Akai Releases New MPK Mini Plus II Controller
The latest MIDI controller from Akai brings expanded generative creative tools and a full-colour display to producers.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Music — General
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Akai has officially released the MPK Mini Plus II, a new MIDI controller designed to integrate with MPC systems and digital audio workstations. The updated hardware includes a new keybed, pressure-sensitive pads, and a full-colour display to assist in music production.
Why it matters
The introduction of this device provides music producers with dedicated hardware tools for real-time generative performance and software integration. By incorporating specific creative features, the unit aims to streamline complex composition tasks within a compact studio setup.
The MPK Mini Plus II enters the market at a retail price of $169. This device follows the release of the original MPK Mini Plus, which first debuted in 2022.
The players
Akai
Akai is a globally recognized manufacturer of audio equipment and musical instruments used by professional producers and musicians.
The details
The controller features a suite of creative tools including Glitch, Mutate, Strum, Freeze, and Follow functions that process musical ideas. It is designed for seamless integration with both standalone MPC hardware and external desktop software or DAWs.
Timeline
The original MPK Mini Plus was first released in 2022.
The MPK Mini Plus II was announced on October 27, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The release of the MPK Mini Plus II continues the trend of integrating physical hardware controllers with established digital production environments. This device strengthens the ecosystem surrounding the MPC Standalone platform by providing tactile control over complex software-based creative tools.
Producers looking to upgrade their workflow can now access the new controller through retail channels at its $169 price point. The hardware is designed to work immediately with existing DAWs and MPC software setups, requiring minimal configuration for established users.
The takeaway
This update emphasizes the growing importance of hardware-integrated generative tools in modern music production workflows. Producers can utilize these creative features to experiment with automated sequences and manipulate sounds more efficiently during live or studio sessions.
Further reading
For more on the latest hardware developments for producers, visit our Music — General section.
More information
View full technical specifications on the Akai professional product page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DJMag.
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