My 7 year old is taking piano lessons and very interested in music production (she loves bands like tame Impala and gorillaz) so after a lot of research the PLAY is nearly perfect for a beginner kid as a stand-alone keyboard with more than enough internal sounds and encoders to learn the basics. Next step is usb to computer for more library sounds and multitracking. Until she grows out of it and takes her music career to the next level. Thanks for the video.
I just bought it for the 4th birthday of a kid that simply loves to mess around with my synths and drum machines. I thought about the Yamaha pss-a50, but the Akai offers way more opportunities to interact with sounds and manipulate them (the pss-a50 doesn't even offer some reverb, which in my opinion is crazy). I know, Yamaha piano sounds are unbeatable at this price point but, hey, I just want him to have fun, and I guess the Mini Play is the best choice. They should add a looper in the new version.
finally! after tons of youtube channels, this is the only one video make me understand what this piece is, the video is simple but all in. thank you very much, thumb-up 👍 and like.
Sounds just like Miles Davis (9:25). Good one!!! 😂 It is a cool little midi controller though with a few decent built in tones. Thanks for the run through of all the sounds!
just ordered one from amazon to use with the mpc one+ iv been using a little lpk 25 ..i figured having the built sounds is like having an extra plug in
Overall a nice video! However, you can do a lot more with the built-in sounds using the rotary controls! Also from the “normal” ones such as vibraphone, organs, strings, etc. The sawtooth sounds can sound like a 303 if you put your mind to it! Together with a lopper pedal or a multi-effect with a built-in lopper you can make very nice ambient music live! I recommend, for example, one of the zoom pedals (Zoom b1on and others) It definitely sounds better than the similar Yamaha PSS a50! it has no controls and only 40 very bad sounds that you can't change! It's very good that Akai finally made the rotary potentiometers on the right side! Most musicians play with their right hand and the previous pots were on the wrong side! I would like Akai to finally release a version with 3 or 4 octaves and with better sounds!
Great video! Just wanted to know if I buy the MPK mini mk3 instead of the MPK play would I be able to get access to all the sounds that are installed onto the play via the AKAI software? cheers
I don't think so. But you will get access to a few virtual instruments and an Ableton Live Lite subscription that are bundled with the keyboard itself. But I'm not sure if it has the sounds available as standalone
I've received a lot of questions about the looping app I used in this video. The one used in this video is called Loopy HD, but there is a new and upgraded version of it, called Loopy HD, and I've made a video about it here: ua-cam.com/video/gD3n1nvCiQk/v-deo.html
The Yamaha PSS a50 is no comparison! It only has 40 very bad sounds that you can't change! Plus, it doesn't have any controls, not even a proper volume control! The Akai is better than the Yamaha PSS a50 in all respects!
Hi, thanks for this video. Could you make a video about how to set up this loopy app? Another question, is it possible to use the sounds from this keyboard on your DAV? Is connection by the sustain input and audio interface the answer? Thanks in advance!
I have sent midi notes from different daw, but the audio output is noisy. I have netter result using a separate laptop/mobile to record the sounds. Tweeking some setting for sounds makr them a bit better, app4. 70% of sounds seems to me worth taking over. (Reverbed sounds are noisy at the end, so better use a reverb in daw.) My favourite waynof using intrrnal sounds is sending out midi on 3 channels (selected instrument, piano , Standard drumkit).
Hi! So in order to get the sound properly into the iPad, I have to use an audio interface. In the video I'm using a little iRig interface - link here: amzn.to/3GzWsyH - but you can use any audio interface. And then I plugged the headphone output of the keyboard into the audio interface. The ipad automatically recognizes the audio interface, which makes it very simple.
@@flundlip What adapter was needed to connect the headphone cord to the irig interface? And where did you get the one featured in the video it looks so compact if its 3.5mm to XLR.
Hey, is it possible to program them (without a computer) so that the drums themselves play (DRUMS)? It's hard for me to describe it in a commentary. Piano can be programmed via ARPEGGIATOR+LATCH. But can the PAD also be turned on without a computer to play drums in a loop?
Thank you for all the tips in this video. It actúa opened my eyes on a lot of small details but so helpful. I am planning on buying but wasn't sure which one to get. 🙏🎵
The sounds are synthesized and not samples? I think you’re mistaking there. May be not multisampled but still, samples are used for the sounds (would be silly not to)
I don’t know exactly how to do it, my one year old son activated it while crawling in it but there is a hidden snake game in this unit. Does anyone know how to activate it?
