AKAI MPK Mini Play USB MIDI Keyboard Controller User Guide
- August 27, 2024
- Support
Table of Contents
AKAI MPK Mini Play USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the MPK Mini Play. At Akai Professional, we know how serious music is to you. That’s why we design our equipment with only one thing in mind—to make your performance the best it can be.
Box Contents
- MPK Mini Play
- USB Cable
- Software Download Card
- User Guide
- Safety & Warranty Manual
Support
For the latest information about this product (documentation, technical
specifications, system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and
product registration, visit akaipro.com.
For additional product support, visit
akaipro.com/support.
Quick Start
Playing Sounds
Note: To play internal sounds, the Internal Sounds button must be
engaged.
- To access the Drum sounds: There are 10 drum kits available. Press the Drums button and rotate the encoder to select a drum kit. Tap the pads to trigger the drum kit sounds.
- To access the Keyboard sounds: There are 128 Keys programs available. Press the Keys button and rotate the encoder to select a Keys program. The Keys programs are played with the 25 keys.
- Accessing the Favorites: A Favorite consists of a Keys patch, a Drums patch, and your effects knobs settings. To access a Favorite, press the Favorites button then tap one of the pads to call up that Favorite.
- Saving a Favorite: You can store up to eight Favorites with MPK Mini Play. To do this, press the Favorites + Internal Sounds buttons, then tap one of the eight pads to store your Favorite to that location.
Setting up MPK Mini Play with GarageBand
- Adjust the power switch on the MPK Mini Play’s rear panel to the USB position.
- Connect MPK Mini Play to your computer using a standard USB cable. (If you are connecting MPK Mini Play to a USB hub, make sure it is a powered hub.)
- Open GarageBand. Go to Preferences > Audio/MIDI in GarageBand and select “MPK Mini Play” as the MIDI input device (the controller may appear as USB Device or USB PnP Audio Device.
- Choose from the list of instruments in GarageBand and play the keys on MPK Mini Play to hear the instrument being played through your headphones or speakers connected to your computer.
Setting up MPK Mini Play With Other Software
To select MPK Mini Play as a controller for your digital audio workstation (DAW):
- Adjust the power switch on the rear panel to the USB position.
- Connect MPK Mini Play to your computer using a standard USB cable. (If you are connecting MPK Mini Play to a USB hub, make sure it is a powered hub.)
- open your DAW.
- Open your DAW’s Preferences, Options, or Device Setup, select MPK Mini Play as your hardware controller, and then close that window.
Your MPK Mini Play is now able to communicate with your software.
Features
Top Panel
-
Keybed: This 25-note keyboard is velocity-sensitive and, along with the Octave Down / Up buttons, can control a ten-octave range. You can use the keys to access certain additional commands, as well. Hold down the Arpeggiator button and press a key to set the Arpeggiator parameters. Press the Keys button and turn the encoder to change sounds triggered from the keys.
-
Drum Pads: The pads can be used to trigger drum hits or other samples in your software. The pads are velocity-sensitive, which makes them very responsive and intuitive to play. When the Drums button is pressed, you can turn the encoder to change sounds on the drum pads. Access one of the 8 Favorites (a combination of a sound on the keyboard and a sound on the drum pads) by pressing and holding the Favorites button and tapping a drum pad.
-
X-Y Controller: Use this 4-axis thumbstick to send MIDI pitch bend messages or send MIDI CC messages.
-
Arpeggiator: Press this button to turn the Arpeggiator on or off. Pressing it during a latched arpeggio will stop the arpeggio. Hold down this button and press the corresponding key to set the following parameters:
- Time Division: 1/4 note, 1/4 note triplet (1/4T), 1/8 note, 1/8 note triplet (1/8T), 1/16 note, 1/16 note triplet (1/16T), 1/32 note, or 1/32 note triplet (1/32T).
- Mode: The mode determines how the arpeggiated notes are played back.
- Up: Notes will sound from the lowest to the highest.
- Down: Notes will sound from the highest to lowest.
- Incl (Inclusive): Notes will sound from the lowest to the highest, and then back down. The lowest and highest notes will sound twice at the directional change.
- Excl (Exclusive): Notes will sound from the lowest to the highest, and then back down. The lowest and highest notes will sound only once at the directional change.
- Order: Notes will sound in the order they were pressed.
- Rand (Random): Notes will sound in random order.
- Latch: The Arpeggiator will continue to arpeggiate the notes even after you lift your fingers. While holding down the keys, you can add more notes to the arpeggiated chord by pressing down additional keys. If you press the keys, release them, and then press down a new combination of notes, the Arpeggiator will memorize and arpeggiate the new notes.
- Octave: Arpeggio octave range (Arp Oct) of 0, 1, 2, or 3 octaves.
- Swing: 50% (no swing), 55%, 57%, 59%, 61%, or 64%.
-
Tap Tempo: Tap this button at the desired rate to determine the tempo of the Arpeggiator.
Note: This function is disabled if the Arpeggiator is synced to external MIDI clock. -
Octave Down / Up: Use these buttons to shift the keyboard’s range up or down (up to four octaves in either direction). When you are higher or lower than the center octave, the corresponding Octave button will light. Press both Octave buttons simultaneously to reset the keyboard to the default center octave.
-
Full Level: Press this button to activate or deactivate Full Level mode in which the pads always play at a maximum velocity (127), no matter how hard or soft you hit them.
-
Note Repeat: Press and hold this button while striking a pad to cause the pad to retrigger at a rate based on the current Tempo and Time Division settings.
-
Display Screen: Shows the sounds, menus, and adjustable parameters.
-
Selector Knob: Select from the internal sounds and menu options with this knob.
-
Keys: When this button is pressed, the current program being played by the keys is displayed. Also, when this button is pressed, you can turn the encoder to change sounds on the keyboard.
