The MPD18 from Akai Professional is a 16-pad USB MIDI controller. It enables you to trigger MIDI notes through USB with any MIDI assignable software. The 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads react in a very musical manner, giving the user very precise control when triggering commands.
When it comes to pad-style drum triggering devices, there is no product line more well-known for this than Akai Professional's MPC series. What the MPD18 has set out to do is to provide users with MPC-style trigger pads in a compact, bus-powered USB form factor.
The MPD18 features MPC Note Repeat, which is a function found on the MPC series which enables you to quickly create repeating triggered notes, often used for drum rolls and hi-hat beats. You aren't limited to just the 16 pads on the face of the MPD18. You can assign sounds to 3 different banks of pads, for a total of 48 triggers.
| Presets | 16 |
| MIDI | 16 Channels Over USB |
| Trigger Pads | 16 (Velocity & Pressure-Sensitive) |
| Faders | 1 |
| Switches | 1 |
| Connectivity | 1 USB Port |
| Compatibility | Mac & Windows Compatible |
| Power | < 100mA, 5V DC via USB |
| Dimensions | 10 x 8 x 1.65" (255 x 205 x 42 mm) |
| Weight | 1.76 lbs (0.8 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Product
I use the MPD with Logic in my studio and it works perfect. Everything works great right of the box. The preset major key midi pad assignments is the coolest part. Makes laying a...Read complete review
I use the MPD with Logic in my studio and it works perfect. Everything works great right of the box. The preset major key midi pad assignments is the coolest part. Makes laying a bass line or toned drum line in the correct key very easy and effortless. I highly recommend this product for DAW users who are interested in an MPC style drum midi controller.
The only downside IMO is the lack of MIDI ports. it only bothers me because I have limited USB ports on my MacBook pro and a plethora of exta MIDI ports on my interface.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Good, But I'M Sure There is Better
I bought this product for beat making.It is very light and easy to plug in and play with FL Studio. However, it has a very cheap feel to it and is not very responsive....Read complete review
I bought this product for beat making.It is very light and easy to plug in and play with FL Studio. However, it has a very cheap feel to it and is not very responsive.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
Easy setting up, use it everyday
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
just a little hard on the buttons at the beginning but it does the job for the price. Very easy to configure!!!
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
The mpd18 is a great tool for a new or experienced musician. Create sounds, beats, and eventually songs using only this instrament. The price is perfect and lower that any other store online. I use my new mpd daily. It is easy to set up and get started. The only disappointment I discovered is that you have to also purchase software to play, or download a demo for free. Other than that, I strongly recommended the akai mpd18. I hope you enjoy.
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
This is definately a good deal for beginnrs..works just as good as those expensive MPC modules. But for ADVANCED DAW users shoulg look for one with more controls...the more controls the better.
Pros
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
this equipment works really well with FL studio 9 you can assign 3 different banks and put your own samples in each pad. You must make your buffer size smaller to get rid of the lag other then that it went off without a hitch!
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
Great for an amateur who wants an excellent set of sturdy pads to link with a DAW or something similar.
You can't ask for anything better for such a low price
Pros
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
Wonderful mobile drum pads. I've never owned a more portable mpc
Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
This MIDI controller overall is a great controller and from my perspective has few flaws. The touch sensitive keys are great and resemble keys from like a M-Audio Keyrig. Things I don't like are that you can't upload sounds and save them on a flash from them like previous models
- Danya
Pros
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Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
Very good board- does what it says it'll do!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
I bought this product for beat making.It is very light and easy to plug in and play with FL Studio. However, it has a very cheap feel to it and is not very responsive.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
I use the MPD with Logic in my studio and it works perfect. Everything works great right of the box. The preset major key midi pad assignments is the coolest part. Makes laying a bass line or toned drum line in the correct key very easy and effortless. I highly recommend this product for DAW users who are interested in an MPC style drum midi controller.
The only downside IMO is the lack of MIDI ports. it only bothers me because I have limited USB ports on my MacBook pro and a plethora of exta MIDI ports on my interface.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
Easy to connect, configure and use. Great for beginners looking for an inexpensive quality controller.
Displaying reviews 1-12