We recently got our hands on the AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller, and we have to say, it’s a game-changer for music production. This little device is a beat maker’s dream, with 8 responsive RGB MPC drum pads that allow you to trigger samples, loops, virtual instruments, and more. It’s like having a portable studio at your fingertips.
One of the biggest benefits of owning the LPD8 is the hands-on control it offers. With 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, you can seamlessly map them to DAW parameters, software instruments, and insert effect plugins for precise mixing and tactile control. It really enhances the creative process and gives you a more intuitive way to craft your sound.
Now, let’s talk about the drawbacks if you don’t own the LPD8. Without this MIDI controller, you’ll be missing out on the ease and convenience of customized production. The LPD8 has 4 programmable preset slots that allow you to instantly recall mappings for DAWs, virtual instruments, effects, and more. Without it, you’ll be spending much more time manually setting up your equipment and plugins for each project. Plus, the portable design and robust build of the LPD8 make it perfect for musicians, producers, DJs, and other music creators on the go. Without it, you’ll be limited to working exclusively in your studio, without the flexibility to create wherever inspiration strikes.
Now that we’ve gone through the benefits and drawbacks, we’re excited to take a deeper look at the AKAI Professional LPD8. We’ll be diving into its features, functionality, and how it can enhance your music production experience. So, stay tuned for our in-depth review of this incredible MIDI controller.
Buyers Guide
When searching for a MIDI controller, there are several important factors to consider. These factors can make a significant difference in the overall user experience and functionality of the device. Here are a few key points to look for when buying a product like the AKAI Professional LPD8:
-
Responsive Drum Pads: The responsiveness of the drum pads is crucial for any music producer or beat maker. Look for a controller that offers highly tactile, velocity-sensitive drum pads like the AKAI LPD8. These pads should provide a natural and dynamic feel when triggering samples, loops, and virtual instruments.
-
Assignable Knobs: A MIDI controller with assignable knobs allows for precise control and manipulation of DAW parameters and software instruments. The LPD8 offers 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, ensuring seamless mapping to various parameters and plugins. This feature enhances creativity and provides hands-on control during music production.
-
Customizable Presets: The ability to save and recall customized presets is essential for efficiency and convenience. With the LPD8, users can create, edit, load, and manage presets directly from their computer. This feature allows for easy access to specific mappings, DAWs, virtual instruments, and effects, streamlining the workflow.
-
Portability and Sturdy Build: For musicians and producers on the go, portability is a key consideration. The AKAI LPD8 offers a slim-line design that easily fits into a laptop bag, allowing for hands-on production capability wherever you are. Despite its lightweight and portable design, it adopts the sturdy build of standalone MPCs, ensuring durability and longevity.
-
Universal DAW Compatibility: Compatibility with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) is crucial for seamless integration with your existing music production setup. The AKAI LPD8 is compatible with all major DAWs, including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Adobe Audition, and more. This wide compatibility ensures that the LPD8 can integrate seamlessly into any workflow.
How AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller Works
The AKAI LPD8 MIDI controller offers a range of features that make it an essential tool for beat makers and music producers. Let’s explore some of the key functionalities of this impressive device:
Hands-On Control
The LPD8 features 8 RGB-backlit responsive MPC drum pads that allow users to trigger samples, loops, virtual instruments, and other sound sources. These highly sensitive and velocity-sensitive pads provide a natural and expressive playing experience. The backlit RGB lighting adds a visually appealing element to your performance, making it easier to identify the active pads.
Additionally, the LPD8 includes 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, which can be seamlessly mapped to various parameters in your digital audio workstation or software instruments. These knobs offer tactile control over settings such as volume, pan, filters, and effects. This hands-on approach enhances precision and creativity during the music-making process.
Customized Production
With the LPD8, you have the freedom to create and save your own presets. The controller provides 4 programmable preset slots, allowing for instant recall of mappings for different DAWs, virtual instruments, effects, and more. This feature is particularly useful for switching between different projects or working with multiple software applications. By creating, editing, loading, and managing presets directly from your computer, you can streamline your workflow and save valuable time.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller Features
The AKAI LPD8 offers a range of features that significantly enhance music production capabilities. Here are some prominent features of this exceptional product:
Responsive RGB MPC Drum Pads
The LPD8 features 8 RGB-backlit responsive MPC drum pads. These pads are highly sensitive and velocity-sensitive, providing a natural and expressive playing experience. The backlit RGB lighting adds a visually appealing element to your performance, making it easier to identify the active pads.
Assignable Knobs
The controller comes equipped with 8 assignable Q-Link knobs that offer seamless mapping to various parameters in your DAW or software instruments. These knobs provide hands-on control over settings such as volume, pan, filters, and effects, ensuring precise mixing and manipulation.
