

Looks excellent but I’m so pissed to have settled for the mpk mini when this drops a few months later & is exactly what I needed 😫 it would be great if the market wasn’t saturated with a million variations of the same thing & just a handful of outliers if we’re lucky + the stars happen to align.

[@SanjayC]

I wish they'd just put the right features in one keyboard instead of having to sacrifice this and that

[@dicnxhxj]

@@SanjayC the thing is the right features for one person can be different for the next. Maybe we should start doing custom midi keyboards where we can choose what to put lol

[@benirodriguez9516]

Completely agree! way too many variations of everything, and then some. (+ they drop out with short intervals, so if you get something, it becomes the old version pretty soon). I got the Novation Launchpad X cause it was the newest and had the sensitivity I wanted, and then not so long after, the Pro mkIII came out! which although a bit pricier. it's better (I believe). I'm also waiting for buying myself a daw controller, cause iCon Platform M+ and/or Behringer X-Touch are showing their age, and I won't pay more (inflation) than they retailed for initially 8+ years ago, guessing a newer model is about to come out one day or another.

[@benirodriguez9516]

@@SanjayC Exactly! Seems like no manufacturer wants to do the perfect one, cause then they couldn't make a profit from variations. Sad! :(

[@HarryLoveTV]

@@SanjayC exactly my sentiments, it bewilders me that features will be removed as if they were never a thing. Case in point - my late father had an old M-Audio midi keyboard that had audio, midi, a couple encoders, sustain socket AND a small number of very basic standalone sounds like piano, organ etc. this was by no means a fancy controller and I don’t remember a big deal being made of it. Since then all that has come out is midi controllers- some have pedal ports & midi (go figure) but for these companies to mention “transport controls” as if they arent just a couple extra generic buttons is kinda infuriating. I would really like an integrated midi keyboard with audio & a sequencer for external gear - the OS for any old MPC should be like 1MB

[@mbsyaswanth3334]

I'm a beginner. Should I buy Akai mini plus or normal keyboard? I feel like it's better to go with these mini ones as they are programmable and so cool.

[@facelessproduction]

Keys are most important. Small footprint are what you looking for when you decide to go with this type of products line.

[@boonong3895]

This plus look very good, I got the mini right before the release of the Plus. Having more keys are way better, thank for sharing, I stay with what I have until it give up =)

[@SanjayC]

Always a good idea.

[@paul__yeh]

I think Akai watched your review on MPK Mini MK3 and made this one lol.

[@boomboombaby9140]

I plan to use the full version of the Mpc software .

[@AdilConstantineMusic]

Great review as always Sanjay

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much Adil! Love seeing you here.

[@AceeSoul]

Nice. For the money they are both great, but the plus for a small upcharge is a no-brainer.

[@SanjayC]

Totally agree

[@SanjayC]

Thank you for the Super Thanks, Acee Buddy!!! I was on a weekend trip with my wife, so I missed some of your comments :-D

[@ToreHansen]

I use he joystick for VSTs that support this like Korg Wavetable, Arturia EMS Synthi.

[@SanjayC]

Nice! Always like to hear from people who use the joystick.

[@jjrusy7438]

after seeing "the kiffness" do his insanely awesome "alugaluga cat" looping videos, i would guess the mini would be in hot demand because that is his main controller keyboard. IMO, you and your better half will be blown away by his video about the neighbor's cat called "let me in" i think. truly one of the best things i have seen on the 'toob. ps. i finally found a use for my original beatstep which is mostly useless. the CV can run the BARP2600 semi-modular, so i can sequence crazy stuff like the filter or ring-mod levels, in addition to the oscillators. I work mostly out of the box and i am looking forward to behringer's version of the keystep pro. If the original beatstep just had a clock-in, it would be so much more useful. good thing i have the original keystep (fail horn meme sound goes here haha) i use it for running the vocoder (VT-4) mostly (i like big keyboards for main controllers and everything else in a module form to save clutter and keep within easy reach)

[@nish4738]

Thank you so much! I absolutly LOVE your videos, and as a beginner music producer, your advice means a lot to me. Thank you so much!!

[@SanjayC]

You're so welcome!

[@JaredAlexanderStevenson]

@SanjayC If they got rid of the knob they could move the pads down and totally make the screen bigger. and lined those other buttons they could line underneath the bigger screen. That joystick is not needed at all. But a bigger screen would be gold.

