---
product_id: 1380684
title: "Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII"
brand: "akai professional"
price: "5.82 OMR"
currency: OMR
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.com.om/products/1380684-akai-professional-mpk-mini-mkii
store_origin: OM
region: Oman
---

# 25 velocity-sensitive keys Plug-and-play USB connectivity 8 assignable Q-Link knobs Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII

**Brand:** akai professional
**Price:** 5.82 OMR
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Take your studio on the road — create, control, and captivate anywhere!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII by akai professional
- **How much does it cost?** 5.82 OMR with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.om](https://www.desertcart.com.om/products/1380684-akai-professional-mpk-mini-mkii)

## Best For

- akai professional enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted akai professional brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Seamless Setup:** Plug-and-play USB connection with no drivers or external power needed.
- • **Dynamic Playability:** 4-way thumbstick for pitch & modulation adds real-time expressive depth.
- • **Instant Inspiration:** Onboard arpeggiator & 4 memory banks for rapid melodic creativity on the fly.
- • **Expressive Control Hub:** 8 backlit MPC-style pads + 8 Q-Link knobs for hands-on production mastery.
- • **Ultra-Portable Powerhouse:** Compact design fits your creative flow anywhere, anytime.

## Overview

The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a compact, travel-ready MIDI controller featuring 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, 8 backlit MPC-style pads, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, and a 4-way thumbstick for pitch and modulation control. Designed for seamless plug-and-play USB connectivity with Mac and PC, it includes onboard arpeggiator functionality and four memory banks for preset storage. Bundled software like Hybrid 3 and MPC Essentials empower producers to compose and perform with professional-grade tools wherever inspiration strikes.

## Description

Take Control, Wherever you go! Go mobile without losing control. Akai Professional’s MPK Mini MKII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With a cluster of production-centric in-demand hardware controls coupled with a slim-line ultra-portable footprint, MPK Mini MKII lets you record, compose and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. Core Control MPK Mini MKII includes all the essential tools for quickly laying down and expanding upon your musical ideas. 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch; modulation manipulation, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads and 8 assignable Q-Link knobs provide the core functionality specifically engineered for rapid production potential, all housed in an ultra-portable footprint. Express Yourself Whatever your needs, MPK Mini MKII empowers producers with essential control that’s ready to capture the idea in your head whenever inspiration strikes; dedicated Octave Up and Down buttons increase the keyboard to the full melodic range – ideal for playing basslines, chords, melodies and more; a conveniently located sustain pedal input provides expanded control for expressive, immersive performances; finally, an onboard arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes for simple, user-friendly and rapid creation of intricate melodic lines. Plug-And-Play For maximum portability, MPK Mini MKII requires no software drivers or external power adapter for operation. Combining plug-and-play connectivity, a seamless USB-MIDI connection and power via a single USB connection to your Mac or PC, MPK Mini MKII is a portable production powerhouse. Plus, for instant-recall of critical settings, four memory banks enable you to store hardware/software presets for rapid setup of your computer and MPK Mini MKII on the fly. Hybrid 3 Hybrid 3, by AIR Music Technology, is a critically acclaimed high-definition synthesizer that can create anything from fat, retro synth sounds to edgy modern leads and everything in between. SONiVOX Wobble SONiVOX’s Wobble is an electronic music grime synthesizer that features two independent channels of spectral morphing synthesis with harmonic controls, individual filtering and discrete LFO controls. MPC Essentials With MPC Essentials, charge your production with a powerful 64-bit music production package featuring up to eight pad banks (for a total of 128 tracks), a 1 GB sound library and user-friendly import capability for your own WAV and AIFF samples. Hardware Requirements- Macintosh: 1.25 GHz G4/G5 or faster (Intel Mac recommended); 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended); Mac OS X 10.4.11 (10.5 or later recommended). PC: 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 or Celeron-compatible CPU or faster (multicore CPU recommended); 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended); Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP; Windows-compatible sound card (ASIO driver support recommended); QuickTime recommended. Available USB port.

