I'm happy I found this video as well as very grateful for the comparison with the KS37 as described in the description, as I was just now looking for this type of controller and your arguments will help me a bit to make my decision. I dont comment much on your videos but I do enjoy the indepth thoughrough deep dive into new gear! I believe no one does it like you! So, keep up the awesome work!
Great video as always. Does it send arpeggios and note repeats as individual notes? I’m thinking about putting it before my Digitakt, recording the midi in the DT before sending it on to my synths.
@@loopop Thanks, now I'm sure I'm going to get it. It replaces both my currents midi keyboards (Launchkey 49 mk3 and Komplete Kontrol m32) as both of them have individual shortcomings that I really struggle to get along with. The Launchkey has a pretty decent keybed and midi out, but it's a bit big for my desk. The Komplete Kontrol has a great little keybed for the price, and work wonderfully together with Logic, but no midi out means I still need to have another keyboard for the hardware stuff. So this Akai keyboard could very well be a great replacement for both.
First channel I've ever seen hold the time stamps conveniently to side of our screen instead of making us scroll down to the description or comment box. More content creators needa pick up on this foreal. Salute brother
@@musicdefinesgravity usually they offer other colors but this the classic theme. Look at MPK MINI MK3 colors (classic, full black, grey, white, and red/black) so you can get an idea how this would look when its launched. I have black on black and its fire 😈 *some colors are limited edition.
You can edit the keys velocity curve in the editor software by changing the values in the 4 time parts. Then the curve will change. To get full level I set all 4 values on highest possible. But you can also create a curve with the time values. A bit complicated, maybe fixed with an update, to change the velocity directly and maybe direct on the keyboard then, like a generation before. There you had to press the full level button for 5 seconds, to change the velocity. In the editor today it would be easier to grab and change the 4 velocity time positions with mouse, instead of changing values by "hand". Maybe they can fix that. By the way, to get (download) the Editor, you have to open the mini plus software manager. Up on the left click the preferences button and set a mark on "Show advances software". Then the Editor appears in the software manager for download.
Even worse, I finally downloaded the Program Editor, but it won't run on any version of MacOs earlier than 10.15, and mine is 10.14.7. That is total crap.
I initially had the impression that this is sort of a beatstep/keystep in 1? Also the cv outs seem to make it a must have for me, perfect combo for the deluge
I always appreciate this about your gear videos: you aren't just here to shill for anyone. This certainly isn't a unique quality on yt but it's not as common as it should be either. Of all the videos I watched on this controller, yours is the only one that didn't sound like boot-licking fawning. Thanks for keeping it genuine.
Love your reviews, definitely see way more use for the MPK line with Dawless now even alongside a Keystep 37. Sweetwater link doesn't seem to show it yet, excited to see when it comes out!
Thanks for the kind words and for checking the links! Stores take a while to get the products listed on launch day - Sweetwater and Thomann are live now
I got one of these because it has old skool MIDI ports on the back (not just USB), which means I can connect it to retro hardware. Plus it was pretty small (but not too small), and I don't have a huge amount of space free.
man oh man as soon as i saw this thing i had the exact same impression: "what other ultra portable keyboard at this price does more than this?". i just got mine today as an early christmas gift and i am overjoyed. the joystick gets a lot of flack, but i plan on using it for vector synthesis. just gonna set the volume of 4 different synths all tied to the keys to the x+ x- Y+ y- and roll that sucker around when i put on some chords. your imagination truly is the limit with the joystick, and i welcome weird peripherals on my midi keyboards. im also using sunvox and i can confirm that this midi keyboard works nicely with it. cant wait to go indepth with the knobs and the FMX module.
Did you ever check that you could record MIDI note data in your DAW, play it back and have the notes transmit via the MPK with CV Setup Source set to CH 1 and actually get CV/Gate to output the notes played on a MIDI Track in your DAW? It seems nobody can confirm that this actually works as intended, my MPK will only output CV/Gate with Source Key or one of the internal Sequencers. DAW MIDI Clock is being relayed correctly via the MPK's Clock Out, but not Note data via CV or Gate. So far nobody on RUclips did as thorough a deep dive into the unit as you did, hence the question. Asking for a friend.
I just bought the Arturia Minilab 3 before I knew this existed. I didn't like it, at all. Returned it, and found this. Go figure. Thanks! Great Demo, as usual!
I think he is the King you can correct me if i am wrong, there is everything you need i feel little bit overwhelmed with those features after watching this video but i can learn. I don't need so much but it is there if i need. I ordered today so we will see.
Fantastic overview, as ever. Thank you! Joystick indeed feels like a bit of waste as I'm sure wasn't cheap to make/integrate. It could be a fun/musical way to set auto-repeat values while playing live (left to halve, right to double, up for triplets...). Or a quick way to set "accent" (up) or "ghost" (down) notes while sequencing regardless of played velocity.
