Which pad controller is best to go with my APC40? MPD or MPK

[Adshead]

I want to start making my own beats with a bit more control other than using just the APC40 alone.

Ideally I would like a drum controller (mpd32) & a separate keyboard controller but have seen the MPK which has both.

My shortlist consists of AKIA MPD 26/32, MPK25, KORG Padkontrol, ROLAND A-300 PRO (open to new suggestions).

I know the pads aren't that good on the MPD's but I am prepared to modify them.

Can anyone can give me some advice as to which is the best set up for me to make hip-hop/dance beats on a budget of £200/400.

Thanks,

[RottenToTheGore]

I'm looking into a pad controller myself, and one thing that stands out about the MPD is the beat repeat or whatever it's called. I'm unsure if the MPK offers that.

But you could get a Keyrig 49 for about $100, and an MPD18 for another $100. The MPD18 has 3 banks so you get 48 total sounds, and besides more banks, most of the sliders and knobs from the MPK are already available on the APC40 that you have.

Personally, I'd want bigger pads with an MPD.

(Note, I'm not sure if a Keyrig 49 is the best choice. But there's a few midi controllers for around $100)

Good luck!

[glitchrock-buddha]

I wouldn't recommend the MPK25. You're better off for drum racks using a drum pad controller set up in 4x4 or else it doesn't line up with what's on screen. 3x3 would just be annoying. I used to have an MPD32 before Maschine and it was pretty good. You can probably get one used too. And a separate cheap midi keyboard can be found for not much more than 100 bucks so I'd get them separately. For tight spaces and portability, the akai lpd8 might even suite you.

[Tarekith]

If you're mainly doing beats, then the MPK might not be the best as mentioned above. But if you're doing all around music production, it works great with the APC40 side by side.

[Theo Void]

I use APC40 and a Launchpad. There's no velocity control but it's perfect for drum-racks and there are scripts/programs that allow u to select like 16 vel. settings. I just like to play my beats out by hand rather than programming them but eventually, when making this type of music, u have to dive in and start editing and programming anyways. I edit Velocity after.

[Adshead]

I forgot to mention that I will be doing all round music production & dj mixes but want program my own beats. I quite like the look of the MPK beside the APC but not sure if I would achieve the same as with an MPD.

Are the pads on the MPK smaller than the MPD and what functions have been sacrificed in order for Akai to squeeze an MPD into a keyboard for around the same price as MPD32?

(think I just answered my own question)

I will more likely go with an MPD32 along with a decent 2/3 octave keyboard.

Is there any good quality keyboards out there up to £150 or $250. I wont be playing much keyboard but it would be nice to have one just in case.

If you're mainly doing beats, then the MPK might not be the best as mentioned above. But if you're doing all around music production, it works great with the APC40 side by side.

[agent314]

I would look at the padKontrol. Absolutely the best-playing pads on a standalone controller that I've ever played, plus you get a couple of knobs and a nice XY pad.

Would be nicer if there were more knobs or some sliders, but the quality of what you're getting is pretty top notch.

[glitchrock-buddha]

Yeah Pad Kontrol do have the nicest pads for sure. Maschine too but that is way more than you need.
Since you already have knobs on the APC40, the PadKontrols lack of knobs isn't a big deal. And yes you most definitely find a decent keyboard controller for under 150 pounds. I myself like the Novation ones as I like the combination mod wheel/pitch wheel joystick, but m-audio or others are fine too.

[Cowlash]

another vote for the padkontrol, it was the best out of the bunch when I tried mine at the shop

I would stay away from Novation though, the quality, service and lack of support I've recently discovered is terrible

[bartend7]

+1 padkontrol

[Adshead]

Thanks guys but I was hoping for some support on the MPD, seems like korg win hands down.

If I was to mod the MPD pads would the Akai win then & what would I use the Korg xy pad for in programming?

I'm trying my hardest to defend the MPD because I have an APC40 and think the quality is very good whilst the padkontrol is supposed to not as good buildwise.

[Buleriachk]

+1 on padKontrol; far and away the best....

The APC-40 and padKontrol are an excellent combo for in-studio. and the newer padKontrol is much better than the older version, IMO.... and by setting a MIDI output channel to the pK, the pads will light with the midi triggers from drum rack...

[agent314]

Unless they've fixed/made them significantly better, the pads are pretty crappy on the MPK/MPD.

I used to think they were decent enough but after enough times hitting the pad and not having it register, I gave up. And especially in light of how much more responsive (and programmable) the pK's pads are, it's the clear winner.

If I was to mod the MPD pads would the Akai win

Why are you desperate to get an MPD? I've got an APC40 and I will tell you the build quality on the padKontrol is easily as good as the APC, if not better, and interacts with Ableton just as well.

I'd much rather buy something that I know will work well right out of the box than have to spend additional time+money to get a piece of gear working how I expect it to.

what would I use the Korg xy pad for in programming?

You can map it a lot of different ways. You can map each direction (X and Y) to a separate CC and then have really easy control over 2 parameters, or also put stuff like Mod/pitch wheel on there, which can be useful and make sweet sounds.

Plus you get the nifty roll feature which I like a lot (although it's not tempo-mapped, which is both cool and at times annoying).

[madlab]

padkontrol is by far the most sensitive. I've tried an akai mpd but returned it to the shop the day after I bought it.

[dna598]

+1 Padkontrol

I have apc and PK blows it out of the water for instant gratification when triggering scenes and drum racks imo.

I am still sorely disappointed with the pads on the apc.