AKAI MPD 218 Review (Quick & Dirty)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Website: bit.ly/XpressPads
Check MPD218 price on amazon.com: amzn.to/2ntKT6G
What are the best drum machines for finger drumming? Here's a comprehensive guide: bit.ly/best_dru...
Also interested in virtual drum kits and need some help getting started? Here's another comprehensive guide: bit.ly/best_vir...
Access the link below for the full-length, in-depth AKAI MPD218 review and test which goes far beyond what’s covered in this video:
bit.ly/MPD218_F...
In this video I give an overview of the all new AKAI MPD218 pad controller. Amazing device for an amazing price.
In a few days I will publish an in-depth video review of the MPD218 and more finger drumming jams on it. I ordered a second MPD218 already as it is one of the devices I need two instances of.
If you want to share your own views of and experience with the AKAI MPD218, please use the TH-cam comments section below. Please also use the comments section for any questions regarding this video.
XpressPads AKAI MPD 218 playlist:
• AKAI MPD 218 Finger Dr...
+++
Learn Finger Drumming with the XpressPads Technique!
Website: bit.ly/XpressPads
Get a FREE high-quality virtual drumkit: bit.ly/SSD_FREE
Video Collection: bit.ly/finger_d...
Get Started: bit.ly/finger_d...
News & Reviews: bit.ly/finger_d...
Finger Drumming Shop: bit.ly/finger_d...
Presets & Layouts: bit.ly/presets_...
Google+: www.google.com/...
Facebook: / xpresspads
Twitter: / xpresspads
Soundcloud: / xpresspads-finger-drum...
Experience Rhythm In A Completely New Way!
The " quick & dirty " in the title made me watch your video, and your video made me want to buy this awesome controller ! You have some serious skills man thank you
+Geo Frais Thanks, mate!
Yeah man, your amazing with your skills. Great video
@@XpressPads I am buying this right now and I would like to know if software is friendly to install? Is there any bass sound?
@@eddmtz4028 There are some bass patches in Ableton Live Lite which comes with it. Big Bang Drums however can't compete with Addictive Drums or EZdrummer
Yeah SERIOUS skills. Kudos.
Would you consider doing a video breaking down your finger drumming technique?
I never used any pads in my life, do you think this one is a good one to start with?
absolutely yes
Nice! The pads seems to feel better than my KORG NanoPad2 which I had to attach velcro tape between the keys. Still it never reaches 127 in velocity so I will have to mark all hits and increase velocity globally. Hiw about the MPD?
I only need my drumpads for drum-set drumming for rock music btw.
Can I use this product as a tool for keyboard shortcuts? Can I play random sound from each pad instead of the drum sounds?
These pads have a look similar to the mpx sampler series pads...those also had a nice/realistic sounding velocity curve...torn on getting this, or an irig pads. Which do you prefer?
***** Yes, the pads are really great on the MPD218, but I have never played on an MPX sampler. The iRig Pads definitively is a good pad controller and also not expensive, but honestly, currently I can't stop playing the MPD218 right now... and with the software package included 99 dollars is just a steal.
Can I drag and drop samples to assigned pads on the mpd within a daw and record the samples as I drum them?
Yes
There are lots of reviews from people saying there are ghost notes, have you had any problems with it?
Yes, that's true and I have made a video how to fix that problem, too. Search for "MPD218 unintended note triggering" and you'll find it. However, after playing the device for quite a while now I can say that at least in my case the ghost notes have become less and less... actually I haven't seen them for a long time. Cheers, Andreas
Does it have 16 levels?
I am using the AKAI MPD218 with EZ Drummer 2. I am trying to program my pad bank to the same as yours. How can I do that?
Once you've downloaded the preset and loaded onto your MPD218, you can change the pad assignments justing the Editor. Especially with EZ Drummer 2 you might need to adjust the drum sound mappings a bit (toms / cymbals, the rest should work with general midi standard). In this video I explain how you can do this. --> th-cam.com/video/-X7p1fu8T3w/w-d-xo.html
Would you say the MPD218 is good for begginers?
yes, but be careful. I've seen many people say they got bad devices lately
So im a beginner with Fingerdrumming . I wanted to buy the Launchpad MK2 but then i came on your video . I dont know what i should buy :( The launchpad or the MPD 218 .
Please help me out !
Hi Francis, it really depends on what you want to do with the hardware. If you want to learn finger drumming seriously, you need great, well-sized pads. Then I'd suggest you buy the MPD218. If you want to buy a launch controller for Ableton Live, you'll be better off with the LP MK2.
