The Sequencer allows you to program a combination of notes and rhythms that can be sent to your DAW or hardware synths, MPC, or any other device that accepts midi. from SoCal on February 1, 2023 Rated 5/5 I love this midi controller. Great when paired with a newer model MPC! Just as with the MK3, the MPC style drum pads are some of the best out there for finger drumming. They have great response & sensitivity. You can achieve some really delicate tones with these pads. With the Akai MPK Mini Plus you get 37 semi-weighted keys, which feel pretty much identical to those you find on the standard MPK Mini. However, it’s worth noting that the keys do NOT come with aftertouch. All of the included software and activation codes will be conveniently located inside of your inMusic account upon registering your MPK Mini.

Both controllers give you access to a display when controlling their various functions/ modes. However, that you get on the Akai is not only OLED (instead of LED), but it also allows you to be that bit more accurate. For what you get, the price of the MPK Mini Plus is impressive. Yes, it’s more than some other midi controllers of similar size, but the amount of control it gives you for the money is pretty impressive. I bought this keyboard for my new travel rig and have taken it on countless adventures around Los Angeles, Austin, NYC, and the greater Boston area. I ended loving it so much that I downsized from my trusty old Axiom Air 61 (just gave it away!) and put this on my desk. It's slightly longer than the apple magic keyboard with numeric keypad but has the perfect size to sit right in front of my keyboard anywhere I go. I really wanted a keyboard with more than 25 keys that would fit in airline carry on sized bags and this fits the bill.Both keyboards come equipped with transport controls, however it’s only fair to mention that those on the Novation are that bit more in-depth than those you’ll find on the MPK Mini Plus. Either way though, they both work really well with the majority of mainstream DAWs. For an in depth walk though on installing and setting up your MPK Mini and the included software, please refer to our walkthrough video linked below. We really didn’t expect this, but the Akai MPK Mini Plus also comes with an onboard sequencer. One that works in tandem with both with the pads & the keys. As far as sequencers go, this is flexible.

Across the top of the MPK Mini Plus, you also find a line of transport controls to help you control various aspects of your DAW via the keyboard itself. Out of the box, the MPK Mini Plus comes with integration for: FL Studio, Garageband, Logic Pro and Ableton Live However, if you’re after a set of keys with aftertouch, then you may have to look elsewhere – neither of these keyboards come with aftertouch for the keys. Even though the transport controls aren’t the most in-depth, you at least get some on thsi Akai keyboard. A major plus if you’re upgrading from a MK3. While the pads on the Novation may not have the feel of those of the MPK Mini Plus, they do have polyphonic aftertouch. A nice easter egg!!

There’s a total of 8 assignable knobs on each keyboard controller. Although a point goes to the Akai for having endless knobs, opposed to those on the novation, which have both a start/ end point. The pitch bend wheel is primarily used to bend the notes played on the keyboard. This allows you to play phrases not normally associated with keyboard playing, such as guitar-style riffs. The modulation wheel is typically used to add variation to the sound that you are playing. The MPK Mini Plus gives you the added bonus of an in-built step sequencer. Another perk you don’t get with the standard Akai MPK Mini MK3. Solution home Akai Pro | Keyboards and Controllers Akai Pro Keyboards and Controllers | Frequently Asked Questions Akai Pro | MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini Play 3 - Where To Find The Included Software and Activation Codes

If you’re after built-in an arpeggiator or scale mode, then either of these keyboards will suffice. Both have these features built-in & in both cases they work really well. Yes – there’s a reason that Akai midi keyboards are by far some of the most popular out there. They’re not just good – they’re excellent. Buy the MPK Mini Plus & you’ll get a total of 8 endless encoders, which can be assigned to pretty much any instrument/ function in your DAW. Drum pads– Don’t debate us on this… when it comes to pads for finger drumming, the MPC style pads you get on an Akai midi controller are the best out there. They have great response, sensitivity & have a nice amount of feel to them. they don’t feel numb!

Yes! The Firmware will need to be updated before you begin using your controller. Please follow the link below for detailed instructions on updating the firmware. As for software, bith have good bundles, BUT for 90% of players, the Novation’s is better. Buy the Launchkey & you get a bunch of software including: Abelton Live Lite, Spitfire Audio Labs Expressive Strings, Serato Sample LE, a 2-month membership to Splice Sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys& much much more!! While both do have the same amount of keys, the keys themselves are substantially different. Those on the Akai appear to be the same mini-sized keys you get on the smaller MPK Mini MK3, while those on the Launchkey 37 are full-size. Aside from being far longer, they also sit on a deeper keybed. And while they aren’t the most weighted keys in the world, there are plenty of options for adjusting their sensitivity. See, while the MPK Mini MK3 is undoubtably the most popular compact midi controller out there, it’s never really seemed ‘grown up’ enough for us to take seriously. Call us snobs if you will, but in comparison to other keyboards from Novation & Arturia, it’s always come across as a bit ‘Toys R Us’.