Thank you so much for arguably the best MPK mini plus demo online ! On top of that, you sound a whole lot like Carl Sagan which is very convincing to me.
that's such a great video. But for a newcomer to this whole kind of stuff it would be sooo interesting for me to see, how you set the different channels into the software. I got the MPK Mini Plus too and I use MPC Beats. But I have no clue how to actually use those 2 channels, so I could play the Keyboard and the drums at the same time like you did in the video... I can't find answers or tutorials to actually set this up in the software. If anybody sees this, I would appreciate any tips if you know how to do this
I bought one of these to use with my standalone MPC Live, and was disappointed that it doesn't map equivalent to the Beats software. It's like a generic midi controller, and MPC doesn't let you map the Q-Links. So if you thought you could use one of these for more tactile sound design with MPC's plugins, you can't. I'd love to see a firmware update on either device that would make this work.
Nice! I've been waiting for a decent 37 key controller. It's the the sweet spot for me regarding octaves and the small desk space I have. Currently using a Microkorg as a midi controller but think I'll retire it for this.
Just got mine and I am really liking it so far but I can't get the Ableton program to work right, nothing is mapped automatically. You said you were using a beta program? Is there a remote script I need to download? Anyone know how I set this up? thanks
hey loopop! i love watching your videos, and i love your music too. I had a question, do you do livestreams? if you did, you could make whole concerts with all your stuff! never stop being the g.o.a.t!!!
I don't understand where the drum sounds are coming from. The MPK doesn't have drums built in? The other modules don't seem to have drums. Are the sounds from MPK computer program?"
Love your reviews man, the best! I also do small tutorials on the SPMK2 and I love the graphics you've been applying to your videos. How are you generating these? Thank you!
Can it be battery powered? That seems to be a glaring omission for mini MIDI keyboards which have proper MIDI outs (i.e. not ones that only have USB MIDI). It makes them a lot less portable
@@DRRNNDGL I understand both viewpoints. Power banks work better when traveling for extended periods. As a counterpoint some power banks shut off the output if the power draw is too low and having two pieces of hardware will always feel a bit clumsy. I rotate two sets of 6 rechargeable AA's with my Yamaha and i love it.
As a sort of halfway house, I plug my phone into the USB port of the controller to effectively use the phone as a powerbank. Not particularly great if your phone battery is already low, but saves carrying around a powerbank specifically for the controller
Wow! That's a heap of "bang for the buck"! Definitely on my imminent purchase list. Good vid as always. (Every time I watch your videos, it costs me money! Lol)
Hello! I would like to know if it has a proper MIDI thru capability. Can it pass MIDI data with ext. clock incoming on it’s input and route that to it’s output? Thanks!
Akai finally swapped the rows for the q link knobs.. One day after an update I noticed they were no longer upside down. But they still need to implement a 2nd bank.
Hi Loopop, huge fan of your work, you've made music so much more accessible to me! I'm reaching out to see if you had any information on when the MPK Mini Plus will officially be added to the "control surfaces" menu if Abelton. With the current version, the transport controls and encoder knobs require manual mapping and unfortunately don't automap to tracks as showcased in your review. Is the beta Abelton live version you described available to be accessed by the general public or if not, do you have any information on when it may be distributed more widely? Also, I've checked the Akai website for editor software and that doesn't seem to have been released either! Any guidance or direction you can offer is greatly appreciated! Many thanks!
Thanks very much for the kind words and for letting me know, I've seen other comments about the script as well and it's a bummer they're not delivering on this. I've reached out to them - no word yet - and will do so again now, and I'll update you if I hear anything. If you haven't please reach out to their tech support too so they get it from all angles.
Hey - I heard back from Akai - the script should be included in the next ableton update and meanwhile you can email/call akai support and they'll send you the script
@@loopop Thank you so much for taking the time to help with this. I’ll get on that now! Sending you all the best and looking forward to your next video, as always! Peace!
From day one I'm sorry I bought this keyboard. I wanted to be able to adjust the keyboard velocity, but apparently the only way I can do that is by using their app, which is not very user friendly. Contrast that with the Novation keyboards which allow you to simply adjust the keyboard velocity on the keyboard itself.
I am thinking Launchkey37 bc full size keys and build quality- this looks kind of cheap like the one guy said above, the keys are all a SINGLE piece, one breaks, whole thing is unrepairable. They don't make things worth fixing anymore.
Hi @loopop! Superb review as usual. Is there a way to hold/latch keys without the arpeggiator? I can't find this option on mine and it seems you do hold some chords. Or are you using the sequencer?
@@loopop No worries! Yes, latch is available for the arp but I wonder if it's also available without the arp. I've been reading the manual but couldn't find anything.
I use this keyboard with the mood mother 32, but via the midi 5din plug I don’t have velocity. Is it normal? Should I have to setup something? Other synth u have works fine without do nothing. Thanks a lot
Ah! I got my answer right at the end: no automation for midi CC knobs. Telle me if I understand this correctly, if I record some keys and play with the knobs to modulate sound, only the keys will be recorded? Is that true also with the pitch / mod wheels and sustain / mod pedal?
