Good {morning/afternoon/evening} Zynthianers! I’ve been working on a new driver, for the Akai MPK mini mk3. I know that this device has some key limitations (like the missing PAD’s LED control) to be a great device for Zynpad, but, on the other hand, it is a good value for the money, and ... More on discourse.zynthian.org

The AKAI "comes with software", so maybe this is an all in one solution? I'd buy something like this if it was a video game prepheral, The music doensn't need to be amazing, I jsut want to try :) Digital synth software? IDK, this became a train of thought. More on reddit.com

I believe it comes with AKAI MPC Beats. But you can use it with pretty much anything. You could try Tracktion Waveform Free, if you want a full DAW to mess around with. Or you could just download Vital, which is free and works without a DAW as a standalone app. If you do choose to use a DAW, 8 Bit Treats is a pack of VST instruments that emulates the chips used in old 8 bit gaming hardware, one of which is the NES. Also free. More on reddit.com

I prefer to have a Midi out just so I can go dawless, especially when there is a step sequencer or two on board. Luckily the MPK mini Plus offers just that and I got one. As far as minikeys go I think they could have done a little more. Arturia really did that better. The pads though are excellent. If they release a Plus with Play sounds I'll have to buy that all over again. My Keystep Pro feels much better at more than double the price and I hear the new Minilab has an even better keybed in the same range as the MPK. Novation has an affordable minikey controller with Midi out. But honestly, if you want good keys this just isn't the price category. And when you are willing to pay more things like the Erae Touch become relevant as well. Once you're shopping for a Faderfox it is all over and you might as well get the Linnstrument, and not the half one! TAETRO does a lot with Akais More on reddit.com