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Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-key Keyboard Controller

37-key MIDI Controller with Gen-2 Dynamic Keybed, Assignable Joystick, 8 RGS-backlit Drum Pads, Pitch Bend and Mod Wheels, Onboard Step Sequencer, and 8 Control Knobs
$169.00

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Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-key Keyboard Controller
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37 Keys of Complete MIDI Control

Akai’s MPK Mini Plus is proof that big things come in small packages. This 37-key MIDI controller fits in any backpack or gig bag, which makes it a cinch for studio producers of live musicians on the go. Regardless of where you play, you’ll have access to every aspect of your sound with pitch and modulation wheels, eight drum pads and rotating parameter knobs, a set of DAW transport controls, and more. Complete with both USB and MIDI connectivity, using your hardware gear or DAW is as simple as plugging it in. Best of all, the Mini Plus comes bundled with a copy of Akai’s MPC Beats DAW, allowing you to instantly come up with your own creations as soon as your controller arrives at your door. If you’re looking for a portable, sturdy controller with ample audial control, the Mini Plus is sure to suffice.

Get hands-on with your sound

Fans of Akai’s MPK Mini series have long awaited the arrival of a controller with a larger keybed for improved workspace. Thankfully, the Mini Plus answers the call. Spanning 3-plus octaves, 37 keys allow for seamless lead or chord creation. Still not enough? With built-in octave shift switches, you’ll be able to control the entire note spectrum with ease. Above the black and white keys lies an improved MIDI command center featuring eight drum pads, a transport control, pitch and mod wheels, eight rotating parameter knobs, and of course, the iconic 4-way joystick control for interesting effects experimentation. When it comes to live recording and playback, being in control is key — as Sweetwater producers have found, the MPK Mini Plus never falls short.

Take your creations anywhere

Given the Mini Plus’ compact design, you’ll be able to sum up musical concoctions in virtually any setting. Near the studio, you’ll have USB and MIDI connectivity to control your DAW or VST host. You’ll also have the ability to connect to a modular synthesizer or other compatible hardware unit for easy external integration. When you’re on the go, the Mini Plus’ features a convenient standalone mode for instant use. Got the perfect melody in mind while you’re out? No problem: an included Class-compliant USB and 5-pin MIDI connection is available for any compatible device, ensuring your momentary musical genius goes down in writing.

Included MPC Beats Software DAW

When you get a MPK Mini Plus, you’re getting more than just hardware. MPC Beats is included to get your next projects up and running within seconds. You’ll be given access to Akai’s complete DAW software, jam-packed with thousands of sounds, samples, loops, and VSTs for instant experimentation and music creation. When paired with the MPK Mini Plus’ 37 keys, you’ll be able to form chords, splits, and manage leads all within the same controller. And with the Mini Plus’ onboard Play, Stop, Record, Loop, and Locator buttons, you’ll be able to record impressive instrumentation without taking your hands off the controller.

Akai MPK Mini Plus Keyboard Controller Features:

  • USB Class-compliant MIDI keyboard and live controller
  • 37-key Gen 2 keybed offers 3 octaves of comfortable note control
  • Compact construction allows for an easy travel-friendly fit in nearly any gig bag
  • 8 RGB-backlit drum pads for exclusive sampling/looping management
  • New Polyphonic Step Sequencer feature allows for easy creation on the go
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheels for live tweaking
  • CV/Gate input/output provides compatibility with external equipment
  • 8 controllable parameter knobs for mixing control
  • Dedicated transport controls (Start, Stop, Record, Loop, Locator)
  • Classic 4-way joystick controller enables creative parameter control
  • Standalone operation compatible
  • Included MPC Beats software for PC and Mac

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 37
  • Type of Keys: Semi-weighted
  • Pads: 8 x MPC RGB
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel, X/Y Joystick
  • Encoders/Pots: 8
  • Sequencer: 2-track Poly Step/Live
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (sustain)
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Other I/O: 5 x 1/8" (pitch, gate, mod, clock)
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Software: MCP Beats
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered
  • Height: 2.04"
  • Width: 17.76"
  • Depth: 7.08"
  • Weight: 2.78 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: MPKMINIPLUS

