MPK mini IV | Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to this FAQ article on the Akai Pro MPK Mini IV. 

The contents of this article will answer any questions you may have about this product, to help you make an informed purchase decision, or help steer you in the right direction for any setup queries you may have. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What are MPK Mini IV's  System Requirements? 
• What's the difference between MPK Mini MK3 & MPK Mini IV?
• How can I power MPK Mini IV?
• What software is included with MPK Mini IV?
• How do I redeem the included software?
• Is an account required to unlock the included software?
• Can I use any MPC Expansions with Studio Instrument Collection?
• Is a mapping or DAW script available with MPK Mini IV?
• Can I connect MPK Mini IV to a smart device?
• Can I connect MPK Mini IV to the MPC Live III?
• How many Keys are featured on MPK Mini IV?
• How many Pads are featured on MPK Mini IV?
• How many knobs are featured on MPK Mini IV?
• What MIDI I/O is available on MPK Mini IV?
• How do I send MIDI data from the MPK Mini IV DIN port to external gear? 
• What are the different Keyboard Modes?
• Is editing software supplied with MPK Mini IV?
• I need help troubleshooting my MPK Mini IV. What should I do?

What are MPK Mini IV's  System Requirements? 

Mac

• macOS 13+

• 4 GB RAM

• Intel Core i7 2.5 GHz or Apple Silicon

• 11 GB Free Hard Disk Space

Windows

• Windows 10+ (64-bit)

• 4 GB RAM

• Intel Core i7 2.5 GHz

• 11 GB Free Hard Disk Space

Note: Moog Mariana presets from the Studio Instrument Collection are especially CPU-intensive and may require a higher Audio Buffer setting on older systems.

What's the difference between MPK Mini MK3 & MPK Mini IV?

How can I power MPK Mini IV?

MPK Mini IV can be powered by connecting the USB-C cable to a USB 3.0 port on your computer or a USB-C to wall adapter.

What software is included with MPK Mini IV?

MPK Mini IV is supplied with Studio Instrument Collection & Ableton Live Lite 12.

Studio Instrument Collection is your go-to premium toolkit for composing or performing in any environment. Designed from the ground up to integrate with the Akai Professional MPK® mini IV, it provides a virtual instrument locker of the finest presets from AIR, Moog, and Akai. 

Studio Instrument Collection supports VST3 and AU plugin formats, as well as standalone operation. AAX support for ProTools is currently unavailable.

How do I redeem the included software?

A full software redemption guide can be found HERE to help you get started with your software bundle. 

Is an account required to unlock the included software?

Yes, although the included software can be downloaded and installed for immediate use to make sounds quickly, you will eventually be prompted to activate it via an inMusic Profile. Follow the steps in the article HERE to help you receive a license deposit into your inMusic Profile Account. 

Can I use any MPC Expansions with Studio Instrument Collection?

Yes, Studio Instrument Collection will automatically scan your computer’s MPC Expansion folder, allowing you to access any official Akai drum programs.

Is a mapping or DAW script available with MPK Mini IV?

Absolutely! DAW control scripts will automatically map the MPK hardware controls to functions in your DAW. This is useful if you are not accustomed to MIDI mapping controllers. 

Mapping is available for the following DAWs:

• Logic Pro
• GarageBand
• FL Studio
• Cubase
• Ableton

The mapping installers for Windows and macOS are available from the inMusic Software Center, within the 'My Hardware' tab. 

Note, Windows users will not see the Logic Pro / GarageBand script installers for download/install, as it is exclusive to macOS. 

Note, the mapping is officially compatible with the following DAW builds onwards:

• Logic Pro 10.7
• GarageBand 10.4.12
• FL Studio 2024
• Cubase 12
• Ableton 12 (Live Lite / Full Suite)

If you're running an older DAW build, please consider that the mapping may not function or work as expected. 

Can I connect MPK Mini IV to a smart device?

