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I think an MIDI would be cool to learn. Just so you can make searching easier: MIDI is a protocol - an agreement that defines how pieces of equipment can talk to each other MIDI files contain instructions to tell other gear what to play. Often, those are songs, so it's digital sheet music. A MIDI controller is anything that can output MIDI, and it's often used for devices that don't have any sounds on board by themselves. That's what you're currently looking at :) otherwise, you're talking about a keyboard or synthesizer that happens to have MIDI. Some modern synths only offer an USB connection, but the MIDI is handled via that. Traditionally, you have 5-pin DIN connectors. General MIDI is a standard of 128 sounds so that you can play MIDI files on various devices and have it sound sort of the same. Is it good for beginners? Well, it's really small - you only get two octaves. It's for people who value portability first and foremost since it'll just fit in a backpack, weighs nothing, and it doesn't take up much space. However, for learning I'd go for something with at the very least 49 full-size keys; 61 is better, 88 weighted keys is for when you are really serious about learning piano. The reason is that 2 octaves isn't enough for two-handed playing. IMO it's better to get a keyboard with 49 keys and no knobs/sliders or drum pads than one with 25 keys and all of that included. Is this MIDI a great price for what it is? All of these things are built to a certain cost and various manufacturers will have similar models, the main difference being the colors and the software you get with it. The keys of the keyboards themselves may or may not be hinged. This is important, since some cheap small keyboards rely on plastic to bend, instead of a spring mechanism. Eventually the plastic will crack; whether the Akai is one of 'm I don't know because I haven't seen it opened up yet. It'd be nice if it lasted for at least a couple years with moderate use Lasting is not so much the issue, but when you become more proficient in playing, it might start to feel cramped pretty soon. Answer from Instatetragrammaton on reddit.com
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MusicRadar
musicradar.com › tech › midi controllers
Akai MPK mini mk3 review | MusicRadar
Akai MPK mini mk3 review
If you need a backpack-ready controller keyboard, there’s almost too much choice, but Akai's latest is pretty special
Rating: 4.5 ​
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Akai Pro
akaipro.com › mpk-mini-mk3
MPK Mini MK3 | Akai Professional | Akai Pro
Discover MPK Mini MK3 from Akai Professional — a compact MIDI controller with responsive keys, iconic MPC pads, and hands-on control for music creation anywhere.
Discussions

Is The 'AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3' A Good Beginner MIDI?
I think an MIDI would be cool to learn. Just so you can make searching easier: MIDI is a protocol - an agreement that defines how pieces of equipment can talk to each other MIDI files contain instructions to tell other gear what to play. Often, those are songs, so it's digital sheet music. A MIDI controller is anything that can output MIDI, and it's often used for devices that don't have any sounds on board by themselves. That's what you're currently looking at :) otherwise, you're talking about a keyboard or synthesizer that happens to have MIDI. Some modern synths only offer an USB connection, but the MIDI is handled via that. Traditionally, you have 5-pin DIN connectors. General MIDI is a standard of 128 sounds so that you can play MIDI files on various devices and have it sound sort of the same. Is it good for beginners? Well, it's really small - you only get two octaves. It's for people who value portability first and foremost since it'll just fit in a backpack, weighs nothing, and it doesn't take up much space. However, for learning I'd go for something with at the very least 49 full-size keys; 61 is better, 88 weighted keys is for when you are really serious about learning piano. The reason is that 2 octaves isn't enough for two-handed playing. IMO it's better to get a keyboard with 49 keys and no knobs/sliders or drum pads than one with 25 keys and all of that included. Is this MIDI a great price for what it is? All of these things are built to a certain cost and various manufacturers will have similar models, the main difference being the colors and the software you get with it. The keys of the keyboards themselves may or may not be hinged. This is important, since some cheap small keyboards rely on plastic to bend, instead of a spring mechanism. Eventually the plastic will crack; whether the Akai is one of 'm I don't know because I haven't seen it opened up yet. It'd be nice if it lasted for at least a couple years with moderate use Lasting is not so much the issue, but when you become more proficient in playing, it might start to feel cramped pretty soon. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/synthesizers
51
35
July 7, 2023
Arturia Minilab MK2 VS. Akai MPK Mini MK3 VS. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3

Check out the new Novation FL Key line. I picked up the 37 and love it. They have a mini version too. It replaced my Akai mini

