Akai Professional

Notes: *** Update February 2025- NKS Integration available with this product ***

Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) is a technical standard that connects plugins to hardware controllers with no setup required. The NKS ecosystem includes over 2,000 virtual instruments and plugin effects by over 250 acclaimed developers.

NKS enables users to load instruments and effects, tweak parameters, browse and manage presets with tangible controls, keeping creators' minds and hands on the music. No time is wasted creating, saving, and resetting controller parameter mappings.

Key features include:
Unified Control: NKS maps plugin parameters directly to hardware controls, allowing for hands-on adjustments without navigating computer menus.
Efficient Workflow: It streamlines browsing, loading, and editing presets, enabling producers to stay focused on creativity.
Broad Compatibility: Many third-party developers support NKS, offering a wide range of compatible sounds and effects.
For Our Products: This integration allows Akai and M-Audio compatible devices to fully utilize all NKS workflow features.

Here are some key points to take note of:

Current users will receive the software bundle once they register their device.

Both existing and new owners will receive the software bundle once their hardware is registered.


NKS Software Partnerships

For years, Native Instruments has partnered with world-class software manufacturers, including Arturia, Heavyocity, Korg, Output, Spitfire Audio, and many more, to bring thousands of instruments and effects plugins into the NKS ecosystem. Together with Native Instruments' own instruments and effects, this creates the most extensive database of any auto-mapped hardware controller ecosystem.

Until now, NKS hardware controllers were only available from Native Instruments, such as the Kontrol S-Series and Komplete Kontrol A-Series keyboard controllers.

NKS Hardware Partner Program [New]

At NAMM 2025, NI announced opening up NKS compatibility for third-party, non-NI hardware, allowing millions of performers and producers worldwide to enter the NKS ecosystem.

***

Third-generation version of Akai's compact keyboard is a portable instrument in its own right. Battery operation and built-in sounds and speaker let you make music anywhere. Keys and MPC pads offer full control.

Supplier's Notes:
Play Music Anywhere

Musical inspiration can happen anywhere and MPK mini Play mk3 is the perfect portable companion to capture those melodies and harmonies, anytime and anywhere. With battery-operated performance at 14+ hours, MPK mini Play mk3 users don't have to worry about power adapters, chargers, or cables when it's time to play music. The upgraded built-in speaker delivers increased output and added low-end response, making for more enjoyable playing and jamming. With an improved listening experience, users can dive into the 128+ onboard instruments and drum kits including acoustic and electric pianos, synth leads and pads, and more. MPK mini Play mk3 also houses a 1/8-inch headphone output jack for quiet practicing or songwriting without disturbing others.

Professional Performance

At the heart of the MPK mini Play mk3 is the new Gen 2 keybed. This new keybed delivers dynamic performances and accurate velocity response with a feel that players will certainly appreciate. While it maintains its sleek, compact footprint, MPK mini Play mk3 is more playable and comfortable than ever and ready for hours of playing. The 8 pads have been upgraded to real, velocity-sensitive MPC drum pads, offering optimal feel and response for even the most percussive drum parts. With Class Compliant, plug-and-play capability, MPK mini Play mk3 doubles as a powerful MIDI controller and instantly connects to your favourite DAW for immediate music production duties. 4 assignable rotary encoder knobs offer versatile control of MIDI parameters like pan or automation for super-precise editing. With its sturdy construction and build, MPK mini Play mk3 is ready to travel securely alongside any favourite music production items in backpacks or bags.

Limitless Creativity with MPC Beats Software DAW - Effects and Instruments Included

The MPK mini Play mk3 comes bundled with MPC Beats, the powerful music-making and recording desktop software DAW for Mac and PC, based on the iconic MPC hardware. This DAW features a full array of musical instrument plugins, effect plugins, and audio and drum samples ready for your next hit production. In addition to MPC Beats, MPK mini Play mk3 also includes multiple world-class plugin instruments from award-winning sound design company AIR Music Technology. Available in both AU and VST are Hybrid 3 - a powerful polyphonic analogue synth, Mini Grand - an acoustic piano instrument, and Velvet - a vintage electric piano instrument.

Educational Software Included

MPK mini Play mk3 comes with a Melodics educational package. Available as both a desktop and iPad app, Melodics features instruction for MIDI keyboards, pad controllers, and e-drums, offering tailored cross-genre lessons and realtime feedback designed to help refine necessary music creation skills. The free Melodics download includes 60 lessons to get started and with plug and play support, no extensive set-up is required. Sign-up for Melodics with your new MPK mini Play mk3 and discover fun, engaging music performance training and education.

Technical Specifications

Power: Via USB or 4 AA alkaline batteries
Dimensions (diameter x length):12.5" x 7.0" x 2.3" / 317 x 178 x 58 mm
Weight 1.9 lbs./0.86 kg

Notes: *** Update February 2025- NKS Integration available with this product ***

Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) is a technical standard that connects plugins to hardware controllers with no setup required. The NKS ecosystem includes over 2,000 virtual instruments and plugin effects by over 250 acclaimed developers.

