MPK Mini Play comes as an excellent tool when you're starting off for a walk in the nature, for instance , and have an immense desire just to write harmony or melodies on the spot, without any arrangement or, moreover, production. Immitation of pads, pianos and drums are handled quite good so why don't use the opportunity not to drag lots of relatively heavy stuff like laptop and just to experience lightness and relaxation of such an easy composer's helper?
The sounds are not that bad. Agree, not for production, but great for coming up with ideas without having to turn on your computer, load up software, set up a channel, find the plugin. You have it there straight away for song writing. Nice review though. Thanks dude.
Exactly - The sounds are fine for just playing around while away from my gear, or plugging in to the laptop on the go. Also, makes sense to get the Mini Play when visitors bring their kids and I want to give the kids something to play on without turning on the computer and risk them getting into my files.
100% Agree! I was watching this video and thinking.. It not really for live performance or producing. It's more for tinkering and coming up with jingles, without having to plug everything in.... Still love Taetro though! Cheers.
Still really disappointing that you can't record or play them in loop, the sounds and speaker seems pretty useless to me without that because you can't really record anything that you come up with while you're away from your gear
My Reason why i bought the play: I played guitar and a little piano for years. i wanted to get something to just practice (fingerdrumming) and try to come up with some medlodies and the go, as well as being able to use it as a midi controller when i'm at home. And for that purpose, to have it with me, take it out and just get right into playing the 30$ more are nothing. I love the miniplay for what it is. comparison with the 300$ novation lacks, because it's something completely different. So yeah, i love the miniplay, for me it's included "amateurish" sounds made all the difference.
Thanks, was planning to upgrade from mpk mini to play. You have mentioned very valid and practical points. You just saved me a buy-return hassle. Was checking your other videos - Great, pro videos/reviews you've got, keep it up.
I love my mpk mini play. It does everything the mk2 does and more... And an awesome a lot more. It sounds awesome if you hook it up to a powered speaker.
@@droskicrypto1888 Is there anything that the mpk mini can do that the play can't or is it literally that the play is the exact same just with extra feature. For example the mini has 8 knobs where as the play only has 5. Does this mean there are things that can be done on the mini that can't be done on the play? Sorry if that makes no sense In an absolute beginner
@@droskicrypto1888 I love it too. You knew you can actually loop with mini play? (without any pedal) turn on arpeggiator, keep pressed the "on" button and while you press the piano key with "latch" write on it. Now if u play a chord, even if you remove your hands, it will loop the chord note-for-note
I 100% agree with you, bro! I owned the Play, even after watching your first review on both. I did it to kinda figure it out on my own and I did. I ended up returning it bc it wasnt what I expected. You cant map the knobs. The sounds in it are eh and all around I wasnt happy with it. But when i got the Mini MK2, i was much happier. All in all your review was on point. You cant really do much with the Play as expected. Now...i didn't know about the Circuit. I'm definitely doing my research on that. Mahalo for the video. Aloha
Just a tip for you, you're playing the keyboard and drum pads while using the Play's sounds noticably worse than you play them with the Ableton sounds. This shows your clear distaste in the Play and thus renders this review moot as it's not neutral. Next time do the exact same thing in your comparisons. We are real people here on RU-vid, we are gonna catch things like this.
I thought I was the only one that thought that I agree if you are going to do a comparison play the same exact thing, the same way. I did notice that the 808 was better with Ableton however.
Two things to note too: 1. If you listen to the sound itself, it's not thaaat much worse on the MPK than on Ableton is it? 2. Comparing hardware sounds to software is not ideal, because on computers you don't have constraints on memory. Better would be a good keyboard. And then you are in different price regions real fast. But I have to say, that I like the approach of having a few good sounds instead of many mediocre ones better. MPK chose the latter, Yamaha NP12 would be an example of the former. I guess they wanted to make it general Midi compliant thats why it is 128 (who uses that still).
But i just want to practice with it. Not play seriously Edit: nvm i'm getting the arturia minilab mk2 instead. it's worth it for the software and bigger keys Edit 2: nah prolly just gettin the alesis v25 Edit 3: I bought the novation launchkey mini mk3, had it for a month now
Hello! Could you make a video & show how you set the Mpk mini up? Like the best software etc? Which stuff is possible to do.. I would be very grateful..
