AKAI Professional MPD218 - USB MIDI Pad Controller and Drum Machine with MPC Pads, Assignable Knobs, Note Repeat & Full Level Buttons, Production Software

Full-size velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads - they are very, very good. Controls are intuitive with 3 pad banks and 3 sets of control knobs (selectable). It feels solid, it does the job. Some people might prefer the feel of other pads, a personal taste I guess. But if you get used to these pads you will not be disappointed. A solid piece of kit, at this price everybody should get one. Combined with my MPK Mini Mk3 keyboard and controller, I have all the control I need for entering and controlling midi to make my music.

A good bit of kit for a fair price.I have used it with logic pro and it connects straight away. This is my first sequencer so cannot compare to others but i trusted the brand and they have not let me downAt times there is a lag, however i restart the mac and it has gone so more than likely a computer issue.I havent used it with any other DAWS but i imagine it would be the same case of plug it in and its good to go. ( did not need to install any software)The keys are sensitive enough and the unit feels sturdy.I did not read the instructions and got to grips with it within seconds, however i recommend reading as theres a fair bit this hardware can do if you take the time to actually learn it

Was surprised at the build quality for the price, shocked to see others saying it's flimsy and cheap, it feels very good for the price in my opinion. The knobs feel very smooth and premium and respond nicely in the DAW. The pads at first felt a bit stiff, but after a couple of days I got used to them. They feel fairly nice, and are decently responsive, but you can't tap it like a touch screen, you need to hit a bit harder for it to register. No double-triggers or anything like that on my unit.The only problems I've notcied are that the buttons (full level, note repeat etc.) aren't the best feeling. They for some reason are uneven, you can press them lightly from the top half, but have to push really hard for the bottom half, which is a bit weird feeling and can make it difficult for timed-based stuff like trying to use the note-repeat function, since the button isn't as responsive depending on where your finger is on it. I wouldn't preferred rubber buttons like on the mpk mini controller. Luckily I don't plan on using these buttons too much, so it's not a big issue for me.Another issue is that the pads are a dust magnet, any dust or dead skin off your fingers will stick to them a lot. Not a huge problem, though, mainly a cosmetic one.Despite the problems, I still think it's worth 4 stars. It exceeded my expectations. I was a little worried after seeing some bad reviews about it, and some people getting bad units, but mine seems good.

Nice bit of kit but wish they gave you a case for it (or sold one). I have had this a week and no problems. The software is top notch no need for any other daw . This is a great starting point for someone needing a midi pad and great software . Few improvements could be made ( like how to link and map quickly in ableton live lite) with a quick reference book/ sheet .brilliant and would love to use or test other kits just to see how they compare 10 out of 10 from meSo... this is a update on my purchase. Now I have had time to play around with this a bit more I can now fully say with out any doubts this is a brilliant piece of equipment. I have been using this to mix , run samples and use it as a drum kit too in addition to this I bought the akai 25 key midi keyboard too and found that the software can be used on the akai 26 and mpd218 . I would love to try out more of there line as I was amazed at the quality and software you get with each item you buy. Anyone wishing to get a jumpstart to there music then look no further than here.Again I would love to test and own other midi devices that akai produce

The mpd218 i received works fine, apparently some of these are unusable with bad pad responses and mixed sensitivities.This one feels as though you have to hit pad harder than you should need to when trying to hit softly but you have to get used to it as it is because it not adjustable, but it is quite usable when you strike it a certain way , and great overall package for the price. The sonnivox software will not install on my d drive on custom install after instructing it to, it starts installing into c drive which has no space, so i shall try it on my next laptop. sonnivox also forces you to install ilok software which sucks.I already have it installed but ilok sucks, unnecessary garbage, but overall the mpd218 with all the software is excellent value for low price

These days, Reason is my DAW of choice. And as I fully expect by now, this connected with the virtual pads in Reason with almost zero effort on my part. However, this Akai product is SUPPOSED to work with Akais own MPC Beats software just as easily, and it does not.I can not for the life of me figure out how to get real pad A1 to trigger virtual pad A1 instead of A2, and vice-verca as well. Nor can I fathom why it would be set up this way around, who would want it this way? Why? Or under what circumstances this set up could possibly be useful instead of just confusing?

This is an example of a good case for saving money, helping the environment by buying used. Ok, so it wasn't in the original box, so what! And no manual, again so what! The item functions perfectly and is in as new condition. Download the 5 page manual. Saved paper and viewd PDF doc. Good product. Compatible with Cubase14.