-
Drums: When this button is pressed, the current program being played by the Drum Pads is displayed. Also, when this button is pressed, you can turn the encoder to change sounds on the drum pads.
-
Favorites: Press this button and Internal Sounds button, then tap one of the eight pads to store your Favorite to that location. Also, press this button and then tap one of the pads to recall a Favorite.
-
Internal Sounds: Press this button and the Favorites button, then tap one of the eight pads to store your Favorite to that location. Press this button to enable/disable the internal sounds when a key or pad is pressed. When disabled, your MPK Mini Play will send and receive MIDI only using the USB port.
-
Pad Bank A/B: Press this button to switch the pads between Bank A or Bank B.
-
Knob Bank A/B: Press this button to switch the knobs between Bank A or Bank B.
-
Filter/Attack: This assignable 270º knob sends a MIDI CC message and can be switched to its secondary function using the Knob Bank A/B button. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank A, adjust this knob to change the Filter setting for the internal sounds. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank B, adjust this knob to change the the Attack setting for the internal sounds. In USB mode, adjust this knob to send assignable MIDI CC messages.
-
Resonance/Release: This assignable 270º knob sends a MIDI CC message and can be switched to its secondary function using the Knob Bank A/B button. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank A, adjust this knob to change the Resonance setting for the internal sounds. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank B, adjust this knob to change the Release setting for the internal sounds. In USB mode, adjust this knob to send assignable MIDI CC messages.
-
Reverb Amount/EQ Low: This assignable 270º knob sends a MIDI CC message and can be switched to its secondary function using the Knob Bank A/B button. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank A, adjust this knob to change the amount of the Reverb effect for the internal sounds. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank B, adjust this knob to change the low band EQ setting for the internal sounds. In USB mode, adjust this knob to send assignable MIDI CC messages.
-
Chorus Amount/EQ High: This assignable 270º knob sends a MIDI CC message and can be switched to its secondary function using the Knob Bank A/B button. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank A, adjust this knob to change the amount of the Chorus effect setting for the internal sounds. When the Knob Bank A/B button is set to Bank B, adjust this knob to change the high band EQ setting for the internal sounds. In USB mode, adjust this knob to send assignable MIDI CC messages.
-
Volume: Controls the internal sound volume sent to the internal speaker and the Headphone Output.
-
Speaker: Hear the internal sounds that are played with the keys and pads from here.
Note: The internal speaker is disabled when the headphone output is used.
Rear Panel
-
Power Switch: Adjust this switch to the appropriate position when powering the unit through a USB connection or with batteries. When set to USB, with no cable connected, this button will turn off your MPK Mini Play to save battery life.
-
Headphone Output: Connect headphones here to listen to the internal sounds triggered by the keys and pads. You can also connect MPK Mini Play to speakers using an 1/8” adapter.
Note: Connecting this output will disable the internal speaker. -
Sustain Input : This socket accepts a momentary-contact foot pedal (sold separately). When pressed, this pedal will sustain the sound you are playing without having to keep your fingers pressed down on the keys.
-
USB Port: The USB port delivers power to the keyboard and transmits MIDI data when connected to a computer to trigger a software synth or MIDI sequencer.
Bottom Panel (not shown)
- Battery Compartment: Install 3 AA alkaline batteries here to power the unit if not being powered through a USB connection.
Technical Specifications
- Power Via USB or 3 AA alkaline batteries
- Dimensions (width x depth x height) 12.29” x 6.80” x 1.83 / 31.2 x 17.2 x 4.6 cm
- Weight 1.6 lbs. / 0.45 kg
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks & Licenses
Akai Professional is a trademark of inMusic Brands, Inc., registered in the
U.S. and other countries. Akai Professional and MPC are trademarks of inMusic
Brands, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Kensington and the K
& Lock logo are registered trademarks of ACCO Brands. macOS is a trademark of
Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other
countries. All other product names, company names, trademarks, or trade names
are those of their respective owners.
FAQs
What are the key features of the AKAI MPK Mini Play?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play features 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 128 built-in sounds, 8 MPC-style pads, 4 assignable Q-Link knobs, and an integrated arpeggiator, making it a versatile tool for music production.
How do you power the AKAI MPK Mini Play?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play can be powered via USB or with its built-in rechargeable battery, making it highly portable.
What makes the AKAI MPK Mini Play suitable for beginners?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play is user-friendly, with plug-and-play functionality, built-in sounds, and portable design, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
How does the AKAI MPK Mini Play connect to a DAW?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play connects to a DAW via USB, offering seamless MIDI control for your music production software.
What kind of pads does the AKAI MPK Mini Play have?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play is equipped with 8 velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, perfect for triggering samples and creating beats.
What type of keys does the AKAI MPK Mini Play have?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play features 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, providing dynamic control over your playing.
How does the arpeggiator function on the AKAI MPK Mini Play?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play includes an adjustable arpeggiator, which allows you to create complex melodies and patterns easily.
What kind of display does the AKAI MPK Mini Play have?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play is equipped with an OLED display that provides visual feedback and navigation for various settings.
How do you charge the AKAI MPK Mini Play?
You can charge the AKAI MPK Mini Play using the included USB cable, which also powers the device when connected to a computer.
What software is included with the AKAI MPK Mini Play?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play comes with a software download card, providing access to DAWs and sound libraries to enhance your music production.
What is the purpose of the Q-Link knobs on the AKAI MPK Mini Play?
The AKAI MPK Mini Play features 4 assignable Q-Link knobs that allow you to control various parameters in your DAW, offering real-time adjustments for a more dynamic music-making experience.
Video-AKAI MPK Mini Play USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Download this Manual:AKAI MPK Mini Play USB MIDI Keyboard Controller User Guide
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>