The difference between a fun MIDI controller and a full hybrid keyboard workstation is Akai Professional VIP3.0 — a powerful instrument and FX suite (a $100 value) that’s free with your purchase of the Akai Professional MPK Mini mkII. This third-generation version of Akai Professional’s Virtual Instrument Player software is a masterpiece of workflow management. It lets you load up just about any VST plug-in and combine up to eight virtual instruments plus effects into sophisticated arrangements with key zones, splits, and custom mappings — exactly what you’d expect from a standalone workstation. What’s more, there’s an ever-growing list of plug-ins that automatically map to your controller, but thanks to VIP3.0’s MIDI Learn function, you can map any plug-in with any controller in any way you like. Run it as a standalone platform or use it as a plug-in in your favorite DAW. Either way, VIP3 will revolutionize the way you approach virtual instruments.