[@SanjayC]

I agree. A bigger and more useful screen would be a welcome change.

[@jacksp8de]

The scale function is definitely important to me. This keyboard is dope but I already have the Arturia mini lab 3, the novation mini key, and the komplete m32 annndd the Akai mini I probably don’t need another mini keyboard lol

[@debetrolence1991]

Dude I really need your advice. I am going in for my first midi keyboard and was wondering should I take this one or the Arturo mk3? Size is not a problem for me.

[@margaretchristo6859]

Sorry for being so late in watching your video. Comprehensive review of both these keyboards. Thank you for your awesome videos. Most helpful.

[@benvarley2927]

Okay... but whats better for a total beginner? Arturia minilab 3, or akai mini plus? Also gonna pick up the akai mpd218 for finger drumming

[@ToreHansen]

I use Mini, since have 2 others midikeyboard I use the keys little, mostly for the joystick and pads. Cool video

[@SanjayC]

Thanks much! Glad to hear you like the joystick

[@beachthor1]

This man has the most pleasant voice

[@ayramz5029]

I just hope the mini plus comes in different Color ways. I want a white mini plus keyboard to match my white mpk mini mk3

[@chrisedwards5090]

Great video, thanks. The sound used for sequencer demo (6:20-) so reminds me of Go West "Missing Persons"... Cheers

[@kingofdjembe]

The plus just lack a XY pad to be the perfect mini keyboard. I really like the fact that they made the knobs unilimited.

[@yamipizza8357]

I want a mini keyboard but was sad to found out that these don't have headphone jacks and can't be used without being plugged in. I want a mini portable keyboard. And recommendations?

[@johnsnyder4949]

great review and as always thanks so much for the content. im a hard rock metal dude and i have the mini. its cool but this step wow....nice piece of gear and i think im gonna get one

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much

[@vewilli]

I‘m a fan of AKAI KEYBOARD-controllers because of their quality although I had a rather bad experience with the included software VIP when I purchased the Advance 49. shortly after the purchase the SW didn’t correctly work with the 64-Bit MacOS anymore when triggered from the keyboard. And AKAI never converted the VIP into a 64Bit version. But the keyboard itself is perfect although I didn‘t get the 61-key version of the Advance anymore which I would have preferred to a 49-my-version.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah I didn’t have any luck with VIP either. It looked so promising.

[@5966ramesh]

Thank you Sanjay

[@mattcero1]

Dude, consider mentioning the midi out on the Plus gets disabled when using the USB to PC connection. Using a USB battery source will keep the midi ports alive though.

[@gaborb6577]

Those new functuons are cooool🎹👍

[@jyotichristo7720]

Very good midi keyboard review ❤

[@SanjayC]

Thanks a lot!

[@MarcellJjr]

I like Key feel better because you can turn keys into drum pads as well as you could have with keys that are drum pads. Drum pads are cool but they're meant for drums only or samples.

[@alexgoriatchenkov]

Nice talking. Ordered right after you finished. Subscribed too. One question: with this Mini Plus for basic home studio connections don't need Audio Interface (without guitar)? My Speakers connected to LG monitor, bluetooth headphones paired with MacBook Pro, USB C Microphone in MacBook Pro, and this Mini Plus to MacBook Pro, which connected with USB C in LG Monitor, so don't need to connect to el. supply, correct ??

[@carlosdelvalle9155]

I am not a pianist I want to add a mini MIDI keyboard to use with Presonus studio one 6, I want something very user friendly and I don’t have usb C on my mac so the Arturia 3 is not an option, would you recommend the Arturia 2 better than the Akai pro plus?

[@MLRDov]

The main problem of the "plus" version for me is the size of it. I use my normal mpk mini 3 not only in my studio, but in university too. So, I personally will not buy a new mpk. Also, I'm dreaming a lot about keytar from alesis now)

[@benirodriguez9516]

seen the Roland AX-Edge Keytar with the all-black keys? uhhh... looks sweeeet!! :D

[@roo8814]

Is it a good option for using with reason??

[@TheLordGU]

I wonder if you (or anybody else reading this comment, of course) are aware of any rumours re an upcoming refresh of the NI Komplete Kontrol M32. Being an owner of an M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini, which is a great compact controller, the NI KK M32 seems to be a reasonable 'less is more' option to me … … But with almost every other manufacturer with a mini keyboard in the portfolio having recently released a refresh, NI appears to be sort of missing out. Thanks in advance - and thanks for your videos!