Zero complaints about the MPKs (amazing for the price since the very first) but the one thing that keeps me going back to Arturia controllers is how nimble they are at switching MIDI channels. In the heat of the moment, I just want to hit SHIFT+D2 to point everything at controlling track 3 (set for MIDI CH 3), for instance. Faffing with menus is a buzzkill.
Yeah that’s a bummer. But at least you can switch it from the keyboard. Some like my Korg nano key studio you can only save 8 scenes on a computer. No switching midi whatsoever from the keyboard. You have to switch it on the keyboard by switching to your computer programmed scenes with the scene buttons.
Any chance of a tutorial on how to control NI's Komplete Kontrol software with this ? I'd actually prefer this over the M32 for the pads, 37 keys and physical wheels.
salve io ho un grosso problema, credo d aver impostato tutto bene ma i tasti della mini plus non mi trasmettono il suono, non mi suonano, anche se il segnale in MPC Beats quindi "in" entra. come posso fare?
I bought and like the controller however I’m shocked that it doesn’t have AKAI MPC one mapping natively out of the box. I loaded the mpc controller program on the controller but can’t seem to get basic functionality like transport or knobs and encoders to work. I’ve spent a long time trying to NOT map them manually but I haven’t been able to get them to work. Shame I would think that like novation and ableton, the hardware should work out of the box with AKAI MPC. I thought it would be perfect for it but it’s been a nightmare. I get more functionality from my novation controller and MPC 1. Shame. Opportunity list. AKAI has spent a lot of time to make it work with the MPC software on computer but not the hardware mpc.
Just making sure but the MPK Mini Plus sends midi notes from the arpeggiator from the MIDI out 5 pin port if its just powered on and not connected to Ableton/daw correct? Let's say you just have it powered on via USB
thanks for the tutorial! could you suggest how to adjust the keys sensitivity/velocity on the mini plus? it seems the FULL LEVEL + turning knobs trick that worked on the akai mpk mini doesn't seem to work on this model :(
Am not a computer savvy so how can i use the mini plus without computer or software? Some external device just to plug in and get the sound out of it? Something simple.
@@loopop Well, as a beginner and new to this I just wanted an advice no matter what's my taste, because I have no idea. I am sure there are plenty of sound modules or hardware synth brands out there. It's going to be difficult to choose the right one. Please help 🙏
Is there a software you feels pairs up most intuitively with the MPK mini? I want to move away from web based platforms and into the next level of production.
Hey guys. Can you help me to understand how to get into cc mode, where pad changes to Midi cc messages instead of midi notes. I need that for the live performances where I can do it really fast. I have previous version where there is button “CC” for that, but on mini plus i dont see it. Do i need to hold shift?????😢
There are price links in the description affiliate links full disclosure - I never mention prices because they change over time and there are at least three different numbers in pounds dollars in euros
Hi loopop, hope you're doing well man, great video, as usual, I have one question, how good is it for controlling something such as OP-Z? I hope you see this comment, I really need to find a good MIDI controller for the OP-Z Thank you for all your great reviews/tutorials 😊✌
@@loopop thank you for replying so fast man if this thing had faders instead of encoders it would have been Ideal for the op-z workflow especially because it has USB C, but it has so much good stuff going on, I think I'm going to get it ... 😊✌
Great overview. Just got mine this afternoon. What control surface setting are we to use in Ableton? For some reason the knob mapping is not working and official instructions are scant.
Thanks! There should be an MPK Mini Plus options - I got a file from the company as part of the beta, but they told me it should automatically be installed in an Ableton update, so perhaps make sure you're using the latest version, or just contact their tech support
I reached out to Akai support on this and was told there was no control surface available or developed for the Mini Plus. Seems that person was not well informed. Also not in the latest Ableton update, nor does it seem to be part of their beta releases. A little disappointed as that was one of the reasons I picked this board up (that + portability / feature parity with the keystep).
@@j4ustin thanks for the update. I haven’t heard back from my Akai support ticket yet. Ableton support just deferred to Akai. Surprised there aren’t more complaints/threads about this out there.
@@spektorama Yeah, it was the akai chat support that responded to me w/ that. I agree though, seems misleading from both the marketing side and the content side. At least make the control surface available as a beta download on the support page.
Ties / longer notes still aren't recorded live even with firmware 1.13, from what I gather. Keystep 37 wins, here (yet again). More cons: - 21:00 MPC Beats Q-Links-- what a major oversight.... this was also an issue with MPC Studio Black, and MPC in general. Unreal how Akai mapped this backwards. Makes zero sense. - Transport isn't midi-assignable (CC-wise) in the editor. It seems attached to the preset (MPC Beats, Ableton, etc). - Can't set pad sensitivity or threshold at all. They're not exactly sensitive enough - Encoders do not have a second bank, like the pads do.
