Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller
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.
- MIDI controller for production and performance
- Bank of 16 MPC pads - velocity and pressure sensitive
- Three pad banks for a total of 48 sounds accessible from pads
- Q-Link assignable fader control
- MPC note repeat
- MIDI-over-USB interface
- MPC 16-level and full level
- 16 configurable presets
- USB powered, requires no AC adapter
| 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®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
91%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Versatile (8)
- Easy to use (7)
- Compact (6)
- Lightweight (6)
- Durable (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (7)
- Amateur recording (4)
- Pro audio / DJ / mixing (4)
- Performances (3)
- Professional recording (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (5), Novice (3), Professional musician (3)
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.
VS
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
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
Easy setting up, use it everyday
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
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!!!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
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.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
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
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
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!
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Usb powered
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
- Only one slider
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
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
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
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
- Great Sound
- Responsive
- Sensitive
- Versatile
Cons
- Not Sensitive
Best Uses
- Small Venues
- Soundtracks
Comments about Akai MPD18 - Compact USB Pad Controller:
Very good board- does what it says it'll do!
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Flat Sound
- Not Sensitive
Best Uses
- Small Venues
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
- Responsive
- Sensitive
Cons
- Only USB
Best Uses
- Hip-Hop Production
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
- Responsive
- Sensitive
- Versatile
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
Plug-Ins
- Price: $109.99
This item must be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. An authorization code will be emailed to you within 48 hours after purchase.
Cable Management
- Price: $6.87
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Software CD
- 1 Year Warranty
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