[@SanjayC]

I haven’t heard news of an M32 update but I really hope it happens soon. I’ll see if I can find out any inside info.

[@TheLordGU]

@@SanjayC Thank you very much for your reply - and for your kind support!

[@georginikolaev9941]

u can program the alternate use of the pads to play stop rec etc. and u have the limited edition grey only for the mini

[@kirk6115]

great review as always. I wonder how does it fare against the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini, I am one of those rare StudioOne users😅

[@SanjayC]

I honestly prefer the Oxygen Pro over the MPK Mini MK3 since it has those transport controls.

[@SamTRajkumar]

Wow... Nice comparison 😊

[@SanjayC]

Thanks 🙂

[@henrybeach605]

Hello - would love some help making the transport control work with garage band on Mac! Seems to be limited (even with fully updated hardware / software). Great video :)

[@SanjayC]

Maybe someone who uses GarageBand here may be of help. :-)

[@dhruvjoshi8021]

Hey Sanjay ! You have extremely informative and really well planned out an edited videos. I have always been a guitar player and I'm a little bored with just looping and playing over my own guitar tracks. I want to buy a MIDI keyboard to explore making music but I really dont know much about them. So, now I dont really know what I want after watching so many of your review videos on MIDI controller keyboards. Could you guide me to a versatile MIDI keyboard that would give me lots to experiment with but also not too heavy on the pocket ?

[@Jason75913]

Bigger keybed, DAW controls, and regular pitch & mod wheels. If I needed a mini keyboard, I'd go for this.

[@FitAndSaxy1]

Thanks Sanjay 🙂 Having compared MPK Mini with both the MPK Mini Plus and Oxygen Pro Mini (separately), how about a comparison between MPK Mini Plus and Oxygen Pro Mini? 😉

[@goodsound4756]

Yes, that is the elephant in the room.

[@Wezzybman]

I wish I could map the joystick to arrow keys on a keyboard. It’d help a lot when cycling through presets or just general navigation in the daw. Unfortunately I’ve only seen the joystick mapped to midi cc

[@Aurelian76]

Hi, thank you for your videos. I own Pro Tools and was wondering if the Akai MPK Mini Plus is a good choice for this DAW? I( was also looking at Arturia MiniLab MK3. I would prefer more notes so the plus is, well...a plus.)

[@bimoakbar4252]

M audio oxygen pro mini or this akai mpk mini plus ?

[@jaimebondoza3710]

I got one of these on pure compulsion the other day. CHOICE!

[@dracorex280]

How are the keys? Are they the same clicky ones from the mpk mini mk2 gen or do the keys on the new mk3 mini products feel better now? I like how the mpk 225/249 have semi weighted keys best keys i ever felt on a midi controller! But im curious to see how the keys feel in the new gen 3 models.

[@djsunnysideup23]

Thanks for this! I have 3 dead keys on my MPK Mini Play. Do you have a suggestion on how to fix that?

[@BenD_Bass]

Okay, just got Abelton. Now I'm torn between This Akai MPK mini Plus, the Arturia MPK 49, or the Novation Launch key 49. I wish they made this mini Plus with more than 37 keys

[@SanjayC]

If you just got Ableton, I think the Launchkey 49 is the way to go. It’s made for Ableton. I think you’ll like that tight integration.

[@BenD_Bass]

@@SanjayC thanks Sanjay

[@bhavanissamayalkattuandlif8742]

I love the drums in Akai mini I am having it

[@ilianbg6180]

The Mpk mini play with a sequencer would be the hardest thing on earth

[@Abhishekdailyvlogg]

I am from India, One Question from my side FOR LOOP RECORDING what I purchase .. in fl studio (for shift a track)

[@themagicbeatz]

i need those Akai to be in All Black to suit my work studio theme. Black and Yellow would be cool. Drumpad and keybed both important to me.

[@SanjayC]

Bring on the all black!!!

[@benirodriguez9516]

hehe.. they should start making hot-pluggable keys, like with mechanical (computer) keyboards! And let people customize their keys with the colors and feeling they want! :)

[@tevis190]

I thought I could hook this up directly without a computer to my synthesiser. Am I missing something or did I buy the wrong device?

