AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 Review

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 Review

AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 Review

In the world of music production, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference between mediocrity and excellence. When it comes to MIDI controllers, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a name that often surfaces in conversations.

This compact, feature-packed device has garnered a reputation for its versatility, portability, and affordability. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve deep into the MPK Mini MK3, exploring its design, performance, software integration, and overall value. Whether you're a seasoned producer or a beginner looking for your first MIDI controller, this article will help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents
1. Design and Build Quality
2. Performance
3. ​Software and Integration
4. Ease of Use
5. Value for Money
6. Pros and Cons
7. Conclusion

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1. Design and Build Quality (5/5)

Let's start with the first impression—the design and build quality of the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3. Right out of the box, you'll notice its sleek, modern appearance. It boasts a clean black finish with red accents on the knobs and pads. The build is robust, featuring a combination of plastic and metal elements that give it a sturdy feel while keeping the overall weight exceptionally light.

One of the standout features of the MPK Mini MK3's design is its compactness. This MIDI controller is truly portable, measuring just over 12 inches in width and weighing a mere 1.65 pounds (0.75 kg). It easily fits into a backpack or laptop bag, making it an excellent choice for musicians on the go. Whether you're composing music in your studio or performing live on stage, the MPK Mini MK3's size and weight won't hold you back.

The 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys provide a comfortable playing experience, and while they may take some getting used to if you're accustomed to full-sized keys, they are surprisingly responsive. Above the keys, you'll find eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads that are not only excellent for drum programming but also for triggering samples and loops. The pads are a joy to use, offering just the right amount of tactile feedback.

The controller also features eight rotary knobs and a 4-way thumbstick for precise control over various parameters. These knobs feel solid and well-built, and the 4-way thumbstick is a versatile addition, particularly for pitch bending and modulation. The pitch and mod wheels are located to the left of the keys, which might take a little getting used to if you're accustomed to their traditional placement above the keys.
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Overall, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 scores top marks for its design and build quality. It's evident that AKAI has put a lot of thought into making this controller both functional and visually appealing.

2. Performance (4.5/5)

The true test of any MIDI controller lies in its performance capabilities, and the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 doesn't disappoint. Despite its small size, it packs a punch when it comes to performance.

Keybed and Pads
The 25 mini keys offer a decent playing experience for their size. They are velocity-sensitive, which means the harder you play, the louder the note will sound. While they may not be suitable for complex piano compositions, they work perfectly for synth leads, basslines, and melodies. The keys also feature octave up and down buttons, allowing you to access a wide range of notes even with the limited key count.
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The MPC-style pads, as mentioned earlier, are a highlight of the MPK Mini MK3. They are not only velocity-sensitive but also offer aftertouch, adding an extra layer of expressiveness to your performances. These pads are excellent for drumming, finger drumming, and triggering samples. They feel responsive and are highly conducive to creative beat-making.

Knobs and Thumbstick

The eight rotary knobs and 4-way thumbstick are where the MPK Mini MK3 truly shines in terms of performance. These controls are fully assignable and can be mapped to various parameters in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). The knobs have a smooth, precise feel to them, and they work exceptionally well for adjusting parameters such as cutoff frequency, resonance, or any other parameter you choose.

The 4-way thumbstick, while small, is surprisingly versatile. It can be used for pitch bending, modulation, and panning, among other functions. Its responsiveness allows for nuanced control over these parameters, which is especially useful for electronic music production.

Software Integration

One of the significant advantages of the MPK Mini MK3 is its tight integration with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and MPC Beats. The controller comes bundled with various software packages, including MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech Hybrid 3, and SONiVOX Wobble, to name a few. These software offerings provide a solid foundation for music production, and the controller's integration with them makes for a seamless workflow.

Additionally, the MPK Mini MK3 is class-compliant, meaning it works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows computers without the need for driver installations. It's also compatible with iOS devices, opening up possibilities for mobile music production.

Arpeggiator and Note Repeat

Two standout performance features of the MPK Mini MK3 are its arpeggiator and note repeat functions. The arpeggiator allows you to create complex arpeggios and patterns with ease, adding a dynamic element to your performances. The note repeat function, on the other hand, is perfect for creating intricate drum rolls and repetitive patterns. These features can be a game-changer for live performances and studio productions.

MIDI Connectivity

The MPK Mini MK3 offers various MIDI connectivity options, including a standard USB-MIDI connection, a MIDI out port for connecting to external MIDI hardware, and a sustain pedal input. These connectivity options expand its versatility and make it compatible with a wide range of equipment.

Overall, in terms of performance, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a powerhouse in a compact package. It's suitable for musicians and producers across genres, from electronic and hip-hop to pop and beyond. While it may not replace a full-sized keyboard controller, it excels in its niche and can be a valuable addition to any setup.

3. ​Software and Integration (4.5/5)

As mentioned earlier, the MPK Mini MK3 comes bundled with a suite of software, making it a complete music production package. Let's take a closer look at the software offerings and how they integrate with the controller.

