Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller
The LPD8 laptop pad controller from Akai is a USB-MIDI controller for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. It measures less than 13 inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.
The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional's MPC line of iconic music production stations. The controller features 8 orange light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software.
Additionally, the LPD8 has 8 assignable Q-Link knobs you can assign to virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control. It has 4 memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs you use. The unit works plug and play with Mac and PC.
- Compact, but fully featured USB-MIDI pad controller that works with virtually all audio software
- Perfect for a mobile setup using a notebook computer
- 8 backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads can send note or program changes
- 8 Q-Link knobs for controlling virtually any parameters in software
- 4 programmable memory banks
- Includes editor software for Mac and PC
- Small enough to fit in a backpack or laptop bag
- USB bus powered - no additional power cable needed
| Connection | USB |
| Faders | No |
| Trigger Pads | 8 |
| Transport Controls | No |
| Jog/Shuttle | No |
| Rotary Controls | 8 Q-Link knobs |
| Numeric Keypad | No |
| Display | No |
| Multiple Units | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Included Software | Editing software |
| System Requirements |
Apple Mac with USB port, satisfying the operating requirements of Mac OS X Computer with USB port, satisfying the operating requirements of Windows XP/Vista |
| Power Requirements | USB |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 12.2 x 3.1 x 1.1" (310 x 80 x 28mm) |
| Weight | 12 oz (340g) |
| Specialties | Included software editor can edit, save, or load presets for the LPD8 on a computer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 25 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Versatile (16)
- Compact (14)
- Easy to use (14)
- Lightweight (12)
- Good audio (4)
Cons
- Limited functions (3)
- Unreliable (3)
Best Uses
- Home studio (14)
- Pro audio / DJ / mixing (12)
- Amateur recording (11)
- Performances (9)
- Outdoor events / games (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (10), Novice (7), Professional musician (5)
- Computer Platform:
- Mac (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
One of the best to start off with
I bought this Controller a week or so and love it. i bought this to explore making music on the computer. what attracted me to this product was the fact that you can use ...Read complete review
I bought this Controller a week or so and love it. i bought this to explore making music on the computer. what attracted me to this product was the fact that you can use it with all kinds of programs, from makeing beats to triggering samples, it can do it all. It did take me a while to setup and get running with my software, but after 20 min or so i had it working. I love how simple the sontrols are and how the buttons and knobs can be mapped to almost anything. The one problem i have with it however is the sofware that it comes with. The drivers and everything loaded fine but when i opened up the LPD8 editor, which is the software that comes with it, i got a mess of buttons that looked something like the LPD8 but each button and knob was filled with al kinds of numbers and letters. I'm sure they all make sence but it was very hard to understand right out of the box, and it seemed out of place for something marketed as such a begginer product. Overall it is a great product and very fun to learn on and start making music.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good for its price
I use this product mostly for triggering midi drums and vocal slices and, for only [$], it works about as well as I could have hoped. It is virtually identical to the Korg...Read complete review
I use this product mostly for triggering midi drums and vocal slices and, for only [$], it works about as well as I could have hoped. It is virtually identical to the Korg nanoPad but I've heard bad things about that. My only issues with the product is that the pads claim to be velocity sensitive, and they are, but I find that about half the time, hitting the pad lightly does not trigger it. It's frustrating when I'm trying to lay down a pattern of sixteenth notes with light taps in between downbeats and have to do 15-20 takes because I'm not hitting the pads hard enough. All in all, it works well for now but I do see myself replacing it with a higher end pad controller in the long run.
Reviewed by 25 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Responsive
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Jazz Clubs
- School Bands
- Small Venues
- Soundtracks
- Symphonies
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
very clean effective layout w/ the program change and CC, high quality feel to the knobs and pads, and a solid little piece of hardware. Some people complain that they're hard to hit at 100% but velocity sens is adjustable if you search youtube "LPD8 sensitivity" so there's that taken care of, if it bothers you... which it may not.
Pros
- Responsive
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Accompaniment
- Small Venues
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I was looking for something to trigger cue points and other things in Torq and this is exactly what I needed. I can trigger AND use the knobs for effects. This will definitely take my mixes to some next level ish!
- Similar:
- Behringer BCR2000
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I bought this as a controller for Ableton Live, and it's quite a useful tool. Pads are solid, and everything's easy to use. Highly recommended!
Pros
- Orange Leds
Cons
- Make doubles notes
- Not Sensitive
Best Uses
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
Pads is not sensitive, you need to press very hard! Pads make Doubles Notes when you press one time. The only good thing on this product is the orange when you press a pad!Product is poor! Tested in FL Studio, Reason & Ableton !Akai MPD series is better:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=akai+mpd&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
- Similar:
- Akai MPD18, AKAI MPD26, AKAI MPD32
Pros
- Great Sound
- Huge Tone
- Responsive
- Sensitive
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Midi
- Small Venues
- Soundtracks
- Symphonies
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I use the controller in college, so I decided to buy the actual controller. This machine is great, the pads are touch sensitive , so you control the velocity easily. Plus its so small I can carry it in my laptop bag.
