How to Set Up The AKAI MPK Mini with Logic Pro for iPad

The AKAI MPK Mini is a solid portable MIDI keyboard that you can use with any DAW. It typically doesn’t require external drivers to work, making the experience simple and fast.

To set up the AKAI MPK Mini with Logic Pro for iPad
1) Connect the USB-B side of the included MIDI cable to the keyboard
2) Connect the USB-A side of the MIDI cable to the adapter
3) Plug the adapter into your iPad
4) Launch Logic and check to make sure that the MIDI input settings are correct.

My Video Tutorial

What Gear You Need to Connect An AKAI MPK Mini to Logic Pro for iPad

Contents - Sidebar TOC ->

The-AKAI-MPK-Mini- — This is the AKAI MPK Mini that I own, however, I would actually recommend the MINI Play instead because it comes with a speaker and sounds.

1) USB Cable (A to B)

The cable should come with your MIDI keyboard when you buy it. This connects your iPad to your keyboard.

Gear Needed Image - For How to Set Up the AKAI MPK Mini with Logic Pro for iPadOS — This is what the cable will probably look like: with the USB-A end on one side and the USB-B on the other.

Sometimes bad cables are slower at transporting information, significantly slowing down your recording process and making it considerably less fun and efficient. The Amazon Basics cables are pretty good.

2) USB-C to USB Adapter

This adapter will be used to connect the USB cable to your iPad (assuming it doesn’t utilize a USB-C connection).

Please keep in mind that not all iPads have a USB-C port. Some iPads still use a lightning charging port, so in that case, you are going to need to buy a USB to lightning adapter. They are also affordable and easy to buy.

I personally prefer the better-quality adapters because they tend to be more reliable and durable.

If you’re new to Apple products, you may not know that many of the 3rd party adapters and other tools are questionable.

I’m fairly certain Apple does this on purpose, despite the best intentions of the EU regulators to get them to create a one-size-fits-all solution.

How to Connect the AKAI MPK Mini to Logic Pro for iPad

1) Connect the USB-A to B Cable to the MPK Mini

Setup Image - For How to Set Up the AKAI MPK Mini with Logic Pro for iPadOS — You can use the cable that originally came with your keyboard. The great thing about the MPK Mini is that it does not require external power, **since it uses the power from your device (bus-powered).**

2) Connect the Adapter to the MIDI Cable

3) Plug the Adapter Into Your iPad and Launch Logic

As I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t require third-party drivers. You just plug it in and use it – very convenient.

Why Isn’t The AKAI MPK Mini Working?

1) Select the Right Input Device

This usually happens when you plug in your keyboard for the first time. You need to select the right input channel. Here is how to select the right MIDI input in Logic:

A) Open the Inspector Window

Issue Image - For How to Set Up the AKAI MPK Mini with Logic Pro for iPadOS — It should be located in the bottom left corner of the screen.

B) Open the “MIDI In Port” Dropdown Menu

If your keyboard is not showing up as one of the options, the issue might be coming from the adaptor.

One of the most common problems are faulty cables and adapters.

This is part of the reason I mentioned using reliable adapters and cables. I’ve had terrible luck with some of them.

j5-Multiport-Adapter — This is the j5 Multiport Adapter I mentioned earlier. It has been good to me.

Before I used the j5 Multicreate, I had crashing issues, speed problems, and just general unreliability.

Sometimes ports won’t work the way I thought they did. It can be a real mess. Anyway, here’s another problem you may have.

2) Select the Right Track and Octave

While you probably already checked that you are using a MIDI track instead of an audio track for recording, there are a few other things to consider.

A) Input and Output Settings

B) Drum Tracks

The Akai MPK Mini comes with an option to switch between different octaves. While most of the instruments are going to be heard in the highest and lowers octaves, drum tracks are different.

They will not work above and below certain notes.

Play around in the different octaves until sound appears, or check with other MIDI tracks if there is still sound coming out.

3) The Device is Using Too Much Power

Connect-Power-Bank-How-to-Use-A-Scarlett-2i2-with-iPadiPhone-Full-Guide — I’m using the same method that you would use for your iPad here, but with the iPhone. The blue power bank is giving it additional power and the USB port is free for another connection (audio interface or a MIDI keyboard).

If you have an older iPad, you might get an error message saying that the device is using too much power. If this is the case, you will need to purchase the Lightning to USB-3 Adapter (not an affiliate link).

It’s commonly called a “multiport camera adapter.”

It is the same adapter that you would normally use, however, it comes with an extra lighting port. You will also need your iPad charger.

Simply connect everything like you normally would, and then plug your iPad charger into the extra lighting port in the adapter.

This is going to supply the extra power that your device needs to get everything to work. My other article on this explains it well.

If you have any questions about the process, be sure to let me know in the comments section below. Also, feel free to share any tips you’ve come across.