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Great Midi Keyboard - Free Beats

I purchased this just to use with some music notation software. But let me tell you, this will do so much more than that. This is exactly what you need to start making 'beats' on your own. It comes with a bunch of free sounds and beats to get you started. I installed 21 different beats, sounds, synths, etc. for free with this thing. I don't really use it for that but if you are looking to make your own music, this is a great place to start.
Rated 5/5

Travel Bag Must

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.

Features: The spring loaded pitch bend was a big must for me at this size. The pads feel nice when using with Ableton Live drum racks (I'm used to NI Maschine Studio) and the Ableton Live 11 script loads right up and works really well with the encoders. The transport controls also work really well.

Immediate first thoughts: The unit feels well built and sturdy with an almost metal feel. It was plug and play with Ableton Live 11 and Pro Tools 2023.

My next purchase will be some sort of 88 key weighted controller to keep in the studio but this will stay on my desk. Don't think twice... this is the one.
Music background: Professional Songwriter & Producer
Rated 5/5

Great Midi Keyboard controller

So I bought this sucker to replace a MPK mini mk 2 and Arturia Keystep. The Arturia was 32 keys, so getting the extra 5 keys is very welcome. The Mini Plus packs a lot of features, some of which I won't use much like the sequencer. The keybed feels much better than the mini Mk2 and the pads are great MPC style pads. I like the pitch and mod wheels and you also get the joystick from the mini series as well. I use this connected through a Tascam Model 12 to my MPC One and it works perfectly. I'm able to map the knobs to certain parameters on the MPC One like pan and volume for programs, etc. I haven't figured out how to map the transport controls yet. I'm very happy with the purchase and I plan on selling the Arturia Keystep to someone as I no longer have a need for it. You won't regret picking this thing up. Look up a review on Youtube for detailed info on the different features and you'll be pleasantly surprised as what this thing packs in it. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
Rated 5/5

I love this midi controller. Great when paired with a newer model MPC!

So I bought this keyboard to replace my Akai MPK mini mk2 and my Arturia Keystep. The keybed on this midi keyboard feels just as good as the one on my Arturia keystep. The pads are MPC pads and feel great. The other little features like scales and chords are great on it. I haven't really messed with the sequencer, but I've seen it used in videos and it looks like a nice feature as well. You can download the program editor for it from the advanced area in the software you get off your inMusic profile when you register it. You can map the midi how you want and its very versatile and flexible. The build quality feels amazing. I have a MPC One with a Tascam Model 12 plugged into its USB port. The Model 12 has 5pin midi in and out, so I have the midi out of the Mini Plus plugged into the Tascam and the MPC recognizes it with that config. I'm able to map the knobs to volume and pan type parameters in my projects. I haven't figure out how to map the transport controls on the Mini Plus with the MPC One yet. I'm very happy with my purchase and if you're an Akai fan like myself you won't be disappointed with this keyboard. It ticks a lot of boxes and the extra little features really put it miles ahead of the MPK mini mkX series of keyboards. It's got 37 keys which is plenty for what I do when making music. The pitch and mod wheels are great and do their job. Most music equipment is very similar so it's about the vibe you get from the equipment and that tends to make you WANT to use it. I love working on this midi controller when making music. I give it 5 stars and I may buy one for my buddy who is also into making music.
Rated 2/5

Mini Keys???

I bought this to do some simple recording, including using it as an actual keyboard. I was pretty disappointed when I opened the box and saw tiny keys like a toy piano you'd buy for a 6 year old. If you're a keyboard player, I don't know how you could move from chord to chord without hitting bad notes. I tried and couldn't rely on muscle memory to move around the keyboard, so I sent it back the day I got it.
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