Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-key Keyboard Controller

Expanded Control Without Boundaries: The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-key Keyboard Controller

Step up your portable production game and bridge the gap between hardware instruments and software DAWs with the Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus. As the highly anticipated evolution of the legendary ultra-compact MPK Mini family, the Mini Plus introduces a full 3-octave playing experience while keeping a portable, desk-friendly form factor. Spanning 37 mini-keys rather than the traditional 25, this controller gives keyboardists, beatmakers, and electronic musicians the structural freedom to execute two-handed chord shapes, sweeping bass progressions, and complex lead solos smoothly. Powered entirely over a single, class-compliant USB connection, it strips away the necessity for external power outlets, delivering an expansive mobile writing station that slips into standard gig bags.

Built on Akai’s premium Gen 2 dynamic keybed, the keys deliver incredible velocity responsiveness and a highly consistent note throw, capturing the subtle variations of your live playing dynamics. Sitting directly above the keys is an advanced performance center headlined by 8 genuine, velocity-sensitive MPC-style drum pads complete with vibrant RGB backlighting, Note Repeat, and Full Level parameters. To maximize real-time performance expression, the MPK Mini Plus abandons micro-controls in favor of dedicated, full-sized physical Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels alongside Akai’s iconic 4-way X/Y assignable joystick controller. This combination allows you to smoothly blend pitch bends, morph parameters, and write precise continuous automation filters completely on the fly.

Onboard Sequencing Architecture and Intelligent Theory Engines

Create complete rhythms and complex melodic arrangements natively without relying on a computer screen:

• Built-In 2-Track Polyphonic Sequencer: Features an onboard live/step step editor engine capturing up to 64 steps, supporting 8 notes of polyphony per melodic step and 16 notes per drum step.

• Smart Chords and Scales Modes: Streamlines composition by instantly locking the keybed to one of 15 selected musical scales or enabling dense, multi-note triad and seventh chords via single key presses.

• 8 Assignable 360-Degree Rotary Knobs: High-torque physical endless encoders pre-mapped for effortless DAW macro adjustments, mixer level panning, and virtual synthesizer filter sweeps.

• Dedicated Physical Transport Controls: Outfitted with structural Play, Stop, Record, Loop, and Locator buttons to maintain a fluid software workflow without constantly grabbing a laptop trackpad.

• High-Contrast OLED Navigation Screen: Provides crisp, immediate visual readouts of selected presets, CC assignments, arpeggiator modes, clock tempos, and system menu values.

Professional Analog Routing and Advanced Hardware Interfacing

Unite modern computer plugins with modular analog synthesizer systems from a single master layout:

• Comprehensive CV/Gate/Clock Outlets: Outfitted with five physical 1/8-inch (3.5mm) analog jacks—including dedicated Pitch, Gate, and Modulation CV paths plus structural Clock In/Out sync.

• Traditional Dual 5-Pin MIDI I/O: Features full-sized physical MIDI DIN In and MIDI Out ports to comfortably drive vintage desktop modules, grooveboxes, or modern hardware samplers.

• Full Native NKS Software Integration: Partnered with Native Instruments to supply immediate, seamless hardware pre-mapping for thousands of industry-standard NKS-compatible virtual instruments.

• Professional 1/4-Inch Sustain Input: Features a dedicated structural jack on the rear panel to accommodate traditional dampening sustain floor pedals for authentic acoustic expression.

🎹 Hardware Hybrid Sequencing Pro-Tip: The built-in 2-track polyphonic step sequencer on the MPK Mini Plus makes it an elite master controller for hybrid hardware/software setups. Because Track 1 can output over standard USB-MIDI while Track 2 routes directly out of the physical CV/Gate jacks, you can sequence a soft-synth bassline inside your DAW while simultaneously sending a separate analog sequence out to a modular Eurorack system or vintage synthesizer wall—all clocked perfectly to the same internal hardware arpeggiator or master tap tempo.

Technical Performance & Structural Configuration Matrix

The detailed engineering layout, performance controls, and physical input paths are compiled below:

FAQS

Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus 37-key Keyboard Controller Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the MPK Mini Plus to play external hardware synthesizers without a computer?

Yes. Unlike smaller USB-only MIDI controllers, the MPK Mini Plus features dedicated, full-sized 5-pin MIDI In/Out DIN ports and 1/8-inch CV/Gate outputs alongside an internal clock engine. By powering the unit via its USB-B port using a standard USB wall adapter or portable power bank, you can utilize the onboard step sequencer and arpeggiator to run external analog or digital synths completely independent of a laptop.

What are the main differences between this model and the standard MPK Mini MK3?

While the MPK Mini MK3 is a 25-key controller focused heavily on micro-portability, the MPK Mini Plus expands functionality significantly. It delivers an extra octave of keys (37 total), dedicated mechanical pitch and modulation wheels (in addition to the joystick), structural DAW transport buttons, a built-in polyphonic step sequencer, advanced Chords/Scales modes, and extensive CV/Gate and 5-pin MIDI hardware connectivity options.

Do the transport buttons work instantly with all software DAWs?

The MPK Mini Plus comes pre-configured with internal DAW control mapping scripts for industry-standard platforms including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Cubase. Once the corresponding global preset map is loaded via the internal menu or the free MPK Mini Plus Editor software, the Play, Stop, Record, and Loop buttons integrate into your software environment.

Why Choose DSLR Zone

As Lebanon’s primary flagship showroom for 100% genuine personal audio gear, elite creative electronics, and professional media networks, DSLR Zone imports directly from authorized production lines. Based out of our central Beirut location, we safeguard your premium equipment investments with authentic original merchandise, full localized warranty coverage, and high-tier technical support from expert audio professionals.