I wish this was out 4 months ago when I bought my Komplete Kontrol M32. I like the M32, but I'd prefer seamless integration with the MPC Software / MPC One.
just bought. I thought the sequencer sent and received midi clock sync (start/stop and bpm/tempo) but it doesn’t work. furthermore the bpm ext sync (arp&sequencer) only works via midi pin and doesn't work via usb midi, at least on ipad (korg gadget).
Just got this controller today. I use Pro tools and I got it playing the virtual instruments in the Daw but I can't seem to get the transport controls working the Play and Record and such in Pro tools. Any help is greatly appreciated.
is it possible to use pressure pads just to control afertouch without generating any note data? (i mean: playing melody on keys while holding finger on a single pad just to control the expression)
I got one today and the pads feel way more stiff than yours. I've doing some research and cannot find a way to make them more sensitive. Yours seem to activate with a light touch but on mine I really have to bang them quite hard. Any advice on this? thanks and great review!
Can you please do a comparison video of the Mpk mini vs the M-audio Oxygen Pro Mini connected to the Akai Force pros and cons and ease of integration workflo. Thanks. Looking for a portable backpack set up.
Hi, just wanted to make sure. When you sey "Akai sent an MPK Mini Plus for review, no money changed hands" does this mean that you have to send them the device back after the review or do you get to keep the device?
Hey! For those of you asking for a more in-depth comparison to the KeyStep 37 - please see the description!
I'm happy I found this video as well as very grateful for the comparison with the KS37 as described in the description, as I was just now looking for this type of controller and your arguments will help me a bit to make my decision.
I dont comment much on your videos but I do enjoy the indepth thoughrough deep dive into new gear! I believe no one does it like you!
So, keep up the awesome work!
Great video as always. Does it send arpeggios and note repeats as individual notes? I’m thinking about putting it before my Digitakt, recording the midi in the DT before sending it on to my synths.
@@LongEarthTradingCompany yes it only sends midi out including arp and repeats
@@loopop Thanks, now I'm sure I'm going to get it. It replaces both my currents midi keyboards (Launchkey 49 mk3 and Komplete Kontrol m32) as both of them have individual shortcomings that I really struggle to get along with. The Launchkey has a pretty decent keybed and midi out, but it's a bit big for my desk. The Komplete Kontrol has a great little keybed for the price, and work wonderfully together with Logic, but no midi out means I still need to have another keyboard for the hardware stuff. So this Akai keyboard could very well be a great replacement for both.
i read the description, but what kind of keys does the akai have??? semi weighted. weighted, etc.
First channel I've ever seen hold the time stamps conveniently to side of our screen instead of making us scroll down to the description or comment box. More content creators needa pick up on this foreal. Salute brother
Akai is sooo sneaky for this haha I THOUGHT I wanted the new Arturia Minilab 3 yesterday lol
Lmao 🤣 my thoughts. Did my eyes deceive me or this is a new mpk! Dropped right after Minlab
I just wish their products weren't so ugly... I know most people don't care but still... That black and red is yucky and outdated
@@musicdefinesgravity They match my Air Jordan’s so they’re cool with me…
@@musicdefinesgravity usually they offer other colors but this the classic theme. Look at MPK MINI MK3 colors (classic, full black, grey, white, and red/black) so you can get an idea how this would look when its launched. I have black on black and its fire 😈
*some colors are limited edition.
@@river718 to each their own I respect that
All of the last three you’ve shown have me really excited I’m glad to see new versions of these finally. Especially the minifreak.
You can edit the keys velocity curve in the editor software by changing the values in the 4 time parts. Then the curve will change. To get full level I set all 4 values on highest possible. But you can also create a curve with the time values. A bit complicated, maybe fixed with an update, to change the velocity directly and maybe direct on the keyboard then, like a generation before. There you had to press the full level button for 5 seconds, to change the velocity. In the editor today it would be easier to grab and change the 4 velocity time positions with mouse, instead of changing values by "hand". Maybe they can fix that. By the way, to get (download) the Editor, you have to open the mini plus software manager. Up on the left click the preferences button and set a mark on "Show advances software". Then the Editor appears in the software manager for download.
Even worse, I finally downloaded the Program Editor, but it won't run on any version of MacOs earlier than 10.15, and mine is 10.14.7. That is total crap.
I initially had the impression that this is sort of a beatstep/keystep in 1? Also the cv outs seem to make it a must have for me, perfect combo for the deluge
I always appreciate this about your gear videos: you aren't just here to shill for anyone. This certainly isn't a unique quality on yt but it's not as common as it should be either. Of all the videos I watched on this controller, yours is the only one that didn't sound like boot-licking fawning. Thanks for keeping it genuine.
Love your reviews, definitely see way more use for the MPK line with Dawless now even alongside a Keystep 37. Sweetwater link doesn't seem to show it yet, excited to see when it comes out!
