AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Review

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is a marvel of modern technology.

This powerful, yet compact MIDI keyboard offers users an impressive array of features.

These features include a 25-Key Gen 2 MPK Mini dynamic keybed, 8 Velocity-sensitive backlit MPC drum pads, and an OLED display.

Whether you’re a musician looking to improve their sound or just looking for a fun, portable device to enjoy, this keyboard has something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is a compact yet powerful MIDI keyboard with a built-in speaker.
• It features a 25-key Gen 2 MPK Mini dynamic keybed, OLED Display, 8 velocity-sensitive backlit MPC drum pads, and 4 encoder knobs.
• The keyboard can be powered by batteries or a USB mains plug and includes over 100 internal drum and instrument sounds.
• Users have praised its portability and usability, although some have criticized the key velocity and build quality of the product.

Ergonomic Design

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 offers an ergonomic design that is compact and powerful, making it easy to use for musicians on the go. It has a 25-key Gen 2 MPK Mini dynamic keybed with velocity-sensitive backlit MPC drum pads, plus 4 encoder knobs, for easy navigation.

The sound output quality is excellent, and it can be powered by either batteries or a USB mains plug. Its portability is great, allowing it to be connected to a phone or used as a standalone device.

The ease of use is also impressive, with intuitive controls and an OLED display that provide an easy user experience.

All in all, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is an innovative and comprehensive MIDI keyboard with a built-in speaker that provides an enjoyable and convenient experience for musicians.

Performance and Quality

Performance and quality of the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is a mixed bag. Some users find the keys unweighted and pads insensitive, while others praise its ability to be plugged into a phone or used by itself.

The device is designed for portability, but it does come with some usability issues and durability concerns. Notably, there is a lack of a Full Level option for Keyboard keys, and Velocity settings can only be adjusted through a DAW. Additionally, the built-in speaker is too soft and not very usable.

Despite these issues, many users still praise the MPK Mini Play MK3 for its portability and overall good performance.

Pros of AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3:

• Portable & User-Friendly: Compact with built-in speaker for on-the-go musicians.
• Feature-Rich: Dynamic keybed, drum pads, encoder knobs, 100+ sounds.
• Surprising Sound: Built-in speaker offers good audio quality.
• Battery-Powered: Usable with batteries or USB power.
• Flexible & Educational: Adjust velocity, comes with free Melodics software.

Cons of AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3:

• Volume Limits: Speaker volume may feel restricted.
• Key & Pad Sensitivity: Keys/pads are less responsive.
• Build Quality: Construction feels less sturdy.
• Missing Features: Lacks full-sized jacks, MIDI ports.
• Mixed Features: Some functions may not fit all users.

What’s Included: Unboxing

Opening the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 reveals a compact yet powerful standalone mini keyboard with built-in speaker and USB MIDI Controller capabilities. Inside the box, we find the 25-key Gen 2 MPK Mini dynamic keybed, OLED Display, 8 Velocity sensitive backlit MPC drum pads, arpeggiator and note repeat, plus 4 encoder knobs.

To accompany the hardware, the package includes Over 100 internal drum and instrument sounds, as well as MPC Beats and MPC expansion packs plus software instruments Mini Grand, Hybrid and Velvet from AIR Music Tech. Additionally, it includes Melodics educational software download with 60 free lessons.

Comparison to Similar Products

Compared to similar products, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 stands out for its dynamic keybed, backlit pads, and included software.

Sound wise, it offers clear, accurate notes and beats with a good range of expression.

It is also incredibly portable, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go use. In terms of size, it is much smaller than its competitors, making it a great option for those with limited space.

When it comes to portability, the MPK Mini Play MK3 is a great choice as it can be powered by either batteries or USB mains plug.

Furthermore, its OLED display, 8 velocity-sensitive backlit pads, and 4 encoder knobs make it a very user-friendly option.

You can read our review on AKAI MPD226 Portable Pad Controller.

Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed both positive and negative reviews of the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3. They appreciate its portability, usability, and range of features. However, they have also noted occasional bugs and a cheap-feeling build quality.

User experience with the built-in speaker is varied. Some complain that it’s too soft and not very usable, while others have praised it. The full-level key for maxing out pad velocity is well-received. However, the lack of a full-level option for keyboard keys is a common criticism.

The mismatched features and lack of some consumer-desired features, like full-sized mono 1/4 jacks and MIDI in and out ports, is also a point of contention.

Despite these criticisms, the majority of customers have had positive experiences with the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3. They praise its great sound and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Easy Is the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 to Use?

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is easy to use, thanks to its intuitive interface and customizable controls. Its features provide a comprehensive and innovative way to create music, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced musicians.

Does the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Have the Ability to Connect to Other MIDI Devices?

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 offers portability and audio quality, with features that enable it to connect to other MIDI devices. Its compact size is symbolic of its incredible power, making it a perfect choice for creative professionals.

Does the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Come With a Warranty?

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 comes with a limited 1-year warranty and excellent customer support. Customers can contact customer service to learn more about the warranty terms and conditions.

Is the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Compatible With Mac or Windows?

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is multi-platform compatible and supports both Mac and Windows operating systems. It also offers great sound quality, making it a great choice for those looking to create music with a powerful, compact MIDI keyboard.

Does the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 Come With Any Additional Software?

The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 comes with Mini Grand, Hybrid, and Velvet from AIR Music Tech, in addition to Melodics educational software with 60 free lessons. This provides in depth sound and customization options to further enhance the user experience.

Daryl Levy

I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!