Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration)

For several years I have fancied dabbling in music production and I wanted a MIDI controller that would be easy to use and have as much versatility as possible. For me this I meant having both pads and keys.I looked at several options but settled on the MPK mini as it appeared to offer the best combination of features and value for money.Firstly, it really looks the part, I have the black and white version which has a cool simplistic look with inverted black and white keys. Aesthetically I preferred this to the black/red or white/black options.Setup was easy but this is where a few people will find some difficulty.This is a MIDI keyboard which means that it will work 'out of the box' with almost ant DAW (digital audio workstation) software with no almost no configuration. Personally I use Ableton Intro and it is simply a case of plugging in the keyboard and selecting the MPK mini as the input device in the options. This of course, will vary depending on your software. The keyboard can then be further programmed when you have a bit more experience with your DAW.The keyboard does come with several software synthesizers and the basic version of Akai's own DAW, MPC Beats. The synthesizers can be a little tricky to set up as you will need to set up the authorisation system that they use. All I can advise is that you read the instructions carefully and it is fairly easy to do. You will need to register your keyboard with Akai but then you will have access to the installer which will help you install everything you need to get started. It is worth noting that these synths are not required for the use of the keyboard but will give you a really nice variety sounds to play with and I really do recommend you taking the time to install these.Personally, I use several Native Instruments synthesizers and sample players and this keyboard works really well with all of them also with little to no configuration.Both the keys and pads are velocity sensitive so the volume of my notes/drums will vary depending on how hard I press them.The infinite knobs (meaning the rotation doesn't have a start and end point) are really nice to use and can be configured to control almost anything within your DAW. The built in arpeggiator is a nice touch and is easy to use to create some cool note repeats, a great tool for use in EDM.The pitch/bend joystick control feels a little different to the traditional wheel controls but is really useful when you get the hang of it.The 8 drum pads are really nice to use, they have a really positive feel and react well to being tapped. You can also program a second bank of drums which can be switched easily giving you access to 16 different drum sounds. In my opinion the pads are on par with the pads on the (more expensive) Native Instruments Maschine Mikro beat maker. (I also own this controller and if you're into beatmaking I highly recommend it).This is a really great controller for the beginner, which I very much am. I really enjoy playing with it and I am constantly impressed with the quality and the features of the keyboard.Once you get past the installation of the synths, which is easy if you follow the instructions carefully, you can start making music almost immediatelySpend the time to learn how it works - there are literally hundreds of helpful videos on Youtube that will assist you in getting started.I honestly believe that this is the best MIDI keyboard you can buy as a beginner and can't be beaten at the price.

Delivered to me in an, "Amazon," robust protective cardboard box. My, "AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 25 keys USB MIDI," keyboard controller, was on arrival, contained in a dynamically, aesthetically and positively pleasing to look at, manufacturer's box. See it in my eight included images. The unit is well packaged, inside a clear polythene bag and securely held by two polystyrene end pieces. Additionally, the keys are also protected by a thin, peel off sheet of clear plastic film. This is a fantastic MIDI keyboard. "AKAI," have created this newest MIDI instrument, which has a plethora of practical and very useful controls with adjustable settings. This is perfect for musicians, composers and arrangers, such as myself. Among these are, eight pads and assignable controls, which I find to be of perfect integration with my music DAW recording and production software. I use, "Reaper" and "PreSonus Studio One," recording software. I am a musician, composer and arranger and I find playing the keys and pads on my, "MPK Mini MK3," have a positive and smooth travel action and the keybed is perfect and reassuringly stable. My, "MPK Mini MK3," works out of the box with my DAW's and does not require any software drivers. However, in addition, "AKAI," have provided a vast amount of free downloadable software to use with this unit. To obtain these downloads, I went to the, "AKAI Pro Download," website, to create an account, to register my product. Once registered and signed in, I selected my, "MPK Mini MK3," from the list. Then it was a case of clicking on and running the corresponding installer icon, obtaining a serial number in order to unlock the software. The serial number is used to unlock the software, once the downloads have completed. A set of printed instruction etc and a USB cable are also included along with the,"MPK Mini MK3." "My, "MPK Mini MK3," is a fantastic addition to my other MIDI controller and Synth keyboards. I give this keyboard, "Five Stars" and recommend it enthusiastically.Les A. G. Durno. My Amazon UK review on, Tuesday 20th July 2021. At: 17.22.hrs. GMT