Thanks for the kind words and for checking the links! Stores take a while to get the products listed on launch day - Sweetwater and Thomann are live now
I am buying this baby, I love progressive new features like the included scales and chords features on this keyboard.
I just love the mpc mini workflow it's a pleasure to work with
I got one of these because it has old skool MIDI ports on the back (not just USB), which means I can connect it to retro hardware. Plus it was pretty small (but not too small), and I don't have a huge amount of space free.
man oh man as soon as i saw this thing i had the exact same impression: "what other ultra portable keyboard at this price does more than this?". i just got mine today as an early christmas gift and i am overjoyed.
the joystick gets a lot of flack, but i plan on using it for vector synthesis. just gonna set the volume of 4 different synths all tied to the keys to the x+ x- Y+ y- and roll that sucker around when i put on some chords. your imagination truly is the limit with the joystick, and i welcome weird peripherals on my midi keyboards.
im also using sunvox and i can confirm that this midi keyboard works nicely with it. cant wait to go indepth with the knobs and the FMX module.
Nice job Akai. Keep including scales and chords features to your products and I’ll keep recommending and buying them.
Yes scales and chords so important
@@pierrefitch and more important is to learn how about scales and chords, and not depending on some gadget.
Did you ever check that you could record MIDI note data in your DAW, play it back and have the notes transmit via the MPK with CV Setup Source set to CH 1 and actually get CV/Gate to output the notes played on a MIDI Track in your DAW? It seems nobody can confirm that this actually works as intended, my MPK will only output CV/Gate with Source Key or one of the internal Sequencers. DAW MIDI Clock is being relayed correctly via the MPK's Clock Out, but not Note data via CV or Gate. So far nobody on RUclips did as thorough a deep dive into the unit as you did, hence the question. Asking for a friend.
Can't wait for the alternate color versions
this combined with the built-in sounds of the Mini Play would be so nice for beginners.
2 mini midi keyboards releases in one week?
Christmas must be right around the corner.
Techtober
big brain time
I just bought the Arturia Minilab 3 before I knew this existed. I didn't like it, at all. Returned it, and found this. Go figure. Thanks! Great Demo, as usual!
They really are running with these new midi controllers. Great video.
As a MPC studio user this makes sense for me The chords and scales mode should be great in MPC 2.11 software
Absolutely perfect companion for it. I'm sold!!
I was wondering the same cause Im an MPC Studio User too lmao.
And there is a mapping for it, mapping 8 qlinks, pads, and transport controls.
How is the feel of the mod and pitch wheel? Does it feel plasticky or its pretty accurate?
Plastic but OK
Two tracks sequencer dope, but the lack of aftertouch, and I still like to sequencer options better on the keystep
I think he is the King you can correct me if i am wrong, there is everything you need i feel little bit overwhelmed with those features after watching this video but i can learn. I don't need so much but it is there if i need. I ordered today so we will see.
I connected it to my Ableton but it is not mapping anything automatic :( can't find it in the list of controllers in midi section...
I have Ableton 11
Fantastic overview, as ever. Thank you! Joystick indeed feels like a bit of waste as I'm sure wasn't cheap to make/integrate. It could be a fun/musical way to set auto-repeat values while playing live (left to halve, right to double, up for triplets...). Or a quick way to set "accent" (up) or "ghost" (down) notes while sequencing regardless of played velocity.
Thank you so much for arguably the best MPK mini plus demo online ! On top of that, you sound a whole lot like Carl Sagan which is very convincing to me.
that's such a great video. But for a newcomer to this whole kind of stuff it would be sooo interesting for me to see, how you set the different channels into the software. I got the MPK Mini Plus too and I use MPC Beats. But I have no clue how to actually use those 2 channels, so I could play the Keyboard and the drums at the same time like you did in the video... I can't find answers or tutorials to actually set this up in the software. If anybody sees this, I would appreciate any tips if you know how to do this
I bought one of these to use with my standalone MPC Live, and was disappointed that it doesn't map equivalent to the Beats software. It's like a generic midi controller, and MPC doesn't let you map the Q-Links. So if you thought you could use one of these for more tactile sound design with MPC's plugins, you can't. I'd love to see a firmware update on either device that would make this work.
With a MIDI routing box, this keyboard is really cool w a Volca Sample and a Volca Bass.
Nice! I've been waiting for a decent 37 key controller. It's the the sweet spot for me regarding octaves and the small desk space I have. Currently using a Microkorg as a midi controller but think I'll retire it for this.
Just got mine and I am really liking it so far but I can't get the Ableton program to work right, nothing is mapped automatically. You said you were using a beta program? Is there a remote script I need to download? Anyone know how I set this up? thanks
Same issue here. You got any updates?
So many keyboard reviews in this short time! 👍
yes pretty crazy - but that's it, after this I promise at least a few weeks with no new keyboards...