If you want it to be portable and be able to play without a computer, then this could be for you. Otherwise save yourself fifty bucks and use it through the included DAW beat maker on your computer with all the included plugins. The built in sounds are cheap sounding, the plug-in sounds are much better.
It's a full midi controller, use it with any dog and any pack of samples, drums, synths, pianos that you want to. Doesnt have to just be with MPC Beats and doesnt have to be just with the stock samples. Cymatics has a ton of great free samples to be used with this, or any midi controller.
@@KiLLJOY1056 Hi are you able to load any samples from the web onto the play? Like could I load sounds from certain plug ins onto it and then have them when I want to play from the built in speaker without a computer connection?
How can we get a almost-pro instruments sounds using that MIDI controller ? Do I need to buy a professional synth for it or how can we achieve this ? Thanks
Bought a new one. Never dreamed it didn't have a speaker. NON less a HP jack. I'm completely floored. I know it's a cheap starter midi controller but this was a miss by Akai imo.
@@jaydubya2445 sounds like you may have gotten the one that's not the Play version. The regular ones are just MIDI controllers, but the Play version has a speaker and headphone jack
@@flundlip Ya I should've gotten the play. I had no idea. I just saw NEW and it was the mk3 so I said I dont want the mk2, lol. Now I'm returning it as we speak.
But that's just my opinion or at least the keyboard that had gotten from what's the skin which was more so it's why piano and even have an output so no this is a step if not two steps above that
Akai should make the MPK Play so that two of them can link together as a longer keybed, for Left Hand and Right Hand, with midi sync between the two MPK's, the total keybed would be 50 keys.
It's a little bit better than a Casio keyboard or at least the ones from the 90s and even like it with you that's better than some of the keyboards from now what's this use PCM samples that sound awful
Of music production, of keyboards. There's a picture accompanying the title, so it refers to the keyboard, and in the video I talk about how having the sounds built in make it easier to get started for beginners. I think it's a decent title that's relevant to the video. But you're welcome to think the title is stupid
Check also out my review of the incredibly handy TempoPad here: ua-cam.com/video/5i9XpjE8sAg/v-deo.html
Finally someone who showed all the drum sounds, thank you! I hoped there were more world/percussion sounds.
My 7 year old is taking piano lessons and very interested in music production (she loves bands like tame Impala and gorillaz) so after a lot of research the PLAY is nearly perfect for a beginner kid as a stand-alone keyboard with more than enough internal sounds and encoders to learn the basics. Next step is usb to computer for more library sounds and multitracking. Until she grows out of it and takes her music career to the next level. Thanks for the video.
I just bought it for the 4th birthday of a kid that simply loves to mess around with my synths and drum machines. I thought about the Yamaha pss-a50, but the Akai offers way more opportunities to interact with sounds and manipulate them (the pss-a50 doesn't even offer some reverb, which in my opinion is crazy). I know, Yamaha piano sounds are unbeatable at this price point but, hey, I just want him to have fun, and I guess the Mini Play is the best choice. They should add a looper in the new version.
finally! after tons of youtube channels, this is the only one video make me understand what this piece is, the video is simple but all in. thank you very much, thumb-up 👍 and like.
Really appreciate moving through every built in sound, great review!
Thank you! I'm happy you liked it 😁
Best MK Play review. THAAAAANKS :)
Thank you so much!
Just waited 1 year till someone really demoed the sounds. Thanks
thx great explanations for my beginner mindset.
Thanks for the video, really useful. I bought the Mini Play MK3 a while ago and really like it.
That's awesome! It's a very practical little keyboard. Thank you for watching and commenting ☺️
Such a great variety of test songs, you used. Great job, lol Awesome
Sounds just like Miles Davis (9:25). Good one!!! 😂 It is a cool little midi controller though with a few decent built in tones. Thanks for the run through of all the sounds!
Great demo of what the Akai MPK Play MK3 can do
Love the Seinfeld riff on the Slap Bass, great vid!
Thank you!
just ordered one from amazon to use with the mpc one+ iv been using a little lpk 25 ..i figured having the built sounds is like having an extra plug in
Great run through for us beginners, many thanks!
Thank you!
I watch many review this model and must say its best👍
Overall a nice video! However, you can do a lot more with the built-in sounds using the rotary controls! Also from the “normal” ones such as vibraphone, organs, strings, etc.
The sawtooth sounds can sound like a 303 if you put your mind to it!
Together with a lopper pedal or a multi-effect with a built-in lopper you can make very nice ambient music live!
