I recommend the Presonus ATOM. Volume, pitch are similar to where Koala places them and has many buttons that can be midi mapped like Play, Record and others.
the mpd 218 has great pads, sometimes It comes with the screws from the main pad board inside too tight, if you unscrew them just a tiny little bit It usually resolves this issue of the rubber pads bouncing and retriggering other pads when you play the lower ones
I would say this and the korg nanopad 2 are the best so far. Mpd for Android since it can't be turned to landscape/vertical wise. And the nanopad for ios since it can turn to the side for 8 pads on top and bottom.
I see what you mean about the nanopad! I use my iPad in landscape mode with koala almost always so having them laid out that way might be really nice. Hm you got me thinking now lol
Hey, nice review! This looks good and I am sure you will enjoy this. You may be able to adjust the pad sensitivity to accommodate you I would think. I am thinking about getting an APC mini for koala because I like the 8x8 pattern so that I don't have to switch pages when using many samples. I also prefer the faders over the knobs for live performance. It feels more ergonomic to me. Enjoy your toy!
I like your wallpaper, I recently got a music player for android called casse-o-player that has a visually working tape cassette on the screen. The tape actually winds from reel to reel and you can choose from a load of actual tapes from vintage 70’s tapes to deluxe reel to reel tapes
Another option that works really well is the launchpad x. You can create your own midi mapping. With one layout you can control all 4 banks on koala. Also you can map all faders on another page. There not encoders but it works good enough. And the pads don’t double trigger as much or barley at all.
@@JJ-vp3bd most definitely. Launchpad x works awesome. Some initial work setting up the midi on there website and customizing your color scheme. After that your good. Maybe I’ll have to actually contribute to TH-cam and make a video of how I did it. It would be my first one.
I agree 10/10. You should be able to hit the pads as hard as you want without retriggering other pads. I just happen to have a Launchpad Pro laying around. Never tried it with Koala, but I will now.
I got an novation launchkey mini mk3 yesterday and was having the same issues with ghost triggering on the 16 pads. This video was my decision against the 218 lol , hopefully it’s somthing they are working on
Meaning you were having the ghost issues on the Novation or on the akai 218? It must have been quality control type issue because the second one I got has 0 issues 🤷🏾♂️ lol
@@Khordmaster the novation. I’ll mess around with it today and get back to you. It seemed to act up at first the I re mapped it and it fixed it, so it did seem less buggy than your 218 (the first one) but it DID happen at first
these controllers i think been out since 2014... and it's a known problem for many years. If you read the comments section on these forums... amazon, youtube etc it's a known complaint from many users
@j j I use my mpc live in controller mode or just use the Apple Pencil haha, for me I started finding that I was carrying too much stuff around eventually and ended up just simplifying the set up, at one point I had the mpd and keys with it hooked up to monitors and it just became like a main set up which isn’t why I PERSONALLY had it , ended up selling it all and use it as a mobile / travel piece then hook it up to my main set up for mixing using monitors ect
I tried MPD218 with the mpc beats software and even using their own mapping , it doesn’t work correctly, when trying to edit sample start for example , every knob moves the 1 + 10 + 100 + 1000 , i tried my push 2 with beats and it works as it should , i mapped the knobs to all 4 sample starts and using the push 2 i can move start by 1, 10, 100, or 1000 with no issues .. hoping you had more success than i did with it , as it does seem a decent controller overall.
Good review. A tip, get some Q-Tips / Cotton swab and also from the pharmacy get a bottle of that clear isopropyl alcohol.. "slightly" get the Q-Tips / Cotton swab damp with the clear isopropyl alcohol.. You'll be able to clean the pads when they get dirty and rough looking... Makes them look brand new. Clean the pad with the slightly wet side and then dry them with the other side of the Q-Tips / Cotton swab. Done it for about two years.. NO issues. Have a great week.
@@Khordmaster You are Welcome... Clear isopropyl alcohol really does an awesome job just for the tops of the pads. Back in the old school days, we used to use that same clear isopropyl alcohol to clean vinyl records, and it used to make those vinyl records look new. Have a great week.
