Akai has announced the MPK mini, USB keyboard and pad controller. Here's what they have to say about it...
MPK mini strikes the perfect balance between portability and comprehensive software control by melding together the immediate control and grab-and-go convenience of the LPK25 and LPD8. The MPK mini is less than 13 inches across and weighs just over one pound and easily fits into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability. The MPK mini keyboard is ideal for quickly entering notes and phrases into a computer and is also velocity-sensitive. Dedicated Octave Up and Down buttons instantly access different pitch ranges and a Sustain button provides further performance options. The MPK mini also has a built-in arpeggiator to create sparkling, staccato leads and driving bass lines in a variety of time signatures and patterns.
MPK mini's eight backlit, velocity-sensitive pads are based on Akai Professional's MPC line of iconic music production stations. Great for firing one-shot samples and sequencing drum patterns, the pads can send note information, MIDI CCs, or even program changes. Pressing the Bank button will quickly toggle between two banks of pads for 16 pads in total. Additionally, the MPK mini has eight assignable Q-Link knobs to control virtually any software parameter.
MPK mini is plug-and-play with Mac or PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. The included software editor quickly maps MPK mini's controls as well.
"Today's music is constantly evolving, and that requires the tools for music creation to evolve similarly," said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional. "The MPK mini is the perfect extension of the computer for making music in any setting."
Pricing and Availability:
The MPK mini will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q4 2010. MPK mini has a U.S. Retail Price of $199.00 and an estimated street price of $99.00. More information:

• akaipro.com

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