Providing the "ultimate feel and expression”
As a step up from those in its MPK Mini line, Akai has just released the new feature-packed MPK Mini Plus.
What you need to know:
- Akai has just released the new feature-packed MPK Mini Plus.
- The new Mini Plus includes both physical pitch bend and modulation wheels.
- The MPK Mini Plus also adds an assignable joystick controller.
Read all the latest gear news here.
Described as part of the “next generation of performance tools”, the Mini Plus features eight velocity-sensitive RBG backlit MPC drum pads, as well as an additional eight assignable 360 degree rotary knobs, creating an intuitive and highly customisable experience to fit any musician’s individual workflow.
Where the original Mini and Mini Play MK3’s don’t, the new Mini Plus includes both physical pitch bend and modulation wheels to take musical expression to the next level. In addition to this, its compact (although extended) 37-key three-octave design enables more space for sonic exploration than ever before seen in the MPK line.
The MPK Mini Plus also adds an assignable joystick controller, as well as dedicated play, stop, record, and locator buttons for total DAW integration.
Extending on its range of creative tools, its built-in polyphonic two-track sequencer and arpeggiator open up endless possibilities. Similarly, the Mini Plus also introduces new chord and scales modes, simplifying workflows, and making performance and production more streamlined.
True in all senses to the “plus” in its name, this iteration of Akai’s much loved MPK is in fact larger than the two predecessors in its range. In order to house extra hardware, it weighs in at over 1.2kg.
Settled within its black plastic casing sits an OLED display for instant parameter feedback, along with sustain pedal input, a five-pin MIDI port, a type B USB port, and CV/Gate along its spine for increased functionality.
However, unlike its Mini Play sibling, the Mini Plus does in fact require wired power, although when taking into account the amount of features Akai has managed to pack into it, it seems only fair.
Like its other MPKs, the Mini Plus will also come with MPC Beats software DAW that is based on the legendary MPC hardware, which includes thousands of plugin instrument presets, drum samples, and loops.
Senior Akai Professional Product Manager Dan Gill described it as “an exciting addition to the MPK Mini line”.
“The advanced features on this new keyboard controller are like nothing else on the market. From the beginner to the expert, the MPK Mini Plus will be a welcomed addition to anyone’s studio.”
This 37-key MIDI controller keyboard clocks in at $269, and for those keen to get their hands on the MPK Mini Plus, it’s expected to hit Aussie shores in mid-November.
Head to Akai for more information. for local enquiries, reach out to Electric Factory.