But with the MPD218 , can you play more sounds than 16 ? Because the Launchpad MK2 has a few extra buttons on the right site . if you press them then the buttons have other sounds . Does the MPD218 have them too ? :/
There are less pads on the MPD218, but those are much more sensitive than those on the LP. Also, the LP pads are more difficult to hit precisely, especially when playing fast. So, if you intend to learn finger drumming, I definitively recommend the MPD218, actually even two of them. This is how I play most of the time with the XpressPads finger drumming technique. The LP is certainly the better choice if you want to control Ableton Live, but it's not ideal for finger drumming. Please read my post on the XpressPads blog for detailed information: www.xpresspads.com/novation-launchpad-for-apps-other-than-ableton-live/
Thank you ! You just earned a new subscriber :P
Cool. Thanks, mate.
Can you tell me how i can assign samples onto the pads? I cant get my MPD218 to work, I have tried MPD218 editor but it wont work. I have tried pressing the send to hardware and it says that the preset was succesfully sent to the device, but whenver i press a pad there is no sounds.
+MrMikkel1111 Which program do you use to play your sounds?
+XpressPads Finger Drumming I use the ableton live lite that came with the 218. But I'm very new to using the program
+MrMikkel1111 Well, I don't use Ableton Live, so I can only scratch the surface here... Have you gone through the midi setup section of Ableton Live? There you should be able to "activate" the MPD218 as a midi input device. Then you need to make sure that the MPD218 is set as an input device for the specific audio-generating plugin / instrument within Ableton Live. If this doesn't lead you anywhere, I'm afraid I can't give you more tips as I don't use Ableton Live as said. Sorry, and good luck!
+XpressPads Finger Drumming which program would you recommend?
+MrMikkel1111 There are a couple of free DAWs around. I work with FL Studio a lot, but it is not for free. Via the XpressPads shop I can offer you 10% off of FL Studio if you want to save some money, but I haven't worked with free DAWs so far. Regarding virtual drum modules: There is the free 8gb DrumMic'a! virtual drum kit that I recently made a video review of, if you're interested. If you are looking for a paid solution, you should try EZdrummer 2, Addictive Drums 2, or the Abbey Road Drummer products from Native Instruments. Some of Abbey Road virtual drum kits are part of the NI KOMPLETE bundle. Hope this helps.
Dude, ur a fingerdrumming god
Man what am I watching? This is unholy
Bruh he’s not even hitting the pads 😭😭 + he switches up his kick pattern halfway through
@@jadenbatt3158 you can see the pads light up when he hits them
Rumor has it his ex-girlfriends are still cumming to this very day!
You're crazy good at using this machine dude! So sick loved your playing
I love the Xpresspads technique, it is amazing. I am only a few exercises in and I feel like a little child with the best toy in the world :) you are the best.
Many thanks for this terrific feedback! :)
Can you explain how to chop a sample onto the pads? You've inspired me to get into finger drumming/producing!
+Alondra Robles Glad to read that you got interesting in finger drumming. Instead of chopping samples I usually just load a virtual drum kit and start playing. That's why I am not really firm enough in that area to show you how to do it right on this device. Cheers!
Sick skills dude, I aspire to one day be that good. Thanks for the review, now I know the piece of gear im getting.
Can you record the beats you make on it?
Can I ask...
It looks like you are playing very softly with your fingers.
Does it come with practice, or did you get a really sensitive controller?
both, practice and good pads, are important. If you're looking for the technique I apply, please check out my website xpresspads. cheers
Amazing skills, you seem to have really much talent, are you also a real drummer? I only play the guitar but your vid made me want to try it, great job!!! 👏👏👏
Thanks! I've never played the drums. Please check my website if you're considering to learn finger drumming.
those drums sound amazing! what vst/hardware are you using for the drums?
That's all from Addictive Drums 2 ADpaks
you will always have a future as a typist!
may I kindly ask you for a reference letter?
@@XpressPads you may not sir! might i recommend a career @ a certain finger lickin' good chicken franchise! (ps, you've sold me on this. i'm right on ebay tomorrow, mucho obligado amigo).
any thoughts on the korg volka?
unfortunately not, sir. I've got no experience with it.
@@XpressPads cheers!
Midi?
Hey I bought this and I need some help installing the software on it, could anyone help me? Thank you
what software?
I wish I could get your Akai MPD 218 map to load and work in EZ Drummer 2. The MPD editor is the worst software known to man. Send to hardware = nothing.