This is cool. I'm tempted to try my Maschine Mikro with Koala on my MacMini, but I discovered that my midi keyboard(My Yama RefaceCS synth to be exact) just automatically connected to Koala. I tried midi-mapping the Reface's sliders to the effects in the Performance section, but no go----BUT!! I did discover that I could map the Play, Record and Sequence selection to keys on my RefaceCS. So in one way, this video didn't help, but in another way it totally did...so thanks!👍🏽may not have even thought of doing this if it wasn't for this video.
This has been the beauty of MIDI since 1983 when the first device came out. All MIDI hardware can talk to each other. It shouldn't be surprising 40 years later!
I wanted to use the MPD232 with Koala on my iPad, but I can't map my STOP button anywhere lol - So once I hit play on the sequencer, it just goes wild and doesn't turn off. Why isn't there a STOP button I can map to?
@@Khordmaster yes, sloppy massproduction But still their best controller. Om mpd32 did you have to put duct-tape on the bottom of the pads beacuse the distance to the circquit board was to long 😅
I cant afford an mpc but i have alot of Hardwear but want a proper sampler i use the sampler on bandlab so an mpc midi controller would make a big difference i have an akai lpk midi controller but i think im gonna fork out for the pads
Did you ever find a better alternative? I'm looking for a 4x4 pad controller, and it seems like there's issues with all of them. The mpd218 has inconsistent pads, the presonus atom has bad encoder knobs. I'm sort of stuck.
Hi there. What happens with this controller, or any, when you switch to keyboard mode, not grid, in Koala? Hopefully the whole pad bank becomes the default keys on the Koala keyboard? Many thanks for your time.
good question, not sure... maybe I will check one day. pretty sure if I remember correct changing the mode in koala does not change the functionality with the pads
@Khordmaster th-cam.com/video/htozJ25g2VE/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Raptusiewicz1990 this guy fix it, i made it, and it works perfectly on any other device.
Good one. Hope you can share your experience for this pad controllor after you use for a while with koala. I am considering to have korg nano pad2 or have akai mpd to conect with ipad koala for mobile beat make. It would be better，if you can share some info about portablity of this pad controller. Thanks in advance.
@@Khordmaster I’m having a problem with my Midi Fighter getting enough power with my current hub, I might need to grab a different one if that’s the problem? Sometimes when I plug it in with a lighting cord also attached it will be fine and responsive, other times the buttons won’t respond and the lights are super delayed
I need help. I have a Android Phone with koala sampler with just one usb c Port. I need Power for the Phone and the Controller like the akai mpd and also the 3.5mm jack output to send the Samples to a p.a. or Mixer. What would be the best hub or cable solution? Has someone a setup like this that works fine?
@@Khordmaster yes, it has a really fast and easy workflow. i love it. if you put the koala sampler's root note to e1, every pad on the koala and beatstep pro will match right up.
@@JJ-vp3bd the keystep will give you four poly midi tracks while the beat step will give a poly drum track and two mono intrument tracks. but if I could do it all over again, I would have just brought the roland mc 101 which I do own now.
Thanks! I’m not sure! I thought I recognized a difference at first but i don’t think there was one. I’m gonna do a quick follow up video explaining how I overcame the ghost triggering of that upper left pad
@@Khordmaster making sure cause I only have a certain amount I can spend, do you mean you traded units and now there is no re-triggering regardless of how hard you strike the pads? So the unit in the vid was defective?
You were barely tapping it that hard. It shouldn't trigger another pad with hard pressure like that, I would exchange for another and see if it has the same issue because that seems bad to me. Like you said you should be able to mash those pads and not have multiple pads triggering. Maybe there is a firmware update to address that. I like the integration with Koala, seems pretty good for performance rather than tapping the glass on the iPad.
it's obviously a common issue with the 218, mine does the same crap. Small amounts of pressure on bottom pads will trigger the top pads, usually far left/right pads.
I'm one of those people that will buy gadgets and then let them sit before finally learning them. I bought an MPD226 (EDIT: it's actually the MPD232 LOL) a few years ago and didn't use it very much, but this looks like I'm gonna be using it with the Koala app. I just got it the other day and I'm love with it. May I ask which adapter you have for your iPad?
@@Khordmaster Oh damn, you're right! It looks like the MPD232 is discontinued. That's wild. I'm not even sure why I bought this one specifically and not one of the other models.