I recommend, for example, one of the zoom pedals (Zoom b1on and others)
It definitely sounds better than the similar Yamaha PSS a50! it has no controls and only 40 very bad sounds that you can't change!
It's very good that Akai finally made the rotary potentiometers on the right side! Most musicians play with their right hand and the previous pots were on the wrong side!
I would like Akai to finally release a version with 3 or 4 octaves and with better sounds!
Thanks for a great overview makes me realise how much can be done with just a cheap keyboard
very comprehensive! thank you!
Good video, tell me if you know, can the keyboard transpose?..
Great demo. Why do they include such presets as flute, guitar etc.? I rather have all synth sounds, or I'd buy an organ.
Great video! Just wanted to know if I buy the MPK mini mk3 instead of the MPK play would I be able to get access to all the sounds that are installed onto the play via the AKAI software? cheers
I don't think so. But you will get access to a few virtual instruments and an Ableton Live Lite subscription that are bundled with the keyboard itself. But I'm not sure if it has the sounds available as standalone
I've received a lot of questions about the looping app I used in this video. The one used in this video is called Loopy HD, but there is a new and upgraded version of it, called Loopy HD, and I've made a video about it here: ua-cam.com/video/gD3n1nvCiQk/v-deo.html
I dont know what they don´t add a looper in these updates. Would make this unit so much better, and top of the game.
Is this the only midi controller with an in built speaker?
Thanks for the content!
No, the Yamaha PSS-A50 could be an other option. Has more keys but no pads. Look it up.
looking for more keyboards like this, too
The Yamaha PSS a50 is no comparison! It only has 40 very bad sounds that you can't change! Plus, it doesn't have any controls, not even a proper volume control!
The Akai is better than the Yamaha PSS a50 in all respects!
Hi, do you know if you can add your own samples on the mpk3 mini play and use them without pc? Thank you
what other small/compact size standalone keyboards like this are there?
Hi, thanks for this video. Could you make a video about how to set up this loopy app? Another question, is it possible to use the sounds from this keyboard on your DAV? Is connection by the sustain input and audio interface the answer? Thanks in advance!
I have sent midi notes from different daw, but the audio output is noisy. I have netter result using a separate laptop/mobile to record the sounds. Tweeking some setting for sounds makr them a bit better, app4. 70% of sounds seems to me worth taking over. (Reverbed sounds are noisy at the end, so better use a reverb in daw.) My favourite waynof using intrrnal sounds is sending out midi on 3 channels (selected instrument, piano , Standard drumkit).
Hi! So in order to get the sound properly into the iPad, I have to use an audio interface. In the video I'm using a little iRig interface - link here: amzn.to/3GzWsyH - but you can use any audio interface. And then I plugged the headphone output of the keyboard into the audio interface. The ipad automatically recognizes the audio interface, which makes it very simple.
@@flundlip What adapter was needed to connect the headphone cord to the irig interface? And where did you get the one featured in the video it looks so compact if its 3.5mm to XLR.
can you show us how u do transpose function.
*can you tell what that looping program u used. thats for like sampling right and making a loop out of it like hiphop producers use?*
Can I connect this into my Boss Rc20 loop pedal so I can loop the drums?
Yeah man that’s why I bought it to use for too
Hey, is it possible to program them (without a computer) so that the drums themselves play (DRUMS)? It's hard for me to describe it in a commentary. Piano can be programmed via ARPEGGIATOR+LATCH. But can the PAD also be turned on without a computer to play drums in a loop?
Not in a very reliable way unfortunately. Easier to use a looping app
Is there a way to remove or lower the reverb on the drums? It was not possible on the mk2 so I returned it.
Which software did you use on the iPad? Thanks.
Loopy HD
@@flundlipmany thanks, most helpful.👍
Great video.
Thank you!
Really great video,I love my mini play 👍
Thank you! Yeah it's a great little keyboard ☺️
I'm convinced there are samples, it's not everything synthesized, probably even all sample based. What makes you think otherwise?
Hi, can I make loop on the machine? It's not integrated? I see you have to connect a loop app
Thank you for all the tips in this video. It actúa opened my eyes on a lot of small details but so helpful. I am planning on buying but wasn't sure which one to get. 🙏🎵
The Full Level button only works for the pads or does it work for the keyboard also ?
in-build speakers is something honestly almost redundant, but in-build sounds is a nice touch
What is that looping app on your ipad called?
I tking it's loopy.
It's just called Loopy 😄
whats the loopy app name you are using ? does that work on Andorid ?
