Akai MPD26 - USB/MIDI Pad Controller
The MPD26 from Akai is a MIDI-over-USB pad controller with genuine MPC pads. Its blend of intuitive MPC controls and technologies meshes with easy USB connectivity to bring the feel of classic beat making to the world of computer music production - perfect for producers, programmers, musicians and DJs.
The controller includes 16 MPC-style velocity and pressure sensitive pads, 4selectable pad banks for a total of 64 playable pads, 6 assignable faders and 6 assignable, 360° knobs for transmitting MIDI Control Change data. Also featured are transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications.
The brain of the controller is transplanted directly from the MPC. That's because the MPD26 is not just a control surface - it contains some of the key MPC technologies that have made the MPC the de facto standard it is. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPD to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry.
MPC Swing is sometimes referred to as "the heart and soul of hip hop" because it turns perfectly aligned sequences into human-feeling time alignments. You can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing you want to apply for the perfect feel. The MPD26 also has MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads.
The MPD26 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface so you can use it with your Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection even powers the MPD26 so the included USB cable is all you need. The MPD26 also has traditional MIDI input and output jacks so you can use it with MIDI hardware such as synthesizers and other sound modules.
- Rhythm controller with 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads
- 4 selectable pad banks for access to a total of 64 pads
- 6 assignable faders for transmitting MIDI Control Change data
- 6 assignable, 360° continuously variable rotary encoders
- REW, FF, STOP, PLAY and REC buttons that transmit MMC (MIDI Machine Control) messages to DAW/sequencing applications
- MPC 16-Level and Full Level feature
- MIDI and/or USB operation
- Includes Editor Librarian software for both Mac and Windows
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite
- Backlit, easy to read LCD display
- USB powered or via optional AC adaptor
| Triggers | 16 velocity-sensitive pads |
| Presets | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Controllers |
16 x MPC pads 4 x Pad bank buttons 6 x Assignable continuous controller sliders 12 x Buttons and 1 x Rotary control for navigation/menu display 6 x Assignable continuous controller rotary controls 5 x Transport control buttons |
| Connectors |
1 x MIDI Out 1 x MIDI In 1 x USB 1 x 6VDC In (adapter not included) |
| Display | Custom LCD with backlight |
| System Requirements |
Mac running OS X PC running Windows XP or Vista Available USB port |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 12.3 x 11.4 x 2.8" (314 x 289 x 70mm) |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2kg) |
| Specialties | The pads can either be set to transmit "Note" or "Program Change" information |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Versatile (5)
- Easy to use (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Home studio (4)
- Performances (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Educational Purposes
- Multimedia
Comments about Akai MPD26 - USB/MIDI Pad Controller:
I use the MPD26 with FL Studio, mainly with GrossBeat for live mixing, as well as with the built in mixer and various plug-ins (Filters, Flangers, cut-offs within synths such as sytrus) and I have had no complaints so far. Great controller, and almost zero setup necessary.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Collaborate Across Programs
- Easy to Customize
- Easy to Navigate
- Versatile
Cons
- Firmware bit buggy
Best Uses
- Easy MIDI tool
- Live Preformance
Comments about Akai MPD26 - USB/MIDI Pad Controller:
When I received the MPD26 they packaged it up nice. It had everything I needed to get this controller going. It's easy to plug in and no hassle of a power source unless that's what you prefer. The USB is a strong cable, but short although you shouldn't have to be to far away from your computer. I have a mac with Reason and it didn't pick up the MPD26 because it's not supported so I use the MPD24 preset and it works fine and I'm able to map the controls how I want it. The pads are nice and thick when tapping on them. It doesn't always pick up the sensitivity of a soft tap to have a lower velocity. Knobs turn great and the faders move nice! All in all it's been great using this controller, although I did have a slight problem with the firmware. It was bugging out and triggering random notes with the pads but I just updated/reinstalled the firmware which was easy to do. I haven't gotten too much into the software to map out the controls but it seems simple. Also came with Ableton live lite which was nice! I recommend this product for live performances or just starting out on a pad controller!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
- Home Studio
Comments about Akai MPD26 - USB/MIDI Pad Controller:
I'm a novice producer and I was very impressed with this particular piece of equipment. It's sturdy and the pads are very responsive. In combination with the Olesis Q49 keyboard controller this things shines. The only con I can think of is the instruction manual is very vague and doesn't completely tell the power of the equipment.
Pros
- Affordable
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Customizable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Beat making
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Overdubbing
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Akai MPD26 - USB/MIDI Pad Controller:
As a hip hop producer, I have found the MPD26 to be the easiest tool to master my craft. I plug it in, sync it with Logic Pro, and it's all ready to go! The machine is completely programable and easy to learn. I highly recommend it to anyone who makes music on their computer, or anyone curious to learn how to make beats. The note repeat function is a plus! You really can't beat the MPD26. It knocks all other midi controllers out of the park!
- Recommended:
- Logic Pro, Abelton Live
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy To Use
- Interface is legit
- Note repeat
Cons
- Less knobs then mpd24
- Nonce
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Akai MPD26 - USB/MIDI Pad Controller:
Everything i looked for in a pad type midi controller with the knobs and sliders this cant be beat, and that not repeat function is a very nice addition.
also super easy to use if your DAW supports it.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Two less rotary knobs
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
Comments about Akai MPD26 - USB/MIDI Pad Controller:
I really love this product. It is very responsive and very easy to set-up. I love the fact that the mpd 26 is styled more like the mpd32 than it was after the 24. All the labeling seems to stand out more than the mpd24 did. The only drawback (which hasnt effected my yet) would be that they only give you 6 rotary knobs with the mpd26 as opposed to the 8 you used to get with the mpd24.
Displaying reviews 1-6
Batteries & Power
- Price: $19.00
Digital Cables
- Price: $4.39
Stands & Support
- Price: $79.99
Virtual Instruments
- Price: $250.00
Cases & Protection
- Price: $39.99
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Software CD-ROM
- One (1) Year Warranty
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