I just ordered the mini play and I'm exited for it I've never played keyboard before but I just want to mess around with it and have fun so I don't care what you say about it the mini play is for me. And I am an amateur and beginner so the sounds are good for me. I don't want to have it hooked up to a computer all the time I just wand to turn it on and play.
I sing in a rock band and have to play some keyboard leads from time to time. I'm looking for an easy instrument to show up with and hook into PA. Traveling with a laptop and hooking it up in extremely limited space when I also have to set up my guitar and my singing mic doesn't sound fun. Maybe if I only had to worry about keyboards. Especially if you get a software problem, your laptop crashes or you get a windows update just when you need it to work. I disagree a bit with the sounds being poor. Yeah sure they don't match Ableton's sounds but in a live rock concert it's not the biggest deal if your piano sounds just okay AND if I do want it to sound great for some bigger gig I can always pick up my laptop and use the midi instead or attach external pedals eg. reverb or delay to make the sound fuller. I think the review went too full into electronic music where music texture is a bigger deal. I don't think most people in a rock concert pay so much attention to some backing strings.
I think the value you missed for the MPK Play is for people who study music theory and need a portable standalone keyboard with a speaker/headphones, and only occasionally use the device to enter MIDI, but not necessarily for music production. I think the target market is different all together... great video!
Yeah that’s a good point. I definitely made this video from the perspective of just using it as a midi controller but you and others have brought up good points about use cases! Perhaps I’ll do a follow up!
@@Taetro I appreciate that you are in the comments reading ones that are valid and responding to them. That's what makes a content creator on this kind of subject a good one!
@@heyhoe168 I think it depends on what you're studying. For me it was enough for the first 2 years at Berklee when learning harmony/ voice leading /ear training practice. 2 octaves were not enough once I moved on to (for example) 5-horn arranging, and spread voicings, but instead of getting a bigger keyboard, I literally printed out an image of a piano. Ironically, the last thing you do when studying music theory is performing, so yes, it was enough. Everyone learns differently, but for me it was all about visualizing the piano. Hope that helps
If you just want keys and a few pads to connect to Garageband (ON IPAD) and be away from wall power then the Akai Mini Play is the hands down winner! If you don't have the latest Ipad Pro (with USB-C) then you need a Akai Mini ($119) + Apple Camera Connector $39 + an extra Lightning cable ($19) to connect to a battery cell like a Jackery ($29) That is an extra $100 after tax. So $219 total just to get a keyboard into an iPad Garage band. Or you can get an Akai Mini Play + some rechargeable batteries ($10) + an Apple USB to Lightning dongle ($19) and be up and running for a total of $169, $50 cheaper and not have to carry all that extra clutter (Apple dongles + external power source)!
for anybody still considering PLAY like me even after watching this video. You can plug Mpk mini into your smartphone using OTG adapter - this way you can practice anywhere, still have 8 knobs, make loops and real music with custom instruments, connect your bluetooth speakers or headphones and still save $30 on top of that. Just make sure your phone supports OTG - if it does, it makes no sense buying mini play
I've got the Play - and actually you can only use 4 of the nobs! That's quite few and the biggest weak point. At least there are two banks but still... Two of the total 6 nobs are for internal volume and instrument selection only! Anyway - I did get it because I love to play around in the train, no need to set up complicated wiring - and you re right! The sound is only mediocre but still enough for playing some chords and feeling dis harmony. That's coming not from a producer but from a musician.
Hi there, quick question for you : my use case is to do some song writing on the go, with essentially clean piano sound. I was thinking of plugging my headphones and avoid plugging to a computer as much as possible. Can you tell me, in your opinion, how terrible is the piano sound ? Thanks so much in advance for your tip !
Duuuuuude, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! You saved me money, and time! It's more than $30, it's also the extra 3 knobs, and more compatibility with Live. That is certainly worth way more than $30 (and given I'm currently living in Chile, those $30 are going towards customs costs). Can't thank you enough. Keep the good work.
I have to thank this video for showing me the novation circuit. I love the thing so much and sometimes I don’t even need to import samples cause the built in is so cool. I can change loops on the circuit and import them to my DAW and make songs with it
Thanks for the video, man. I agree with all your points except for the conclusion. I purchased the Mini Play due to its 1/8 headphone jack. That way I can connect it to my Boss RC-300 and loop both keyboard sounds and drum kits. I can then use the effects of the RC-300 to mask the sound from its own cheapness. Does it sound professional: hell no it doesn’t. It’s the price of 2 burgers and 2bglasses of wine here in Palo Alto, California so, no, it is not a professional piece of equipment however it is self powered and allows you to connect it to a pedal or a looper station; the mini mk does not. So, for $30 extra dollars I think it is worth it. When you outgrow it: you sell it. Anyhow, I am just planning in doing live music in the street and nothing professional…it is worth it to me. If you want to do something professional do yourself a favor and spend a few grands.
