- #AKAI MPK MINIPLAY DIFFERENCE INSTALL#
- #AKAI MPK MINIPLAY DIFFERENCE MOD#
- #AKAI MPK MINIPLAY DIFFERENCE PROFESSIONAL#
But the way it integrates with the MPK Mini is even more impressive: pad inputs can be translated into a further three banks of 16 pads and knob controls can be easily flipped between controlling synth and sample parameters, mixer settings, global DAW navigation and so on. In either case, it does an impressive job of merging the signature MPC workflow with the power and flexibility of a modern computer-based DAW. Although it looks and behaves like a DAW, MPC Beats is in fact an instrument that can run standalone or as a plug-in within another DAW.
#AKAI MPK MINIPLAY DIFFERENCE INSTALL#
The starting point for this is the free MPC Beats, which is easy to install from the MPK Mini’s Software Manager app. The MPK Mini really comes into its own when it’s hooked up to a version of Akai’s MPC software. The controller can store up to eight configurations, so it’s easy to flip all of the controls for use with different software or instruments. You can customise all the controls too, using the free Program Editor software. The MPK Mini hooks up via USB but uses standard MIDI messaging, so it plays nicely with DAWs and software instruments. But there’s also a black version with all-black keys, and a white version with inverted black-and-white keys (that is, white keys are black and black keys are white). The standard unit is predominantly black, with traditional white-and-black keys and stylish red trimming.
#AKAI MPK MINIPLAY DIFFERENCE PROFESSIONAL#
There are sharper edges and corners on the MK3, which lends it a more professional look. The updated styling of the hardware is notable too. You’ll see the number and velocity of the last-played pad, as well as parameter readouts when adjusting the note repeat and arpeggiator features. We’re hoping it loosens up with use.Īnother new addition to the hardware is a small, high-resolution monochrome display, which offers feedback for every control you touch. Out of the box, it’s not easy to move in only one direction at a time. The joystick is a bit too short for the stiffness of its springs and, as a result, feels a bit clumsy.
#AKAI MPK MINIPLAY DIFFERENCE MOD#
New to the MPK Mini MK3 is a stubby joystick controller that by default controls pitch bend with its X axis and mod wheel (MIDI CC1) with its Y axis, though you can assign other controller messages to the stick using the free Program Editor software. The button that toggles the built-in arpeggiator, for instance, is now located to the left of the unit, making it easier to access while playing notes and pads with your right hand. Thankfully, the other layout changes are similarly smart. For example, there is now only a single button to switch the pads between bank A and B, where previously each bank was selected with its own individual button. There are a couple of additional buttons and some changes to the functions they trigger. The layout of the function buttons has been altered too. The bank of eight knobs have also been improved, as they’re now of the continuous rotary encoder variety, meaning there’s none of that annoying business of parameters and knob positions not lining up when you load new synths and patches. The 25 key two-octave keyboard is a new design that aims to be more responsive than its predecessor, while the eight backlit drum pads are now taken directly from Akai’s flagship MPC hardware, and so have the same solid feel, playable velocity sensitivity and both channel and polyphonic pressure sensitivity (the MK2’s pads were not pressure sensitive).
Akai has many of its own derivatives too, including the newly updated MPK Mini USB controller.Īlthough sporting the same core feature set as the previous incarnation (that is, mini keyboard, trigger pads and control knobs) the MPK Mini MK3 has been significantly overhauled.
Akai’s MPC hardware remains popular to this day, and there are now many third-party computer-based solutions that seek to channel some of that legendary MPC workflow. Finally, Linn’s concept of an all-in-one music production centre could become a reality, and a new legend in the world of music technology was born: the Akai MPC60.
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