Akai Professional has announced MPK Mini Plus II, the newest generation of its compact 37-key MIDI keyboard.

MPK Mini Plus II combines an upgraded 37-key mini keybed, eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB MPC pads, a new full-color display, and creative tools including Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, Chords, and Follow. Direct MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop integration brings deeper MPC control to the keyboard, while USB-C, five-pin MIDI, and CV/Gate connectivity allow MPK Mini Plus II to move easily between software instruments, hardware synthesizers, and modular setups.

EXPRESSIVE CONTROL, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. MPK Mini Plus II pairs an upgraded 37-key mini keybed with eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB MPC pads, giving the user more room for melodies, basslines, chords, finger drumming, and performance while maintaining a compact footprint. Dedicated pitch and modulation wheels, eight assignable 360-degree knobs, a push encoder, and transport controls provide hands-on control over sounds, sessions, and performances.

A new full-color display provides immediate visual feedback for active parameters, making it easier to understand what each control is doing without repeatedly turning back to the computer screen. Dual-bank control expands the functions available from the pads and encoders.

TAKE SIMPLE IDEAS IN NEW DIRECTIONS. MPK Mini Plus II introduces new creative tools designed to help producers develop ideas and explore variations directly from the controller.

Expanded Arpeggiator, Chord Creator, and Note Repeat modes include custom arpeggiator patterns, while User Progressions and advanced Chord workflows let creators build and perform chord progressions from the pads or keys. New Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, and Follow tools introduce additional ways to transform melodies, rhythms, and chords, helping creators experiment without interrupting their workflow.

BUILT FOR MPC. MPK Mini Plus II integrates directly with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop, extending the MPC workflow to a compact keyboard controller. Hands-on access to transport controls, pads, Q-Links, pitch and mod wheels, mixer functions, clip launching, plugin presets, and track navigation lets MPC users play parts, launch clips, adjust plugins, and navigate projects directly from the MPK Mini Plus II.

The integration is designed to provide a consistent control experience across compatible MPC hardware and computer-based MPC production, making MPK Mini Plus II a natural keyboard companion for existing MPC setups.

DAW CONTROL WITHOUT THE MOUSE. For computer-based production, MPK Mini Plus II provides dedicated integration with MPC 3, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, and more, plus full NKS compatibility with Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol ecosystem, mapping commonly used production controls to the hardware and displaying parameter information on the color screen. Frequently used transport, mixing, and production functions is now within reach of the keyboard and reduces reliance on mouse-based control.

MPK Mini Plus II is equally equipped for hardware setups. USB-C provides power and MIDI connectivity to a computer, while a full-size five-pin MIDI output connects external MIDI instruments. Three CV/Gate outputs extend control to compatible synthesizers and modular systems.

A 1/4-inch sustain pedal input completes the physical connectivity, while USB-C bus power allows MPK Mini Plus II to operate from a computer or compatible wall adapter or power bank (sold separately).

The result is one compact controller that can move between software instruments, MPC, MIDI hardware, and modular systems as a producer’s setup grows.

SOUNDS TO INSPIRE. MPK Mini Plus II includes Studio Instrument Collection, featuring more than 1,000 sounds from AIR Music Technology, Moog Music, and Akai Professional.

The collection covers a range of instruments and sounds for beat-making, songwriting, and music production.

Native Instruments Komplete Select (Akai Edition) and MPC Beats add additional instruments, effects, and production tools, providing new creators with a substantial starting library while adding new sounds and software for established setups.

 

Here is a video overview of MPK Mini Plus II:

KEY FEATURES
PERFORMANCE & PLAYABILITY

• Upgraded 37-key mini keybed with three-octave range
• 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB-backlit MPC pads with dual-bank control
• Dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 8 assignable 360° knobs and a 360° push encoder
• 160 × 80 full-color LCD display with direct parameter feedback

CREATIVE TOOLS & WORKFLOW

• Expanded Arpeggiator, Chord Creator, and Note Repeat modes with custom arpeggiator patterns
• Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, and Follow creative tools
• User Progressions and advanced Chord workflows
• Direct integration with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop
• Deep scripted DAW integration with real-time display feedback

CONNECTIVITY

• USB-C for power and MIDI in/out
• Full-size 5-pin MIDI out
• 3 × 1/8″ (3.5 mm) TS CV/Gate outputs
• 1/4″ (6.35 mm) TS sustain pedal input

SOFTWARE & CONTENT

• Studio Instrument Collection: more than 1,000 sounds from AIR Music Technology, Moog Music, and Akai Professional
• Native Instruments Komplete Select (Akai Edition)
• MPC Beats

SIZE & WEIGHT

• 2.1″ × 19.4″ × 7.6″ (5.4 × 49.3 × 19.2 cm); 3.2 lb. (1.46 kg)

Pricing and Availability. Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus II is available now for $169 USD, 159.99 €, £134.99 through authorized dealers and select music retailers worldwide. To learn more, please visit www.akaipro.com website.