I honestly wish there was something better or at least an upgraded version of the mpk mini play 2 but there is nothing I have found so untill then it's all we can use, I also loop with a RC300 and eagerly awaiting the RC600 to arrive in South Africa
I haven't read through all the comments but the Mini Play is similar to what I'm looking for. Small, synth sounds, easy to plug in and play through a PA while with my band on stage. Would you recommend a different one? Basically need it for 80's type synth sounds in songs we play, or key sounds that are in many 70's, 80's and 90's music. Any help would be awesome!!
Wait. So the Play does everything the MK2 does, plus the added benefit of standalone basic sounds for an extra $30, and you’re recommending the MK2 over the play? Plus you purposely play the keyboard worse in standalone mode? No credibility.
I know it’s old but yeah- to the point. This is not a review. I don’t know what it is… and comparison to Novation circuit? Why? Makes no sense. Also circuit is fun for a week only. Maybe two
I see what you are saying as far as the low quality preloaded sounds BUT... If the mini play is plugged into the computer does it become JUST AS functional as the original one? What I’m wondering is if my daughter want to just mess around, say in the car or away from the computer but then wants to take it into the room and plug it into the computer is she getting JUST AS much out of the mini play. I see the mini play has a headphone jack and the original doesn’t. Cannot be listened to without going through a computer? Thanks!
Thx for the video, great summery of the features! 👍 I will get the Akai MPK Mini Play, although I will mainly use it as midi controller for music production, but a.t.m. it's just 7 dollars difference and that's totally worth it to play standalone when u go camping or sth... anyway I'm never mapping more than 4 knobs at the same time 'cause I haven't got enough fingers to turn them all at once 😛
I’m sure you’re right, thank you. But i would like to play without a laptop. Just play my guitar, add some synths, drum beats, and rec on my multitrack. kind of scared on learning so many things at the same time. Which daw you think would be better?. I appreciate your kindness.
So, I'm kinda in the beginning stages of learning more about music/sound production and while doing some online shopping, I had came across both the Akai MPK MKII and the mini play and left both on my shopping list. Fate would have it that literally a day or 2 later, I was watching an awards show and caught a glimpse of 2 music artists using the MKII and I just felt like it was right, so I purchased the MPK MII. It should be arriving today
@@FYEEntertainmentLMGIsEverythin Thanks for asking :) I gotta laugh to myself because I didn't realize how incredibly complicated the installation process was going to be! I can't wait to start playing... I'm in the middle of multiple downloads at the moment, so to be continued! Lol
@@mandontcare192 that's a good follow up question! Maybe because I have the MPK mini II and have been exposed to it now, but I feel like it can be the most ideal starter piece of equipment. That reminds me..I have to make a follow up video on that, lol!
I think you're probably 100% right about everything... but I wanted a little simple MIDI controller for production & also something super basic for just making noises when I'm bored in my living room. So I went ahead with the MiniPlay. Kinda sucks about the 5 knobs compared to the 8 knobs though lol... but for $30 more and for someone that needed it mostly as just a simple, cheap MIDI controller with a little extra that I won't be using too seriously - I think it's a pretty good deal still. But yeah, depends on what you're using it for. If you want to use the standalone stuff for more serious stuff, you'd probably want something like that Novation. But for me, I think the MiniPlay is fine.
@@林俊亞-h2g Tbh, for me the MPK MiniPlay is just fine - I only needed a very simple MIDI controller that I use mostly for when I make drum parts of the songs I write. The added internal sounds are an additional benefit to me because I can use it away from my computer for really basic songwriting (or when I'm bored). The Novation stand alone MIDI is probably better for making music that is more MIDI focused (I only use MIDI for drums), but if you are using lots of virtual instruments that rely on MIDI, I think that could be a better fit (or the MPK Mini MK3 if you want the keyboard)
I'm still thinking of the play so I can practice scales and just general finger training without needing to haul out all my stuff, or worrying about laptop battery life. Have you tried the korg nanokey studio? How do you like it in comparison to the akai?
