Producer Rack

Checked September 2026

Akai Professional

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV review

MIDI controllers

Compact 25-key USB-C MIDI controller with pitch/mod wheels, 8 pads, and 5-pin DIN MIDI output. Best for compact beat and melody production on the go. Price: $99.

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV by Akai Professional

Key features

  • 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys
  • 8 velocity-sensitive RGB MPC pads
  • 8 endless knobs
  • pitch and mod wheels
  • 5-pin DIN MIDI output

Pros

  • Real pitch/mod wheels rare at this size and price.
  • 5-pin DIN MIDI out enables use with external hardware, not just a computer.
  • Bundled with Akai's Studio Instrument Collection and Ableton Live Lite 12.

Cons

  • iOS/iPad support is basic MIDI only; the bundled desktop software is not iOS-compatible.
  • No aftertouch documented on keys or pads.

Akai Professional MPK Mini IV alternatives

  • Akai Professional

    Akai Professional MPD218

    PAID

    A MIDI-over-USB pad controller with 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC pads and 6 assignable knobs.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS

  • M-Audio

    M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3

    PAID

    An ultra-portable 32 mini-key USB MIDI keyboard controller for Mac and PC.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS

  • Arturia

    Arturia MiniLab 3

    $149once

    A 25-key universal MIDI controller with pads, faders, encoders, and a bundled software suite.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
All Akai Professional MPK Mini IV alternatives

Sources: www.akaipro.com, support.akaipro.com