The MINIAK from Akai Pro is a music production powerhouse featuring virtual analog and FM synthesis, sequencing, a built-in arpeggiator and vocoder. Akai teamed up with Alesis so unfortunately it’s not a “pure” Akai synthesizer. If you look at the thing it looks similar to the micron from Alesis which I happen to own.
The micron is a good synth. Cheap and good for controlling other stuff and there is a limited sequencer and arp in it. The MINIAK looks pretty similar. Look at the three assignable knobs, the 2 row display. Both of the synths have three octaves. There is no word on price for the MINIAK but I’m afraid that you get a pimped out micron with some more features for a lot more money.
By the way Akai introduced two other products, the MPD18 portable pad controller and the MPK88 performance keyboard controller.
Synthesis: virtual analog (subtractive), noise generator, FM
Polyphony: up to 8 voices
Timbrality: up to 8 parts
Oscillators: 3 per voice with continuously variable waveshapes, sync, linear and exponential FM, Ring Mod, routable 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
Effects: 4 drive effects, 1 per part; master effects
Sequencing: step sequencer, arpeggiator, drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and phrase sequencer
Program memory: up to 1,000 programs and multi-timbral setups
Velocity sensitive: Yes
Keyboard: 37-key, semi-weighted
External control: MIDI in/out/thru
Inputs: 2 balanced 1/4” TRS, mic
Outputs: 2 balanced 1/4” TRS, 1/4” TRS headphone
Controls: 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
Pedal Inputs: Assignable expression pedal, sustain pedal