Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus II

The MPK Mini formula expands

The Akai MPK Mini Plus II builds on the compact master keyboards that have made the MPK Mini series a favorite among beatmakers, mobile producers, and electronic musicians. It retains the range’s immediate, tactile approach while considerably expanding its playing possibilities with a 37-key keyboard spanning three octaves.

This version offers a more complete alternative to ultra-compact formats: it remains easy to slip into a small home studio or carry bag, while providing more room to develop an idea without constantly relying on octave buttons. Its redesigned keyboard, color display, and CV/Gate connectivity further establish it as a true command center for a modern production setup.

A compact master keyboard for producers, beatmakers, and hybrid musicians

The MPK Mini Plus II is aimed at producers who want to move quickly from a melodic sketch to a complete rhythm track without interrupting their creative flow. Its mini keys are perfectly suited to composing bass lines, pads, sequences, and melodies, while its MPC pads make it easy to program drums or record grooves played by hand.

It naturally fits in front of a computer for controlling Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, GarageBand, Cubase, or Bitwig Studio. It is also designed for direct use with MPCs compatible with MPC3, where its controls provide access to essential transport, mixing, navigation, and performance functions. Thanks to its CV/Gate outputs, it will also appeal to users of analog synthesizers and Eurorack modules looking for a versatile MIDI controller.

Controls designed to turn an idea into a track

A more extended and expressive keyboard

With its 37 next-generation mini keys, the MPK Mini Plus II offers three continuous octaves of playing in a format that remains portable. The mechanism has been optimized to make playing more enjoyable and nuanced, particularly when creating melodic patterns or chords. The pitch bend and modulation wheels allow you to add inflections, vibrato, and expressive movements in real time.

A dedicated input for a sustain pedal completes the setup. It allows notes to be held, chords to be sustained, and a more piano-like approach to be adopted when the project calls for it.

RGB MPC pads and assignable encoders

The 8 RGB-backlit MPC pads respond to velocity and pressure, with aftertouch, adding greater dynamics to finger drumming and sound triggering. They can be used to program drums, launch clips, play percussion, recall chords, or control various elements of a project.

The 8 continuously rotating, assignable rotary encoders, accompanied by a clickable encoder, provide access to the most frequently used parameters: filter frequency, resonance, effect sends, panning, automation, or mix levels. The color LCD display provides clear visual feedback while editing and controlling software instruments.

Creative modes to break out of routines

The MPK Mini Plus II incorporates the signature performance tools of the Akai world: Scales to stay in the selected key, Chords to trigger harmonies with a single key, Note Repeat to generate precise rhythmic repetitions, and Full Level to even out pad dynamics.

The expanded Arpeggiator and the Glitch, Mutate, Freeze, and Strum functions open the door to less predictable sequences. These modes allow you to develop a pattern, create fragmented repetitions, freeze a variation, or emulate the staggered playing of a chord. They are particularly useful for reinvigorating a composition session or enriching a live arrangement.

Seamless integration with software studios and hardware

The USB-C port provides both power and MIDI communication with a computer, MPC, or compatible device. The keyboard can be powered from a USB port, a USB power adapter, or a portable battery, making it well suited to mobile sessions.

Its 5-pin DIN MIDI output makes it easy to control external gear, while the three CV/Gate outputs allow it to communicate with analog and modular synthesizers. Connected to an MPC compatible with MPC3, the controller provides immediate hands-on control of the pads, encoders, transport controls, plugins, tracks, clips, and mixing parameters.

To start producing straight out of the box, the MPK Mini Plus II comes with MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, an extensive collection of Studio Instrument Collection sounds, and Komplete Select Akai Edition. This bundle provides a solid foundation for composing, recording, and developing studio-quality productions.

Technical specifications

Velocity sensitivity of the pads	Yes	Touch	Dynamic
Number of potentiometers	9	Key format	mini
Arpeggiator	Yes	Transposition	Yes
Bluetooth	No	Inputs	USB, Sustain pedal, USB Midi
Compatibility	PC, Mac	Outputs	USB, Midi, USB-C, CV Gate : pitch, gate, mod
Controller	Aftertouch, Pitchbend, Modulation, 8 backlit pads, 1 multifunction encoder, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, 8 potentiometers, Transport	Color	Grey
Backlit pad	Yes	Display	Color LCD screen
Velocity sensitive	Yes	Number of pads	8
Category	Master keyboard	Weight	1.46 kg
Number of keys	37	Dimensions (mm)	493 x 192 x 54

Integrated transport controls	Undo/Redo, Loop, Stop/Play, Record and Overdub	Integration with standalone MPCs and MPC Desktop under MPC3	transport, MPC pads, encoders, plugin presets, track navigation, mixing, clip launching, pitch bend and modulation
Mode indication icons	Pad Bank A/B, Transpose, Full Level, External CV Clock, Plugin/Computer mode, Pattern, Freeze and Mutate	DAW compatibility	Ableton Live 11 and 12, FL Studio, Logic Pro, GarageBand, Cubase and Bitwig Studio
Creative functions	Glitch, Mutate, Freeze and Strum	Included production software	MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite