Akai Professional launches MPK Mini Plus II controller with MPC integration

Akai Professional announced the MPK Mini Plus II on 22 October 2026, the second generation of its compact 37-key MIDI keyboard controller, available now for $169, 159.99 € or £134.99 through authorized dealers.

The new model brings an upgraded mini keybed, eight RGB-backlit MPC pads that respond to velocity and pressure, a 160 × 80 full-color display, pitch and modulation wheels, eight assignable 360-degree knobs and a push encoder. According to MusicRadar, the previous version's joystick has been dropped, and the unit now wears an MPC-style grey and red finish in line with the MPK Mini IV and the MPC Sample.

New creative tools called Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze and Follow transform melodies, rhythms and chords, alongside an expanded arpeggiator with custom patterns, Chord Creator, Note Repeat and user chord progressions. The controller integrates directly with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop, giving access to pads, Q-Links, mixer functions, clip launching, plugin presets and track navigation. It also offers scripted control of Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase and FL Studio, plus NKS compatibility with Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol.

Connectivity includes USB-C for power and MIDI, a full-size five-pin MIDI output, three CV/Gate outputs for synthesizers and modular systems, and a sustain pedal input. It weighs 1.46 kg. The bundle includes more than 1,000 sounds from AIR Music Technology, Moog Music and Akai Professional, Komplete Select (Akai Edition) and MPC Beats.

The original MPK Mini Plus came out in 2022 and, according to MusicRadar, became a rival to the Arturia KeyStep.