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Frequently Asked Questions


 

Do I need a computer to use the MPK mini mk3?

Yes, the MPK mini mk3 is a class-compliant, USB-MIDI keyboard. This means that instead of creating sound on its own, it will send MIDI messages to software on your computer to generate sound and control music production software.

The MPK mini comes with a suite of plugins and MPC sound packs to fuel your creativity!


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What software comes with the Akai MPK mini mk3?

The MPK mini mk3 comes with the following software:

  • MPC Beats 
  • AIR Hype
  • AIR Electric
  • AIR Essential Keyboards
  • MPC Beats Producer Kits
  • F9 Beats Instruments Collection
  • LoFi Producer Collection
  • Soulful Drums
  • Trap Soul & LoFi Beats
  • MPK Editor


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How do I get my software?

All included software and sample packs are wrapped into one uni-installer that will be made available in the inMusic Software Center after registering the MPK mini mk3.

If you haven't already, visit our setup and walkthrough guide below for a complete demonstration on registering your MPK mini, and downloading the included software:



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I don't see the AIR plugins in MPC Beats. How do I access them?

After installing and activating your AIR plugins in iLok, you'll need to scan them into MPC Beats. Refer to this guide for instructions on how to scan and load plugins in MPC Beats:



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Where are the MPC Sample Packs located? How do I load them onto a track?

MPC Sample Packs will be automatically loaded into MPC Beats after installation. To access your Sample Packs, click on the Media Browser icon on the bottom right of the software, or press the "B" key on your QWERTY keyboard.


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All Sample Packs will be shown as an icon under the Expansion tab. Click on the Sample Pack icon to view its samples and drum kits.


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You can load a kit by clicking and dragging the kit file from the Browser directly to the pads.


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What operating systems are supported with the MPK Mini M3?

The Akai MPK mini mk3 is supported on the latest operating systems, including Windows 10 and macOS Catalina 10.15.

The MPK mini is a class-compliant, plug-and-play device that does not require a driver and will function with all major Windows and Mac operating systems.


MPC Beats and the included AIR plugins are compatible with macOS 10.13-10.15 and Windows 10.


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Can I use my MPK Mini MK3 with different software?

Absolutely! The MPK mini mk3 is compatible with virtually any DAW or music production software that will work with USB/MIDI keyboards. Refer to your DAW's documentation for more information on how to interface an external controller with the software.


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Can I use Hype, Essential Keys, and Electric with a different DAW?

Yes! These three software titles are separate plugins and can be used in different DAWs like Garageband, Ableton, and more. Each plugin comes with VST, AU, and AAX (Pro Tools) versions to be used in your favorite software.


MPC Beats can also be used as a plugin with your favorite DAW and comes with VST, AU, RTAS, and AAX versions.


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Is it powered by USB or wall power supply?

The Akai MPK Mini mk3 is USB hub powered. It connects and powers by a standard USB-A to USB-B cable and does not require an additional power supply.


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Can I change the default presets?

Yes! There are eight built-in presets that can be chosen in the controller. These presets can be edited, adjusted, and uploaded to the MPK Mini using the MPK Editor.

To load a preset, hold down the Prog Select button and press the pads to select the corresponding program number (1–8).


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How do I make the pads on my MPK mini mk3 line up with the pads in MPC Beats?

Preset 1 on the MPK mini mk3 is configured to align with MPC Beats. To load the MPC preset, press and hold down the Prog Select Button and press Pad 1. Now, your MPK's pads will line up perfectly with MPC Beats!


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What are the dimensions of the MPK mini mk3?

The MPK mini mk3 has the following dimensions:

  • Width: 12.5"
  • Depth: 7.13"
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Weight: 1.65 lbs


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What does the joystick do?

The joystick is MIDI-assignable to three different functions:

  • Pitch Bend - Up, down, left, and right
  • Modulation 1 - There is a single CC per axis. The center CC is at 64 and the joystick modulates on the axis of choice.
  • Modulation 2 - There are two CCs per axis. The center axis is 0 and the endpoint CCs on each axis can be set by the user with the included preset editor.


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What is Full Level?

Pressing the Full Level button will cause the pads to always send at full velocity (127). This means that every time you press the pad, the sample will playback at full volume and strength.


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What does the CC button do?

When the CC button is active, the MPK mini's pads will send MIDI CC messages instead of MIDI Note On messages. MIDI CC stands for "continuous controller," which will transmit a command (volume, pan, sustain, etc.) and a range of values (0-127). CC messages are a major factor in bringing dynamic life to any MIDI performance.


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If I press the Prog Change button, how does that affect the pads?

When this button is active, the MPK mini's pads will send MIDI Program Change (PC) messages instead of MIDI Note On messages. PC messages send data to devices to select a specific program or preset. This would be a useful feature to use if you wanted to change a plugin preset on the fly directly from the hardware.


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Can I use the MPK mini mk3 with my iPad or iPhone?

The MPK mini mk3 does not have a low power mode to operate with an iOS device, though many users have reported success using a powered USB hub to interface the MPK with their phone or tablet.


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Can I sync the arpeggiator and note repeat with my DAW?

Absolutely! The clock source for the MPK mini will need to be set to External for it to receive and sync with MIDI clock from your DAW. You can use the MPK Editor to change the clock from Internal to External.


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Can I use multiple instruments in MPC Beats?

Yes! MPC Beats allows you to record up to 8 MIDI tracks and 2 audio tracks per Sequence, greatly expanding your arrangement possibilities.


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What's the main difference between the MPK mini MKII and the MPK mini mk3?

The main difference between the MPK mini MKII and the MPK mini mk3 hardware is that the mk3 has a screen that displays the MPK's settings for enhanced visual feedback. By default, the screen will show the current Program and BPM. There are also 4 more available preset slots for a total of 8 loadable programs, giving the user many options for custom configuration.

Additionally, the mk3's keybed is a reimagined Gen 2 enhanced dynamic keybed, delivering a piano key performance fit for the world's finest keyboard players. From grand pianos to searing synth leads and lush electric pianos, this keybed guarantees to get the best out of any playing style and virtual instrument.


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Where do I download the MPK Editor?


The Editor can be installed from the inMusic Software Center.

  1. Launch inMusic Software Center from your Application or Program folder and log in

  2. Click on the My Hardware tab and then on the dropdown arrow icon


  3. The MPK mini editor will be within the dropdown list. Click the Download button to the right


  4. Once the download completes, click the Install button to run the Editor installer



  5. Once the installer completes, click the Open button to access the Editor.

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The MPK Editor can be directly opened at any time from your computer's Application or Program folder.


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What type of third-party plugins does MPC Beats support?

MPC Beats supports 64-bit VST2 or AU plugins.

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I'm new to this, how do I get started?

MPC Beats comes bundled with a variety of Demo Projects and Project Templates to help familiarize you with the MPC workflow. Simply launch MPC Beats and select a Demo or Template Project from the pop-up menu. The software will load a full session with pre-loaded programs so you can start creating right out of the gate!


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Check out the MPC Beats Academy for a wide array of tutorials covering all the features and functions of MPC Beats!


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