AKAI MPK MINI MK3 Complete Setup - Registration, Software Download, and Installation Walk Through

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the complete setup of the AKAI MPK Mini MK3, including how to register the device, download and install the necessary software, and get started with music production. Follow these steps to ensure you have everything configured correctly.

Chapter 1: Create Akai Pro Account

1. Visit the Akai Pro website.
2. Click on "Create an Account" if you do not have one.
3. Fill in the required information:
   • First Name
   • Last Name
   • Email Address
   • Password
4. Submit your details to create your account.
5. If you already have an account, click "Sign In" and enter your login information.

Chapter 2: Sign In To Account

1. Go to the Akai Pro website and click "Sign In."
2. Input your login credentials.
3. Once logged in, navigate to "My Registered Products."

Chapter 3: Register Your MPK Mini

1. In the "My Registered Products" section, enter your device's serial number.
   • The serial number can be found on the back of the MPK Mini MK3, starting with "21."
2. After registration, you should see a confirmation message with a green checkmark.

Chapter 4: Get A Serial Number

1. Scroll down to locate the "MPK Mini 3 Software" section.
2. Click on "Get Me A Serial" to obtain the serial number needed for software activation.

Chapter 5: Download Software Installer

1. Choose the appropriate software installer for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
2. Once downloaded, locate the file and move it to your desktop for easy access.

Chapter 6: Open Software Installer

1. Double-click the installer file to launch the software manager.
2. Ensure all options are visible, including the MPK editor.

Chapter 7: Download Software

1. Select the following software options to download:
   • Hybrid 3
   • Mini Grand
   • Velvet
   • MPC Beats
   • MPK Editor
2. Download any additional sound packs available, such as:
   • Producer Kits
   • Soulful Drums
   • Lo-Fi Producer Collection
   • Trap Soul Lo-Fi Beats

Chapter 8: Install and Activate Software With Serial

1. Start with Hybrid 3:
   • Click "Install" and follow the prompts.
   • Create a desktop shortcut if desired.
2. After installation, click "Get Activation Code."
3. Create an iLok account if you don’t have one.
4. Copy the serial number from your Akai account.
5. Launch Hybrid 3 and enter the serial number to activate.

Repeat these steps for the other software (Mini Grand, Velvet) using the same activation process.

Chapter 9: Install MPC Beats

1. Select MPC Beats from the software manager.
2. Click "Install," read through the agreement, and proceed.
3. Create a desktop shortcut if desired and finish the installation.

Chapter 10: Install MPK Editor

1. Open the MPK Editor from the software manager.
2. Accept the user agreement and follow the installation prompts.

Chapter 11: Install MPC Beats Expansions

1. Install each expansion pack by selecting them from the software manager.
2. Follow the same process as previous installations, ensuring you accept agreements and create shortcuts as needed.

Chapter 12: Setup MPC Beats Software

1. Open MPC Beats from your desktop.
2. When prompted, connect your MPK Mini MK3.
3. Go to "Preferences" and select an appropriate audio driver (e.g., ASIO for All).
4. Set your MPK Mini to control mode for MIDI sync.

Chapter 13: Select MPK Mini MK3 MIDI Map

1. Access "MIDI Learn" via Control + Shift + L or the MIDI Learn button.
2. Choose "Akai MPK Mini 3" to set up your MIDI mapping.

Chapter 14: Set Up VST Folder

1. Locate your VST plugins folder (commonly found in C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VSTs).
2. Copy the installed VST files (e.g., Mini Grand, Velvet) into this folder.
3. Open your VST settings in MPC Beats and scan for new plugins.

Chapter 15: Load VST In MPC Beats

1. Create a new track in MPC Beats.
2. Load your VST plugins (Hybrid, Mini Grand, Velvet) to start making music.

Conclusion

You have successfully registered your AKAI MPK Mini MK3, downloaded the necessary software, and set everything up for music production. Now you can explore these powerful tools and start creating your own music. For further assistance, consider checking out additional tutorials or the Akai support resources. Happy music making!