Perhaps the most popular keyboard out right now is the Akai MPK Mini Mk2. A lot of people prefer this little machine, and there are more expensive, larger, and superior versions available. In addition to the price, the Akai MPK Mini Mk2 only has 25 keys, so I didn’t want to get it for that reason. 1 Best Portable Midi Keyboards for GarageBand Comparison Table: 1.1 #1 Akai Professional MPK Mini 25-Key Ultra-Portable USB MIDI Keyboard. 1.2 #2 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII 25-Key Keyboard Controller. 1.3 #3 Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano. 1.4 #4 Novation Launchkey 49 USB Keyboard Controller. Akai MPK Mini MK2. Akai has been in the business of manufacturing high-quality music production equipment and best Midi keyboards for Garageband for over 30 years. The Akai Mpk Mini Mk2 is a 25 key Midi keyboard controller that is packed with a whole range of useful features such as the 8 X touch-sensitive pads. Connecting Akai MPK Mini midi controller to Korg Gadget app in iPad. There shouldn't be a problem. You will need to use the mini-USB cable supplied with the Akai and connect this to a powered USB hub to give power to the Akai. Then connect the output from the USB hub to the Apple Camera Connector (USB) to your iPad. See full list on noterepeat.com.
- Jamstik MIDI Guitar
- Akai Pro MPK Mini MkII - Complete Setup In Ableton Live Lite
- Akai MPK Mini MKII With IPad Pro 2018 — Audiobus Forum
Let’s Multi-Instrument! Bass Rig Keyboard Setup
Ever since seeing Greta Kline from Porches alternate between bass guitar and bass keyboard duties, I’ve been semi-obsessed with creating a bass rig keyboard setup of my own. Greta plays a Novation Bass Station II. At some point I’d like to try out that keyboard out, but I ended up landing on the Akai MPK Mini MkII keyboard controller, with an iPad brain, and Garageband Keyboards for the software.
I play an Ampeg SVT-VR which has 4 inputs so I got this crazy idea that I should be able to use one of those inputs for the keyboard setup, when I’m not playing bass.
My Bass Rig Keyboard Setup
I selected the Akai Mini because it has both keys and drum pads. It has enough features to be ‘professional’ but is simple enough for a beginner electronic musician such as myself. The final reason I chose it is because you can find them for as little as $20 buck or new for $99. I already had an Apple iPad with Garageband on it so I thought I could have a great keyboard/drum pad set up for about the cost of a round of beers…it’s never that simple.
Getting the iPad to connect the Akai was a nightmare…I easily connected my Android phone and my Macbook Pro to the Akai so I knew the Akai was working.
Here’s all the different crap I tried getting this stuff to work:
- USB hub – Internet says this will work but you need a specific adapter and it will run your iPad out of power.
- Powered USB hub – Internet says this will work, but you still need the same lightning to USB adapter.
- USB A to USB C Adapter – Don’t try this, I lost my mind and thought Apple switched over to USB C. I was able to used it for my phone though.
- USB B to lightning Adapter – Doesn’t work, iPad complains that Akai is drawing too much power.
- Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter – WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!
The Remedy
Jamstik MIDI Guitar
In the end I recommend using the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter because this is the simplest, least expensive, working solution. This adapter converts USB A to lightening and delivers power to the iPad. Any solution involving a hub, also requires a USB to Lightening adaptor…even if you think it doesn’t, it does.
If I end up loving this set up, I may switch the iPad with a iPod Touch that is dedicated to running Garageband. This would make my set up even more simple and compact.
My Setup Bass Rig Keyboard Setup:
Akai Pro MPK Mini MkII - Complete Setup In Ableton Live Lite
- Multi-input Bass Amp