Akai MPK Mini IV 25-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller (Black)
The Akai Professional MPK Mini IV is a compact 25-key MIDI keyboard controller for beatmaking, production, songwriting and portable music setups. It gives you velocity-sensitive mini keys, RGB-backlit MPC pads, real pitch and modulation wheels, eight assignable knobs, transport controls and a full-colour screen in a small USB-powered design and black finish.
Also known as the Akai MPK Mini MK4, this fourth-generation model adds some handy upgrades over the MPK Mini MK3. You get USB-C, full-size MIDI output, a colour display, expanded DAW control, Scale and Chord modes, an enhanced arpeggiator and access to 1,000+ included sounds!
Compact Keys and RGB MPC Pads
The MPK Mini IV features a newly designed third-generation keybed for playing melodies, basslines, chords and quick ideas from a compact controller. Octave up and down controls give you a 10-octave range, so you’re not locked into one small register.
The eight RGB-backlit MPC pads are velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive, making them useful for drums, samples, clips and performance control. With two pad banks, you get 16 total assignable pad controls to work with!
Real Pitch and Mod Wheels
The part that’s easy to spot on the MPK Mini IV is the move to real mechanical pitch and modulation wheels. If you’re used to larger keyboards or synths, these feel more familiar than the joystick-style control found on earlier MPK Mini models.
Use the pitch wheel for bends and the modulation wheel for expression, movement and effect control, depending on the instrument or software you’re using.
Creative Tools for Faster Ideas
Scale and Chord modes help you build musical parts more quickly. Scale mode keeps notes inside a selected key, while Chord mode lets each key trigger a full chord, which is useful when you want to sketch out progressions without slowing the session down.
The enhanced arpeggiator includes Pattern, Freeze and Mutate functions, giving you more ways to shape riffs, basslines and grooves from the keyboard.
DAW Control and Studio Integration
The MPK Mini IV includes DAW control scripts for supported software, helping the hardware map neatly to common production functions. Akai lists mapping support for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, FL Studio and Cubase, with installers available through the inMusic Software Center.
The expanded transport section lets you control playback and recording from the keyboard, while the eight assignable 360-degree knobs give you hands-on control over instruments, effects and mixer parameters.
USB-C, MIDI Out and Portable Power
The MPK Mini IV connects to your computer over USB-C and is USB bus-powered, so you don’t need a separate power supply for normal computer use. It also includes a full-size 5-pin MIDI output, making it easier to connect compatible hardware synths and external MIDI gear.
There’s also a 1/4-inch sustain pedal input, which is worth adding if you plan to play piano parts, pads or longer chord progressions. For more setup options, you can browse DJ City’s range of MIDI keyboards, audio interfaces and MIDI cables.
Included Software and Sounds
Akai includes Studio Instrument Collection with the MPK Mini IV, giving you access to over 1,000 sounds from AIR, Akai Pro and Moog. It works as a standalone app and in VST3/AU plugin formats on compatible Mac and Windows systems.
Ableton Live Lite 12 is also included, giving you a DAW to start recording, arranging and producing.
NOTE: Akai’s official software requirements list macOS 13+ or Windows 10 64-bit and 11GB of free hard disk space for the included software.
Key Features
- 25-Key Compact MIDI Controller: Portable USB MIDI keyboard for beatmaking, production and mobile music setups
- Velocity-Sensitive Mini Keys: 25 keys with octave up/down controls for a 10-octave range
- RGB MPC Pads: Eight velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive pads with two banks for 16 assignable pad controls
- Pitch and Mod Wheels: Separate mechanical wheels for more familiar performance control
- Eight Assignable Knobs: 360-degree rotary knobs for instruments, effects and mixer parameters
- Full-Colour Display: Visual feedback for navigation, settings and control changes
- Scale and Chord Modes: Built-in tools for staying in key and building progressions
- Enhanced Arpeggiator: Pattern, Freeze and Mutate functions for creating movement and variation
- DAW-Mapped Controls: Supported scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, FL Studio and Cubase
- USB-C Connectivity: Computer connection and bus power through USB-C
- 5-Pin MIDI Output: Connect compatible hardware synths and external MIDI gear
- Sustain Pedal Input: 1/4-inch TS input for a compatible sustain pedal
- Included Software: Studio Instrument Collection with 1,000+ sounds plus Ableton Live Lite 12
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Akai MPK Mini IV good for beginners?
Yes, it suits beginners because it gives you keys, pads, knobs, DAW control and included software in one small controller. It’s also useful for experienced producers who want a compact keyboard for travel, desk setups or quick ideas.
What is the difference between MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV?
Compared with the MPK Mini MK3, the MPK Mini IV adds real pitch and modulation wheels, transport controls, a colour display, advanced arpeggiator functions, Scale and Chord modes, USB-C, full-size MIDI output, RGB pads and dedicated DAW mapping.
Does the MPK Mini IV need a computer?
For normal software use, yes, you’ll connect it to a computer or compatible smart device. It is a MIDI controller, so it does not make sound on its own like a standalone keyboard. It can also send MIDI to compatible external gear through the 5-pin MIDI output.
What software comes with the MPK Mini IV?
Akai supplies Studio Instrument Collection and Ableton Live Lite 12 with MPK Mini IV. Studio Instrument Collection includes over 1,000 sounds from AIR, Akai Pro and Moog.