Akai Professional MPK Mini MK4 Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller, Black

Stuff About Akai

Akai, a Japanese company, made their biggest impact with the MPC series of samplers. The MPC revolutionised hip hop, R&B, and beat-driven music. Modern Akai still make powerful MPC units that combine standalone hardware with DAW integration. They also produce popular controllers like the MPK series. If sampling and beatmaking is your world, Akai’s legacy and present-day gear are second to none.

The Important stuff

Keyboards —

Keyboards are versatile electronic instruments that cover a wide range of sounds, styles, and functions. Unlike acoustic pianos, they are lightweight, portable, and often include built-in speakers, multiple instrument voices, and rhythm accompaniments.

They’re popular with beginners for their learning features and affordability, but also valued by gigging musicians and producers for their flexibility. From simple home practice keyboards to professional stage models with advanced controls, there’s a keyboard for every level of player.

Whether used for learning, songwriting, or live performance, keyboards provide an accessible way to explore music with the convenience of modern technology.

A MIDI Controller is a piece of hardware or software that sends Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) signals to control sounds, instruments, and effects. Unlike a synthesiser or sampler, it doesn’t generate audio on its own — instead, it communicates with other devices such as computers, virtual instruments, or hardware synths.

MIDI Controllers come in many forms: keyboards with velocity-sensitive keys, pad controllers for triggering samples or beats, fader/knob surfaces for mixing and effects, and even guitar- or wind-style controllers. They give musicians hands-on control over digital music production, live performance setups, and studio workflows.

Whether you’re playing notes, tweaking parameters, or launching clips in software like Ableton Live, a MIDI Controller is the flexible link between your creativity and your sound.