Portable Design, Robust Build
The LPD8 is designed with portability in mind. Its lightweight and slim-line design make it easy to stow in a laptop bag, allowing for hands-on production capability everywhere you go. Despite its portable nature, the controller adopts the sturdy build of standalone MPCs, ensuring durability and longevity.
Effortless Setup
Setting up the LPD8 is a breeze. With its full-size USB-powered jack, the controller works plug-and-play with both Mac and PC. No software driver installation or AC power adapters are required, simplifying the setup process even further.
Universal DAW Compatibility
The LPD8 is compatible with all popular digital audio workstations, including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Adobe Audition, and more. This universal compatibility ensures that the LPD8 can seamlessly integrate into any music production setup.
Music Production Software Included
The LPD8 comes bundled with music production software, providing even more value to users. With this software, you can further enhance your creative capabilities and elevate your music production workflow.
Versatile Performance
The LPD8 is a versatile controller suitable for musicians, producers, DJs, and other music creators on the go. Its sleek design allows it to fit right in alongside your studio equipment, offering convenience and flexibility wherever you are.
AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller Uses
The AKAI LPD8 offers a myriad of uses for musicians, producers, DJs, and other music creators. Here are some ways you can harness the power of this versatile MIDI controller:
Product Use
-
Beat Making: The LPD8’s highly responsive drum pads make it ideal for beat making. Whether you’re triggering samples, loops, or virtual instruments, the pads offer a natural and dynamic playing experience. The RGB backlit lighting adds a visually engaging element to your beat-making sessions.
-
Parameter Control: With its 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, the LPD8 allows for precise control over key parameters in your DAW or software instruments. These knobs can be mapped to settings such as volume, pan, filters, and effects, enabling you to shape your sound with accuracy.
-
Live Performance: The LPD8’s portable design and robust build make it a perfect companion for live performances. Whether you’re a DJ, electronic musician, or part of a band, incorporating the LPD8 into your setup enables you to harness the power of hands-on control during your live performances.
-
Studio Recording: The LPD8 seamlessly integrates into your studio setup, offering a compact and convenient way to trigger sounds, control parameters, and record MIDI data. Its compatibility with popular DAWs ensures compatibility with your existing recording software and workflows.
Product Specifications
Here are the technical specifications of the AKAI Professional LPD8 – USB MIDI Controller:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Drum Pads | 8 |
| Drum Pad Type | Velocity-sensitive, RGB-backlit MPC drum pads |
| Number of Knobs | 8 |
| Knob Type | Assignable Q-Link knobs |
| Preset Slots | 4 programmable preset slots |
| Connectivity | USB-powered |
| Compatibility | Mac, PC |
| Software Compatibility | GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, etc. |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 0.9 pounds |
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Who Should Use AKAI Professional LPD8
The AKAI Professional LPD8 is designed to cater to the needs of musicians, producers, DJs, and other music creators. Here are a few examples of individuals who can benefit from utilizing the LPD8:
-
Beat Makers: The LPD8’s responsive drum pads and assignable knobs make it an excellent tool for beat makers. Whether you’re creating hip hop, electronic, or any other genre that heavily relies on drum patterns and samples, the LPD8 provides a highly tactile and dynamic playing experience.
-
Electronic Musicians: For musicians specializing in electronic music genres, the LPD8 offers the perfect blend of portability and functionality. Whether you’re triggering virtual instruments, shaping sound parameters, or recording MIDI data, the LPD8 seamlessly integrates into your electronic music setup.
-
Live Performers: DJs and live performers can take advantage of the LPD8’s compact design and robust build. Its portable nature makes it easy to incorporate into live setups, providing hands-on control and enhancing the overall performance experience.
-
Studio Producers: The LPD8 is an excellent addition to any studio setup, as it offers an intuitive and convenient way to control parameters, trigger sounds, and record MIDI data. Its universal compatibility ensures seamless integration with popular DAWs, making it a versatile tool for studio producers of all genres.
Why Is AKAI Professional LPD8 Better
The AKAI LPD8 stands out from other MIDI controllers on the market due to several key features:
-
Responsive Drum Pads: The highly sensitive and velocity-sensitive drum pads of the LPD8 provide a natural and expressive playing experience. The RGB-backlit lighting adds a visually appealing touch, making it easier to identify active pads.
-
Assignable Knobs: With its 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, the LPD8 offers precise control over various parameters. These knobs can be seamlessly mapped to DAW parameters, software instruments, and insert effect plugins, enhancing tactile control and precise mixing.
-
Customizable Presets: The LPD8 allows for the creation, editing, loading, and management of customizable presets. This feature enhances efficiency and convenience by providing instant recall of mappings for different DAWs, virtual instruments, effects, and more.
