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The CV/Gate outputs are for sending control voltage (CV) and/or Gate signals to optional external synths or sequencers. Use standard 1/8” (3.5 mm) TS cables to send a single CV/Gate signal through the following outputs:
Regardless of which controller you choose, you’ll get access to a bunch of transport controls. Both controllers are pretty basic when it comes to this sort of control, but at 37 keys it’s really all you need. If you’re after built-in an arpeggiator or scale mode, then either of these keyboards will suffice. Both have these features built-in & in both cases they work really well. Another set of built-in features on this new MPK Mini include: an arpeggiator, a note repeat function and a whole host of chord modes. All of which can be accessed through their own dedicated buttons. Pretty obvious, but both these controllers have 37 semi-weighted keys. Although we would say that one controller does have the slight edge when it comes to keys. Carry on reading to discover which that it…
Akai MPK Mini Plus Keyboard Controller Features:
We really didn’t expect this, but the Akai MPK Mini Plus also comes with an onboard sequencer. One that works in tandem with both with the pads & the keys. As far as sequencers go, this is flexible. However, if you’re after a set of keys with aftertouch, then you may have to look elsewhere – neither of these keyboards come with aftertouch for the keys. In terms of weight and form factor, obviously the Mini MK3 is the lighter, as well as the more compact of the two. All the extra keys & features you get with the Plus understandably does demand more space & come with more weight.
Just as with the MK3, the MPC style drum pads are some of the best out there for finger drumming. They have great response & sensitivity. You can achieve some really delicate tones with these pads. Does the MPK Mini Plus require an external power supply? The Akai MPK Mini Plus is USB hub powered. It connects and powers via a standard USB-A to USB-B cable and does not require an additional power supply.
Built-in step sequencer and CV/Gate
When Chords mode multiple notes will be played with a single key press. Scales mode will set the keybed to play only within a certain scale. You’ll find a built-in sequencer with both the Keystep 37 & the MPK Mini Plus. Regardless of which you choose, both work really well, however due to the LED lights above each key that illuminate when that not is in the sequence, we’d say the Arturia’s is that bit more user friendly. The Sequencer allows you to program a combination of notes and rhythms that can be sent to your DAW or hardware synths, MPC, or any other device that accepts midi.
As for software, bith have good bundles, BUT for 90% of players, the Novation’s is better. Buy the Launchkey & you get a bunch of software including: Abelton Live Lite, Spitfire Audio Labs Expressive Strings, Serato Sample LE, a 2-month membership to Splice Sounds, XLN Audio Addictive Keys& much much more!! In terms of software, while both have solid bundles, we’d say that you get with the Arturia ( Analog Lab Intro& Ableton Live Lite) is going to appeal to more people. While MPC Beats is pretty rad, it’s hardly what you’d call a mainstream DAW. Sorry Akai. While both do have the same amount of keys, the keys themselves are substantially different. Those on the Akai appear to be the same mini-sized keys you get on the smaller MPK Mini MK3, while those on the Launchkey 37 are full-size. Aside from being far longer, they also sit on a deeper keybed. And while they aren’t the most weighted keys in the world, there are plenty of options for adjusting their sensitivity.
Customer Reviews
Across the top of the MPK Mini Plus, you also find a line of transport controls to help you control various aspects of your DAW via the keyboard itself. Out of the box, the MPK Mini Plus comes with integration for: FL Studio, Garageband, Logic Pro and Ableton Live Drum pads– Don’t debate us on this… when it comes to pads for finger drumming, the MPC style pads you get on an Akai midi controller are the best out there. They have great response, sensitivity & have a nice amount of feel to them. they don’t feel numb!
Solution home Akai Pro | MPK mini Series MPK Mini Series | MPK Mini Plus Akai Pro MPK mini Plus | Frequently Asked Questions See, while the MPK Mini MK3 is undoubtably the most popular compact midi controller out there, it’s never really seemed ‘grown up’ enough for us to take seriously. Call us snobs if you will, but in comparison to other keyboards from Novation & Arturia, it’s always come across as a bit ‘Toys R Us’. The MPK Mini Plus is a class compliant device, which means it can be connected to any computer without the need for additional drivers. 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.from SoCal on February 1, 2023 Rated 5/5 I love this midi controller. Great when paired with a newer model MPC! For an in depth walk though on installing and setting up your MPK Mini and the included software, please refer to our walkthrough video linked below. Pitch and mod on each of these controllers is completely different. With the MPK Mini Plus it’s assigned to the 2 dedicated wheels, while on the Arturia you control P&M via a set of touch strips. A slightly more compact approach, although for accuracy, you cannot beat the wheels you get on the MPK Mini Plus. While the pads on the Novation may not have the feel of those of the MPK Mini Plus, they do have polyphonic aftertouch. A nice easter egg!!
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