@@loopop whattaya trying to say here...😉
@@loopop Yamaha? Did they send you anything? 😲
@@tonylancer7367 even if they did, I couldn’t say
@@tonylancer7367 who cares, really. After the modx+, I've lost faith :(
Bought it yesterday, based on your review ;-)
hey loopop! i love watching your videos, and i love your music too. I had a question, do you do livestreams? if you did, you could make whole concerts with all your stuff! never stop being the g.o.a.t!!!
Thanks very much! No livestreams for now but maybe live concerts ;)
I don't understand where the drum sounds are coming from. The MPK doesn't have drums built in? The other modules don't seem to have drums. Are the sounds from MPK computer program?"
Love your reviews man, the best! I also do small tutorials on the SPMK2 and I love the graphics you've been applying to your videos. How are you generating these? Thank you!
Thanks! It's an overlay using video editing software, of a screen capture of synthesia
Can it be battery powered? That seems to be a glaring omission for mini MIDI keyboards which have proper MIDI outs (i.e. not ones that only have USB MIDI). It makes them a lot less portable
Just get a little usb powerbank, you can use it with anything bus powered and its way better than encouraging the use of disposable batteries
@@DRRNNDGL I understand both viewpoints. Power banks work better when traveling for extended periods. As a counterpoint some power banks shut off the output if the power draw is too low and having two pieces of hardware will always feel a bit clumsy. I rotate two sets of 6 rechargeable AA's with my Yamaha and i love it.
As a sort of halfway house, I plug my phone into the USB port of the controller to effectively use the phone as a powerbank. Not particularly great if your phone battery is already low, but saves carrying around a powerbank specifically for the controller
@@DRRNNDGL I have one but it's still a bit of a pain compared to devices being properly battery powered
Wow! That's a heap of "bang for the buck"! Definitely on my imminent purchase list. Good vid as always. (Every time I watch your videos, it costs me money! Lol)
Hello! I would like to know if it has a proper MIDI thru capability. Can it pass MIDI data with ext. clock incoming on it’s input and route that to it’s output? Thanks!
Akai finally swapped the rows for the q link knobs.. One day after an update I noticed they were no longer upside down. But they still need to implement a 2nd bank.
AKAI MPK MINI PLUS vs Novation Launchkey 37 MK3? Which one is more durable and has less issues?
Hi Loopop, huge fan of your work, you've made music so much more accessible to me! I'm reaching out to see if you had any information on when the MPK Mini Plus will officially be added to the "control surfaces" menu if Abelton. With the current version, the transport controls and encoder knobs require manual mapping and unfortunately don't automap to tracks as showcased in your review. Is the beta Abelton live version you described available to be accessed by the general public or if not, do you have any information on when it may be distributed more widely?
Also, I've checked the Akai website for editor software and that doesn't seem to have been released either! Any guidance or direction you can offer is greatly appreciated! Many thanks!
Thanks very much for the kind words and for letting me know, I've seen other comments about the script as well and it's a bummer they're not delivering on this. I've reached out to them - no word yet - and will do so again now, and I'll update you if I hear anything. If you haven't please reach out to their tech support too so they get it from all angles.
Hey - I heard back from Akai - the script should be included in the next ableton update and meanwhile you can email/call akai support and they'll send you the script
@@loopop Thank you so much for taking the time to help with this. I’ll get on that now! Sending you all the best and looking forward to your next video, as always! Peace!
@@loopop thanks!
Amazingly thorough review. Thank you!
From day one I'm sorry I bought this keyboard. I wanted to be able to adjust the keyboard velocity, but apparently the only way I can do that is by using their app, which is not very user friendly. Contrast that with the Novation keyboards which allow you to simply adjust the keyboard velocity on the keyboard itself.
Ack, I just bought a Launchkey and now kind of wished I got this one instead. Looks a temptong product.
Launchkey is great though. Make something awesome and don't worry about missing out.
I am thinking Launchkey37 bc full size keys and build quality- this looks kind of cheap like the one guy said above, the keys are all a SINGLE piece, one breaks, whole thing is unrepairable. They don't make things worth fixing anymore.
Thanks for this awesome and super pro video. I just bought this thing!!!
Great outstanding review super helpful and simple to follow along.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
Hi @loopop!
Superb review as usual. Is there a way to hold/latch keys without the arpeggiator? I can't find this option on mine and it seems you do hold some chords. Or are you using the sequencer?
Thanks! I am traveling right now, so I don’t have it in front of me, but for sure latch is possible for the arp
@@loopop No worries! Yes, latch is available for the arp but I wonder if it's also available without the arp. I've been reading the manual but couldn't find anything.
Great video as always! I don’t know if i missed it in the video, but can i use this standalone dawless? Arp, sequencer?
Thanks and yes you can use this to sequence/arp MIDI capable gear
I use this keyboard with the mood mother 32, but via the midi 5din plug I don’t have velocity. Is it normal? Should I have to setup something? Other synth u have works fine without do nothing.