It's called Loopy HD, but they have an updated version called Loopy Pro as well. But both are unfortunately only for iOS 😕
Those it come with software to make more beats
The drum sounds very good I think they can be used on a record
Did I hear The Mission on the oboe? 😃
Yeah! Good ears
Once you buy it, there's no going bach. Nice review!
Thank you!
How about going Beethoven?
The sounds are synthesized and not samples? I think you’re mistaking there. May be not multisampled but still, samples are used for the sounds (would be silly not to)
Hi Flip - how can i factory reset this ?
BTW, i search in your videos but don't find arturia, hope you'll work with it as well. thanks.
Yeah I like Arturia products. I'll definitely make something at some point. Thanks for suggesting it tho
How did you loop the tracks live?
I used an iPad app called Loopy
How to connect other keyboard USB work only
COMPUTER ?!?
I don’t know exactly how to do it, my one year old son activated it while crawling in it but there is a hidden snake game in this unit. Does anyone know how to activate it?
If you want it to be portable and be able to play without a computer, then this could be for you. Otherwise save yourself fifty bucks and use it through the included DAW beat maker on your computer with all the included plugins. The built in sounds are cheap sounding, the plug-in sounds are much better.
It's a full midi controller, use it with any dog and any pack of samples, drums, synths, pianos that you want to. Doesnt have to just be with MPC Beats and doesnt have to be just with the stock samples. Cymatics has a ton of great free samples to be used with this, or any midi controller.
@@KiLLJOY1056 Hi are you able to load any samples from the web onto the play? Like could I load sounds from certain plug ins onto it and then have them when I want to play from the built in speaker without a computer connection?
@@vince1157I would like to know this too
please what is this looping? thanks
The sounds are most deffinitely samples. Just a basic GM set. It's not synthesized from scratch.
Very helpfull.Thank You.
How can we get a almost-pro instruments sounds using that MIDI controller ?
Do I need to buy a professional synth for it or how can we achieve this ?
Thanks
your surname and the way you pronounce words which end with a 'k' makes me believe you're Swedish , did I get it right?😁
You got very close! I'm actually from Norway
Hail Warrior @@flundlip😃
seriously AA batteries? man why don't put a much more elegant 9v square battery? anyway, can I use an old wall charger (5v 1A) to power the keyboard?
Yes of course you can also use a power supply! Or even normal AA batteries!
A normal set of batteries lasts for 14 hours
Because 9v batteries are much more expensive and the keyboard only needs 5v
Bought a new one. Never dreamed it didn't have a speaker. NON less a HP jack. I'm completely floored. I know it's a cheap starter midi controller but this was a miss by Akai imo.
@@jaydubya2445 sounds like you may have gotten the one that's not the Play version. The regular ones are just MIDI controllers, but the Play version has a speaker and headphone jack
@@flundlip Ya I should've gotten the play. I had no idea. I just saw NEW and it was the mk3 so I said I dont want the mk2, lol. Now I'm returning it as we speak.
Can you record into it with your real guitar?
No, unfortunately not
Guys please someone help me, if i buy this Can i plug my headphones and play without any software or computer?
Hi. Yes you can
How can i loop without a tablet?
Buy a looper pedal
But that's just my opinion or at least the keyboard that had gotten from what's the skin which was more so it's why piano and even have an output so no this is a step if not two steps above that
Akai should make the MPK Play so that two of them can link together as a longer keybed, for Left Hand and Right Hand, with midi sync between the two MPK's, the total keybed would be 50 keys.
Yeah, I agree. That would make it much more versatile
It would be perfect if it had three octaves.
Less is more. Do what your heart needs, not what ya brain disrespect. Love ;)
Good night my love the new team love the office so
Waiting for at least 15 percent off.
harry Styles owes The Weekend some money.
It doesn't loop or sequence so it can't stand alone.
Yep. It's not a groove box. It's just a keyboard
It does have a latch
@@ZacharysGamingExpOG what does that mean?
Some miliseconds of delay between pressing a key and sound being produced. As do all digital keyboards btw
It's a little bit better than a Casio keyboard or at least the ones from the 90s and even like it with you that's better than some of the keyboards from now what's this use PCM samples that sound awful
No point of having a speaker if you cant loop
Begginers of what.. Stupid title
Of music production, of keyboards. There's a picture accompanying the title, so it refers to the keyboard, and in the video I talk about how having the sounds built in make it easier to get started for beginners. I think it's a decent title that's relevant to the video. But you're welcome to think the title is stupid