More on reddit.com
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3
June 1, 2021
Is The 'AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3' A Good Beginner MIDI? : synthesizers
🌐 r/synthesizers
Akai MPK mini MK3 anf Roland S1 or Roland J6 : synthesizers
The place to obsess about synthesizers, both hardware and software. More on old.reddit.com
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Sound On Sound
soundonsound.com › reviews
Akai MPK Mini Play MkIII
July 21, 2022 - The MPK Mini Play MkIII is portable, fun to play, with some decent sounds and just enough tweaking to make it interesting. It’s had a makeover since the last version, wrapping it in red, giving it a slight incline to the front panel, rearranging ...
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Gearspace
gearspace.com › home › the forums › electronic music instruments and electronic music production › mpk mini mk 3
MPK Mini MK 3 - Gearspace
March 18, 2021 - In that case, it's probably a great starter keyboard. If you're unsure, you could get something really cheap like the LPK25, but chances are you'd want to upgrade again almost instantly. The MPK Mini Mk3 on the other hand can last you a long time.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/synthesizers › is the 'akai professional mpk mini mk3' a good beginner midi?
r/synthesizers on Reddit: Is The 'AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3' A Good Beginner MIDI?
July 7, 2023 -

I've recently been wanting to learn an instrument recently and after a lot of looking I think an MIDI would be cool to learn. I have looked through a lot of different articles and the MIDI that was often being rated highly was this one. I am on a budget and I want to get something that I can learn a lot from, but not anything to master.

It'd be nice if it lasted for at least a couple years with moderate use. I also have little knowledge about music in general but I am pretty tech savvy. Are there any major issues with this MIDI? Is this MIDI a great price for what it is? How long has/did it last? Thanks for your time!

