Akai MPK Mini Play MIDI controller includes internal sounds
The world’s most popular compact MIDI controller is about to get a whole lot more popular with the new Akai MPK Mini Play.
The ‘Play’ sees the introduction of an internal sound engine with 128 built-in sounds from keys and strings to drum kits. The new edition of Akai’s world-renowned MIDI controller also features an internal speaker and choice of battery operation. That turns the unassuming MIDI controller into a full-fledged standalone instrument, ready to go anywhere.
It’s not the first time we’re seeing a sound engine being built into a MIDI controller, in fact it’s not a first for Akai – however it is the first time we are seeing such a compact and portable standalone all-in-one solution like the Play.
The Akai MPK Mini Play features a lot of the features that made the original version so popular, from the large LED backlit drum pads to the 4-way joystick controller. Furthermore, the new Akai MPK Mini Play features a bank of knobs for controlling various parameters either within the internal sound engine or over MIDI to your DAW.
Serious bang for your buck!
You are probably expecting a hefty price tag with all the new additions; however, Akai have done a great job of keeping the Play very affordable.
It’s set to retail at USD $129 (Around R1900 excl. duties) and it’s shipping as of this month.
The Akai MPK Mini Play also features a headphone output, alongside its internal speaker, for more discreet jamming or connecting to bigger speakers. It even features an internal arpeggiator, all complimented by an OLED screen for easy sound and parameter browsing and editing. Like I mentioned above the entire system can be powered standalone by 3 x AA batteries or via the USB cable to a computer.
For more information on the Akai MPK Mini Play check out their website.
