Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Discuss music production with Ableton Live.
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Grimulus
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:34 pm

Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by Grimulus » Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:45 pm

Hello all,

I'll be short, if I can.

I'm new to the midi controller game, and music software in general. Anyway, I picked up an MPD26 a few days ago and have been messing around with it in Ableton Lite (I'll be upgrading soon). My reasoning for not going with the 32 was I was afraid I would get something that's too complicated. I've noticed that several Ableton effects/instruments have 8 knobs and my controller only has 6. I've also noticed that there isn't true support (in preferences) for the MPD26, but there is for the 24 and 32.

Should I go ahead and return my item and grab the 32, or should I stick with the 26? I know I haven't tapped the unit, but I don't want to wait too long and then wish I would have gotten something better.

Jimbabwae
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:29 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by Jimbabwae » Tue Sep 27, 2011 5:17 pm

I have a MPD26.. Out of the box I found the pads to be really unresponsive.. I got some of the corx from MPC stuff and the fat red pads, that sorted the problem right out and I'm kinda happy with it. Bit tricky to fit tho.

Nevertheless I defo wish I'd forked out the extra for the 32.. Here's a vid if Nosaj Thing, seems he uses it at live gigs. http://av.vimeo.com/81905/547/29239293. ... 47c6af9ced

But when you're in the MPD32 price range it might be worth looking around for a 2nd hand Maschine!

Cheers,

Jimmy

Jimbabwae
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:29 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by Jimbabwae » Tue Sep 27, 2011 5:51 pm

Soz, think that was a dead link.. Here's a better one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31AFfyPX ... re=related


23kon
Posts: 357
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:08 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by 23kon » Tue Sep 27, 2011 9:47 pm

I got myself a second hand MPD32 - it is handy having the 8 knobs instead of 6 btw.
I got it from eBay for £155 and the previous owner had upgraded to the MPC Stuff fat pads and corks so saved me having to upgrade myself. BARGAIN!!!

Keep your eyes on eBay, there's always MPD32's going.

Grimulus
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:34 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by Grimulus » Thu Sep 29, 2011 9:57 am

Alright guys, thanks for the replies.

I was able to exchange my 26 for a 32, and I'm already much more happy. Ableton loves the 8 knobs!

I have a feeling this won't be my only midi controller, hopefully I'll be able to try out a Maschine, but the wallet just isn't fat enough right now.

23kon
Posts: 357
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:08 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by 23kon » Thu Sep 29, 2011 10:45 am

Now you've got the MPD32, pimp it up!!!!

http://www.mpcstuff.com/mpd32stuff.html

I HIGHLY recommend getting a set of thicker pads + corks

http://www.mpcstuff.com/akmpcmpdthfa2.html

Image

HorusProject
Posts: 83
Joined: Tue May 31, 2011 8:11 pm
Location: Manchester, England

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by HorusProject » Thu Sep 29, 2011 11:19 am

Can someone post a video of a demo for MPD32? I have thought about getting a Novation touchpad and Zero SL mkII but if I can do all the same stuff with a MPD32 instead then I can save a bit of money too.

Who rates the MPD32? What do you use it for in Live? can it work jsut as well as the novation launchpad or APC40 for launching clips? I know there are no lights for the pads but are there any benefits to using it over the APC or launchpads?

thank you,
Kaon Flux
____________________
Poison Drum Records
http://www.soundcloud.com/kaonflux
http://www.soundcloud.com/horusproject

23kon
Posts: 357
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:08 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by 23kon » Thu Sep 29, 2011 1:07 pm

Horus,

The MPD32 is a different beast to what the Launchpad and Novation Remote Zero Mk2 are.

The MPD32 only has 16 'drum' pads, 8 sliders and 3 groups of 8 knobs in an instance.
Whereas the Novation Remote Zero Mk2, running Automap, can have infinite pages of 16 knobs, 8 sliders, 8 pads (nowhere like akai's pads), 16 buttons plus a crossfader!

I used to own a Novation Remote Zero Mk2 but sold it and opted for using iPad with TouchAble & MidiTouch.
It IS a great controller, but I wouldn't say that it would be 'normally' used for the same purposes as an MPD32.

An MPD32 should probably be looked at more like a 'sampler' in the sense that it's got the 16 good drum pads - and with the added bonus of being able to control 8 channels volume and 24 parameters with knobs.

The Novation Launchpad's pads are not anywhere like what the MPD32 are. Although they may suffice for your needs.
But if you asked a 'finger drummer' which were the best out of the two they'd say the Akai.
Launchpad WILL allow you to control clips/scenes/vol/effects sends/pans and launch samples. They are well worthy bits of kit.

If you are looking for stuff to control LOADS of parameters in Ableton Live with minimal mouse tweaking then Launchpad + Zero is the way to go.

If you are looking for a sample triggering device with extras then the MPD32 is the way to go.

23kon
Posts: 357
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:08 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by 23kon » Thu Sep 29, 2011 1:14 pm

HorusProject wrote:Can someone post a video of a demo for MPD32?
YouTube 'Search' is your friend

DPMachine
Posts: 39
Joined: Thu Aug 12, 2010 7:14 am
Location: 247 Sunshine

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by DPMachine » Thu Sep 29, 2011 4:16 pm

I really didn't like the feeling of the pads at first, but after modding I fell in love with them. I got a kit like one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pad-Sensitivity ... 739wt_1126

But the corx from mpcstuff I heard works just as well.
23kon wrote: I HIGHLY recommend getting a set of thicker pads + corks
http://www.mpcstuff.com/akmpcmpdthfa2.html
Aside from increased sensitivity from adding the corx, do these feel a lot different than the standard pads?

23kon
Posts: 357
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:08 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by 23kon » Fri Sep 30, 2011 8:32 am

DPMachine wrote:Aside from increased sensitivity from adding the corx, do these feel a lot different than the standard pads?
I don't know. I bought my MPD32 2nd hand, the guy that had it before me had fitted the thick pad upgrade and corks.

It did come with the old pads in the box.

I've no idea of the difference. I'm sure its the same rubber. Maybe the extra few millimeters of rubber add more 'bounce' to playability??

I've read that it's meant to be an improvement on playability though as the pads are more higher than the unit. Don't quite see how that works but seemingly they are better.

Jimbabwae
Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:29 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by Jimbabwae » Fri Sep 30, 2011 9:31 am

They just feel much better.. Because they stand out more they feel more defined, more 'there'. I know it's not the fundamental purpose but they look REALLY good too..

23kon
Posts: 357
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:08 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by 23kon » Fri Sep 30, 2011 9:48 am

Jimbabwae wrote:They just feel much better.. Because they stand out more they feel more defined, more 'there'. I know it's not the fundamental purpose but they look REALLY good too..
They do look good too. I've got the thick black ones on and it looks a beast.

I fancy getting designing my own skin and getting styleflip.com to print it (rather than using their design), getting my hands on some black knobs and faders and making it look like the MPC 2500 SE - in my opinion the nicest looking sampler there ever has been :)

Image

Grimulus
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:34 pm

Re: Just Picked Up My MPD26 -Considering Returning for the MPD32

Post by Grimulus » Fri Sep 30, 2011 2:44 pm

23kon wrote:Now you've got the MPD32, pimp it up!!!!

http://www.mpcstuff.com/mpd32stuff.html

I HIGHLY recommend getting a set of thicker pads + corks

http://www.mpcstuff.com/akmpcmpdthfa2.html

Image
Definitely going to do this, for sure. :)

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