Akai MPK mini play mk3 - Sand, software and sound

Even though Winter NAMM 2022 is postponed (or just outright moved) to June, a few manufacturers are sticking to their release schedule.

Include Akai on the list of schedule keepers.

Akai have revamped the MPK mini play giving it a new front panel layout and a better speaker. The mini-keyboard has been upgraded to Gen-2, too. The new MPK mini play mk3 is slightly larger: 317 x 178 x 58mm versus 312 x 172 x 46mm. No strain, there.

Other specs are largely the same. I would think the mk3 is based on the same mk1 sound engine (probably a Dream Synthesis SAM2635). The speaker is larger and is a welcome change.

I rather like the new layout. The control knobs are larger (?) with a modern appearance. Maybe, possibly, the knob placement may interfere with finger drumming? Internal (initial) control assignments are the same. Styling overall is more “noir.” No visible changes to the arpeggiator.

Thomann indicate price at 129 EURO. Thomann USA have a $124 USD price for USA customers.

If you fancied one before, now you’re spoilt with choice.

More than 100 internal drum and instrument sounds
Gen-2 keyboard with 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys
8 backlit MPC pads with Note Repeat and Full Level function (x2 banks)
4 controls for editing internal sounds or MIDI parameters (x2 banks)
built-in speaker
OLED Display
Pitch / Modulation Joystick
Arpeggiator
Connection for sustain pedal: 1/4inch jack
USB-B Port
Headphone output: 3.5mm jack
Dimensions (W x D x H): 317W x 178D x 58H mm
Weight: 860 g (1.9 pounds)
Software package: Akai Pro MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet and Melodics learning software with 60 lessons