Review: A mini controller with an Arpeggiator - Get outta here! - Okay I pulled the trigger on buying Akai's MPK Mini MK2, even though I had resisted the urge to purchase the MK1 (1st gen) model because I also own a first generation M-Audio Axiom 25 M-Audio Axiom 25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Control Surface, 2nd Gen and Akai's Original LPD 8 pad controller. When the first MPK Mini came out I was tempted to get it because I thought its size would make it easier to do portable production with my laptop. So anyways was browsing here on desertcart and found that Akai had released an upgraded version of its original this time with a sustain pedal input and a knob controller for pitch bend and modulation. My first thought was that's insane (in a good way), add a midi output port and you could use this thing as a standalone controller to control any of your synth hardware (for those of us who still have some). Akai must've hired some mad scientist engineers to design its newer product lines because its following suggestions that were made back in the hardware only MPC days, my first thought - the plan is working - first upgraded midi controller - then, world domination, muhahaha - okay maybe not in that order. ABOUT THE VIDEO: I wanted to show both the positive and negative aspects of working with the MINI so far, so the first four minutes is intro, and troubleshooting, if you want to skip to the part showing the Editor software and then using the arpeggiator in Cubase that stars around 4:00 Anyway DOWN TO THE DETAILS: 1) Ease of Set Up - 4/5 - the drivers were automatically recognized and downloaded on my Windows 7 laptop, haven't tried on Windows 8 yet, but the basic drivers are plug and play. However it did take a couple of resets in Cubase and a version of Kontakt player that I have before the controller was recognized - ie -being able to play the keys and pads. The controller was listed but wouldn't respond at first, this could be due to the fact that I didn't restart my laptop after installing the drivers so the DAW/ VST software may not have been using the most current file, just my guess anyway but this kind of thing happens with other gear so not really a big deal, but could be an annoyance for someone new to working with MIDI controllers and music software, at least on Windows. 2) Key/ PAD Response and Arpeggiator 3.5/5 - the keys are mini keys and feel plastic but their response and velocity sensitivity is pretty good, if you've played on any synth with minikeys before like a Korg mini, then you may know what to expect, don't expect full expression, but they are good enough to do chords, bass-lines, and some basic riffs. The PADS - ahh the pads, well some reviewers have said that the pads were more responsive than the first gen, can't comment on that but I will say at least so far the pad have the same feel and quality as Akai's LPD 8 Akai Professional LPD8 Ultra-Portable USB Pad Controller for Laptops , they are fairly thick for mini pads and have a nice bouncy feel to them, not like those nightmare cheap pads they put on the earlier MPD models Akai Professional MPD32 USB/Midi MPC Pad Controller l. LAST but no LEAST the Arpeggiator - I have to say this is where I think its a mixed bag, yes the arpegiator works and you can sync it to your DAW by downloading the MPK mini editor software, but its response even when synced to the software seems a little bit delayed, I got better results in Cubase Elements but still may take some practice, not a fast as either a keyboard Arp or built in VST one. To sync it to your DAW software you have to set the clock sync to external using the editor software and then you have to send a Midi Clock signal from your DAW (audio workstation - Cubase, Fruity Loops, Ableton, Logic -etc) software to the MPK Mini by selecting that as the Midi Clock output port - for those who may be wondering. Your DAW software may have slightly different names for these, but the process is the same (except for Reason Essentials which doesn't transmit midi-clock so you can't use this feature). 3) Software - No Rating Yet - Being that I already have a bunch of software-instruments( aka VSTs) from Reason, Cubase, and Kontakt (Native Instruments), I haven't downloaded any of the "included" software yet besides the MPK Mini Editor software which is free (no registration either) from Akai, I am looking forward to using the MPC Essentials software, but just haven't gotten around to doing the whole online register and download thing, which I know is no big deal but just haven't done it yet. However for ANYONE NEW to computer music production this step may be one of the most important and you should realize that A) the MINI DOESN'T COME WITH ANY MUSIC SOFTWARE PRE-LOADED or even on a disc and B) you have to use this as a MIDI-CONTROLLER with music software it DOESN'T HAVE ITS OWN SOUNDS, sorry for the caps but reading some of the reviews I know people who are just starting to get into making music may not realize this, I know this seems like a no brainer for the rest of us but I try to consider every kind of user. The Editor software is pretty good and if you own any of Akai's other software you will probably be familiar with the interface and layout, you can change