The Akai MPK Mini MK3 gets a facelift and a series of major updates

Akai Professional, as of late, has been making quite a few music gear headlines with new announcements. In fact, we heard from the company just last month, when it announced its latest free-to-use beat production software, MPC Beats. When that happened, many debated whether the company would soon release a new product to pair with its new software. However, it now appears as though we’ve got our answer. Akai Professional has just released its latest version of the Akai MPK Mini — its popular tote-sized MIDI controller.

Since the release of the MK2 six years ago, customers have long asked for changes, modernizing the controller. In this new version, it appears as though Akai has been busy answering many consumers’ prayers. Format wise the Akai MPK Mini MK3 is similar to that of the MK2. However, although its improvements are mostly minor software adjustments, long term, they show up in a big way.

New Improvements

One of the improvements made is to the system key-bed. Akai took MK2’s key-bed, and tweaked it to have a much more natural, responsive reaction to a user’s touch. Visually, the keyboard has also been completely redesigned to stand out a little more from its predecessor. The rotary knobs at the top-right of the MIDI controller have also been updated. Akai heard many complaints about users’ experiences using the MPK Mini rotary knobs. First and foremost, when switching between different assigned parameters, the placement of one would automatically change the other. In response, the company has revamped the MK3 rotaries with an ‘endless’ feature. This completely eliminates the issue of accidental setting changes when users don’t want it.

Included with any purchase of an Akai MPK Mini MK3, is a copy of the aforementioned MPC Beats software. In addition, Akai is also throwing in some extra content from the MPC Beats expansion pack, as well as AIR Hybrid, Mini Grand, and Velvet software instruments. The MIDI controller is available in three colors, a traditional black and red, a white with inverted key colors, and a new ‘blackout’ option. Akai Professional‘s MPC Mini MK3 is available to purchase now from your preferred dealer, for only $99. To learn more, of course, check out the company’s website.