AKAI Mpk Mini Plus Studio Keyboard

AKAI’s MPK Mini family has found fans with a diverse range of musicians and producers from those needing to play and program on the move to those who just don’t want their gear taking up lots of space. The MPK Mini Plus expands on the Mini and Mini PLAY in a number of ways, the most obvious being its larger keyboard, fitting in 37 mini keys to their 25. But it’s also a much more expansive controller, with a bunch more ports and its own onboard sequencer making it capable of standalone MIDI and CV triggering as well as working with computer-based software. So what’s new?

• READ MORE: EastWest String Machine Review: Classic synthesized string sounds for the 21st century

The Plus is slightly bigger and heavier than its siblings but that’s not saying much since they are so small. Weighing 1.26KG and measuring 45 x 18 x 5 cm it’s sturdily built but still light enough to carry around pretty easily. Power and data are over USB, with a USB-B to USB-A cable included, a bit retrograde in a time when USB-C is becoming firmly established but having to use an adapter isn’t the end of the world. The rear panel has a sustain pedal input jack which is essential for any kind of expressive keyboard playing, as well as full-size 5-pin MIDI in and out DIN ports. There’s also CV Clock I/O and CV pitch, mod and gate output. Between all those you will be able to hook it up to any of your modular or other MIDI gear, using a USB power supply if no computer is involved.