-
Portability and Sturdy Build: The LPD8 combines portability and durability, making it an ideal choice for music creators on the go. Its lightweight and slim-line design allow for easy transportation, while its sturdy build ensures longevity.
-
Universal DAW Compatibility: The LPD8 is compatible with all popular DAWs, allowing for seamless integration into any music production setup. This wide compatibility ensures that the LPD8 can fit right in alongside your existing software and workflows.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of the AKAI Professional LPD8:
Pros:
- Highly responsive and velocity-sensitive drum pads
- Eight assignable Q-Link knobs for precise parameter control
- Four programmable preset slots for enhanced workflow efficiency
- Lightweight and portable design for on-the-go music creators
- Universal compatibility with popular DAWs and software applications
Cons:
- Limited number of drum pads and knobs compared to some other MIDI controllers
- The slim-line design may feel small for users accustomed to larger controllers
FAQ’s
-
Is the AKAI LPD8 compatible with my computer? The AKAI LPD8 is compatible with both Mac and PC systems. It works plug-and-play with a full-size USB-powered jack, eliminating the need for software driver installation or AC power adapters.
-
Can I use the LPD8 with my preferred music production software? Yes, the LPD8 is compatible with all major music production software applications, including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Adobe Audition, and more. Its universal DAW compatibility ensures seamless integration into your existing setup.
-
Is the LPD8 suitable for live performances? Absolutely! The LPD8’s portable design and robust build make it an excellent choice for live performers. Whether you’re a DJ, electronic musician, or part of a band, the LPD8 offers hands-on control and enhances the overall performance experience.
-
Can I use the LPD8 to control software instruments? Yes, the LPD8’s assignable knobs can be seamlessly mapped to control software instruments and virtual synthesizers, allowing for precise manipulation of sound parameters.
-
Does the LPD8 come with any additional music production software? Yes, the LPD8 comes bundled with music production software, providing users with additional tools and resources to enhance their creative capabilities.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
What Customers Are Saying About AKAI Professional LPD8
Here are some testimonials from customers who have used the AKAI LPD8:
- “The LPD8 has completely revolutionized my beat-making process. The drum pads are incredibly responsive, and the assignable knobs allow for precise control over my sounds. It’s a game-changer!”
- “As a live performer, the LPD8 has become an essential part of my setup. Its compact design and robust build are perfect for on-the-go performances. I can’t recommend it enough!”
- “The LPD8’s compatibility with my favorite DAWs and software applications make it a versatile tool for my studio productions. It’s made my workflow so much more efficient.”
Overall Value
The AKAI Professional LPD8 offers incredible value for musicians, producers, and music creators of all kinds. With its highly responsive drum pads, assignable knobs, customizable presets, and universal compatibility, the LPD8 empowers users to take their music production capabilities to the next level. Whether you’re a beat maker, electronic musician, live performer, or studio producer, the LPD8 is a must-have addition to your toolkit.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Tips and Tricks For Best Results
To get the most out of your AKAI Professional LPD8, here are some tips and tricks:
-
Explore Preset Libraries: Take advantage of the LPD8’s customizable presets and explore preset libraries available online. These libraries offer mappings specifically designed for different software instruments and DAWs, allowing you to further streamline your workflow.
-
Experiment with MIDI Mapping: The LPD8 allows for extensive MIDI mapping capabilities. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of drum pads and knobs to find a setup that suits your unique needs and playing style.
-
Utilize RGB Backlit Lighting: The LPD8’s RGB backlit lighting adds a visual element to your performance. Make use of this feature by assigning different colors to specific pads or creating lighting patterns that correspond with your music.
-
Take Advantage of Portable Design: The LPD8’s portability allows you to bring your music production capabilities wherever you go. Take advantage of this feature by finding unique settings and locations to inspire your creativity.
-
Stay Updated with Firmware and Software Updates: AKAI periodically releases firmware and software updates for their products. Stay updated with the latest releases to access new features, improvements, and bug fixes for your LPD8.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AKAI Professional LPD8 is a remarkable USB MIDI Controller that offers an impressive range of features and capabilities. From its highly responsive drum pads and assignable knobs to its customizable presets and universal DAW compatibility, the LPD8 empowers musicians, producers, DJs, and other music creators with a versatile and intuitive tool.
The LPD8’s portability and sturdy build make it the perfect companion for on-the-go music production, while its sleek design allows it to seamlessly integrate into any studio setup. Whether you’re a beat maker, electronic musician, live performer, or studio producer, the AKAI LPD8 is a worthy investment that will undoubtedly enhance your creative process and elevate your music production capabilities.
Overall, the AKAI Professional LPD8 delivers exceptional value and performance, making it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their music-making experience.
