By Tone_y_Touch
Wed Jun 18, 2025 2:10 am
For starters, it needs to be the MPC* Mini Plus. It should sync with MPC Beats/2/3 the same way the Studio 2 and Touch do. Pad colors should reflect the selected program and the pad banks should control A-H depending on which bank is selected in the software (as opposed to only Bank A, which the Mini Plus currently does). BPM/TC/scales/etc changes on the controller should be reflected in the software and vice versa.
Honestly, all these entry level Akai devices (Mpk, APC) should have that kind of compatibility with MPC.
There should be a "full level" option not just for the pads, but for the keys as well, including the "half level" option.
Separate Play Start and Play options, either through use of the Shift key or an through separate, dedicated buttons.
Chords mode: A method of switching chord modes quickly enough that it could be done with one hand while playing with another. The chords feature is neat but practically limited to one type of chord at a time, which makes it somewhat impractical as a composition tool for the more theory-inhibited users.
THE BIG, MOST IMPORTANT ADDITION THE Plus Mk2 SHOULD HAVE THOUGH:
Small lights at the top of each key. When in Scales or Chords modes, these lights should activate the same way that pads do on other devices. It's a great tool on a 16-pad layout, but on a 37-key mini, this could be not just valuable as a cheat sheet, but a learning tool for people who are learning theory and/or keys.
Everything else can stay more or less the same. Get that thing out the door for $250 and I suspect it will be a hit with enthusiasts and newbs alike.
ANOTHER OPTION:
The MPC Mini Play Plus
As long as it doesn't add to the profile significantly, get a tiny speaker or two, either under the keys or somewhere in the corners, load it device up with the sounds from the Mpk Mini Play/Play Mk2 (a few more drum kits honestly couldn't hurt), and add either a rechargeable lithium or battery compartment.
In addition to internal mode, release a plugin pack for registered users that allows them access to those same sounds in MPC, so they can use those sounds without having to essentially sample from it.
Go back to square drum pads. The rectangular ones on the Play Mk2 are slightly awkward at times. This is less of a big deal though.
$300. We're done.
Really though, I think the lighted keys are the real upgrade here to implement, if I'm picking one. Don't underestimate how appealing these lower-end controllers are to DAW-curious people, nor the retention rate for people who aren't patient or computer savvy enough to deal with devices that have compatibility issues, or not theory savvy enough to compose without relying almost exclusively on samples.
Honestly, all these entry level Akai devices (Mpk, APC) should have that kind of compatibility with MPC.
There should be a "full level" option not just for the pads, but for the keys as well, including the "half level" option.
Separate Play Start and Play options, either through use of the Shift key or an through separate, dedicated buttons.
Chords mode: A method of switching chord modes quickly enough that it could be done with one hand while playing with another. The chords feature is neat but practically limited to one type of chord at a time, which makes it somewhat impractical as a composition tool for the more theory-inhibited users.
THE BIG, MOST IMPORTANT ADDITION THE Plus Mk2 SHOULD HAVE THOUGH:
Small lights at the top of each key. When in Scales or Chords modes, these lights should activate the same way that pads do on other devices. It's a great tool on a 16-pad layout, but on a 37-key mini, this could be not just valuable as a cheat sheet, but a learning tool for people who are learning theory and/or keys.
Everything else can stay more or less the same. Get that thing out the door for $250 and I suspect it will be a hit with enthusiasts and newbs alike.
ANOTHER OPTION:
The MPC Mini Play Plus
As long as it doesn't add to the profile significantly, get a tiny speaker or two, either under the keys or somewhere in the corners, load it device up with the sounds from the Mpk Mini Play/Play Mk2 (a few more drum kits honestly couldn't hurt), and add either a rechargeable lithium or battery compartment.
In addition to internal mode, release a plugin pack for registered users that allows them access to those same sounds in MPC, so they can use those sounds without having to essentially sample from it.
Go back to square drum pads. The rectangular ones on the Play Mk2 are slightly awkward at times. This is less of a big deal though.
$300. We're done.
Really though, I think the lighted keys are the real upgrade here to implement, if I'm picking one. Don't underestimate how appealing these lower-end controllers are to DAW-curious people, nor the retention rate for people who aren't patient or computer savvy enough to deal with devices that have compatibility issues, or not theory savvy enough to compose without relying almost exclusively on samples.