the control numbers, pad numbers, and even the default octaves for the keys. And you also can set the Arpeggiator to internal or external sync. You get four Programs (or layout groups) which you can store. PROS and Cons vs other devices: I was on the fence between this and the M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 MIDI Controller but the biggest selling point for me on the Akai was the option for a sustain foot pedal, that to me takes the MPK Mini to another level production wise. I also considered Akai's new MPX 16, even though its more a sampler than midi-controller, but all the reports of MIDI problems and sync issues convinced me to stay away from it (at least for now). Anyway like usual sorry for the longer review but just wanted to hit some points that I thought were important when considering buying this device, the pads are cool, the keys are responsive, and the portability is great, work out the issues with the Arpeggiator and this thing kicks a* and takes names! Current SET UP: Windows 7 64 Bit Laptop soundcard: Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface DAW: Cubase Elements, Reason Essentials, Ableton Live
Review: Best MIDI controller on a budget! - I'm a full-time student at a university, and on the side I like to make music--so I'm not doing anything huge here. I was looking at budget MIDI/USB controllers a couple months ago--and I came across the Akai Professional MPK Mini 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Controller . I was about to get it, but I saw people saying that the pads had a somewhat bad hit detection. After looking at some videos I confirmed this to be true, but there was also an easy fix for it (the electrical tape fix). After more research I saw that there was a second version of the MPK Mini coming out, except this one apparently had updated pads AND a new control knob (which I REALLY wanted). I figured I'd wait it out and buy it when it came out! So, I did and here's my review: As a preface, I was looking for a MIDI controller mostly because I make live music with programmed drums, and I wanted to get velocity-triggered pads to make them sound more realistic. I also make Instrumental Hip-Hop in the style of Nujabes, so I was keeping that in mind as well. Generally, I just wanted a really well-rounded keyboard that I could do a huge variety of things with. As soon as you plug the controller into the computer, the pre-loaded drivers install themselves and then you're ready to go. I had no issues with this step, and I'm using Windows 7. After that I loaded up my DAW of choice (FL Studio), and loaded a channel to get going. Everything was already completely working. I didn't have to mess with the MIDI settings at all! I actually didn't even know that the KEYS were also velocity-sensitive before I bought this keyboard, so that was a pleasant surprise as well. The pitch & mod knob by default on most things for me was pitch shifting, but in whatever DAW you use you should have no trouble mapping the knob to whatever you want. This being my first controller, everything else was on point 100%. I was worried about the pads still having the same hit detection issue as the last model, but that's not the case. In fact, by the time I got around to the second use the pads got MORE sensitive. You honestly don't need to hit very hard to get maximum velocity. What's also great is that there's a "full level" button which always plays the pads at max velocity no matter how hard you hit. I highly recommend reading the manual when you first get the keyboard, as it explains all the features pretty much on one page! Lastly, I'd like to talk about the arpeggiator. I think it's really nifty, and I love it a lot, but there's a serious problem I've been having with it. It doesn't automatically sync the tempo up to the computer, and it doesn't always play right when you hit the keys (I'm assuming that it's either one of the settings causing this, or something in the DAW itself--I'm still just a noob when it comes to MIDI controllers, so I'm sure that the MIDI clock isn't set up correctly). But since the arpeggiator runs on the tempo, you have to manually sync it up to the computer, and even then I still have issues. I'm sure there's a trick to make it auto-sync, but I haven't found it yet. It's just annoying when I'm trying to record with the arpeggiator and it doesn't start playing right when I hit the keys--it gives it about a one-second delay 60% of the time, even when I play right on the beat and/or I'm NOT recording. So, all in all, I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking to start out with a really well-rounded MIDI controller. It has so many features that seriously cannot be beaten for the price you pay. Pros: Great price Improved pads--overall very sensitive on my part Lots of control knobs and multiple programs/banks High variety of settings for arpeggiator and pads Velocity-sensitive keys/pads Worked immediately from initial plug-in Fast response Cons: Arepeggiator issues (most likely a DAW sync issue) Had a couple issues with mapping the knobs (probably the VST itself) Joystick was a little jerky at first, but it works in pretty quickly I still can't believe that I only paid $100 for this. Too incredible of a deal.

