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Thoughts on the Akai Professional MPD218 Pad Controller?
I’m considering purchasing the Akai Professional MPD218 Pad Controller, sometime in the future when I actually have money again, and was just wondering if, in your opinion, is this a good choice for a midi pad controller? Are there any other midi pad controllers that you would recommend over this particular product? I am not able to get along with using pads on the iPad surface, as I need to feel actual physical pads under my fingers. Thank you for any and all replies. I’m very interested in getting BeatMaker 3, and iMaschine 2, and being able to access them via a midi pad controller.
Comments
They're pretty good, although I opted for the MPD226 because it's easier to configure without needing to hook it up to a computer. This site has lots of good info, scroll down to see videos on the MPD218 and many others:
http://www.xpresspads.com/finger-drumming-video/
Thank you for the reply, as the only pad controller I have experience with is the Maschine MK3, which of course is not compatible with iOS, and so I know nothing about my options. And I would like a controller that works 100% with iOS, without needing a computer.
That is an important consideration. I would say though that I only hooked the 218 up to a computer once. I had the midi notes and cc's clear that I needed it to do, put those in and that was it.
I used it with the iPad for a while. No problem with it. I only really pulled it off the setup because I couldn't deal with mini keys and had to go to an Akai MPK 225. I'd prefer 16 pads, but I NEEED bigger keys. I still have it though. Using it with the computer. I had had an electronic drum set, but I've gotten much better at finger drumming. Had more of a history playing regular drums, but I'm up to speed on the fingering now.
To be clear, I already have Maschine MK3 for use with pc, so my only interest in another midi pad controller, is which one is best strictly for iOS? At least in your opinions.
Well the advantage of the MPD226 is you can configure everything on the device itself, no need for a computer at all. It also has a special low-power mode for iOS devices so that you can use it directly into the Lightning port without needing a hub. And it has MPC pads, so it's pretty good for iPad finger-drumming.
I’ve recently bought the MPD218. It also has a low power mode to use on iOS without a hub - but you will need a Camera connection dongle.
I’ve only really used it a bit in Gadget and also Stagelight. It’s seemed to have the right notes already set up for triggering drum kits so that’s been no bother.
I’ve used MIDi learn a bit to adjust fx setting / cutoff etc. This is all well and good if your iPad app has midi learn - otherwise you’d need to plug the 218 into the PC/Mac to set up the correct CCs.
I think it’s a decent unit
Thank you very much for the reply, I’ve looked into the MPD226, and it appears to be the best choice for me. I have the camera adapter, but even so, being able to bypass the extra apparatus, is an added bonus, I believe I’m sold.
Thank you very much for the reply, I’m very strongly leaning towards the MPD226 at this point, even though it’s more money, it at least has the appearance of giving you what you pay for, but of course, I can be swayed in another direction very easily, given my lack of understanding.
I have the 218 and don't like it. Get a used korg padkontrol instead, far better.
On 218 the pads are hard and can't squeeze them. They look fat but it's just eye candy. The older mpd 18 had better feel but they didn't trigger well on the pad's edge and needed some modding.
Also the 218 when on low power mode , the pads don't lid ...
I’ve got an MPC fly. Kind of fun but only up to ipad3.
Thank you very much for your recommendation, I will absolutely look into this Korg an alternative.
If I do get a pad controller, I’ve decided that it’s worth it to get the best that’s reasonably priced. And by “best”, what I mean exactly, is how good the pads feel and respond to touching. It’s a crying shame I can’t use my Maschine MK3, because IMO, it is absolutely perfect the way it comes from the factory, I’ve never felt the need to adjust the pad velocities, it’s just dead on perfect.
Assuming there was only a choice between MPD218 and iRig Pads from IK Multimedia, which controller offers the better (more nuanced) feel?
What impression do the 6 encoders make on you?
It would help me a lot if someone could say a few words about the pads, the "turning feel" of the encoders and the workmanship in general.
Oh, before I forget. I could get hold of the controller used, in very good condition, for around thirty euros including shipping.
And the iRig Pads for around fifty euros.
Haven't touched the iRig but I own the MPD 218. It can be hit or miss, meaning that not all pads react to the same force, and you have to hit the pads vertically for consistency. The pads are rather stiff like other similar controllers, they don't give in.
I've ended up disabling pad velocity the last times I've used it before I went controller less for beats. Hitting an iPad screen isn't that much worse tbh with the upside of not having to have an adapter + controller connected. The encoders on the Akai are ok, but they feel worse than those on an APC 40 or the MPCs to me.
Now I'm only using it to control stuff in Ableton, I have never connected to my iPads for making beats.
Thank you. Unfortunately, this only confirms what I read far too often about the controller. It may be that individual devices stand out positively, but without modification the MPD218 seems to be exactly what I'm not looking for.