Yes - Users can connect to their smart device using the included USB-C > USB-C cable. 

Note, the included software is incompatible with Android, iOS/iPad OS devices; basic functionality is available to smart device users to trigger sounds from third-party apps/DAWs. Note, compatibility is held with smart devices that support class-compliant MIDI functionality. 

If you're unsure whether your smart device supports this, consult the user manual for your device. 

Can I connect MPK Mini IV to the MPC Live III?

Yes, MPK Mini IV can connect to the MPC Live III using a USB-C to USB-Type A cable (not included), or you can use the original USB-C cable along with a USB-C Female to USB Type-A Male Adapter.

How many Keys are featured on MPK Mini IV?

MPK Mini IV features a 25-note, velocity-sensitive keyboard. This means that the keys react to how hard you play them: the harder you strike, the louder the note.

How many Pads are featured on MPK Mini IV?

MPK Mini IV features 8 drum pads.  These drum pads can be used to trigger drum hits or other samples in your software. The pads are velocity-sensitive, which makes them very responsive and intuitive to play. You can also configure these pads to send Program Change messages or MIDI CC messages instead of notes

How many knobs are featured on MPK Mini IV?

MPK Mini IV features 8 endless knobs that are used to control parameters in supported software. You can also press and hold the ARP button and turn these knobs to quickly adjust the arpeggiator parameters shown below each knob. 

What MIDI I/O is available on MPK Mini IV?

MPK Mini IV features a USB MIDI Output via USB-C and a 5-Pin DIN MIDI output.

MPK Mini IV features five different MIDI ports that are used for communication. Understanding what these ports

are used for can help you set it up properly with your software or hardware. 

1. MPK Mini IV MIDI Port
   • This port will send keybed, drum pad, pitch and modwheel, sustain pedal, and knob control data. Messages sent to this port are expected to be recorded and edited by a Host DAW. Messages received from this port can be resent to the physical 5-pin MIDI output port, depending on the settings. All Presets will send MPK® mini IV performance data on this port by default.
2. MPK Mini IV DAW Port
   • This port will send all interface controls, screen controls, and transport controls to a connected supported DAW. When using the DAW Preset, this port must be enabled in the DAW software to access the DAW control script.
3. MPK Mini IV Plugin Port
   • This port will send all interface controls, screen controls, and transport controls to the Studio Instrument Collection (SIC) software. When using the Plugin Preset, this port must be enabled in the SIC software to access the SIC control script.
4. MPK Mini IV Software Control Port
   • This port will send all interface controls, screen controls, and transport controls for generic mapping.
5. MPK Mini IV Din Port
   • This port is the physical 5-pin MIDI output on the rear panel of MPK mini IV. You can choose to send incoming MIDI data from the USBC® port or the internal hardware MIDI data to this port by adjusting the DINsrc setting in the Global Menu

How do I send MIDI data from the MPK Mini IV DIN port to external gear? 

1. Go to Globals > DINsrc > Set to either USB or INT:
2. INT (default) – Will send internal MIDI data from Port 1 out the DIN port
3. USB – Will send data from your computer, through the MPK out the DIN port like a MIDI interface.

What are the different Keyboard Modes?

MPK mini IV features three modes for playing melodic content on the keyboard. By default, the keys play one note at a time like a standard keyboard. In Chords Mode, each key plays a chord comprised of three or more notes in sync. In Scales Mode, the keys play notes in a set scale.

Is editing software supplied with MPK Mini IV?

No, MPK Mini IV does not include any editing software. All Program Edit features are available directly on the hardware.

MPK mini IV’s Program Edit Mode allows you to modify the functions of the pads and knobs. This allows you to create programs that can be customized to other software or external MIDI gear. 

Consult the user guide HERE for more information. 

I need help troubleshooting my MPK Mini IV. What should I do?

We've put together a comprehensive article to troubleshoot any common issues our users may face. Please see THIS article to help you overcome any problems you're experiencing.