Send that piece of crap back. The point of a pad controller is that is has to trigger accurately. I haven't had issues like this even with the Akai LPD and that's the cheapest controller anywhere. Korg pad controllers seem to have the best pads for me. The Arturia Beastep is a bit pricier and you're not going to use the sequencer features with koala... but the pads are great, good endless encoders, and has solid build quality.
Great so you bought it because you were pressing your iPad screen to hard when playing but now you have to not press the Akai too hard as well. Think of it as training wheels I guess idk lol
I recommend the Presonus ATOM. Volume, pitch are similar to where Koala places them and has many buttons that can be midi mapped like Play, Record and others.
the mpd 218 has great pads, sometimes It comes with the screws from the main pad board inside too tight, if you unscrew them just a tiny little bit It usually resolves this issue of the rubber pads bouncing and retriggering other pads when you play the lower ones
I would say this and the korg nanopad 2 are the best so far. Mpd for Android since it can't be turned to landscape/vertical wise. And the nanopad for ios since it can turn to the side for 8 pads on top and bottom.
I see what you mean about the nanopad! I use my iPad in landscape mode with koala almost always so having them laid out that way might be really nice. Hm you got me thinking now lol
@@Khordmaster Haaaaaaa think away. But personally, i prefer the MPD. Nothing like that MPC feel!!!
@@REAL6 haha word imma experiment with midi mapping! The default layout is counter intuitive with koala in landscape🤷🏾♂️
@@Khordmaster I'd love to have both just for the hell of it, depending on your mood.
@@REAL6 lol word I’m thinking about picking up that new Novation Circuit Tracks!
Hey, nice review! This looks good and I am sure you will enjoy this. You may be able to adjust the pad sensitivity to accommodate you I would think. I am thinking about getting an APC mini for koala because I like the 8x8 pattern so that I don't have to switch pages when using many samples. I also prefer the faders over the knobs for live performance. It feels more ergonomic to me. Enjoy your toy!
I like your wallpaper, I recently got a music player for android called casse-o-player that has a visually working tape cassette on the screen. The tape actually winds from reel to reel and you can choose from a load of actual tapes from vintage 70’s tapes to deluxe reel to reel tapes
That’s dope!
Another option that works really well is the launchpad x. You can create your own midi mapping. With one layout you can control all 4 banks on koala. Also you can map all faders on another page. There not encoders but it works good enough. And the pads don’t double trigger as much or barley at all.
Good to know! Appreciate this. I ended up returning and getting a replacement. Works flawlessly so far 😎
Although I do like the idea of being able to have all pads available without switching 🤔
I’m gonna try it with my iPhone
is the launchpad still recommended
@@JJ-vp3bd most definitely. Launchpad x works awesome. Some initial work setting up the midi on there website and customizing your color scheme. After that your good. Maybe I’ll have to actually contribute to TH-cam and make a video of how I did it. It would be my first one.
I agree 10/10. You should be able to hit the pads as hard as you want without retriggering other pads. I just happen to have a Launchpad Pro laying around. Never tried it with Koala, but I will now.
I got an novation launchkey mini mk3 yesterday and was having the same issues with ghost triggering on the 16 pads. This video was my decision against the 218 lol , hopefully it’s somthing they are working on
Meaning you were having the ghost issues on the Novation or on the akai 218? It must have been quality control type issue because the second one I got has 0 issues 🤷🏾♂️ lol
@@Khordmaster the novation. I’ll mess around with it today and get back to you. It seemed to act up at first the I re mapped it and it fixed it, so it did seem less buggy than your 218 (the first one) but it DID happen at first
these controllers i think been out since 2014... and it's a known problem for many years. If you read the comments section on these forums... amazon, youtube etc it's a known complaint from many users
what controller did you guys get
@j j I use my mpc live in controller mode or just use the Apple Pencil haha, for me I started finding that I was carrying too much stuff around eventually and ended up just simplifying the set up, at one point I had the mpd and keys with it hooked up to monitors and it just became like a main set up which isn’t why I PERSONALLY had it , ended up selling it all and use it as a mobile / travel piece then hook it up to my main set up for mixing using monitors ect
I tried MPD218 with the mpc beats software and even using their own mapping , it doesn’t work correctly, when trying to edit sample start for example , every knob moves the 1 + 10 + 100 + 1000 , i tried my push 2 with beats and it works as it should , i mapped the knobs to all 4 sample starts and using the push 2 i can move start by 1, 10, 100, or 1000 with no issues .. hoping you had more success than i did with it , as it does seem a decent controller overall.
