AKAI MIDImix USB MIDI Controller Mixer

I don’t normally write reviews, but I decided to write one for Akai MIDImix.  I bought this product for a specific reason: to use it as an outboard controller for my virtual synths in my DAW (digital audio workstation: in this case Logic Pro X).  I had been using my iPad to perform this function, but I wanted a hardware solution rather than a software one.

This is my first Akai product and although they have been around for years, I never really thought of them as a pro-level manufacturer so my expectations were not too high.  

Initial thoughts/Unboxing:
The MIDImix arrived in a nice high-end looking box and was packaged securely.  It is not a large piece of hardware, but it was a bit larger than I was expecting.  

Sliders:
The sliders are large enough to give you a fair fader travel amount and they have an OK feel to them.

Knobs:
The knobs are a bit small and fiddly, but they are certainly big enough to get a finger and thumb on without effecting other the other knobs around them.  There are a bunch of them which is GREAT for virtual synths!

Gel Buttons:
The gel buttons have a standard feel to them.  They are very easily accessible although there is a row of buttons that serve a double function requiring clicking the ‘solo’ button to access a virtual third row of gel buttons.  I would have preferred a physical row resulting in three rows instead of two.

Build Quality:
The quality of the case feels solid and is a pretty red and black color combination.  All the buttons, knobs and sliders feel firm and well attached.  I would suspect this mixer would happily survive getting thrown into a backpack and carted around without any additional protection.

Usability:
This hardware is pretty easy to use although I would prefer the knobs to be a bit larger which I suspect the form factor would support.  The knobs are also have quite a low profile and they are sculpted, therefore they could also do with being a bit higher and/or bulky.  That being said, it is not a big enough issue to avoid purchasing based on the price point.

Customization:
This product was advertised as being customizable, although I did have my reservations.  The paperwork in the box directed me to a URL that required a new account to be created which allowed me to access more software for sale from third parties!  I was NOT impressed by that!  However, on further investigation I did eventually find the software to completely customize all the buttons on the MIDImix.  In my opinion this customization software makes this product well worth the money!  I can create multiple configuration of the controllers and store them on my computer.  I can call them up as needed depending on the virtual instruments I want to control.

Software:
The software you need to download from the Akai web site is called MIDImix Editor (I would NOT download it from anywhere other than the AKAI website). The software it pretty straightforward to use although not great, but it CERTAINLY does the job you need it to!

Overall Bad:
That really aren’t many.  The buttons are a little bit small, but at this price point I really have nothing to complain about here.

Overall Good:
Overall I would give this product a pretty high rating.  I certainly does what I need it to do and is easy to use and provides a decent user experience.  It is a bit smaller than I would like but for the price this is a very good product. 4 out of 5 stars 🙂

Perfect for my application. I am using it with my keyboard rig in MainStage to mix and control several performance parameters. It maps right up and had no problem assigning functions to it out of MainStage. I was using the ipad remote and having problems doing changes on the touch screen. There is no replacement for real faders, buttons and knobs. I am thoroughly pleased with this midi mixer. — I’d be willing to pay more if it had motorized faders that followed keyboard and laptop changes.

Works great with my DAW (Reason) build quality is really good, yes its plastic but not that cheap twisty junk….only wish the knobs had a little grip to them to help turn them better….but I can live with that. I have a few of these “under $100” midi controllers/surfaces……this one is the best for the money…..a lot better than the Korg nano series, those felt really cheap to me. cant go wrong for the price. Buttons do NOT light up for me (with reason) but I could care less about that.

The AKAI Professional MIDImix, I use with my DAW/ Ableton, to produce Electro-Phonic-Funk.
Perfect for the price range and functionality, Got 5 stars because of prompt delivery as well.

1. light weight
2. easy plug and play.
3. ease of use

The only down side is that the fader slide buttons, they are good, however not a great fit for finger tips when mixing. Superficial, and yet the sole reason I got the AKAI Professional MIDImix. Still for the price, functionality, and actual unit, is a bargain Scrooge McDuck wouldn’t pass up.

go for it!

Cheers

Es genial

I rarely give 5 stars to products. Generally only when the manufacturers go out of their way to make an exceptional product. I was unimpressed to say the least with the more recent low-end MIDI controllers from AKAI. For example MPK 25 MINI Black Edition keyboard is very cheaply made. Knobs are cheap plastic, very loose, the keys are so widely spaced that you can see the green PCB board underneath. It came with ridiculously counterintuitive, difficult to operate software. Took me hours to program pads and even then I couldn’t accomplish what I set out to do. Plus awful practically nonexistent customer service where it takes them a month to respond and even then it’s broken English. So I was very wary of buying this MIDI MIX controller. I own an older APC 40 by AKAI, and that one is superbly made. Problem is – it’s HUGE, heavy and very bulky, won’t even fit most backpacks. And needs a bulky power adapter. A little counterintuitive to use, although the range of its capabilities is truly impressive. I needed a much smaller Drum Machine controller for busking and LIVE performances, something I could throw in my backpack alongside my laptop and speakers.

Pros: Very well made knobs. Both sliders and knobs feel very high-end, nice and tight, which is ideal for sample switching. Light and small. Plug and play, no need for adapter, works with just the USB cord. Very easy to MIDI learn program any way you want.

Cons: Has some connectivity issues. one of the 3 drivers it needed had difficulty installing on my older Windows 7 and my newer Windows 10 machine. “USB device not successfully installed” message although it does show up in my NI Reaktor DAW. I can’t get its LEDs to work. I realise that ring lights around knobs is too much to ask for considering it’s USB powered, but I really wish the button lights worked, at least. It would also be nice if the knobs were just a tiny bit taller, and so easier to operate and if it had a more rectangular shape rather than a square. Or had a MIDI connection for other hardware capability. But I do realise that for a $108 device AKAI has done a rather impressive job