Today, we’re excited to dive into the AKAI Professional MPD218 – USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC Drum Pads, 6 Assignable Knobs, Note Repeat & Full Level Buttons and Production Software. This little device is a game-changer for beat production, allowing us to create wherever we go. With its ultra-portable design and USB power, we can take it with us on the road or set up in our own studio.
Now, let’s talk about some of the features that really make this MIDI controller stand out. First up, we have 16 thick fat MPC pads that are perfect for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects, and more. And with the expandable banks, we have a total of 48 assignable pads at our fingertips. The 18 fully assignable 360-Degree potentiometers give us even more control over our DAW, virtual effects, and virtual instruments. Plus, the MPC note repeat and full level controls allow for expressive performances. And let’s not forget about the comprehensive software suite that is included, with Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech, and MPC Beats Software from the Akai Professional MPC Series. Overall, we can’t wait to get our hands on this amazing MIDI controller and unleash our creativity.
Buyers Guide
When looking to buy a USB MIDI controller for beat production, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Portability: If you plan on using the controller on the go or in different locations, it’s important to choose a portable option that is lightweight and compact.
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Pad Quality: The quality of the drum pads is crucial for producing accurate and expressive beats. Look for pads that are responsive, durable, and offer a good feel.
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Assignable Controls: Consider the number and type of assignable controls available on the controller. These knobs and buttons allow you to manipulate various parameters, such as effects and instrument settings, providing greater control over your sound.
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Software Integration: Check if the controller comes with any production software or is compatible with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs). This will enhance your production capabilities and streamline your workflow.
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Expandability: Depending on your needs, it may be beneficial to choose a controller with expandable pad banks or additional features that can be customized to suit your production style.
By considering these factors, you can find a USB MIDI controller that suits your specific needs and enhances your beat production capabilities.
How AKAI Professional MPD218 Works
The AKAI Professional MPD218 is a versatile USB MIDI controller designed specifically for beat production. With its 16 MPC drum pads, 6 assignable knobs, note repeat and full level buttons, this controller offers comprehensive control over your beats. Here’s a breakdown of some of its key features:
Ultra-Responsive Drum Pads
The 16 thick fat MPC pads on the MPD218 are incredibly responsive, allowing for precise and expressive drum triggering. Whether you’re laying down heavy beats or delicate percussion patterns, these pads offer the dynamic sensitivity needed to capture your musical ideas accurately.
Assignable Knobs for Control
The 6 assignable knobs on the MPD218 provide hands-on control over various parameters. These knobs can be assigned to control functions in your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW), virtual effects, or virtual instruments. Being able to manipulate these parameters in real-time enhances your creative possibilities and gives you greater control over your sound.
Note Repeat and Full Level Controls
The MPD218 features MPC note repeat and full level controls, which further expand your performance capabilities. Note repeat allows you to trigger a repeated sequence of notes with ease, adding rhythmic complexity to your beats. The full level control ensures that every pad hit plays back at maximum velocity, providing consistent and powerful sound.
Comprehensive Software Suite Included
With the MPD218, you get a comprehensive software suite that includes Ableton Live Lite and Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech. These production tools bring professional-grade features and effects directly to your fingertips, allowing you to create studio-quality beats right out of the box.
iOS Connectivity
For iOS users, the MPD218 offers connectivity options through the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately). This allows you to control your favorite iOS apps and explore new pad control capabilities on your iPhone or iPad.
By combining these features, the AKAI Professional MPD218 offers an intuitive and powerful beat production experience.
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AKAI Professional MPD218 Uses
The AKAI Professional MPD218 can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your music production. Here are some examples of how you can incorporate this versatile MIDI controller into your workflow:
Product Use
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Drum Programming: Use the 16 MPC drum pads to program complex drum patterns and beats. The ultra-responsive pads allow for a dynamic and nuanced performance, making your drum programming feel more natural.
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Virtual Instrument Control: Assign the 6 assignable knobs to control parameters within virtual instruments. Whether it’s tweaking synth filters, adjusting envelope settings, or modulating effects, the MPD218 gives you hands-on control over your virtual instruments’ sound.
