Akai includes its MPC Beats software, a quality DAW (digital audio workstation) that can be a great tool for music production. Also included is VIP 3.1, full of VST instruments and effects that integrate seamlessly with MPC Beats.

By assigning these to knobs near your playing surface, you can manipulate your sounds in real time while holding a chord or hitting some beats.

If you need a backpack-ready controller keyboard, there’s almost too much choice, but Akai's latest is pretty special

In addition to the velocity-sensitive keyboard, both models have eight large drum pads as well, plus assignable knobs that can control various features, sounds, or fx in your DAW. As a mini device, theAkaiMPK Mini MK2doesn’t require much power. It draws everything it needs from its USB connection to your computer. There’s no onboard audio or audio out here, meaning that neither model is capable of being a standalone performance device. But, really, if you’re looking for that kind of device, you’re not going to be happy with the limited two-octave span in the first place. Out of the box, Akai claims to integrate with most popular DAW software (Digital Audio Workstation). creation. Hybrid 3, by AIR Music Tech, is a high-definition synthesizer that can create anything from

Controller-wise, both keyboards offer the same amount of drum pads – eight in all, assignable in two banks for a total of sixteen – but in different layouts. The MiniLab lays all eight pads out in a single row, while the MPK prefers a 4 x 2 layout. This layout allows the pads on the MPK to be larger than those offered by the MiniLab, despite the MPK’s smaller overall footprint. The pads on both machines are illuminated, and both pressure and velocity-sensitive, but Akai has a serious pedigree when it comes to pads, and these examples, derived from the famous MPC product family, offer a greater degree of sensitivity, giving the MPK the edge in this regard.

The Basics of Both Models

This keyboard controller is plug and play on Mac and PC. You don’t need any drivers or special software to plug it in and start controlling your existing audio software. The Akai’s pads run rings around the Arturia. Not only are they larger and taken from their high-end drum machines, but the pads on the Akai are also laid out far better. Finger drummers take note! We are pleased to announce that the critically acclaimed MPC Software 2.0 upgrade is now available to This midi controller boasts a built-in arpeggiator, as well as a useful note repeat function. Ideal for live performances! To be clear, these drum pads aren’t at the same level of quality as Akai’s dedicated drum controllers (nor other higher-end brands). But as a basic set of pads on a device that’s also a more than capable keyboard controller, they do the job quite nicely. Knobs

Let's move on to the pads. The pads on the MK2 is a huge improvement from the first model, which had a lot of issues with sensitivity and build quality. As you're probably already aware of, Akai is perhaps best known for making the MPC, arguably the king of all drum pads. The Akai and Arturia both feature endless encoders, opposed to standard knobs with start/ stop points. MPC Essentials also allows you to extend the functionality of your AKAI as it comes with all the necessary software pads, knobs and other functions that are all mapped to your AKAI upon installation. Add more sounds to your EDM or Hip Hop Productions…For the MK3, Akai has added a “Gen 2 Enhanced Dynamic Keybed.” One of the criticisms of the MK2 was that the keys felt cheap and flimsy, so it seems the company is seeking to improve in this area. The keys are still smallish, but they feel more responsive than the MK2’s keys do. Though there are only eight pads, you’re not limited to only eight assignments. With two banks, you can toggle between two sets of assignments with the touch of an A/B button.