MPC Beats
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MPC Beats is a feature-rich DAW designed to work seamlessly with AKAI's hardware controllers, including the MPK Mini MK3. It provides a comprehensive environment for beat production, sample manipulation, and music creation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced producer, MPC Beats offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of tools to unleash your creativity.

The integration between the MPK Mini MK3 and MPC Beats is impressive. You can easily map the controller's knobs, pads, and other controls to various parameters within the software. This allows for hands-on control and a tactile feel that enhances the music-making experience. MPC Beats also includes a variety of virtual instruments and drum kits to get you started on your music production journey.

AIR Music Tech Hybrid 3

Hybrid 3 is a powerful virtual synthesizer included in the MPK Mini MK3 bundle. It offers a vast array of high-quality presets and sounds, ranging from classic analog emulations to modern digital textures. The controller's knobs can be used to tweak and modulate the synth's parameters in real-time, providing a dynamic and expressive sound-shaping experience.

SONiVOX Wobble

SONiVOX Wobble is a dubstep-focused synthesizer that adds a unique sonic dimension to your productions. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, having this specialized instrument in your toolkit can be a creative asset, especially if you're into electronic music genres.

Other Software
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In addition to the above-mentioned software, the MPK Mini MK3 bundle includes several other virtual instruments and effects, such as the Hybrid 3 MPC expansion pack, Velvet, and Eighty Eight Ensemble. These software offerings cover a wide range of musical styles and genres, ensuring that you have plenty of sonic possibilities at your disposal.
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Overall, the software integration with the MPK Mini MK3 is impressive and adds substantial value to the package. The included software covers a broad spectrum of musical needs, from beat production to synth programming, and enhances the controller's versatility.

4. Ease of Use (4/5)

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 strikes a good balance between functionality and ease of use. It's designed to be accessible to both beginners and experienced producers, with features that cater to a wide range of users.

Setup

Setting up the MPK Mini MK3 is a breeze. It's class-compliant, which means you can plug it into your computer or mobile device via USB and start using it without the need for additional drivers. The included software is easy to install, and AKAI provides clear instructions to help you get started.

Mapping and Customization

Customizing the controller's knobs, pads, and other controls to your preferred parameters within your DAW is straightforward. Most DAWs offer MIDI mapping functionality, and AKAI provides clear guidelines on how to map the MPK Mini MK3 to popular software, such as Ableton Live. This customization allows you to tailor the controller to your specific workflow and preferences.

User Manual

The user manual that comes with the MPK Mini MK3 is well-written and provides detailed information about the controller's features, setup, and usage. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, the manual serves as a helpful reference.

Learning Curve​
While the controller is relatively easy to use, there is a learning curve, especially if you're new to MIDI controllers. Getting accustomed to the mini keys and effectively using the pads, knobs, and thumbstick may take some practice. However, AKAI's YouTube channel and online communities offer tutorials and resources to help you master the controller.
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Overall, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is designed to be user-friendly, but like any musical instrument or tool, proficiency comes with practice.

5. Value for Money (5/5)

One of the standout aspects of the MPK Mini MK3 is its exceptional value for money. It offers a robust set of features, high-quality build, and bundled software at an incredibly competitive price point. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first MIDI controller or a seasoned producer seeking a portable addition to your setup, the MPK Mini MK3 delivers exceptional value.
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When you consider the cost of the included software, which includes a versatile DAW (MPC Beats) and high-quality virtual instruments and effects, the overall package becomes even more appealing. Many MIDI controllers in the same price range lack the software offerings that come with the MPK Mini MK3, making it a budget-friendly choice for music production.

6. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact and portable design.
• High-quality build and materials.
• Responsive mini keys and MPC-style pads with aftertouch.
• Eight assignable rotary knobs and a 4-way thumbstick.
• Tight integration with MPC Beats and other DAWs.
• Impressive bundled software package.
• Excellent value for money.
• Versatile performance features, including arpeggiator and note repeat.
• MIDI connectivity options for flexibility.

Cons:

• Mini keys may not be ideal for all users.
• Limited key count for complex piano compositions.
• The location of pitch and mod wheels may take some getting used to.
• Learning curve for beginners new to MIDI controllers.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 stands out as a compact powerhouse for music production. Its design, build quality, and performance capabilities make it an attractive choice for musicians and producers of all levels. Whether you're creating electronic beats, crafting synth melodies, or triggering samples, this MIDI controller delivers.


The tight integration with MPC Beats and the inclusion of a range of high-quality software instruments and effects add significant value to the package. The MPK Mini MK3 is not just a controller; it's a complete music production solution.

While it may have some limitations, such as the mini key size and limited key count, these are outweighed by the controller's overall versatility and affordability. It's an excellent choice for those who need a portable controller that doesn't compromise on features or build quality.
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In the world of MIDI controllers, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 has rightfully earned its reputation as a go-to option for musicians and producers. It's a testament to AKAI's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in a compact form factor. Whether you're a beginner embarking on your music production journey or a seasoned pro looking for a versatile and portable tool, the MPK Mini MK3 is a solid choice that won't disappoint.

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