Akai MPK Mini Review

On your hunt for the perfect mini keyboard, is the Akai MPK Mini right for you?

Product links on this page are affiliate links! They are at no extra charge to you, but I will make a small commision. It’s an easy way to support the work I do.

As with most things, that really depends on exactly what you are looking for in this keyboard. Here are some key features:

• 2 Octaves of Synth Action Keys
• 8 Knobs
• 8 Pads (Program changes or Notes)
• Joy Stick for Mod Wheel/Pitch Bend
• Built-in Arpeggiator with 6 Modes and swing
• Note Repeat Function For Drumming

This is n action-packed little controller. If I was doing some traveling where I needed to be creating, this would definitely come with me. It’s shorter then the width of my 15″ MacBook, and so it could even be used if totally necessary in a public space.

What is The Akai MPK Mini Best Suited For?

Asking this question is a great place to start because we have an unbelievable amount of tools at our fingertips. Knowing what this device is best suited for, may help you decide if it’s right for you.

The power of a small device like this is two-fold:

• For creating, it limits options but gives you the ability to still quickly get ideas out – Maybe even generating types of ideas because of the lack of range
• For performing, you can have expressive control over single-note lines, or other parts you don’t want to play on your main keyboard.

Using The AKAI MPK mini for performing

As I’ve spent time with this device, the possibilities of combining this with my current live rig have begun to grow.

When I perform live, I want my keyboard to feel like an instrument. I want to be able to control every aspect of what is happening, from patches, to effects, to layering at any point in real-time.

The most difficult thing to overcome when creating a live set like this, is sounds that just aren’t meant to be layered.

For example, perhaps there is a Synth melody that comes in and out through the course of a song. You could have this sound occupy part of your 88 key set up, but there would also need to be a built-in way to make the other sounds not be triggered by those keys.

Although this is completely possible, it is extra work, and probably not necessary.

One option for solving this problem is using the AKAI MPK mini to serve the purpose of playing sounds you don’t want to be layered. You could reach over to this small keyboard, play the part you need, and go right back to business as usual without needing to change patches or adjust range.

Since it’s so small and lightweight, It’s not a big deal to add to your rig.

How I Use The Akai MPK Mini

I teach a ton of piano lessons (If you are looking for lessons, you can check out my website here.) Many of my students want to learn pop music, but are practicing on traditional pianos. I will often through this little controller in my backpack, and have them use it during lesson times to practice manipulating Ableton while they are playing a line.

I also help people build their keyboard rigs. Often times, that requires me working in more than one DAW at a time. I use the Akai to control one DAW, and my keylab to control the other. I also use on knob mapped to both programs to switch the volume so I can isolate sounds from any program at a given time.

Should You Buy This Keyboard?

Yes If:

• You need a small controller for lead lines
• You need to create music outside of your studio

No If:

• You are looking for a main controller
• You need weighted keys
• You are looking for something really sturdy

Even in the time since I’ve made this video, I have grown to enjoy using this controller more and more. But that is because I have found some great uses for it. So make sure you are able to identify how you will use it, to determine if it will work for you.

If you think this keyboard looks like something you are interested in, you can purchase it through this link!

If you haven’t already make sure you get a copy of the quick synth map. It will really help you with sound design and working your way around any synth you might already own.

As always, you can reach out to me via my contact page with any questions you might have!