Akai MINIAK - Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder
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Discontinued
The MINIAK from Akai Professional is a 37 key semi-weighted, velocity sensitive virtual analog synthesizer with a built-in 40 band vocoder. It enables the player to create sounds with its 8 multi-timbral voices (with 3 oscillators each), draw from its vast library of over 600 factory presets, and store up to 1000 custom presets. Although the MINIAK is compact in size and weight, it is loaded with powerful sound shaping tools that are ideal for both the stage and the studio.
It can be used as a stand-alone performance and compositional instrument, or used in conjunction with other equipment. The sounds can be triggered externally with an MPC, another keyboard, or with computer software with the MINIAK's MIDI I/O. Tap the full creative potential of the MINIAK with its dual balanced 1/4" TRS inputs and outputs, 2 multi-mode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, and lush stereo effects. There are 6 types of delays, 3 reverbs, and a number of synth oriented effects such as the String Phaser, Analysis Gain, and the Theta Flanger. On the output stage there are compression, distortion, and drive effects to fully fatten the sound.
You can quickly and easily create elaborate arpeggios and several different kinds of sequences with the MINIAK. Akai Professional is well known for manufacturing the acclaimed MPC workstations, and likewise the MINIAK includes MPC-style step sequencing, and a drum machine rhythm sequencer that makes the most of its built-in drum sounds. The deep selection of factory presets was put together to quickly supply you with any classic synth sound you may need. The MINIAK is small and light enough to travel with you, yet offers full-sized and very playable keys.
- Eight voices, each with three oscillators
- Up to eight multi-timbral parts with stereo effects and 40-band vocoder
- Two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, sample and hold, tracking generator
- Dynamic real-time and step sequencers, arpeggiator, and drum machine/rhythm sequencer
- Stereo bus effects including reverbs and delays
- 24-bit 1/4" balanced stereo analog outputs and inputs
- 37-key synth-action keyboard with velocity sensitivity
- More than 600 preset sounds
- Sound banks: bass, lead, pad, string, brass, keys, comp, drum, SFX
| Keyboard | 37-key, semi-weighted, velocity sensitive |
| Polyphony | Up to 8 Voices |
| Multitimbral | Up to 8 Parts |
| Synthesis Method | Virtual Analog (Subtractive), Noise Generator, FM |
| Oscillator |
3 oscillators per voice Continuously variable waveshapes, sync, linear and exponential FM, ring modulation, routeable modulation matrix per voice |
| Filters | 2 multi-mode resonating filters per voice with 16 filter types |
| Modulation | 2 LFOs with multiple wave shapes, sample and hold, tracking generator, freely routable modulation matrix per voice |
| Presets | 600 |
| User Memory | Up to 1,000 Programs and multi-timbral Multis |
| Effects | 4 drive effects, 1 per part; master effects |
| Sequencer | Step sequencer, arpeggiator, drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and phrase sequencer |
| Controllers | Pitch wheel, two assignable Q-Link modulation wheels, X, Y, and Z parameter knobs, pattern play, phrase arpeggiator, latch arpeggiator, keyboard octave, tap tempo, program controls, data push-knob, config, store, master volume |
| Outputs | 2 x Balanced 1/4" TRS |
| Inputs |
2 x Balanced 1/4" TRS 1 x XLR Mic Input |
| Headphone Output | 1/4" TRS headphone |
| Pedals | 2 x Jacks for assignable expression pedal, sustain pedal |
| Display | Yes |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 22.8 x 10.8 x 3.34" (579.12 x 274.32 x 84.83mm) |
| Weight | 12 lbs (5.44 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (6)
- Portable (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Electronic music (5)
- Accompaniment (4)
- MIDI (4)
- Travel (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (4)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about Akai MINIAK - Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder:
It is very versatile and intuitive. It can do a lot of things, and with a little creativity, the sky is the limit. The sounds are exceptionally good and programmable.
Pros
- 3 Wheels
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
Cons
- Vocoder is Terrible
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Electronic Music
- MIDI
- Travel
Comments about Akai MINIAK - Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder:
I use this little beast to record elcectro music on my DAW computer. I use it as a sound module to output the signal into my recording interface and record with my audio software. The software triggers the notes via a MIDI cable. Also I have a MIDI cable to register the notes on a MIDI clip.
It's compact and portable with full size keys and the 3 wheels are an awesome idea, very rare on a compact synth. Thick punchy sound with tons of presets. It's really good emulation of analog synthesis and I've owned sooooo many in my days. It has many filter emulations of all the great analog synths like the Jupiters and the OBs. Has endless rhythms and multis and a really cool arpegiator! Full size keys and a vocoder mic included!
The vocoder is horrible unfortunately and the editing is tedious but hey, small price to pay for what you get. Other than that you can use this gem for so much.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Pre-programmed music
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Touch Sensitive Keys
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Chamber Music
- Electronic Music
- Learning
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MINIAK - Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder:
A lot in a small package! It is what I wanted in a synthesizer when I bought my first monophonic one 30 years ago for twice the price! I just brings a smile to your face when you play it :)
Pros
- Easy to Use
- It's an alesis ion
- Portable
- Responsive / Good Action
- Solid analog sound
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MINIAK - Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder:
Very similar to the microKORG I owned and liked. The Miniak's full size keys and a few FM synthesis patches give it a slight edge over the microKORG. I have no use for the vocoder so I can't comment on which is better. I primarily use it for analog modeling timbres. No need for "sampled" patches. The 37 key size is a plus for me. I'm not a keyboard player so the smaller size is nice. If you're looking for an analog modeling synth at a great price. This is it. If you didn't know, it is essentially an Alesis ion. There's even a misprint in the manual where it states; "..the ion's.."
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Great price
- Portable
- Sounds amazing
Cons
- No usb support included
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Concerts
- Electronic Music
- Travel
Comments about Akai MINIAK - Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder:
I use the Miniak to write music at home and to complement the regular keyboardist on our church worship teams. I ususally have myself or one of the other guitarists play it, and only at specific points of a song- square lead, arpeggiated bass line, pad with delay, etc. that our main keyboard can't do.
It's very wasy to program on the fly, and controls are simple to use. Stock sounds are really good and so far i have found all that I needed from the 600 sounds on there. The drum machine is great, easy to program, and the 808 kick makes the church subs rumble! This is my first real synth and I keep discovering more it can do.
Cons would be lack of USB/computer editing...I dont know much about that, but I guess if you want a visual editor for making sounds you would miss that. Shortcuts to every menu for editing make this less of an issue. There are some MIDI programs from third party developers that are a workaround for this.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Portable
- Realistic Sound
Cons
- Not easy to program
- Short key action
Best Uses
- Electronic Music
- Live Performance
- MIDI
Comments about Akai MINIAK - Virtual Analog Synthesizer with Vocoder:
I already own two workstations (Yamaha and Kurzweil) and wanted to get a little deeper into analog synthesis.
I also thought this would be a fun keyboard to add to my arsenal and would complement what I already have.
Displaying reviews 1-6
Cables
- Price: $4.29
Stands & Support
- Price: $29.99
This is a special order item and is non-cancelable and non-returnable. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at time of shipment.
Benches
- Price: $33.98
Cases & Protection
- Price: $14.95
Pedals
- Price: $19.94
Headphones
- Price: $59.99
What's in the Box
- VPM1 Gooseneck Microphone
- Power Supply
- Quick Start Guide
- Reference Manual
- 1 Year Warranty
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