New from AKAI Professional is the MPK Mini Plus, which features 37 keys via a Gen 2 dynamic keybed for expanded melodic and harmonic creation.
The MPK Mini Plus boasts what the manufacturer is calling “next generation” performance tools and advanced connectivity, plus it unites studio devices for complete and expanded hardware integration in a compact three-octave design. It also incorporates three full octaves for two-handed chords, arpeggiation, solos and soundscapes on keys with a wider velocity range.
For those creative moments or DAW-less jams sessions, the onboard polyphonic two-track step/live sequencer captures new melodic and drum patterns on the fly, while eight notes of polyphony per step, 16 notes per drum step and an onboard arpeggiator offer further creative possibilities.
Eight velocity-sensitive RGB-backlit MPC drum pads provide a backbone for playing dynamic beats and programming drums, assigning program changes and triggering additional CC parameters.
Users can dial in effects with the eight assignable 360-rotary knobs for every function including filters, automation, pan controls, and more.
The MPK Mini Plus features two modes to help simplify and accurately enhance performances: chords mode plays multiple notes and inversions with a single key, and scales mode enables the keybed to play notes only in the selected scale. For both modes, various creative options are available along with 15 scale settings.
The MPK Mini Plus features dedicated transport controls for total integration into a DAW such as FL, Logic and Ableton. Transport controls help users stay engaged in the creative workflow with dedicated play, stop, record, loop and locator buttons.
The MPK Mini Plus also adds dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheel controllers, while users can assign parameters to the joystick’s X/Y axis and morph between effects to create unique and interesting textures in productions. Musicians can even assign up to four parameters to the joystick right from the keyboard itself.
It is also possible to connect to any class-compliant USB or 5-pin MIDI device and use the CV/gate connectors and sync I/O to trigger and control a Euro-rack and other modular synths.
MPK Mini Plus also includes the MPC Beats software DAW, based on the MPC hardware.