Good review. A tip, get some Q-Tips / Cotton swab and also from the pharmacy get a bottle of that clear isopropyl alcohol.. "slightly" get the Q-Tips / Cotton swab damp with the clear isopropyl alcohol.. You'll be able to clean the pads when they get dirty and rough looking... Makes them look brand new. Clean the pad with the slightly wet side and then dry them with the other side of the Q-Tips / Cotton swab. Done it for about two years.. NO issues. Have a great week.
Dope! Thanks for sharing!!!
@@Khordmaster You are Welcome... Clear isopropyl alcohol really does an awesome job just for the tops of the pads. Back in the old school days, we used to use that same clear isopropyl alcohol to clean vinyl records, and it used to make those vinyl records look new. Have a great week.
Can you use the knobs to set start and end points on your chops
You know what that's a great question. I'm not entirely sure... I'll try soon
This is cool. I'm tempted to try my Maschine Mikro with Koala on my MacMini, but I discovered that my midi keyboard(My Yama RefaceCS synth to be exact) just automatically connected to Koala. I tried midi-mapping the Reface's sliders to the effects in the Performance section, but no go----BUT!! I did discover that I could map the Play, Record and Sequence selection to keys on my RefaceCS. So in one way, this video didn't help, but in another way it totally did...so thanks!👍🏽may not have even thought of doing this if it wasn't for this video.
Glad it was helpful 🔥🔥🔥
This has been the beauty of MIDI since 1983 when the first device came out. All MIDI hardware can talk to each other. It shouldn't be surprising 40 years later!
You are so epic, thanks so much!!
No prob! Do you own one? I have one for sale if interested!
Is that possible midi mapping to sample start marker and end marker in koala?
Hmmmm be a bit more specific. You can certainly do what I think you’re asking via the “lazy” autochop method in the latest update
I wanted to use the MPD232 with Koala on my iPad, but I can't map my STOP button anywhere lol - So once I hit play on the sequencer, it just goes wild and doesn't turn off. Why isn't there a STOP button I can map to?
i vaguely remember being disappointed by this as well lol
Loosening the screws on the back and balancing them to each other Can lessen the Trigger issues
Interesting! I’ll give it a go! Although that should be done from the manufacturer side lol
@@Khordmaster yes, sloppy massproduction But still their best controller. Om mpd32 did you have to put duct-tape on the bottom of the pads beacuse the distance to the circquit board was to long 😅
@@xbase09 😭😭
@@xbase09 MPD duct-tape solution confirmed, I did that to 4 of my MPD's (24/32). Worked great.
What connection is that for the iPad to connect the usb cable to the unit
Hype drive for iPad!
Is there a tutorial like this anywhere for Koala and Akai mpk mini ?
Not sure!!!
I cant afford an mpc but i have alot of Hardwear but want a proper sampler i use the sampler on bandlab so an mpc midi controller would make a big difference i have an akai lpk midi controller but i think im gonna fork out for the pads
This is a great controller for what you’re describing!
Did you ever find a better alternative? I'm looking for a 4x4 pad controller, and it seems like there's issues with all of them. The mpd218 has inconsistent pads, the presonus atom has bad encoder knobs. I'm sort of stuck.
NOPE... my second one didn't have any issues really. you wanna buy it for cheap? hit me up its been on the shelf untouched for a min
Hi there. What happens with this controller, or any, when you switch to keyboard mode, not grid, in Koala? Hopefully the whole pad bank becomes the default keys on the Koala keyboard? Many thanks for your time.
good question, not sure... maybe I will check one day. pretty sure if I remember correct changing the mode in koala does not change the functionality with the pads
Ok can you use this onna computer 💻 or does it have to be ok I pad or tablet
Both!
so was it posible to map all potis at once?
How long did it take you to get all you subscribers?
4 years about?
Is there a free app that I can use to test out my drum pad?
