The AKAI Professional MIDImix is a compact and intuitive DAW controller designed to streamline MIDI workflow in any setting. Featuring eight channel strips plus a master track, it provides direct access to essential DAW and mixing functions. Each channel features three rotary knobs (with a 270-degree range), a dedicated track arm button, and a solo/mute button. Affordable yet highly functional, the MIDImix is an excellent choice for musicians, producers, and DJs looking for a straightforward, no-frills, and reliable MIDI mixing controller.
The MIDImix gives producers precise mixing and parameter adjustment on the fly, thanks to its ergonomic and well-organised layout. The mute buttons can be assigned to solo mode via a toggle switch located above the master fader. The navigation buttons allow users to move between banks of eight channels at a time, making it possible to control an extensive number of tracks, limited only by the DAW's capacity and user configuration. This enables seamless navigation within large projects, ensuring efficient hands-on mixing without needing constant mouse interaction. The three rotary knobs per channel are fully assignable to DAW parameters, including filter sweeps, automation, and effects. Once adjustments are made, the Send All button instantly transmits all settings to the DAW, overriding previous settings. The MIDImix connects via USB and is plug-and-play compatible with both desktop and laptop setups.
The MIDImix is built for on-the-go music production and live events – its compact and durable design fits easily into any backpack. This makes it an ideal companion for producers, DJs, and live performers who need a portable mixing solution. Despite its lightweight form factor, the MIDImix is solidly built, ensuring reliable long-term use. Its intuitive control layout allows users to mix effortlessly in any environment, making it particularly well-suited for track selection, volume balancing, and live performance transitions. The controller comes pre-mapped for Ableton Live Lite, one of the most popular DAWs among electronic musicians and DJs, and includes a free software license.
Akai Professional has its origins in the long-established Japanese company Akai, founded in 1929, which initially manufactured electric motors, soon to be followed by high-quality tape recorders and hi-fi products. Since 1988, Akai has also become a household name like no other on the Hip-Hop scene. With the development of its first MIDI Production Centre (MPC for short), created in collaboration with Roger Linn, Akai wrote history by decisively influencing the sound of Hip-Hop and Electronic music, which it continues to do to this very day. Famous exponents of the MPC series include DJ Shadow, Eminem, and Kanye West. Today, Akai is also well known for its robust and versatile USB MIDI controllers, not least of which is the bulletproof APC range of Ableton controllers.
The MIDImix sports AKAI’s signature black and red design, providing both a sleek aesthetic and functional layout. The soft-touch buttons with built-in LEDs ensure excellent visibility in low-light conditions, while the rubber feet provide a stable grip, preventing unwanted movement during use. For added security, a Kensington MiniSaver Slot protects against unauthorised removal in shared workspaces or live setups. The free software editor enables full MIDI customisation, allowing users to remap faders, knobs, and buttons, save preferences, and recall them instantly. However, while presets can be created and saved via software, they cannot be stored directly on the hardware. This means that users must reload configurations when switching between different computers, making it important to manage settings carefully across multiple setups.