Comments on: Pad Controller Smackdown

By: munty

munty — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:04:03 +0000

I think the MPD would be better suited if you were using it for ad-hoc studio use, or if you’re live set was very simple.

The Korg, although a bit more of a challenge to program, offers much more flexavility. If offers you up to 16 scenes to program, and you can program just about everything. Ive got scenes for different drum kits, some scenes for switching on and of effects, scenes for program/bank changes, scenes for running VJ software – list goes on. It also runs on two different ports which further enhances midi programing abilities. The X-Y pads and the two knobs might seem a litle more limiting than the MPD, but there is actually a very easy system to re-assign those to 16 different CC’s by holding the assign buttons and hitting pads, or hitting the setting button and switching through all 128 CC’s (and either ports) by simply the selection wheel.

so if you need a lot of programing flexibility and already have other knobs and/or faders accessble, the korg is def the one. Akai is built like a tank, though!

M-audio gear i generally find feels like a toy. The one thing the trigger has going for it though is pressure sensitive CC messages from the pads, neither of the others can do that.

By: DJ PRIOR aka RHYAN HARDEN

DJ PRIOR aka RHYAN HARDEN — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:01:56 +0000

… i think … akai is still mighty akai … thats all

By: Vincent Le Pes

Vincent Le Pes — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:12:45 +0000

My PadKontrol has a lock on it…at least, isn’t that what the slot on the far left (looking at the back) is? Great roundup, but I have to say you were a little harsh on the Korg…it’s a great controller. The flashy lights may not be the greatest selling point, but the XY pad and roll functions are great…now, if only it had more knobs and a few faders…:)

By: Seemartinbreak

Seemartinbreak — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:11:10 +0000

Does anyone have any input on the responsiveness or speed of the buttons???
Can you compare to the vci led buttons or arcade buttons?
Thanks!

By: ?????

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By: Thang

Thang — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:24:44 +0000

For me i choose PadKontrol because of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uYqh7BOKZ4&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OF_gxu5rtQ&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvO9bhvNOlc&feature=channel_page

and more :)

By: Robbie

Robbie — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:34:52 +0000

Thanks for the review. I was curious about the three controllers you mentioned. I went to guitarcenter to pick up an mpd32, but the one they had was broken so I got an mpd24.

Iv been playing around with it for about a week, and I love how the controls map natively with ableton 7. The faders and knobs are awesome. The one thing that gets me is the sensitivity of it. I have it set on the most sensitive setting, most sensitive curve model, and I still have to really hit hard to register a sound.

Im thinking that since Im planning on purchasing the Akai APC40 (whenever that is, please ableton gods hurry up!…) that I dont need knobs and faders – what I need is a good drum pad. Your review didn’t mention sensitivity of pads. Im actually going to return the mpd24 for the korg (dont yell at me…). I havent played one yet but from what iv heard they are a lot more sensitive.

Ill let you know how it goes.

By: javier

javier — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:52:36 +0000

thanks for this… i was going to get the trigger becaue a friend has it, but once i tried it, didn’t like where the knobs were and the fact that they’re not endless y aalso felt that i needed more faders….. it is pretty solid though. i got the akai because everything was on the right place for me.

Peace