Akai Announces MPK mini Play mk3

US New version of keyboard controller combines playing mobility with serious production tools 22/03/22

Akai Professional has announced the MPK mini Play mk3 keyboard controller, which they say combines incredible portability with powerful music making features and software for beginners, pros, and all music fans.

Dan Gill, Senior Product Manager of Akai Professional, told us, "MPK mini has come to define how a generation makes music, and the MPK mini Play mk3 embodies every experience Akai Professional has amassed over the years into a single product anyone can enjoy. A beginner has the gratification of instant music creation with access to dozens of built- in sounds. The aspiring music producer has a versatile battery-powered musical Swiss-army Knife to capture creativity at a moment's notice, whether in a production studio or a public park. Even the professional can count on the reliability of real MPC drum pads. Every detail has been thought of to ensure users will always enjoy a truly exceptional and inspired music-making process."

Here's the details direct from Akai Pro...

Play Music Anywhere
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 of over 14+ hours, MPK mini Play mk3 users do not have to worry about power adapters, chargers, or cables when it is time to play music. The upgraded built-in speaker delivers increased output and added low-end response, making for more enjoyable jamming and playing. With an improved listening experience, users can dive into the 128 onboard instruments and drum kits including acoustic and electric pianos, synth leads and pads, and more. When using the speaker is not practical, MPK mini Play also houses a 1/8-inch headphone output jack for quiet practicing or songwriting without disturbing others.

Professional Performance
At the heart of the MPK mini Play mk3 is the new Gen 2 keybed delivering a dynamic performance and accurate velocity response, with a feel users will certainly appreciate. While it maintains its sleek, compact footprint, MPK mini Play mk3 is more playable and comfortable than ever and ready for hours of playing. The 8 drum pads have been upgraded to real, velocity sensitive MPC drum pads, offering optimal feel and response for even the most percussive drum parts. With Class Compliant, plug-and-play capability, MPK mini Play mk3 doubles as a powerful MIDI controller and instantly connects to your favorite DAW for immediate music production duties. 4 assignable rotary encoder knobs offer versatile control of MIDI parameters like Pan or Automation for super-precise editing. With its sturdy construction and build, MPK mini Play mk3 is ready to travel securely alongside any favorite music production items in backpacks or bags.

Limitless Creativity with MPC Beats Software DAW - Effects and Instruments Included
The MPK mini Play mk3 comes bundled with MPC Beats, the powerful music-making and recording desktop software DAW for Mac and PC based on iconic MPC hardware. Featuring a full array of musical instrument plugins, effect plugins, and audio and drum samples, MPC Beats is the best way to start making great-sounding music quickly. In addition to MPC Beats Desktop Software DAW, MPK mini Play mk3 also includes multiple world-class plugin instruments from award-winning sound design company AIR Music Technology. Available in both AU and VST are Hybrid 3 -- a powerful polyphonic analog synth, Mini Grand – an acoustic piano instrument, and Velvet – a vintage electric piano instrument.

Educational Software Included
MPK mini Play mk3 comes with a Melodics educational package. Available as both a desktop and iPad app, Melodics features instruction for MIDI keyboard, pad controllers, and e-drums, offering tailored cross-genre lessons and real- time feedback designed to help refine necessary music creation skills. The free Melodics download includes 60 lessons to get started and with plug and play support, no extensive set-up is required.

MPK mini Play mk3 Key Features
• Battery powered mini keyboard instrument
• Over 100 internal drum and instrument sounds
• New, larger built-in speaker with increased volume and low-end response
• Premium 25-key Gen 2 dynamic keybed
• (8) real MPC drum pads for durable performance
• (4) assignable knobs to control MIDI parameters
• Assignable Joystick
• OLED display for visual feedback
• 1/8-inch headphone output jack
• USB port for Class Compliant MIDI controller functionality