Akai Professional has unveiled the MPK Mini IV, a new compact MIDI keyboard controller which aims to “set a new standard for portable music creation”.

The unit arrives five years on from its predecessor, the MPK Mini Mk3, and is touted as the “most substantial redesign” in the history of the MPK Mini series.

Chief among the updates is the addition of pitch and modulation wheels – which replace the four-way joystick found on the previous model – while there’s also a revamped keybed and an even more responsive velocity-sensitive RGB backlit set of MPC pads.

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Additionally, the MPK MINI IV comes with Studio Instrument Collection, an all-new comprehensive software instrument with over 1,000 “professionally crafted” presets from Akai Professional, Moog and AIR.

A single download promises to have users up and running within 15 minutes, with one-to-one parameter mapping which provides “seamless control over every sonic detail”.

Akai is hoping the straight-forward plug-in-and-go appeal of the MPK Mini IV will appeal to a new generation of content creators, producers and streamers.

“The MPK Mini IV embodies our commitment to empowering creators of all skill levels with professional-grade tools,” says Andy Mac, Creative Global Marketing and Artist Relations Manager at Akai Professional. 

“We’ve completely reimagined what’s possible in a compact controller – delivering tactile, expressive controls; instant access to premium sounds; and true portability at an accessible price point. It’s designed to inspire creativity from the moment you plug it in.”

Other features include an enhanced interface and workflow – with a full-colour screen for real-time visual feedback, and expanded transport section mapped to DAW controls, and enhanced arpeggiator and Scale and Chord Modes – and updated connectivity, now with a five-prong MIDI output jack for integration with external gear, and USB-C compatibility.

The MPK Mini IV also has pre-programmed DAW scripts for compatibility with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Bitwig and Cubase.

The MPK Mini IV is available now, priced at $99.

Learn more at Akai Professional.

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