Experts recommend Akai Professional MPD226 more than Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer Akai Professional MPD226 over Native Instruments Maschine Mk3, but both MIDI Controllers have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Akai Professional MPD226 received 1 recommendation: from Keyboard Kraze (5 Jan 2025). Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 was also endorsed 1 times: by Keyboard Kraze (5 Jan 2025). However, experts generally ranked Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 lower than Akai Professional MPD226 in their articles, which caused it to rank lower in ReviewFinder ranking.
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com  | guitarandmusicinstitute.com  | Gearank  | Keyboard Kraze  | Sweetwater  | Equipboard  | Music Radar  | Music Critic  | Prime Sound  | The Guitar Junky  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | N/A | Check price |  Akai Professional MPD226 | - | - | - | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 31 | N/A | $599 |  Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 The Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is a versatile and durable MIDI controller and audio interface designed for beat production and sequencing, with features such as large velocity-sensitive pads, dedicated keyboard and chord buttons, and multiple connectivity options. | - | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire MIDI Controllers ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 5 Jan 2025 Keyboard Kraze ranked Akai Professional MPD226 as #3 and Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 as #4
Rank MIDI Controller Comment ... ... ... #3 out of 13 Akai Professional MPD226 Best Budget MIDI Drum Pad#4 out of 13 Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Best Drum Pad Controller... ... ... Source: keyboardkraze.com
After counting and adding up the 88 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Akai Professional MPD226 outranks Native Instruments Maschine Mk3. This is not to say that Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is a bad option. Like Akai Professional MPD226, it is recommended by experts, but less.
| Rank | Change | Price | MIDI Controller | higherhz.com | guitarandmusicinstitute.com | Gearank | Keyboard Kraze | Sweetwater | Equipboard | Music Radar | Music Critic | Prime Sound | The Guitar Junky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Check price |  Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | - | $99 |  Akai MPK Mini MK3 The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | - | - |
| 3 | - | Check price |  Akai Pro MPK249 The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | - | - |
| 4 | - | $109 |  Arturia MiniLab MkII The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go. | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - |
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Expert reviews [2]
- with a score: 0
- without a score: 2
- Pro Beat Production, Anywhere - Ultra-portable feature-packed pad controller with 16 Thick Fat RGB illuminated velocity and pressure sensitive MPC pads
- Expandable Banks - Easily accessible dedicated controls for 4 pad banks provides a total of 64 assignable pads
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- Integrated hardware/software system includes sampler, arranger, mixer, FX, and more
- Includes 25 GB KOMPLETE 11 SELECT library featuring 25 pro-quality studio and creative FX
- Pro-grade, 96 kHz / 24-bit audio interface with 2 x 1/4” TRS line outputs, 2 x 1/4” TRS line inputs, 1/4” dynamic mic input, stereo headphone output, 1 x MIDI In, 1 x MIDI out; 1 x Footswitch
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