## Features

- 25 keys

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00IJ6QAO2 |
| Additional Features | Thumbstick & Built-in Arpeggiator |
| Best Sellers Rank | #79,581 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #285 in Computer Recording MIDI Controllers |
| Brand | Akai Professional |
| Brand Name | Akai Professional |
| Color | Red |
| Compatible Devices | PC |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Control Type | Keyboard Controller |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 19,898 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00694318015599 |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Hardware Platform | PC/Mac |
| Human Interface Input | Keyboard |
| Included Components | Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII | 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Drum Pad & Keyboard Controller with Joystick, VIP Software Download Included, IOGEAR 4-Port 2.0 Hub GUH285 (Black), Hosa USB-205AF Type A to High Speed Extension Cable, 5 feet, Photo4Less Camera and Lens Cleaning Cloth |
| Instrument | Keyboard |
| Instrument Key | Any |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 7.13"D x 12.52"W x 1.73"H |
| Item Type Name | 25-Key Portable USB MIDI Keyboard With 8 Backlit Performance-Ready Pads, 8-Assignable Q-Link Knobs |
| Item Weight | 1.6 Pounds |
| Keyboard Description | Ergonomic |
| Manufacturer | inMusic Brands Inc. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | MPK Mini MK2 |
| Material Type | Rubber |
| Model Name | Old model |
| Model Number | MPK MINI MK2 |
| Number of Keys | 25 |
| Platform | Mac OS X |
| Product Dimensions | 7.13"D x 12.52"W x 1.73"H |
| Product Style | Old Model |
| Special Feature | Thumbstick & Built-in Arpeggiator |
| Supported Software | MPC Beats |
| Total USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| UPC | 615435500935 694318015599 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 1 year parts & labor. |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Akai Professional
- **Connectivity Technology:** USB
- **Model Name:** Old model
- **Number of Keys:** 25
- **Special Feature:** Velo

## Images

![Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Lk3gQrKfL.jpg)
![Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ETHpTfmYL.jpg)
![Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aOH4DoCNL.jpg)
![Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41co9TYE9QL.jpg)
![Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51d7g5XM6dL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Does this work with Apple Logic Pro X?**
A: Yes, there's mac versions of all the software that comes with it, you download it from the website with a voucher in the box

**Q: Does it include a MIDI USB cable?**
A: It includes a standard USB 2.0 cable, the keyboard only sends MIDI signals through it so it will work with whatever DAW you're using. Also has software to change what every key/pad/knob ect does.

**Q: Does it work for FL Studio 11?**
A: Yes absloutely, once you connect it FL studio will recognize and you can start right away

**Q: Roughly how many MIDI sounds are on this?**
A: None. Its a midi keyboard only. All the sounds must come from your computer.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A mini controller with an Arpeggiator - Get outta here!
*by D***Z on January 1, 2015*

