Sound:
I had a MicroKorg a few years ago. While that machine was fun, it didn't really excite me the way the MiniAK does. I mainly use a hardware synth for hip-hop bass and weird sounds (think Missy Elliott hooks) or experimental soundscapes and rhythmic textures (think Cluster and Autechre). I couldn't manage to tweak the presets of the MicroKorg far enough to sound more than, well, cousins of presets, if you know what I mean - and 128 slots for sounds is just not enough. With the MiniAK, I turn it on and get lost for hours with possibilities(in a good way). The X Y Z knobs and three assignable mod wheels means you don't have to get too far under the hood to transform even corny sound fx (i.e. gunshots). It's not powerful like an Access Virus, but the price for this much analog beef is kind of unbelievable.
Feature:
I sometimes use the MiniAK as a controller for Reaktor, and as I mentioned above, the amount of controllers makes this machine an efficient option. The Latch Arpeggiator feature is a great way to sustain a note and free up your hands for other stuff (i.e. hardware effects such as a Kaoss Pad etc.) The regular arpeggiator is not just a "turn it on and sound like every pedestrian dance tune", but programmable in phrases. That is, hold the button, play C then F then G then G#; the arpeggiator remembers these intervals - and the speed at which you played them - and repeats this interval set as you move your hands around the keyboard. It's a great way to set yourself apart from the radio, you know?
Ease of Use:
The programming isn't steep, but be prepared to scroll and scroll and scroll. Personally, I find that fun. If I had to be picky, I would say the tiny display is hard to read if you're not at the right eye-level. Other people complain about the lack of USB or software editor. Well, you probably already have 40 soft-synths, so what's your problem (haha)?
Quality:
It's not as solid as some other keyboards in this price range, but being light makes it perfect for gigs.
The Wow Factor:
Creativity cannot be bought, but it can certainly be enhanced with the right tools. I prefer to not go into a new piece of music with a sound in my head: I want to let the sounds kind of tell me where I'm going. The MiniAK is great for this - or you can immediately have really fat bass and ethereal pads, if that's your thing.
Overall:
I've been playing synths and drum machines since 1983. Having owned a bunch, I can usually get a sense of when I'm going to tire of a piece of gear after a few hours of testing it out (the MicroKorg lasted about two months). With the MiniAK, I can't imagine when I will tire of it.
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Sound:
Deceptively Warm ! Fat not phat
The best "authentic" sounding VA out there in hardware form ...hands down and I've owned all the contenders to the thrown :
Nord Lead 2
Access Virus B
Korg MS2000
Novation K-station
Waldorf Q
Don't get me wrong I liked them all for their sound , but that was the problem they all had a "sound " as to the Miniak is a cameleon . I've been able to reproduce some of my fave sounds from Minimonsta ,MS2000 ,OB Matrix 1000 ,SEM , Juno ,Alpha Juno ...all with what I would consider 90% accuracy .
Feature:
8 voices
8 Part parts
16 filter types (not just the standard"Moog"type) course it's there too
Audio input to filter / FX section
Built in Vocoder
Drum Maps
2 Mod wheels
-2 point for no dedicated editor/librarian ...it needs one !
A lot of people cry for the fact that it lacks a USB port , but for the cost of a E-MU Midi X 1x1 Tab it's more than likely cheaper than what the price difference would have been if it did .
Ease of Use:
This is where it loses points . To start from scratch you have One data entry knob like an Alpha Juno . So building fresh presets is a pain .
I'm not crazy about the fact that there is no dedicated user bank either .
Quality:
Sturdy , robost .
The keybed is not as good as the MPK controllers , but better then the Ion's
Not a fan of the hard plastic buttons ... that said they will most likely out last a rubberized type I might of preferred .
Value:
You could get a Micron for a bill cheaper and have the same synth engine .
with that said you trade 2 good mod wheels for 2 cheap sliders .
Xlr input for the vocoder for sharing the microns line audio inputs .
And IMHO the Miniak looks less toyish . I can't say if the Miniak has better DA chips or not , but to my ears it did sound more defined in comparison .
Manufacturer Support:
I've had mixed feelings with Akai in regards to their TecSupport . They are quick , but if they don't know they won't go find out either .
The Wow Factor:
It is a sexy looking little beat and firm too ;)
Overall:
As long as it runs I expect to use it . It sounds great . Is very flexible with it's
12x12 mod matrix
3 env
2 lfo
16 filter types
lag/tracking possessor
FM functionality
There is no sound in the spectrum of subtractive synthesis it can't make and make well !
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