Pads, keys, and knobs come together in a portable, streamlined package -- Akai Professional has introduced the MPK mini, a compact USB keyboard and pad controller to be debuted tomorrow at the 2010 BPM EXPO in Birmingham, England.

According to Akai, the portable MPK mini takes this and that from the LPK25 and LPD8 controllers. With comprehensive software control and a small desktop footprint (measures 13 inches across and weighs about 1 pound), the new unit would work well for music makers on the go. Akai notes that the MPK mini would fit easily into a laptop case, backpack, or messenger bag.

Ideal for quick entry of notes and phrases into a computer, the MPK mini keyboard is Velocity-sensitive and offers dedicated Octave Up and Down buttons for accessing different pitch ranges; a Sustain button that provides further performance options; and a built-in arpeggiator for creating sparkling, staccato leads and driving bass lines in a variety of time signatures and patterns.

As for the pads, the new controller's eight backlit, Velocity-sensitive pads are based on Akai's MPC line of music production stations. Especially ideal for firing one-shot samples and sequencing drum patterns, the pads can send note information, MIDI CCs, and program changes. Pressing the Bank button allows you to toggle between 2 banks of pads, for 16 pads in all. In addition, the MPK mini boasts eight assignable Q-Link knobs for controlling just about any software parameter. Also included is a software editor that maps the MPK mini's controls.

The MPK mini is a plug-and-play device compatible with both Macs and PCs. Thanks to its USB connectivity, no software driver installation or wall power is needed for operation.

Akai Professional expects to release the MPK mini sometime in the fourth quarter of 2010 for $199 (MSRP) or $99 (estimated Street). For more information, visit akaipro.com.