Thanks a lot
Ah! I got my answer right at the end: no automation for midi CC knobs. Telle me if I understand this correctly, if I record some keys and play with the knobs to modulate sound, only the keys will be recorded? Is that true also with the pitch / mod wheels and sustain / mod pedal?
Zero complaints about the MPKs (amazing for the price since the very first) but the one thing that keeps me going back to Arturia controllers is how nimble they are at switching MIDI channels. In the heat of the moment, I just want to hit SHIFT+D2 to point everything at controlling track 3 (set for MIDI CH 3), for instance. Faffing with menus is a buzzkill.
Yeah that’s a bummer. But at least you can switch it from the keyboard. Some like my Korg nano key studio you can only save 8 scenes on a computer. No switching midi whatsoever from the keyboard. You have to switch it on the keyboard by switching to your computer programmed scenes with the scene buttons.
Any chance of a tutorial on how to control NI's Komplete Kontrol software with this ? I'd actually prefer this over the M32 for the pads, 37 keys and physical wheels.
Does the sequencer have memory slots? Can you save your sequences? How many?
22:00 how did you do that? What surface controller did you select in ableton to do this? the mpk mini plus is missing in that section
salve io ho un grosso problema, credo d aver impostato tutto bene ma i tasti della mini plus non mi trasmettono il suono, non mi suonano, anche se il segnale in MPC Beats quindi "in" entra. come posso fare?
So, why you cannot map in MPC beats that knobs from the top and you can map just those from down?
nice video! But how did you change the color of the drum pads?
I bought and like the controller however I’m shocked that it doesn’t have AKAI MPC one mapping natively out of the box. I loaded the mpc controller program on the controller but can’t seem to get basic functionality like transport or knobs and encoders to work. I’ve spent a long time trying to NOT map them manually but I haven’t been able to get them to work. Shame I would think that like novation and ableton, the hardware should work out of the box with AKAI MPC. I thought it would be perfect for it but it’s been a nightmare. I get more functionality from my novation controller and MPC 1. Shame. Opportunity list. AKAI has spent a lot of time to make it work with the MPC software on computer but not the hardware mpc.
Just making sure but the MPK Mini Plus sends midi notes from the arpeggiator from the MIDI out 5 pin port if its just powered on and not connected to Ableton/daw correct? Let's say you just have it powered on via USB
Nice review, just ordered one. Hope I made the right choice picking this over the Launchkey 37 MK3 or Keystep 37.
What’s it like 7 months on?
thanks for the tutorial! could you suggest how to adjust the keys sensitivity/velocity on the mini plus? it seems the FULL LEVEL + turning knobs trick that worked on the akai mpk mini doesn't seem to work on this model :(
I can't find the program editor software anywhere, any insight on what's going on here?
Does it really exist?
Does it work with Reason 10? Things like play / record etc?
Is akai mini plus have more controls and function than auturia minilab3 ?
looks like win all around with that feature set and at that price
Am not a computer savvy so how can i use the mini plus without computer or software? Some external device just to plug in and get the sound out of it? Something simple.
it has a MIDI output, so you can play any synth or sound module using it, without a computer
@@loopop Any suggestions on which brand of sound module or synth I should get and would be compatible?
@@ladauphine2837 no that’s a really personal decision based on your taste. There’s no right answer
@@loopop Well, as a beginner and new to this I just wanted an advice no matter what's my taste, because I have no idea.
I am sure there are plenty of sound modules or hardware synth brands out there. It's going to be difficult to choose the right one. Please help 🙏
@@ladauphine2837 my advice is to stick with software/iPad instruments until you figure out what you want in hardware form
Akai did it again! Wow! 🎉
Just got this yesterday. How did you map the mod wheel to the filter cutoff? Been trying to figure this out.
Is there a software you feels pairs up most intuitively with the MPK mini? I want to move away from web based platforms and into the next level of production.
Hey guys. Can you help me to understand how to get into cc mode, where pad changes to Midi cc messages instead of midi notes. I need that for the live performances where I can do it really fast. I have previous version where there is button “CC” for that, but on mini plus i dont see it. Do i need to hold shift?????😢
I would love to see a review of the East Beast and West Pest!
Hey man, any idea how to change the sensitivity of the pads? I have to hit them pretty hard to get a decent response.
If I remember correctly you can using the software
You refer to the price being very competitive several times throughout, but I think I missed where you said what it was?
There are price links in the description affiliate links full disclosure - I never mention prices because they change over time and there are at least three different numbers in pounds dollars in euros
@@loopop I see. Smart move! Thanks for the answer.
Hi! Does it fully integrate into Cubase?
Will I be able to use the knobs?
Hi loopop, hope you're doing well man, great video, as usual,
I have one question,
how good is it for controlling something such as OP-Z?