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
This is a great laptop solution for any Daw. Solid construction and good feel. Nice to have mappable knobs on something this small. Perfect for Ableton on the go.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Very Portable
- Well built
Cons
- Included instructions
Best Uses
- Midi midi midi
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
Akai makes great products and the lpd8 does a great job at staying in line with the high quality that Akai puts on the shelves. This unit was purchased to use along with Serato. It fits the bill quite well. Only drawback was the instructions that came along with the unit. They were not completely usefull from start to finish. I did have to visit YouTube for a little specialized help. This may be the case though depending on what the end use of this product may be.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I needed something small and versatile to use with my dj set-up in the clubs. This was exactly what I got with the LPD8. I midi mapped all the controlls to my sampler in 5 min. The pads feel great, and light up when you trigger them. Couldn't be happier with this product.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
easy to plug&play. Great size for sampling control, light & thin. Only thing is the sensibility on the pads lack efficiency.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
Interact easily with Traktor, and has an easy to use mapping. Among other things.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
This controller is just like everyone has stated...nice, solid MIDI controller. Nothing feels cheap about this device...pads feel sturdy and the control knobs are nice and smooth. The pads are not as sensitive as I thought they would be so you will have to use a little pressure or your note might not register. I don't like the editing software so I just program the pads via FL Studio's FPC. Over all, this little controller is great, and once I get to learn how to use all of its features, this controller is going to be irreplacable.[...]
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
i really like it ! and i like how this website send fast and safe the products, im pretty sure that i will buy some more stuff soon.
thanks bhphotovideo, i love this website !
thanks
Pros
- Compact
- Look
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I bought the LPD8 as an instrument that I would use for music production. I love how the LPD8 sticks out in my studio, with it's sleek look and feel. However, what I most dislike about this device is the pressure sensitive pads. The pads are quite hard to press and under light pressure the pads do not work at all.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Pads Feel Great
- Programmable Latch
Cons
- Driver Issues
Best Uses
- Drum Programming
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I bought this to use mainly with Stylus RMX. After a email to tech support and some provided files Windows 7 recognized but not before as advertised. Pads are durable and feel great. I bought this unit specifically for the ability to program latch or momentary triggering of the pads. Editor is a little clunky but works. Only real complaint is that you have to hit the pads pretty hard to get a decent velocity MIDI signal. Great device for the money overall.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited Functions
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I use this product mostly for triggering midi drums and vocal slices and, for only [$], it works about as well as I could have hoped. It is virtually identical to the Korg nanoPad but I've heard bad things about that. My only issues with the product is that the pads claim to be velocity sensitive, and they are, but I find that about half the time, hitting the pad lightly does not trigger it. It's frustrating when I'm trying to lay down a pattern of sixteenth notes with light taps in between downbeats and have to do 15-20 takes because I'm not hitting the pads hard enough. All in all, it works well for now but I do see myself replacing it with a higher end pad controller in the long run.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited Functions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I bought this Controller a week or so and love it. i bought this to explore making music on the computer. what attracted me to this product was the fact that you can use it with all kinds of programs, from makeing beats to triggering samples, it can do it all. It did take me a while to setup and get running with my software, but after 20 min or so i had it working. I love how simple the sontrols are and how the buttons and knobs can be mapped to almost anything. The one problem i have with it however is the sofware that it comes with. The drivers and everything loaded fine but when i opened up the LPD8 editor, which is the software that comes with it, i got a mess of buttons that looked something like the LPD8 but each button and knob was filled with al kinds of numbers and letters. I'm sure they all make sence but it was very hard to understand right out of the box, and it seemed out of place for something marketed as such a begginer product. Overall it is a great product and very fun to learn on and start making music.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
Can be mapped easily. The velocity response is great. I used the lpd8 as a dj tool, drum pad and synthesizer tool in pro tools. very intuitive.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Confusing Software
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
The first thing I noticed about this controller is that the build quality is really good. I've heard from lots of people that got on of the KORG nanoSERIES and were disappointed by how quickly the build deteriorated, this feels significantly more sturdy than the KORG. The software included is a little bit confusing at first but it's not hard to learn. I have been using the controller with Quartz Composer to trigger visuals, the fact that you can pick with a hardware button between notes and CC makes it much nicer to use.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
I am using this controller on an Acer laptop with Cubase. I can do everything I need to with it and it is available when I need it. It fits easily into a backpack. This is perfect fot the busy midi musician.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Akai LPD8 - USB-MIDI Pad Controller:
good feeling pads, solid overall feel. connectivity/installation is easy, software editor is easy to use. i needed something to tap beats out with, and it does the job way better than the KORG nanopad that i bought, which never worked and korg refused to replace/repair even though it was registered and under warranty. STAY AWAY FROM KORG when akai makes a superior product and knows how to treat their customers.
pots/knobs feel a little loose/shaky, i dunno if i would just chuck this in my shoulder bag like the akai "product specialist" tells you to.
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What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Software CD
- One (1) Year Warranty
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