Akai Professional has introduced the MPK Mini Plus II, the next generation of its compact 37-key MIDI controller.
The MPK Mini Plus II features an upgraded three-octave mini keybed alongside eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB MPC pads with dual-bank control. There are also dedicated pitch and modulation wheels, eight assignable 360-degree knobs, a push encoder, transport controls, and a new 160 x 80 full-color display for keeping an eye on parameters without constantly looking back at your computer.
Akai has also added a whole bunch of creative tools directly to the controller. Expanded Arpeggiator, Chord Creator, and Note Repeat modes are joined by Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, and Follow functions, plus custom arpeggiator patterns, User Progressions, and more advanced chord workflows.
The MPK Mini Plus II offers direct integration with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop, putting transport controls, pads, Q-Links, mixer functions, clip launching, plugin presets, and track navigation on the controller. DAW integration covers MPC 3, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, and more, while full NKS compatibility brings support for Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol ecosystem.
Connectivity includes USB-C for power and MIDI, a full-size five-pin MIDI output, three 3.5mm CV/Gate outputs for compatible synths and modular gear, and a quarter-inch sustain pedal input.
Akai is also bundling the controller with its Studio Instrument Collection, which includes more than 1,000 sounds from AIR Music Technology, Moog Music, and Akai Professional. Native Instruments Komplete Select Akai Edition and MPC Beats are included as well.
The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus II is available now for $169.
