Review M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 MIDI keyboard. Where to buy it?
M-Audio is a business unit of inMusic Brands that designs and markets digital audio and MIDI interfaces, keyboards and MIDI controllers, synthesizers, speakers, studio monitors, digital DJ systems, microphones and music software. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I will list the features of this M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.
- 32 speed-sensitive flat-panel mini-keys
- 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob)
- Selectable speed curves to adjust the sensitivity
- Assignable controls for pitch bend and modulation
- USB powered
- Plug&Play’ for Mac and PC
- Multicolor LED backlighting
- IPad compatible (requires iPad camera connection kit MC531ZM/A, not included)
- Includes Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2
- Dimensions: 418 x 105 x 20 mm
- Weight: 0.45 kg
It also offers 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob) and assignable controls for ‘pitch bend’ and modulation.
It is USB powered so no external power supply is needed, it has a Plug n’ Play function for Mac and PC. Includes the Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 licenses.
Now that we have seen the features of this M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 keyboard, watch these related videos to learn more.
Posts you may be interested in
- Ranking with the best midi keyboards
- My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
- Best MIDI Software to work with.
- MIDI Basic Guide.
- Midi Keyboards by Brand.
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 vs Akai MPK mini Mk2
The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 MIDI keyboard is priced at €48/£41/$48 and the Akai MPK mini MK2 white is priced at €79/£70/$81. Let’s go head to head:
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 Mk3 offers 32 speed-sensitive flat mini-keys. And the Akai MPK Mini MK2 offers 25 mini synthesizer action keys.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 also offers 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob) and assignable controls for ‘pitch bend’ and modulation. The Akai MPK mini MK2 offers 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads with note repeat, Arpeggiator buttons, octaves up/down, and 8 assignable control knobs.
- In connections, both integrate USB connection and are powered by the same means.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 includes the Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 licenses. And the Akai includes Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials licenses.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 |
Akai MPK mini MK2 white |
---|---|
|
|
Again, there are two similar MIDI controllers, the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK2 with the features and functions we have already discussed above, and the Akai MPK mini MK2 offering 25 mini synthesizer action keys, 1 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch/modulation control, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads with note repeats, Arpeggiator buttons, octaves up/down, and 8 assignable control knobs.
The main advantage of the M-Audio is the larger number of keys, and the Akai’s main advantage is its larger number of control functions and a sustain pedal input, which if you’re used to using it, you’ll find very useful. If you need more keys go for the M-Audio, if not the Akai is an excellent choice of controller.
And here’s a video of the MK2 Akai MPK mini keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK mini Mk2 review
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 vs Akai LPK 25
The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €48/£41/$48 and the Akai LPK 25 is priced at €42/£37/$42, but the difference is so small that this may vary depending on the store where we ask. Let’s go face to face:
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 Mk3 offers 32 speed-sensitive flat mini-cycles. And the Akai LPK 25 offers 25 sensitive mini keys.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 also offers 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob) and assignable controls for pitch bend and modulation. The Akai LPK 25 offers buttons for: sustain, arpeggiator, octave up/down and tap tempo.
- In connections, both integrate USB connection and are powered by the same means.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 includes the Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 licenses. And the Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 |
Akai LPK 25 |
---|---|
|
|
As a last comparison we have our already known M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 on one hand, and on the other hand, the Akai LPK 25 that offers 25 mini keys and its buttons for certain functions, a controller that we can say is something minimalist but it has as advantages great compatibility with different DAWs and in addition, it is very light and portable, if you look for something like this it will be your choice. If you want a controller with more functions the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is for you.
Here’s a video of the LPK 25 Akai keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai LPK 25 review
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 vs IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €48/£41/$48 and the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 is priced at €133/£119/$132. Let’s go face-to-face:
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 Mk3 offers 32 speed-sensitive flat keys and the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 offers 37 mini keys.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 also offers 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob) and assignable controls for ‘pitch bend’ and modulation. The IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 offers a volume control, 4 double-assignable knobs, 1 assignable Push Encoder, Octave-Up/Down buttons and Programm-Up/Down buttons, plus pitch bend and modulation wheels.
- In connections, both integrate USB connection and are powered by the same means. The IK Multimedia Keys 2 features MIDI In: 2.5mm mini-jack, MIDI Out: 2.5mm mini-jack, Headphone Out: 3.5mm stereo mini-jack and Pedal In: 6.3mm TRS jack. And cables for the connection of Apple devices (iPhone and iPad)
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 includes the Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 licenses.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 |
IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 |
---|---|
|
|
In this interesting comparison we find two quality MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the already analyzed M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 and on the other hand the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 that offers 37 sensitive mini keys, a volume controller, 4 knobs with the double assignment, 1 assignable Pulse Encoder, Octave-Up/Down buttons and Programm-Up/Down buttons, as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels.
We have two very similar MIDI keyboards, but with a significant difference in price. To be more concise, if you work with Apple devices like (iPhone and iPad) you will have many advantages with the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 since it was created exclusively for that purpose, if not with the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 you will surely be satisfied.
And here is a video of the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 review.
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 vs M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 MIDI keyboard is priced at €48/£41/$48 when the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is priced at €88/£75/$87. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 Mk3 offers 32 speed-sensitive flat mini-keys. And the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 offers 49 full-size keys.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 also offers 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob) and assignable controls for pitch bend and modulation. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 offers transport buttons (rec, play, stop), an assignable fader, octave buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
- When connected, both feature an integrated USB connection and are powered by the same means. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 features an integrated sustain pedal connection.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 includes a Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 license. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 includes a Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Mini Grand, AIR Velvet and AIR Xpand!2 license
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 |
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 |
---|---|
|
|
In this comparison, we find two slightly different MIDI controllers, on the one hand, we have the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 that we already know and have analyzed before, and on the other hand, we find the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 that offers, in general, the same functions as its little brother, but with a larger and wider keyboard of 49 normal size keys.
