Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus?

Cubase
1

Is the Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus a good choice for Cubase 15, offering deep integration and ease of use? I looked at the MPK49, and it’s too big for my setup.

2

Hi,
Disclaimer: I own the 249 and the MPC Mini Mk3, not the plus.

About the Mini plus

  • integration seems to work well, there are some user scripts available for the plus series; the MK3 already has a script in Cubase
  • the rotary knobs work pretty well in every respect
  • the keys are - no surprise here - mini, meaning that’s okay as a travel companion to check out a sound unless you are used to mini keys
  • the pads are pretty much irresponsive, you have to hit them really hard even if the sensitivity is turned up all the way
  • the joystick controller is not for everyone

The 249 is a completely different experience. MPC pads are fantastic, everything else works as expected. Cubase integration works flawlessly.

Summary
I would consider the Mini version as

  • a travel companion
  • for quick controls
  • checking sounds although limited by range

Otherwise I would go for the MPK 249.
Of course, that’s just my personal opinion. Besides, I also work with additional master keyboards, so that’s a different situation all together.

HTH

1 Like
3

Thank You.

4

I’ve actively used one of these since they came out. The weakest point, by far, is the pads. To say they’re lacking in sensitivity would be an understatement, so I just assign each of them to open/close various parameters in Cubase.

Physically, the keys feel as you’d expect, but I find that the Mini Plus interacts with certain VSTi’s in a wonky way velocity-wise. Even adjusting the velocity curves won’t always remedy this.

Overall, the Mini Plus has some cool features but I don’t think I’d buy it again.

1 Like
5

How about the MPK Mini IV

6

Hi @songquester ,
I would check the online reviews. If you find anything pointing at highly irresponsible pads and you want to use them for anything other than opening/closing stuff in Cubase - keep off.

@dangole LOL, same here, I ended up assigning some basic commands to the pads. I even contacted Akai support because I thought that it was just this one. It’s a shame because the pads on the AKAI MPK 249 are among the best I have ever had. No idea why the pads on the Mini are the exact opposite. The pads on the 249 were the reason why I bought the Mini in the first place.

1 Like