Top answer
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I think an MIDI would be cool to learn. Just so you can make searching easier: MIDI is a protocol - an agreement that defines how pieces of equipment can talk to each other MIDI files contain instructions to tell other gear what to play. Often, those are songs, so it's digital sheet music. A MIDI controller is anything that can output MIDI, and it's often used for devices that don't have any sounds on board by themselves. That's what you're currently looking at :) otherwise, you're talking about a keyboard or synthesizer that happens to have MIDI. Some modern synths only offer an USB connection, but the MIDI is handled via that. Traditionally, you have 5-pin DIN connectors. General MIDI is a standard of 128 sounds so that you can play MIDI files on various devices and have it sound sort of the same. Is it good for beginners? Well, it's really small - you only get two octaves. It's for people who value portability first and foremost since it'll just fit in a backpack, weighs nothing, and it doesn't take up much space. However, for learning I'd go for something with at the very least 49 full-size keys; 61 is better, 88 weighted keys is for when you are really serious about learning piano. The reason is that 2 octaves isn't enough for two-handed playing. IMO it's better to get a keyboard with 49 keys and no knobs/sliders or drum pads than one with 25 keys and all of that included. Is this MIDI a great price for what it is? All of these things are built to a certain cost and various manufacturers will have similar models, the main difference being the colors and the software you get with it. The keys of the keyboards themselves may or may not be hinged. This is important, since some cheap small keyboards rely on plastic to bend, instead of a spring mechanism. Eventually the plastic will crack; whether the Akai is one of 'm I don't know because I haven't seen it opened up yet. It'd be nice if it lasted for at least a couple years with moderate use Lasting is not so much the issue, but when you become more proficient in playing, it might start to feel cramped pretty soon.
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Wow, seems like ChatGPT has found a new way to generate review content via Reddit. Maybe those API changes are justified after all.
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Akai Pro
akaipro.com › mpc-plugin-instruments.html
MPC Plugin Instruments
Discover MPC Instruments from Akai Professional, featuring powerful virtual instruments designed for expressive sound creation on MPC hardware and software.
Find elsewhere
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Akai Pro
akaipro.com › softwaredownload
Software Downloads | Akai Pro
Once your hardware is registered, your software download link(s) and any necessary authorization codes will appear in your Akai Professional Account.
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B&H Photo Video
bhphotovideo.com › bh photo
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller (Original)
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 25-Key MIDI Controller (Original)
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 is an ultracompact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. It is an upgrade over the previous iteration in several key ways.
Price   $99.00
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eBay
ebay.com › books, movies & music › musical instruments & gear › pianos, keyboards & organs › electronic keyboards
AKAI MPK mini MK3 Professional MIDI Keyboard READ DETAILS | eBay
AKAI MPK mini MK3 Professional MIDI Keyboard READ DETAILS
AKAI MPK mini MK3 Professional MIDI Keyboard READ DETAILS · Sign in to check out · Check out as guest · Add to cart · Make offer · Add to Watchlist · Refresh your browser window to try again. Refresh Browser · 1-year protection plan from Allstate - $9.99 ·
Price   $50.00
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Long & McQuade
long-mcquade.com › 188288 › Keyboards › MIDI-Controllers-Interfaces › Akai › MPK-Mini-MKIII-25-Note-Keyboard-Drum-Pad-Controller.htm
Akai MPK Mini MKIII 25-Note Keyboard/Drum Pad Controller | Long & McQuade
MPK Mini MKIII 25-Note Keyboard/Drum Pad Controller
Your entry-point into a world of pro production starts here. Introducing the MPK mini mk3, the third iteration of the world's legendary best-selling mini keyboard controller that redefined how a generation of creators makes music. * 25 Mini keys featuring new keybed technology * Brilliant OLED display for immediate p
(3.1)
Price   CA$139.00
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SoundGuys
soundguys.com › home › keyboards › akai professional mpk mini mk3 review
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 review - SoundGuys
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 brings eight velocity-sensitive pads and an onboard arpeggiator in place of built-in transport controls. Mini MIDI beats.
Rating: 7.6/10 ​
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Musician's Friend
musiciansfriend.com › home › keyboards & midi › midi › midi controllers › midi keyboard controllers
Akai Professional MPK mini mk3 Keyboard Controller Red | Musician's Friend
Akai Professional MPK mini mk3 Keyboard Controller
Step into the world of professional production with this amazing beat maker. The MPK mini mk3 is the third iteration of Akai Professional's best-selling mini keyboard controller. The MPK mini mk3 has something for every modern producer. Players of all levels will enjoy universal compatibility with their favorite DAWs. Eight pads and assignable controls give you full command of your production. The enhanced Gen 2 dynamic keybed captures every subtlety of your performance. And the compact size makes it easy to take it with you wherever you go. The MPK mini mk3 is a complete package of great pr
Price   $79.00
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Akai Pro
akaipro.com › mpk-mini-play.html
MPK Mini Play Mk3 | Akai Pro
Following the best-selling MPK mini MIDI controller, MPK mini Play mk3 is the feature-packed portable keyboard instrument for music performance and practice as well as creative music production from Akai Pro.
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Best Buy Canada
bestbuy.ca › en-ca › product › akai-mpk-mini-play-mk3-midi-controller-with-speakers-software-package › 16036395
Akai MPK Mini Play MK3 MIDI Controller with Speakers & Software Package | Best Buy Canada
Thanks to the portability of the Akai MIDI controller, you'll be ready to play wherever and whenever you are. It boasts a 2nd generation keybed with 25 velocity-sensitive keys and eight drum pads and built-in speaker that delivers increased output and added low-end response driving the 128+ ...
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Akai Pro
akaipro.com › mpc-beats
Free DAW Software MPC Beats | Akai Professional | Akai Pro
Download MPC Beats from Akai Professional — a free DAW for beatmaking and music production, featuring the iconic MPC workflow, instruments, effects, and seamless hardware integration.
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Bill's Music
billsmusic.com › home › new gear › dj & lighting › dj gear › controllers › akai › akai mpk mini play mk3 mini controller keyboard
Akai MPK MINI PLAY MK3 Mini Controller Keyboard - Bill's Music
Akai MPK MINI PLAY MK3 Mini Controller Keyboard
Description · Akai MPK MINI PLAY MK3 Mini Controller Keyboard  ·   · The ultra-portable Akai Professional MPK Mini Play is based on the world's most popular MIDI controller – MPK Mini – but now it comes packed with 128 sounds and its own built-in speaker. With 8 backlit MPC drum pads and a 4-way joystick for simple control, players have all they need to play their music anytime, anywhere. Four knobs (two banks capable of controlling eight different parameters) can be used to tweak sounds and edit multiple parameters in real time, giving musicians even more performance possibilities. Powered by
Price   $129.00
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Akai Pro
akaipro.com › mpk-mini-mk3.html
MPK Mini mk3 MIDI Controller | Akai Pro
The world’s best-selling MIDI keyboard controller with 25 responsive keys, 8 dynamic drum pads and assignable endless rotary knobs.