I hope you see this comment,
I really need to find a good MIDI controller for the OP-Z
Thank you for all your great reviews/tutorials 😊✌
Thanks! I've never used an OP-Z but if it accepts MIDI and CCs which I assume it does, you can control it with this like any other controller
@@loopop thank you for replying so fast man if this thing had faders instead of encoders it would have been Ideal for the op-z workflow especially because it has USB C, but it has so much good stuff going on, I think I'm going to get it ... 😊✌
I can't decide between this and the M Audio oxygen pro mini. I can't go and try it anywhere, which pads and keys are better?
Great overview. Just got mine this afternoon. What control surface setting are we to use in Ableton? For some reason the knob mapping is not working and official instructions are scant.
Thanks! There should be an MPK Mini Plus options - I got a file from the company as part of the beta, but they told me it should automatically be installed in an Ableton update, so perhaps make sure you're using the latest version, or just contact their tech support
Thanks so much! I’ll give it a try.
I reached out to Akai support on this and was told there was no control surface available or developed for the Mini Plus. Seems that person was not well informed. Also not in the latest Ableton update, nor does it seem to be part of their beta releases. A little disappointed as that was one of the reasons I picked this board up (that + portability / feature parity with the keystep).
@@j4ustin thanks for the update. I haven’t heard back from my Akai support ticket yet. Ableton support just deferred to Akai. Surprised there aren’t more complaints/threads about this out there.
@@spektorama Yeah, it was the akai chat support that responded to me w/ that. I agree though, seems misleading from both the marketing side and the content side. At least make the control surface available as a beta download on the support page.
Hi. This or the mpk225 is better value ? Have you reviewed that one? I’d like to get one of the two and eventually hookup to mother-32 etc
What’s the integration like for FL Studio?
How does it work without a computer, on USB power only?
Ties / longer notes still aren't recorded live even with firmware 1.13, from what I gather. Keystep 37 wins, here (yet again).
More cons:
- 21:00 MPC Beats Q-Links-- what a major oversight.... this was also an issue with MPC Studio Black, and MPC in general. Unreal how Akai mapped this backwards. Makes zero sense.
- Transport isn't midi-assignable (CC-wise) in the editor. It seems attached to the preset (MPC Beats, Ableton, etc).
- Can't set pad sensitivity or threshold at all. They're not exactly sensitive enough
- Encoders do not have a second bank, like the pads do.
Encoder banks yeah, bummer.
Transport not standard, meh.
Other than that, cool little thing.
Firmware can fix the above issues.
Hi, can you use both midi 5 pin and USB at the same time using an ipad and external hardware? Thanks!
Who wants to bet Mr loopop has his hands on a Octatrack mk3 like device for a while now waiting for the embargo to end
Thank you for this excellent overview! Are the onboard sequences stored on the unit after it is switched off? This would be crucial for playing live.
My pleasure and yes they are stored
Thank you for your prompt reply Loopop! Much appreciated. BTW the Ghost & East Beast combination is a real winner! Love the musical examples.
I wish this was out 4 months ago when I bought my Komplete Kontrol M32. I like the M32, but I'd prefer seamless integration with the MPC Software / MPC One.
The manual on akai's site says this has aftertouch and can be set to 3 modes. is that true?
just bought.
I thought the sequencer sent and received midi clock sync (start/stop and bpm/tempo) but it doesn’t work.
furthermore the bpm ext sync (arp&sequencer) only works via midi pin and doesn't work via usb midi, at least on ipad (korg gadget).
I didn’t understand, does it let’s you save the sequences? If yes, how many?
Yes, 8
Very impressive. Cheaper than I thought it would be too.
Just got this controller today. I use Pro tools and I got it playing the virtual instruments in the Daw but I can't seem to get the transport controls working the Play and Record and such in Pro tools. Any help is greatly appreciated.
is it possible to use pressure pads just to control afertouch without generating any note data?
(i mean: playing melody on keys while holding finger on a single pad just to control the expression)
I got one today and the pads feel way more stiff than yours. I've doing some research and cannot find a way to make them more sensitive. Yours seem to activate with a light touch but on mine I really have to bang them quite hard. Any advice on this? thanks and great review!
Thanks! Maybe try to replace it. Akai pads are a bit stiff though compared to Novation for example
Do I get Ableton Live Lite with AKAI MPK MINI PLUS?
do you have a better midi script for fl studio? thanks...🙏
Can you please do a comparison video of the Mpk mini vs the M-audio Oxygen Pro Mini connected to the Akai Force pros and cons and ease of integration workflo. Thanks. Looking for a portable backpack set up.
I would really HOPE that everything done on this little keyboard could be done with that mpc key 61
Wharcables are included with the Akai MPK Mini and Mini Plu?
Hi, just wanted to make sure. When you sey "Akai sent an MPK Mini Plus for review, no money changed hands" does this mean that you have to send them the device back after the review or do you get to keep the device?
Of course I'm happy to clarify - I get to keep the device
The most interesting question is how to load the sounds, kicks whatever to pads. I got mpc beats,but how can me help?