Refer to this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to authorize and activate plugins in iLok: I personally usually prefer a wheel over strips, however, strips are more convenient for travel as you don’t have to worry about damaging or snapping your mod wheel. The Novation MK3 comes with a pitch-bend strip and a modulation strip, whereas, the Akai MPK2 Mini MK2 comes with a wheel. Akai has added a small OLED display to the MPK Mini MK3. This is a huge improvement, as you can now read assignments directly on the device rather than having to locate them in the software. Included Software

In need of some fresh new instruments and effects? Our friends at Reason Studios have you covered. Registered customers can now get a 6-month FREE subscription to Reason+. The MPC Beats Academy is your destination to learn the MPC workflow from start to finish. From making your first beat, to mixing and finalizing, down to exporting and sharing your music, the MPC Beats Academy will guideAdditionally, all the included software is available as a unified install so you can get making music even faster.

Lukid: “Dance music can be a bit snobbish about melody - but for me, the marriage of rhythmic and melodic elements is where the magic happens” Would’ve loved to see aftertouch, but I totally get that not a lot of mini controllers have this feature yet. It’s a clean aesthetic that allows it to look at home in the studio, and I wouldn’t feel ashamed to bust one of these out on the train/plane. In MPC Beats the MPK can be selected from the supported controller list, although it took me a while to figure out that I needed to also enable it in the Preferences. Once done, the pads and encoders automatically stayed mapped to whatever mode was selected in the software. It would be nice if you could control a bit more, like mode selection, but there are only so many physical controls to go around. The MPK Mini is listed as a supported smart controller for Logic Pro X, so should be auto‑detected, and map to Smart Controls. This didn’t work for me, but I suspect that’s because I’m not on the latest Mac OS and Logic version. Conclusion 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 anContains 1500+ sounds (Complete Music Production Starter Kit consists of MPC Beats, 2GB of audio content and 6 virtual instruments - Tubesynth, Electric, Hybrid 3, Bassline, Mini Grand, Velvet). What’s missing, though, is a truly in-depth review, one that dives into every feature and component of theAkai Professional MPK Mini Mkiii(and MK2). If you’re looking for a deep dive into what makes the Akai MPK Mini family of keyboard controllers special, not just a few paragraphs, you’ve come to the right place.

Yes! These three software titles are separate plugins and can be used in different DAWs like Garageband, Ableton, and more. Each plugin comes with VST, AU, and AAX (Pro Tools) versions to be used in your favorite software. Expressive control is handled on the Arturia by a pair of touch strips for pitch bend and modulation, replacing the physical pitch and mod wheels often found on regular synths. These never feel quite as good as the physical thing to us, although one advantage is that you can touch a finger anywhere on a strip and that value will be applied instantly; useful in some cases for applying momentary modulation effects. A good example of this is playing around with the top end of a highpass filter. You would get a much more fluid movement if you were able to cross what I call the ‘rotary dead zone’ that is physically applied by most knobs/encoders when you reach the end of their rotation (and physically won’t turn any further). I believe it does. There are a couple of really neat things with the MK3 and I believe it might be the most intuitive mini option currently available. Pros

Key Features

In addition to the velocity-sensitive keyboard, both models have eight large drum pads as well, plus assignable knobs that can control various features, sounds, or fx in your DAW. Everything the modern producer demands is here: Universal compatibility for instant integration with your favorite host music production application; it's compact size makes it an ideal travel companion; its arsenal of pads and New to MPK mini is a reimagined Gen 2 enhanced dynamic keybed, delivering a piano key performance fit for the world's finest keyboard players. From grand pianos to searing synth leads and lush electric pianos, this 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 users After installing and activating your AIR plugins in iLok, you'll need to scan them into MPC Beats. Refer to this guide for instructions on how to scan and load plugins in MPC Beats:

Borrowed from the MPC are the Full Level and Note Repeat buttons which work with both the pads and keys. Full Level plays everything at maximum velocity; handy when trying not to wake the rest of the house. When the Note Repeat button is held, the first encoder adjusts the time division of repeats. Hybrid 3 by AIR and SONiVOX Wobble are also included. These synth collections add even more depth to your library. Styles It has a bit of a split personality: by itself it’s a cool little musical keyboard, while connected to a computer it becomes a MIDI controller. There is a bit of crossover, but it’s odd and slightly confused to the point that it’s perhaps easier to see the Mini Play as one thing or the other, rather than both. Mini Piano When the CC button is active, the MPK mini's pads will send MIDI CC messages instead of MIDI Note On messages. MIDI CC stands for " continuous controller," which will transmit a command (volume, pan, sustain, etc.) and a range of values (0-127). CC messages are a major factor in bringing dynamic life to any MIDI performance. The quality (for the price) is quite high. I really like the feeling and the response of the pads. The whole thing is fully programmable and with 8 pads and 8 knobs it's completely enough for my use case to also act as a MIDI controller for my AUM setup on iPad.

assignable controls let you take complete command of every aspect of your production; the new Gen 2 enhanced dynamic keybed guarantees your performance is captured with every subtle infection of your delivery. With this all being said, I do believe that this is the best option for a portable mini MIDI controller as it has the MIDI out, great functionality, and great pads. Although I just mentioned this above, the MIDI out is probably the greatest feature in my opinion. The other features are great, however, this is something that you don’t usually find from mini controllers. Sustain Input MPC Beats can also be used as a plugin with your favorite DAW and comes with VST, AU, RTAS, and AAX versions.