Off the top I’m not sure! Get koala sampler tho lol it’s cheap
thats dope
hey, planning to get 218 for my Koala. is the mistriggering just a product issue and nothing serious?
Yo! First one happened pretty frequently… my second one hasn’t had any such issues. Buy from somewhere with easy returns in case you need to swap
@Khordmaster th-cam.com/video/htozJ25g2VE/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Raptusiewicz1990 this guy fix it, i made it, and it works perfectly on any other device.
i also update the formware of the mpd
Id have to flip the screen the 6x2 with the 4x4 is aggravating my ocd haha
Lol.. 8x2 you mean?
@@Khordmaster haha. Even better
Good one. Hope you can share your experience for this pad controllor after you use for a while with koala. I am considering to have korg nano pad2 or have akai mpd to conect with ipad koala for mobile beat make. It would be better，if you can share some info about portablity of this pad controller. Thanks in advance.
Appreciate it! And i got you!
@@Khordmaster After all the time you've it. Would You recomend MPD218 for Koala or nah?
did you get any pads
Thank you for for showing this off in koala! What is the connector you’re using between the iPad and the controller itself?
🙏🏾🙏🏾 the one included which is USB type B to A… and I used a usb c hub for my ipad which has a type A port
@@Khordmaster I’m having a problem with my Midi Fighter getting enough power with my current hub, I might need to grab a different one if that’s the problem? Sometimes when I plug it in with a lighting cord also attached it will be fine and responsive, other times the buttons won’t respond and the lights are super delayed
but which adapter specifically.. i like the look of that one?
I need help. I have a Android Phone with koala sampler with just one usb c Port. I need Power for the Phone and the Controller like the akai mpd and also the 3.5mm jack output to send the Samples to a p.a. or Mixer. What would be the best hub or cable solution? Has someone a setup like this that works fine?
Not too sure! Lets see if someone in the community had an idea. You can also ask in my discord!
NO! the perfect controller for koala is the arturia beatstep pro!
Dang that pad layout looks amazingggggggg especially for landscape view. You own one? Convince me to buy one lol
@@Khordmaster yes, it has a really fast and easy workflow. i love it. if you put the koala sampler's root note to e1, every pad on the koala and beatstep pro will match right up.
should i get the beatstep pro or the keystep pro?
@@sr7bbird also do you have e video on the workflow?
@@JJ-vp3bd the keystep will give you four poly midi tracks while the beat step will give a poly drum track and two mono intrument tracks. but if I could do it all over again, I would have just brought the roland mc 101 which I do own now.
do you know if it is compatible with mpc studio?
Not sure but i would guess so
Yes it is.
Had the same problem with mine. Basicly stoped using it because of it 😔
Why don't you use ipad and Koala with mpc mini if you need not only pads but keyboard?
Akai mpk mini mk3 you mean right? That’s a great option too. For me I didn’t need the keyboard since I have several and I wanted the 16 pads
@@Khordmaster gotcha thanks
@@Khordmaster what iPad will be good enough for all this?
I have the 2018 pro. I think almost iPads should work just fine
Great review! Not sure if I missed it in the video, but what does "iOS mode" actually do?
Thanks! I’m not sure! I thought I recognized a difference at first but i don’t think there was one. I’m gonna do a quick follow up video explaining how I overcame the ghost triggering of that upper left pad
I think I remember it draws less power, maybe the LEDs are not so bright. I could be wrong.
You ever get the MPD pad issue resolved?
Yesssss swapped for a new one and it works flawlessly 🤷🏾♂️
@@Khordmaster making sure cause I only have a certain amount I can spend, do you mean you traded units and now there is no re-triggering regardless of how hard you strike the pads? So the unit in the vid was defective?
@@docnova that’s exactly right haven’t experienced any retriggering on the replaced unit 👍🏾
@@Khordmaster you should really make that clear at least in the description... it was clearly a faulty 13th pad.
@@mitdbtsitbmio good idea! I’ll update today. Thanks 🙏🏾🙏🏾
You were barely tapping it that hard. It shouldn't trigger another pad with hard pressure like that, I would exchange for another and see if it has the same issue because that seems bad to me. Like you said you should be able to mash those pads and not have multiple pads triggering. Maybe there is a firmware update to address that. I like the integration with Koala, seems pretty good for performance rather than tapping the glass on the iPad.
