Akai Pro MPK mini Series | The Keys & Pads On My MIDI Keyboard Are Quiet, What Can I Do?

This article will act as a guide to provide valuable tips on increasing the output of your MPK mini's keys and pads.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Velocity Overview
• DAW MIDI Tools - Velocity
• Advanced Editing - MPK Mini Editor

Velocity Overview

The keys and pads on the MPK mini series are velocity sensitive, which means they will send a velocity ranging from 0-127 with 0 being the softest (quietest) and 127 being the hardest (loudest). This feature allows for a dynamic playing experience that can express nuances in performance, making it an essential aspect for musicians and producers alike.

Pads: The pads velocity can be immediately controlled by using the Full Level button. When enabled, the pads always play at a maximum velocity (127), no matter how hard or soft you hit them. 

Keys: If you would like to increase the output of the keys, please use the following methods listed below. These methods can help enhance your performance, providing a more powerful sound and greater responsiveness to your playing style.

DAW MIDI Tools - Velocity

For the purposes of this demonstration, we will use MPC software. If you are using a different DAW, check with the software developer for more information about setting MIDI velocity values.

In MPC software, you can further change the track velocity (0-200) behaviour in the track window. If you do not see this option immediately, click the menu icon (≡) and click All. This will show all settings.

Note: This option is only available for melodic programs/tracks: Plugin, Keygroup, MIDI & CV

When you have selected a value, the keys will trigger the software instrument the highest level, no mater how soft or hard the keys are pressed. 

For the pads, enter Pad Perform mode and use the Velocity field to set the pads to respond to velocity.

As played, or triggered at a fixed velocity for all note on messages at 12%, 18%, 25%, 31%, 37%, 43%, Half, 56%, 62%, 68%, 75%, 81%, 87%, 93% or Full velocity:

Advanced Editing - MPK Mini Editor

If you own the MPK Mini Plus or MPK Mini Play Mk3, you can also edit the keybed curve in the editor by going to File > Edit Key Curve.

This window allows you to adjust the velocity sensitivity of the keys to match the responsiveness of your preferred instrument. If you usually play piano or keyboards with weighted keys rather than synthesizers, you may prefer a heavier feeling key curve.

To make it easier to reach low velocity notes, decrease the value of data points 1 and 2.

To make it easier to reach high velocity notes, increase the value of data points 3 and 4.

To change the black key balance, click the field and enter a value from 0.5 to 2.0. The chosen value is multiplied by the values selected above in the keybed curve to set the balance between black and white keys accordingly.

To apply the changes you have made, you must click the Send button.

To return to the default settings, click the Send Defaults button.

To close the Keybed Curve window, click Close.