Akai Professional Introduces MPD2 – New Series of Pad Controllers
Evolution of the MPC within MPD – Akai Professional aims to give the people what they want based off of the previously clunky MPD18, MPD26, and MPD32.
The new MPD218, MPD226, and MPD232 are Akai’s result of over six years of customer research and user feedback. All three models introduce more hardware parameters, and better MPC pads than the original MPD series. The Thick Fat MPC pads focus on feel and response, and provide LED feedback.
Akai claims they are their most capable and user-friendly pad controllers to date.
Additionally, all versions come with over $400 of free, iOS compatibility, and Preset Editor. Editing on the MPD226, and MPD232 can also be done directly from the front panel.
All three MPD models will be available Summer 2015. Here are full details from Akai, including pricing:
MPD218
- $199 MSRP
- 16 Thick Fat backlit MPC Pads with Velocity and Aftertouch
- 48 assignable pads accessible via 3 banks
- 18 assignable 360-degree potentiometers accessible via 3 banks
- MPC Note Repeat and Full Level
- iOS compatible using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
- 16 configurable presets
- Includes Ableton Live Lite
- USB powered, no AC adapter required
MPD226
- $299 MSRP
- 16 Thick Fat RGB illuminated velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC Pads
- 64 assignable pads accessible via 4 banks
- 4 assignable faders, 4 assignable Q-Link knobs, 4 assignable Q-Link buttons
- 36 assignable controls accessible via 3 banks
- Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo
- 30 presets total, with configurations for most popular DAWs
- iOS compatible using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
- MIDI In and Out jacks for controlling external gear
- Dedicated Transport controls
- Includes Ableton Live Lite
MPD232
- $399 MSRP
- 64-part, 32-step sequencer to control pad events
- 16 Thick Fat RGB illuminated velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC Pads
- 64 assignable pads accessible via 4 banks
- 8 assignable Q-Link faders, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, 8 assignable Q-Link buttons
- 72 assignable controls accessible via 3 banks
- Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo
- Dedicated transport controls
- iOS compatible using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
- 30 presets total, with configurations for most popular DAWs
- Works with virtually any MIDI software or MIDI hardware
- MIDI In and Out jacks for controlling external gear
- Includes Ableton Live Lite
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