Hey Stephanie! So enabling full level essentially rectifies the issue. I think I’ll make another video tomorrow demonstrating how 😁
Also decided to try exchanging and this unit works flawlessly so far 😎
Great news, glad it's working for you!
it's obviously a common issue with the 218, mine does the same crap. Small amounts of pressure on bottom pads will trigger the top pads, usually far left/right pads.
@@ducci94 yeah... I swapped for another and 0 such issue so far 🤷🏾♂️ go figure
What kind of adapter is that
This one amzn.to/3LEQQ7h
@@Khordmaster thanks
What kind of hub are you using on the iPad?
I'm rocking with this one, and loving it! amzn.to/34eHRpS
Are the pads velocity sensitive?
Very much so! It’s a great MIDI controller however I would really love a wireless Bluetooth version of this
@@Khordmaster I agree
I'm one of those people that will buy gadgets and then let them sit before finally learning them. I bought an MPD226 (EDIT: it's actually the MPD232 LOL) a few years ago and didn't use it very much, but this looks like I'm gonna be using it with the Koala app. I just got it the other day and I'm love with it.
May I ask which adapter you have for your iPad?
yo yo! hmmm I forget which one... I think this particular one is discontinued on amazon though
@@Khordmaster Oh damn, you're right! It looks like the MPD232 is discontinued. That's wild. I'm not even sure why I bought this one specifically and not one of the other models.
Koala Szampler Rox,Thanks Henny
bigggg facts!
A quick question: are you able to get the Note Repeat button to work on MPD218 with Koala or Beatmaker? (thanks for the video)
Hey Ben! Let me give that a try real quick and get back to you!
@@Khordmaster thanks man, I was trying to make it work but with no any luck. Maybe it doesn't work on iPad in general.
@@ben-s did you get it to work
@@JJ-vp3bd oh it's been a while.. But I think I haven't managed to do so.
does this work on amdroid?
Haven’t tried but I believe it would
You tested on android ? Did it work right ?
I did not! I’m an iOS guy! Working good on iOS 👌🏾👌🏾
@@Khordmaster Does it work to use the controller's 3 pad banks to map 3 koala pad banks or will I be limited to 16 pads?
greetings I liked the video greetings 🇲🇽🇲🇽
Thank you!!!
it's actually a known problem for many years with these mpd 2 series controller.
Word! I would love for them to fix the issue and have Bluetooth for their next unit
Send that piece of crap back. The point of a pad controller is that is has to trigger accurately. I haven't had issues like this even with the Akai LPD and that's the cheapest controller anywhere.
Korg pad controllers seem to have the best pads for me. The Arturia Beastep is a bit pricier and you're not going to use the sequencer features with koala... but the pads are great, good endless encoders, and has solid build quality.
The pads are super sensitive so you don’t have to press hard
Very true! I’m getting the hang of it! What daw/software/app do you use it with mostly?
Oh snap! This nice to know, bro. The 218 is only $100 too.... hmmmm 🤔
Yeah man! I still prefer using the iPad screen just cuz I like the immediacy of it but this device is nice considering its flaws
@@Khordmaster I really like how you mapped the knobs to the effects. That would be useful for me....and i'm familiar with Akai products.
@@CMane nice bro! Let me know how u make out!
Mega cool wideo thenks
Thanks for watching!
Super🙏🏿🙏🙏🏿🍸🍸🤪🎹🎶🎶
🙏🏾🙏🏾
You sound exactly like Ryan Gosling
😂😂😂 I’m not sure if this is serious or not but either way it’s hilarious
@@Khordmaster I’m serious, I thought “Ryan Gosling is reviewing gear now?”
Great so you bought it because you were pressing your iPad screen to hard when playing but now you have to not press the Akai too hard as well. Think of it as training wheels I guess idk lol
Lmao I’m saying! Well its kinda been sitting on my shelf lately. I’m more into using devices standalone as of late 🤷🏾♂️
Botsford Mount
lol what?
he had zero idea how to map the midi. lol
Lmao I’ve since learned 😅
This controller is cheaper and well designed :
th-cam.com/video/Xfx6EpflAR0/w-d-xo.html
Great recommendation!
Do you know if its compatible with the android ?
Almost positively is