Okay I pulled the trigger on buying Akai's MPK Mini MK2, even though I had resisted the urge to purchase the MK1 (1st gen) model because I also own a first generation M-Audio Axiom 25 M-Audio Axiom 25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Assignable Control Surface, 2nd Gen and Akai's Original LPD 8 pad controller. When the first MPK Mini came out I was tempted to get it because I thought its size would make it easier to do portable production with my laptop. So anyways was browsing here on Amazon and found that Akai had released an upgraded version of its original this time with a sustain pedal input and a knob controller for pitch bend and modulation. My first thought was that's insane (in a good way), add a midi output port and you could use this thing as a standalone controller to control any of your synth hardware (for those of us who still have some). Akai must've hired some mad scientist engineers to design its newer product lines because its following suggestions that were made back in the hardware only MPC days, my first thought - the plan is working - first upgraded midi controller - then, world domination, muhahaha - okay maybe not in that order. ABOUT THE VIDEO: I wanted to show both the positive and negative aspects of working with the MINI so far, so the first four minutes is intro, and troubleshooting, if you want to skip to the part showing the Editor software and then using the arpeggiator in Cubase that stars around 4:00 Anyway DOWN TO THE DETAILS: 1) Ease of Set Up - 4/5 - the drivers were automatically recognized and downloaded on my Windows 7 laptop, haven't tried on Windows 8 yet, but the basic drivers are plug and play. However it did take a couple of resets in Cubase and a version of Kontakt player that I have before the controller was recognized - ie -being able to play the keys and pads. The controller was listed but wouldn't respond at first, this could be due to the fact that I didn't restart my laptop after installing the drivers so the DAW/ VST software may not have been using the most current file, just my guess anyway but this kind of thing happens with other gear so not really a big deal, but could be an annoyance for someone new to working with MIDI controllers and music software, at least on Windows. 2) Key/ PAD Response and Arpeggiator 3.5/5 - the keys are mini keys and feel plastic but their response and velocity sensitivity is pretty good, if you've played on any synth with minikeys before like a Korg mini, then you may know what to expect, don't expect full expression, but they are good enough to do chords, bass-lines, and some basic riffs. The PADS - ahh the pads, well some reviewers have said that the pads were more responsive than the first gen, can't comment on that but I will say at least so far the pad have the same feel and quality as Akai's LPD 8 Akai Professional LPD8 Ultra-Portable USB Pad Controller for Laptops , they are fairly thick for mini pads and have a nice bouncy feel to them, not like those nightmare cheap pads they put on the earlier MPD models Akai Professional MPD32 USB/Midi MPC Pad Controller l. LAST but no LEAST the Arpeggiator - I have to say this is where I think its a mixed bag, yes the arpegiator works and you can sync it to your DAW by downloading the MPK mini editor software, but its response even when synced to the software seems a little bit delayed, I got better results in Cubase Elements but still may take some practice, not a fast as either a keyboard Arp or built in VST one. To sync it to your DAW software you have to set the clock sync to external using the editor software and then you have to send a Midi Clock signal from your DAW (audio workstation - Cubase, Fruity Loops, Ableton, Logic -etc) software to the MPK Mini by selecting that as the Midi Clock output port - for those who may be wondering. Your DAW software may have slightly different names for these, but the process is the same (except for Reason Essentials which doesn't transmit midi-clock so you can't use this feature). 3) Software - No Rating Yet - Being that I already have a bunch of software-instruments( aka VSTs) from Reason, Cubase, and Kontakt (Native Instruments), I haven't downloaded any of the "included" software yet besides the MPK Mini Editor software which is free (no registration either) from Akai, I am looking forward to using the MPC Essentials software, but just haven't gotten around to doing the whole online register and download thing, which I know is no big deal but just haven't done it yet. However for ANYONE NEW to computer music production this step may be one of the most important and you should realize that A) the MINI DOESN'T COME WITH ANY MUSIC SOFTWARE PRE-LOADED or even on a disc and B) you have to use this as a MIDI-CONTROLLER with music software it DOESN'T HAVE ITS OWN SOUNDS, sorry for the caps but reading some of the reviews I know people who are just starting to get into making music may not realize this, I know this seems like a no brainer for the rest of us but I try to consider every kind of user. The Editor software is pretty good and if you own any of Akai's other software you will probably be familiar with the interface and layout, you can change the control numbers, pad numbers, and even the default octaves for the keys. And you also can set the Arpeggiator to internal or external sync. You get four Programs (or layout groups) which you can store. PROS and Cons vs other devices: I was on the fence between this and the M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 MIDI Controller but the biggest selling point for me on the Akai was the option for a sustain foot pedal, that to me takes the MPK Mini to another level production wise. I also considered Akai's new MPX 16, even though its more a sampler than midi-controller, but all the reports of MIDI problems and sync issues convinced me to stay away from it (at least for now). Anyway like usual sorry for the longer review but just wanted to hit some points that I thought were important when considering buying this device, the pads are cool, the keys are responsive, and the portability is great, work out the issues with the Arpeggiator and this thing kicks a* and takes names! Current SET UP: Windows 7 64 Bit Laptop soundcard: Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 USB Audio Interface DAW: Cubase Elements, Reason Essentials, Ableton Live

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best MIDI controller on a budget!
*by T***N on October 5, 2014*