I love to be able to go jam in the park and have some sounds with me (no computer), I wish there was a better quality version of the MPK play or a way to import sounds as you said.
Sometimes before I go to bed, I love to just turn the switch on in battery mode and play a little chords and keys, it a MK3 Play for me. Also works great when something pops up in your head and you need to try em out asap.
Yeah these sounds are basic, BUT do you want to connect to your PC or external; Synth to Practice? I think this product is for beginners to practice drum sounds and the keys.
I'm a guitarist and i dont know anything of keyboards, plugins, midi and computers...I wouldn't even be able to use an External plugin if wanted to use the Akai just as a midi controller. What I see is an affordable box of usable (not-too-fake) sounds with easy access...for people like me who just want to fill some parts in a song, the Akai is appealing and makes sense.
I've only watched 2 of your videos but I have to say, thank you so much. You are one of the most informative and helpful people I've come across on RU-vid for music.
Still need options my friend thanks for the video but I still rather have extra effects FX, Drum Machines, looping . Play is cheap now $136, I also have Arturia MiniLab MK2. All these have USB controller but Play gives you standalone but it's still USB controller . Arturia Keystep 32 *($109) and 37 *($169) with Controller & Sequencer then your getting to the next level CV/gate, Midi keyboard, Synthesizer if your really want to take advantage going that route. Most here just starting out. Play is good for those of us who want additional sounds 128 and 10 drums. To me still comes out cheaper still have Controller can use their new MPC Software as well now. So you have many options. You have many options you can have a lot of stuff and things are costly as you advance. But you have some vaild points but for most of your viewers cost my make them jump on the play instead of MPK 3 just get the MPK Mini Play instead.
I want this to add the mini play to my guitar sound and loop into a boss rc 300 looper. I don't use a computer on stage. I'm a solo musician and I already have a lot of gear- Rc 300, guitar, amp, gr-55. Therefore small gear is a must. I want a mini keyboard that I can create drum beats with without the use of a laptop. Mostly gonna use the drum beats and maybe some synth chords. Is there a better option than the akai mini play for my needs?
Hello! I understand that the built-in sounds of the miniplay are useless. On the other hand, i don't understand something: what does the mk2 do that the miniplay cannot do? they seem to be pretty similar except the built-in sounds (which is a plus) and the missing knobs (which seems ok). since they are the same price, I prefer to choose the one with the most possibilities :)). thanks a lot for your answer!!
Thanks for playing without plugging in! I couldn't have heard the comparison otherwise! As playing the PLAY plugged in to DAW would have been pointless... you realized that and thus why you did this way! For portability Is go with one of those little grain synths like Lemondrop or similar in smaller package with better samples and even sequencer... And fit in pocket.
So, if I've got this straight, the difference between the two is that the MKII has to be plugged into a computer to access different sounds, however when plugged in you can experience any sounds you may find on an app like Garageband? While the Play comes with sounds, however these are only generic keyboard sounds?
@@StuTube123 I think its the same. I consider that this video is more focused on why you should get the original mpk instead of mpk mini play, and the reason is about the real use, plugged into a computer, so spending more money getting the Mini Play to use it without a computer is a bad idea because this ''additional value'' is not worth it.
Killer review brother. Thanks to your videos I have avoided several mistaken purchases thus, it´s been a great help. Carry on. Best whishes to you from Madrid.
I'm just a beginner and music is only a hobby for me, so I think I'll start with Akai play... And I have a question. If I want to loop, what do I need for the set up? I was checking out some pedals abd I found ditto pedal looper for £80 Do I just plug it to the akai or do I need something else to make it work?
Video = exactly the video I needed to watch *before* I made my purchase. Too late now but at least I understand what’s different about it now and know about the Novation Circuit
Right I agree with you. But for some on the fly brainstorming that works great and I would like that freedom of turning on my voice memo on my phone and working when I get home. I already have a full MIDI. But yes there are better things for actual creation. But for brainstorming I think it works.
I understand what you're saying but in the end, this new version does everything the old one does. No? At this point they seem to be nearly the same price. I was thinking about getting the AKAI MPK anyway, so why not the new one. I'm willing to look at the play on the go as a simple added novelty.
Why isn't anybody talking about it? I mean you get all the functionalities of the mk2 right, plus the basic sounds for just playing out without the hassle of connecting to a DAW.