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Real-Time Performance: The MPD218’s note repeat and full level controls are perfect for real-time performances. Trigger rhythmic sequences on the fly using note repeat, and bring intensity to your performances with the full level control.
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Effects Manipulation: Assign the assignable knobs to control effects parameters in your DAW. Whether it’s adjusting delay feedback, tweaking reverb settings, or modulating filter cutoff, the MPD218 allows you to manipulate effects in real-time, adding depth and texture to your beats.
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Mobile Beat Production: With its USB-powered and portable design, the MPD218 is ideal for mobile beat production. Whether you’re producing on-the-go or collaborating with other musicians in different locations, this controller offers the flexibility to create wherever inspiration strikes.
By exploring these various uses, you can unlock the full potential of the AKAI Professional MPD218 and elevate your beat production to new heights.
Product Specifications
Let’s take a closer look at the specifications of the AKAI Professional MPD218:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Drum Pads | 16 |
| Number of Assignable Knobs | 6 |
| Pad Banks | 3 (providing a total of 48 assignable pads) |
| Assignable Potentiometers | 18 |
| Connectivity | USB (compatible with iOS devices via Camera Connection Kit) |
| Included Software | Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech |
| Power | USB powered |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 9.1 x 1.6 inches (29.5 x 23.1 x 4.1 cm) |
| Weight | 1.65 pounds (0.75 kg) |
These specifications highlight the compact and feature-packed nature of the MPD218, making it a versatile and powerful tool for beat production.
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Who is AKAI Professional MPD218 for
The AKAI Professional MPD218 is designed for musicians, producers, and beatmakers of all skill levels who want a flexible and expressive MIDI controller for their beat production needs. It’s perfect for:
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Bedroom Producers: If you’re creating music in a home studio or limited space, the MPD218’s compact size and versatile features make it a great addition to your setup.
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Live Performers: The ultra-responsive pads and assignable knobs make the MPD218 ideal for live performances, allowing you to trigger beats, control effects, and manipulate sounds in real-time.
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Mobile Musicians: With its USB-powered and portable design, the MPD218 is great for musicians who produce on-the-go or collaborate with others in different locations.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, the AKAI Professional MPD218 offers a user-friendly interface and robust features to enhance your beat production.
Why Is AKAI Professional MPD218 Better
The AKAI Professional MPD218 stands out among other USB MIDI controllers in its class for several reasons. Here’s why it’s a cut above the rest:
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Responsive Drum Pads: The MPD218’s drum pads are ultra-responsive and offer a great feel, allowing for dynamic and expressive performances. This level of sensitivity ensures that your beats are accurately translated into sound.
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Assignable Controls: With 6 assignable knobs and 18 potentiometers, the MPD218 provides ample control over various parameters. Whether it’s adjusting effects, tweaking instrument settings, or manipulating virtual instruments, these assignable controls give you the flexibility to customize your sound.
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Comprehensive Software Suite: The inclusion of Ableton Live Lite and Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech provides a comprehensive software suite that enhances your production capabilities right out of the box. These tools offer professional-grade features and effects, ensuring that you have everything you need to create high-quality beats.
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iOS Connectivity: The MPD218’s compatibility with iOS devices through the Camera Connection Kit opens up a world of possibilities for mobile beat production. With this connection, you can control your favorite iOS apps and explore new creative avenues.
These standout features make the AKAI Professional MPD218 a top choice for musicians and producers, offering a level of control, responsiveness, and versatility that sets it apart from the competition.
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Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of the AKAI Professional MPD218:
Pros:
- Ultra-responsive drum pads for precise and expressive performance
- Assignable knobs and potentiometers for customized control
- Comprehensive software suite included for professional-grade production
- iOS connectivity expands creative possibilities
- USB-powered and portable design for on-the-go beat production
Cons:
- Limited number of assignable knobs compared to some other models
- Additional purchase of Camera Connection Kit required for iOS connectivity
While the MPD218 offers exceptional features and performance, it’s important to consider these pros and cons to determine if it meets your specific needs and preferences.
FAQ’s
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Can I use the AKAI Professional MPD218 with other digital audio workstations (DAWs) besides Ableton Live? Yes, the MPD218 is compatible with a wide range of popular DAWs. Simply configure the controller’s settings and mappings within your preferred software to control different parameters.