NKS enables users to load instruments and effects, tweak parameters, browse and manage presets with tangible controls, keeping creators' minds and hands on the music. No time is wasted creating, saving, and resetting controller parameter mappings.

Key features include:
Unified Control: NKS maps plugin parameters directly to hardware controls, allowing for hands-on adjustments without navigating computer menus.
Efficient Workflow: It streamlines browsing, loading, and editing presets, enabling producers to stay focused on creativity.
Broad Compatibility: Many third-party developers support NKS, offering a wide range of compatible sounds and effects.
For Our Products: This integration allows Akai and M-Audio compatible devices to fully utilize all NKS workflow features.

Here are some key points to take note of:

Current users will receive the software bundle once they register their device.

Both existing and new owners will receive the software bundle once their hardware is registered.


NKS Software Partnerships

For years, Native Instruments has partnered with world-class software manufacturers, including Arturia, Heavyocity, Korg, Output, Spitfire Audio, and many more, to bring thousands of instruments and effects plugins into the NKS ecosystem. Together with Native Instruments' own instruments and effects, this creates the most extensive database of any auto-mapped hardware controller ecosystem.

Until now, NKS hardware controllers were only available from Native Instruments, such as the Kontrol S-Series and Komplete Kontrol A-Series keyboard controllers.

NKS Hardware Partner Program [New]

At NAMM 2025, NI announced opening up NKS compatibility for third-party, non-NI hardware, allowing millions of performers and producers worldwide to enter the NKS ecosystem.


***

Compact but powerful all-rounder for control over software, plugins and hardware. Typical high-quality Akai build, with a combination of keys, pads, rotary controllers and transport controls for versatility.

Supplier's Notes:
37-key MPK Mini keyboard with advanced connections and controls

The MPK Mini keyboard line revolutionized portable music-making for producers and beat makers all over the world. The new MPK Mini Plus builds on that innovation by empowering musicians with full creative control that delivers ultimate feel and expression, along with next generation performance tools. Advanced connectivity easily and fully unites all your favourite studio devices for complete and expanded hardware integration in a compact 3-octave design.

Full Portable Creative Control

While maintaining its compact footprint, MPK Mini Plus offers extensive controls providing deep command over a wide range of features. 8 velocity-sensitive RGB-backlit MPC drum pads are the backbone for not only playing dynamic beats and programming drums, but for also assigning pro-gram changes and triggering additional CC parameters. Dial in effects with the 8 assignable 360-rotary knobs for every function including filters, automation, pan controls, and more. For the first time on any MPK Mini, enjoy dedicated Transport controls for total integration into your DAW. Eliminate needless back-and-forth from your QWERTY keyboard or mouse and stay engaged in the creative workflow with dedicated Play, Stop, Record, Loop, and Locator buttons.

Ultimate Feel and Expression

As with all MPK Mini controllers, performance starts with the keys. MPK Mini Plus features 37 keys with the Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed for expanded melodic and harmonic creation. 3 full octaves mean more room for two-handed chords, arpeggiation, and laying down solos or soundscapes. The Gen 2 Dynamic Keybed features incredibly playable keys with a wider velocity range, delivering a world-class level of note dynamics and response. With more keys, your music will need new ways to add feel and expression, so the MPK Mini Plus adds dedicated Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheel controllers to help all keyboard performances truly come alive. Alongside the iconic Joystick Controller, there's no shortage of tactile interaction for near limitless expression.

Advanced Connectivity and Standalone Operation

For those spontaneous creative moments or quick jams sessions, MPK Mini Plus can operate with standalone functionality. The new polyphonic Step Sequencer is convenient for capturing new ideas on the fly. Record notes and drum patterns simultaneously for some serious standalone music creation. Connect to any Class-Compliant USB or 5-pin MIDI device and use the CV/Gate connectors to plug into your rack and other modular synths. The MPK Mini Plus is versatile enough for the serious beginner looking to grow their creative space, and also for those seasoned pros who want to get the most out of their studio gear.

Includes MPC Beats DAW for Mac and PC

The bundled MPC Beats software DAW for Mac and PC offers the iconic MPC workflow right on a desktop or laptop computer, and also includes thousands of sounds, drum samples, loops, and plugin instruments to create your next hit song. With more keys on the 37-note Gen 2 Keybed, MPC plugin instruments like Electric and Tubesynth will come alive with extended sonic range. Set the MPK Mini Plus on a desktop and connect with standalone MPC devices to control Mellotron and Hype plugins.

Even with 3 octaves, MPK Mini Plus will fit in your gig bag to easily transport alongside everyday music production items. It's simple math; adding MPK Mini Plus to any workflow equals expressive creativity and intuitive control for modern music creation and beat making.

Connectors
USB Type-B port
(5) 1/4" (3.5mm) CV Outputs
(2) MIDI DIN In/Out Ports
(1) Sustain input
Power Via USB type-B (bus powered or connected to wall adapter).

Dimensions (width x depth x height)
17.76" x 7.08" x 2.04"
45.11 cm x 18.0 cm x 5.2 cm

Weight
2.78 lbs.
1.26 kg