I upgraded to the MiniPlay mk3 from the lpk25, absolutely love it and find I play it more as I don't have to always faff about plugging it in and using a daw, I take it out and about, defo recommend :)
I got interested on the mpk play so I could be able to play simple gigs with a computerless setup and still have a pretty good usb midi keyboard to work What other gear would u suggest for that? U mentioned the novation circuit but is a little out of my budget
I appreciate this video my brother. I'm debating on which to buy for my 11 year old nephew. I like the idea of standalone for lil man, so he can learn independently and he won't be taking up his mom's pc so much. But after watching this video it seems like it might not even be worth it. Still debating but cheer bro thanks for the talking points.
There is nothing else on the market that has this size as well as loaded sounds of this quality if you are a live musician that loops (without a laptop)
Thank you. Very useful. I am planning to go for Akai MPK mini MKII. What’s your take on Novation Launhkey mimi mk3? Is that better than the Akai MPK MINI MKII? Pls suggest. Thanks.
Great perspective, thank you! Do you have experience using the AKAI MPK mini with Pro Tools? I'm trying to figure out how to map the drum pads to different sounds and I can't find a tutorial anywhere!
Hello, I bought an Akai Mpk Mini Play device. I want to use the instrument without connecting it to the computer. But I want to fix the rhythm with drum sounds from the pads and play a solo piano on the keyboard, but I couldn't discover from which key and how to do this on the device. While the device is also battery powered, it is my preference to be able to use it anywhere independent of the computer. In short, how should I record the drum sounds I play on the device itself, with which key, without connecting it to a computer?
Nice video mate, opted for the mini play today simply because my daughter(6) has taken a liking to keyboard so I figure I can just give it to her and she can l leave the room and play without a pc while im not using it, that way i get midi keys when I need em and she can jam as well.
Does mini play has everything mkii has? I want to record with pc sound, not stereo, so why not to buy mini play instead, that way i can also play without a pc just to have fun, not to record. Is this right? I am planning to buy one of these.
Man, if i just want to buy a beginner midi controller for flstudio and enjoy experimenting with some "trashy" sounds + its on sale for 107€, why shouldnt i pick it up?
Obviously different if it's on sale for the same price as the mini it doesn't matter but it's not worth an extra 30 40 for toy level sounds w no sequencer
Thank you so much! i'm new to the biz and this has been infinitely helpful. My only question is: Is the included software that comes with the Mini good to use for a beginner such as myself?? i don't plan on currently trying to make money off my sounds. Id much rather play around with this. Any Comments or Recommendations? Im eager to hear.
This PLAY could be good for a kid. They can grow into the midi/laptop model as (if) they grow in music, even at this price. But I love this review for others who are already in the game. Even as hobbyists. THANKS!!
That's what I was thinking as well and am now considering the PLAY for my first midi keyboard - another thing in limited apartament space but can potentially be used by both my kid (standalone) and myself (with DAW)
Hi Taetro, quick question for you : my use case is to do some song writing on the go, with essentially clean piano sound. I was thinking of plugging my headphones and avoid plugging to a computer as much as possible. Can you tell me, in your opinion, how terrible is the piano sound ? Is there an alternative keyboard that you'd recommend for that use case ? thanks so much in advance !
Yeah, not so much into it being portable, so built in sound isn't needed, just want to use less desk space. I already have a big heavy Motif 6, so don't really need something that makes it's own noise. But soft-synths is the way to go. Remote mode on my nearly 20-year old Motif doesn't really behave well on modern DAW's and plugins. So just want something to squeeze onto my desk with some note input and a great control surface. I have Analog Lab, though, the full version, so leaning towards MiniLab MKII.... but, not getting a new keyboard with new features for playing, like after touch.. I may just get something else.
Really good video! Thank you for making it, I have been looking at both keyboards and trying to decide which one I want. The information about the stock sounds was very helpful. I also liked the information about no sequencer onboard. Thank you again!
Taetro, I have the Novation Launchkey Mini mkII, is it easy to make beats on this? I’m finding it really hard to just get simple sounds on it so I can make little beats for fun, and apart from GarageBand on my sisters Mac, I find it really hard to make beats. I have a powerful windows laptop, what do you recommend?
the keyboards are only as good as your knowledge of the DAW you use...garageband is meh, something better like logic or ableton...but until you can learn the ins and outs of the DAW, some sound design, etc...your sound won't evolve no matter what keyboard you have