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Can I connect the MPD218 to my iPhone or iPad? Yes, you can connect the MPD218 to your iOS device using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately). This allows you to use the controller with iOS apps and expand your beat production capabilities on your mobile device.
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Does the MPD218 come with any additional software besides Ableton Live Lite and Drum Synth 500? No, the MPD218 includes Ableton Live Lite and Drum Synth 500 as its comprehensive software suite. However, you can also use the controller with other third-party software and virtual instruments.
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Are the drum pads velocity-sensitive? Yes, the drum pads on the MPD218 are velocity-sensitive, meaning they respond to the force with which you hit them. This allows for more expressive and dynamic performances.
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Is the MPD218 compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems? Yes, the MPD218 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Simply plug the controller into your computer via USB, and it should be recognized by your system.
These frequently asked questions address some common concerns and provide additional information about the AKAI Professional MPD218.
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What Customers Are Saying About AKAI Professional MPD218
Customers who have purchased and used the AKAI Professional MPD218 have overwhelmingly positive feedback. Here are some testimonials from satisfied users:
- “The drum pads on the MPD218 are incredibly sensitive, making it easy to capture all the nuances in my drumming. It feels like playing on a real drum kit!”
- “I love the assignable knobs on this controller. They give me the flexibility to tweak my sounds and effects in real-time, which enhances my creative flow.”
- “The inclusion of Ableton Live Lite and Drum Synth 500 in the software suite is a game-changer. I can produce high-quality beats straight out of the box without needing any additional software.”
These testimonials highlight the MPD218’s standout features and its ability to enhance the beat production experience for its users.
Overall Value
The AKAI Professional MPD218 offers excellent value for musicians, producers, and beatmakers alike. With its ultra-responsive drum pads, assignable controls, comprehensive software suite, and iOS connectivity, this MIDI controller provides a wide range of features and customization options.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore beat production or an experienced producer in need of a versatile tool, the MPD218 delivers on all fronts. Its portability, intuitive design, and professional-grade features make it a top choice for anyone looking to take their beat production capabilities to the next level.
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Tips and Tricks For Best Results
To get the best results when using the AKAI Professional MPD218, here are some tips and tricks:
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Spend time practicing and experimenting with the drum pads to familiarize yourself with their touch sensitivity. This will help you develop a more nuanced and expressive drumming technique.
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Take advantage of the assignable controls by mapping them to different parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments. This will greatly enhance your ability to shape and manipulate your sound in real-time.
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Explore the included software suite, Ableton Live Lite and Drum Synth 500, to unlock their full potential. These tools offer a wide range of features and effects that can elevate your beat production to new heights.
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If you’re using the MPD218 with an iOS device, consider investing in the Camera Connection Kit for seamless connectivity. This will expand your creative possibilities when using the controller with iOS apps.
By following these tips and tricks, you can maximize your experience with the AKAI Professional MPD218 and achieve the best results in your beat production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AKAI Professional MPD218 is an ultra-portable, feature-packed USB MIDI controller that delivers exceptional performance and versatility in beat production. With its responsive drum pads, assignable controls, comprehensive software suite, and iOS connectivity, this controller offers a premium experience for musicians and producers alike.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring the world of beat production or an experienced producer looking for a versatile tool to enhance your workflow, the MPD218 is a top choice. Its compact and portable design makes it perfect for on-the-go production, while its intuitive interface and robust features cater to a wide range of musical styles and genres.
With the AKAI Professional MPD218, you can bring your beat production skills to new levels and unleash your creativity like never before.
Product Summary
The AKAI Professional MPD218 is an ultra-portable USB MIDI controller designed for beat production. With its 16 MPC drum pads, 6 assignable knobs, note repeat and full level controls, comprehensive software suite, and iOS connectivity options, this controller offers a versatile and powerful beat production experience.
Final Recommendation
We highly recommend the AKAI Professional MPD218 to musicians, producers, and beatmakers of all skill levels who are looking to enhance their beat production capabilities. With its responsive drum pads, assignable controls, comprehensive software suite, and portable design, the MPD218 delivers exceptional performance and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, this controller will undoubtedly elevate your beat production to new heights.