There are certain producers or musicians who are not comfortable with mini keys, if you are one of them, or you want a MIDI controller with full-size keys, the M-Audio Keystation may be a good choice considering its 4-octave range, also remember that the price of the controller doubles as well. Either way, both are good options according to the user’s budget and needs.
Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 vs Korg microKEY 25
The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €48/£41/$48 while the Korg microKEY 25 is priced at €58/£55/$60, but the difference is so small that this may vary from store to store. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 Mk3 offers 32 flat speed-sensitive mini-keys and the Korg microKEY 25 offers 25 mini keys with Natural Touch.
- The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 also offers 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob) and assignable controls for ‘pitch bend’ and modulation. The Korg offers 8 speed-sensitive trigger pads, 8 rotary knobs, an X/Y Touch-Pad (KAOSS-Series), also, +/- octave button, X/Y button, Pitch/Modulation button, sustain button and arpeggiator button.
- In connections, both integrate USB connection and are powered by the same means.
- The M-Audio includes the Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2 licenses, while the Korg microKEY 25 includes the Korg M1LE Software-Synth, Lounge Lizzard Session, Toontrack EZDrummer Lite licenses.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 |
Korg microKEY 25 |
---|---|
|
|
In our first comparison, we have two good MIDI controllers, one being the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 which offers 32 speed-sensitive flat mini keys, 4 freely assignable controls (three buttons and a rotary knob) and assignable controls for pitch bend and modulation. In addition, the Korg microKEY 25 offers 25 mini keys, 8 speed-sensitive trigger pads, 8 rotary knobs, an X/Y Touch-Pad (KAOSS-Series), also, +/- octave button, X/Y button, Pitch/Modulation button, sustain button and arpeggiator button.
As an advantage of the M-Audio, we can mention a larger number of keys, and with such a small difference in price, we can mention that it is the best choice of controller.
Here’s a video of the Korg microKEY 25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Korg microKEY 25 review.
Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?
While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.
In this post we find some economical MIDI controllers since none of them exceed 90 euros, and as a star product we can nominate the Akai MPK mini MK2 which although it is not one of the cheapest, it is one of the most balanced in its control and design functions. It features 25 mini keys and 1 4-way tone/modulation thumbstick, MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads and 8 assignable control knobs. The design is compact and lightweight with an integrated sustain pedal. Excellent MIDI controller with a fair price.
Where to buy the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
Thomann
- Free Shipping.
- Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
- 100% reliable payment.
- A leader in trouble-free shipping.
- Usually the Best price.
- Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.
Amazon
- Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
- Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
- Sometimes a better price.
- He’s got worse stock than Thomann.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
- Akai MPK mini Mk2
- Akai MPK miniplay
- Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
- Arturia MiniLab MKII
- Roli Beatmaker Kit
- Novation Impulse 25
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white
- Alesis V25
- CME Xkey Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
- Akai APC Keys 25
- Akai LPK 25
- M-Audio Code 25 black
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
- Alesis V mini
- Arturia MicroLab Black
- Akai LPK 25 wireless
- Akai MPK mini Limited Black
- Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
- M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
- Korg nanoKEY Studio
- Swissonic EasyKey 25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 black
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
- Nektar Impact LX25+
- Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
- Alesis Q25
- Akai MPK 225
- Korg microKEY 25
- Miditech Midistart Music 25
- Alesis VI25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 white
- Arturia MicroLab Blue
- Nektar SE25
- Korg microKEY Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
- Midiplus X2 mini
- Icon iKeyboard 3X
- Keith McMillen K-Board
- CME Xkey 25 silver
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
- Alesis V49
- Arturia Keystep Black Edition
- Swissonic EasyKey 49
- Arturia Keystep
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
- Nektar Impact LX49+
- M-Audio Code 49 Black
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
- M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
- Novation Impulse 49
- Nektar Impact GX 49
- Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
- Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
- Roland A-300 Pro
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
- Alesis VI49
- Midiplus AK490
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
- M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
- Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
- CME Xkey 37 LE
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
- Korg microKEY 49 MkII
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
- Miditech Midistart Music 49
- Roland A-49 Black
- Korg microKEY 37 MkII
- Swissonic ControlKey 49
- Roland A-500 PRO
- Nektar SE49
- Korg microKEY Air 37
- Korg microKEY Air 49
- Roland A-49 White
- Nektar Panorama T4
- Miditech Garagekey mini
- Miditech Minicontrol-32
- Midiplus X3 mini
- Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
- Icon iKeyboard 4X
- Miditech i2-mini 32
- Midiplus X4 mini
- Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
- Icon iKeyboard 5X
- Acorn Masterkey 49
- M-Audio Code 61 Black
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
- Nektar Impact GX 61
- M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
- Alesis V61
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
- Swissonic EasyKey 61
- M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
- Roland A-800 Pro
- Korg microKEY Air 61
- GSi DMC-122
- Nektar Impact LX61+
- Alesis VI61
- Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
- Icon iKeyboard 6X
- Acorn Masterkey 61
- Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
- Midiplus X6 mini
- Korg microKEY 61 MkII
- Midiplus X-6 II
- Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
- M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
- Kawai VPC1
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
- Swissonic ControlKey 88
- Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
- Nektar Impact LX88+
- Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
- Midiplus Stage 88
- Studiologic Numa Concert
- Icon iKeyboard 8X
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
- Midiplus X-8 II
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case