[@crabbydad8931]

wish it had a dedicated Hold Button, wonder if you can assign one?

[@orvilledennis8217]

Still using cakewalk how u rate that with the keyboard

[@mh22xv]

The keybed is sadly a little squishy. Love the functionality though.

[@xXadambXx]

But why arturia didnt make new mini keyboard? Im waiting for it 😄

[@neonspinx]

The keys on the Akai mini feel aweful. I never returned something so quick

[@TobiWanHexobi]

Apparently changing the key velocity fixes that. Trying that before I return it for that same reason…

[@hjkhhjkh3635]

But I just love the colours they put out on the Mini mk3 haha!

[@ricardleandro]

Midi control knobs and transport don’t work on my mini plus connected in Ableton live. Is there something I need to do?

[@darkus_prod]

Fuck man y’all named every DAW BUT LOGIC PRO X MASCHINE STUDIO ONE AND CAKEWALK😂 thanks Sanjay 👍🏿

[@tomik0093]

Can I setup MPK Mini Plus with Abletone Live? I’ve heard, that MPK mini mk3 is easier to do. But is it true?

[@BeatsByCalvin]

How can I use them on my MacBook Pro with Logic Pro? Do I need specific Software for configuration or can I just plug it in and start in Logic Pro?

[@carlosjaimes4141]

I like the nektar impact LX mini but this akai plus looks good too. How would you compare side by side

[@mcdan2696]

MPK mini Plus is the clear winner. However, M Audio Oxygen Mini Pro may kill it...

[@SanjayC]

Yeah the oxygen pro is a great keyboard for sure.

[@kiddynamite3931]

What would you suggest for Presonus Studio One pro?

[@bloodcell6282]

The scripts for this are still betas! Ableton doesn't display the option for this new plus yet in the preferences. Is this paid for video like musictechs review?

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Akai should make a 3rd MPK mini the same size as the plus but with full size keys.

[@SanjayC]

THAT would sell well, I think

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@SanjayC Probably. ✌

[@someone_myanmar]

thank u so much sir.

[@geekmastermind]

I love Sweetwater and do business with them gladly, but their listed MSRPs are always a bit...suspect. 😉

[@SanjayC]

Like seriously...what is up with that $349??

[@johnsnyder4949]

Thanks!

[@SanjayC]

No problem!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much for the Super Thanks, John!!

[@johnsnyder4949]

@@SanjayC im actually a rock and metal guy lol but find your content very helpfull

[@furiobisotti8150]

I play keyboards live with two bands. I keep my 61 and 73 controllers in bags to be ready for rehearsal outside, in recording stdios. I bought an MPK mini to practice at home but I cannot do it with mini keys. I think I will buy a 49 cheap controller, with normal size keys to rehearse at home on the kitchen table...

[@SanjayC]

Or get the full size key version of the Oxygen Pro

[@furiobisotti8150]

@@SanjayC I have the oxygen pro 61 in a rehearsal room. I am trying to get something to be kept and used at home. Compact and easy to be hidden. Probably 49 keys. Evaluating an Icon. Very compact

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

I just went with the Arturia Keylab 49 Mk2. I need both keys and pads. 37 keys is my minimum. 49 is just right.

[@SanjayC]

49 is just right especially for pianists.

[@daveandrew7014]

Where can we hear your music/work? The link only shows 1 single from 2019.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for asking. I actually make all the music you hear on my channel. I haven’t distributed anything new lately because I’ve been focusing on KZbin tutorials and reviews. But I’ll keep you posted on new music coming this year

[@BuleriaChk]

MPK Mini does not have step transpose, a deal breaker for guitarists (it functions like a capo) The Plus does have step transpose, but the Arturia MiniLab 3 finally added step transpose and IMO Analog Lab is the better software.

[@Mazary23]

mpk mini plus vs mpk225?

[@HenriquedePaulaNascimento]

Waiting for a 49 keys version, better to work with harmony.

[@djtesla4017]

Akai mpk 37 plus I’m using for fl studio

[@revolverxxxx]

Does it work well with pro tools?

[@GonzoMallorca]

More questions than answers.

[@ChewDog]

Do you need a laptop for the keyboard of can you use it without one?

[@DavidWayneBroyles]

Can it tune to A432 and a 1/2 step down? That's how I record.