Akai Professional have announced the MPK Mini Plus II, a new version of their compact 37-key MIDI controller with an upgraded keybed, a full-colour display and a broader set of performance and production tools. The new model retains the series’ portable format while offering more hands-on control for producers working with software, MPC systems and external hardware.

The controller features eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB MPC pads, pitch and modulation wheels, eight assignable rotary encoders and a push encoder, alongside dedicated transport controls. Its 160 x 80-pixel colour display provides feedback on active parameters, while dual-bank control expands the functions available from the pads and encoders.

New creative tools include Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze and Follow, designed to transform rhythms, melodies and chords. The arpeggiator, Chord Creator and Note Repeat functions have also been expanded, with custom arpeggiator patterns, user chord progressions and additional chord performance options. These new features are intended to help users explore variations directly from the controller rather than relying solely on their DAW.

Akai have also added direct integration with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop, providing access to functions including transport, Q-Links, mixer controls, clip launching, plug-in presets and track navigation. Scripted integration is available for MPC 3, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio and other DAWs, while NKS compatibility supports Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol ecosystem.

Connectivity includes USB-C for power and MIDI, a full-size five-pin MIDI output, three 3.5mm CV/Gate outputs and a quarter-inch sustain pedal input. It can be powered over USB-C from a computer, compatible adapter or power bank.

• Upgraded 37-key mini keybed with three-octave range
• 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB-backlit MPC pads with dual-bank control
• Dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 8 assignable 360° knobs and a 360° push encoder
• 160 × 80 full-color LCD display with direct parameter feedback
• Expanded Arpeggiator, Chord Creator, and Note Repeat modes with custom arpeggiator patterns
• Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, and Follow creative tools
• User Progressions and advanced Chord workflows
• Direct integration with MPC Standalone and MPC Desktop
• Deep scripted DAW integration with real-time display feedback
• 5.4 × 49.3 × 19.2 cm; 1.46 kg.

The controller also comes with the Studio Instrument Collection, offering more than 1,000 sounds from AIR Music Technology, Moog Music and Akai Professional, alongside Native Instruments Komplete Select (Akai Edition) and MPC Beats.

The Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus II is available now, priced at £134.99 / €159.99$169.

www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-plus-ii