I'm a full-time student at a university, and on the side I like to make music--so I'm not doing anything huge here. I was looking at budget MIDI/USB controllers a couple months ago--and I came across the Akai Professional MPK Mini 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Keyboard Controller . I was about to get it, but I saw people saying that the pads had a somewhat bad hit detection. After looking at some videos I confirmed this to be true, but there was also an easy fix for it (the electrical tape fix). After more research I saw that there was a second version of the MPK Mini coming out, except this one apparently had updated pads AND a new control knob (which I REALLY wanted). I figured I'd wait it out and buy it when it came out! So, I did and here's my review: As a preface, I was looking for a MIDI controller mostly because I make live music with programmed drums, and I wanted to get velocity-triggered pads to make them sound more realistic. I also make Instrumental Hip-Hop in the style of Nujabes, so I was keeping that in mind as well. Generally, I just wanted a really well-rounded keyboard that I could do a huge variety of things with. As soon as you plug the controller into the computer, the pre-loaded drivers install themselves and then you're ready to go. I had no issues with this step, and I'm using Windows 7. After that I loaded up my DAW of choice (FL Studio), and loaded a channel to get going. Everything was already completely working. I didn't have to mess with the MIDI settings at all! I actually didn't even know that the KEYS were also velocity-sensitive before I bought this keyboard, so that was a pleasant surprise as well. The pitch & mod knob by default on most things for me was pitch shifting, but in whatever DAW you use you should have no trouble mapping the knob to whatever you want. This being my first controller, everything else was on point 100%. I was worried about the pads still having the same hit detection issue as the last model, but that's not the case. In fact, by the time I got around to the second use the pads got MORE sensitive. You honestly don't need to hit very hard to get maximum velocity. What's also great is that there's a "full level" button which always plays the pads at max velocity no matter how hard you hit. I highly recommend reading the manual when you first get the keyboard, as it explains all the features pretty much on one page! Lastly, I'd like to talk about the arpeggiator. I think it's really nifty, and I love it a lot, but there's a serious problem I've been having with it. It doesn't automatically sync the tempo up to the computer, and it doesn't always play right when you hit the keys (I'm assuming that it's either one of the settings causing this, or something in the DAW itself--I'm still just a noob when it comes to MIDI controllers, so I'm sure that the MIDI clock isn't set up correctly). But since the arpeggiator runs on the tempo, you have to manually sync it up to the computer, and even then I still have issues. I'm sure there's a trick to make it auto-sync, but I haven't found it yet. It's just annoying when I'm trying to record with the arpeggiator and it doesn't start playing right when I hit the keys--it gives it about a one-second delay 60% of the time, even when I play right on the beat and/or I'm NOT recording. So, all in all, I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking to start out with a really well-rounded MIDI controller. It has so many features that seriously cannot be beaten for the price you pay. Pros: Great price Improved pads--overall very sensitive on my part Lots of control knobs and multiple programs/banks High variety of settings for arpeggiator and pads Velocity-sensitive keys/pads Worked immediately from initial plug-in Fast response Cons: Arepeggiator issues (most likely a DAW sync issue) Had a couple issues with mapping the knobs (probably the VST itself) Joystick was a little jerky at first, but it works in pretty quickly I still can't believe that I only paid $100 for this. Too incredible of a deal.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun and cheap, but with a learning curve.
*by C***E on February 11, 2017*

This is a great piece of equipment for a beginner musician, but there IS a learning curve, so please be aware of that when buying. What you are purchasing is a MIDI controller (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Unlike a synthesizer, MIDI controllers do not produce sound without software. It's basically just a tool to control computer software. So after you've downloaded the software and plug it in, you will still not have any sound generated until you've set everything up properly and loaded sounds onto the pads. So I feel it is slightly inaccurate to call it a "plug-in and go", as some people do. Pros: - Its easy to use AFTER you have learned how to set up and use it. - Its fun. - A good way to get into digital music making. - Budget friendly. Cons: - The software setup is kind of intimidating but luckily there are easy-to-find tutorials to help you. - Akai itself doesn't seem to have much assistance in actually using the controller. Every useful tutorial I found was by someone else, not the company. It would be nice for them to take the time to make more tutorials. Unless I just didn't find them? Everything I found just had to do with setting up the software, nothing really about HOW to actually use it. -The software that is included is limited. You can't use the knobs with MPC Essentials, you need Ableton or something similar for that. Or rather, I should say, you can't use the knobs for effects in your track. I believe you can use it for other things but I still don't quite understand that part. I am still learning to use this but it has gotten significantly funner to use as I have learned more about it and found sounds I like. Just as a tip: - Make sure you know where all your files are saved when you setup the software. You will need to know where your VST stuff is so you can load it into MPC Essentials. -Use Program 2 when you're finally ready to start loading sounds in. Program 2 has the pads laid out in order in the software, so everything correlates properly. -Read the manual and do a lot of research if you are new to it. It's worth the time, trust me.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface for Guitarists, Vocalists, Podcasters or Producers to record and playback studio quality sound
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*Product available on Desertcart Oman*
*Store origin: OM*
*Last updated: 2026-06-19*