I don't know if I commented here already but nobody has answered yet I plan to buy this today for $100 off Amazon that looks amazing the features are amazing that even has touch-sensitive pads and the feature where you can trim music someone figured out I'm just curious for that price does it come with all the software everything I need out the box to start making beats - my laptop or whatever I'm going to run the software on or is that a whole nother scenario or do I need another piece of music equipment to hook to it very curious no one has answered yet and every video everybody's just playing it nobody explains it or what it comes with yet I can always buy it and send it back but that would just be disappointed
I keep coming back to your 218 videos in pure shock of how real it sounds! Do you have any layouts/templates available or any advice on to put more than just 4 pads to use?
thanks. please check my website. there you'll find presets and many more helpful things
@@XpressPads Dang dude, I was impressed to find you had already uploaded it years ago, but you also got back to me before I could delete my comment! Subbed! Thanks!
awesome, thanks!
Will the MPD218 run on Windows10?
+Frank M I don't know. The product website doesn't mention Win 10 in the tech specs, but only 7, 8, XP, and Vista. Maybe you need to ask AKAI's tech support, but would be great if you could share the answer here for other users as well. Thanks!
thanks man for this well done and informative Video! the mpd218 seems to be a steal for 99 bucks. although I have the mpc Studio I consider buying this.... / what do you think, are the pads better than the ones in the mpc element?
Wolf Unplugged Thanks, Wolf. It IS a steal... really. Especially if you consider the MPC pads and the sample libraries it comes with. Absolutely amazing and actually there is no other pad controller availabe at this quality and price range right now. And yes, the pads on the MPD218 ARE BETTER than those of the MPC Elements. They feel completely different (and better) and are thicker.
Having trouble using note repeat. I just want to play a beat and then have it repeat, so I don't have to drum the entire song by hand. Any advice?
What software do you use?
mainly Addictive Drums 2
i cant download the free software it came with its mad fucking annoying i tried since 8 and rn its 10 i need help bad plz!!!!
Grabdson got one of these for his bday. He is having a hard time getting started. Can you recommend tutorials or people that can help him.
How good is this on Audacity? I dont have an interface right now
I'm not if it works
I know 0 about these can I make a track for a song and record it and play it through my guitar amp with me playing along?
Hey! I’ve had the MPD218 for a while now but I’ve always been curious as to what the knobs/controllers on the side do exactly. If anyone could clear that up for me I’d greatly appreciate it 🙏
They're assignable MIDI knobs. In your music software you should be able to map them to various controls (like track volume, filters, etc)
Hi I was watching this video you mentioned about software does it come with that and if so a drum plug in, that you can play stand alone or in a daw
does anyone know if u could pass the button and analogue controls to a python program instead of using it for music
I came for MPD218 review...but the finger drumming is so good I ended up seaching more for XpressPads Finger Drumming!
Are the pads on this and akai mpk 249 are same ?
wouylkd like to know this as well
Thanks for adding in the title that it is a quick and fast review
Thanks for it being a quick and fast review
Thanks for providing the demo right off the bat
Thanks for not having some bullshit introduction that nobody cares to hear about and being concise
Fucking keep it up mate
Maaaan. You’re bad ass. I’m hoping to get this good. Subscribed 🤘🏻
Does anybody know what software is required to run this? Thanks!
Is it good for making hip hop beats? Plz answer
Can you upload custom sounds to it? I wanna use it for sound bites and still for streaming.
Hi! I just bought this and I'm pretty new to drum pads. I was just wondering, when you play this pad, do you need to exert extra effort to get it responding well? I do get low velocity sounds but there's a certain point that not all sounds when doing a roll goes through. Thus I hit harder to be able to get it through. I see you playing your unit effortlessly that's why I'm curious.
Hi Bryan, I'd consider the MPD218 being a rather sensitive pad controller. However, there is a certain treshold below which the device doesn't capture your hits. For me, the pad sensitivity of the MPD218 is quite ideal. Maybe it's just a matter of "flight hours" and building the right muscle strength. Cheers, Andreas
@@XpressPads Awesome stuff! Thanks for your input! Cheers.
How do you assign the samples to each pad using the editor?
Did not know there were people of there who play like that lol
Is there an on board drum beat recording feature?
Can this be used with Logic Pro X?
Is this device specifically for drums only?? Meaning no base no gitar function?
It's just a midi controller. You could put whatever sounds you want on the software side
Dam u make it look easy
Thanks, man. It's not that hard, just standards and technique.
For sampling and making beats should I go with this or the MP226? I’m thinking of also getting an MPK mini
yo, I have the akai mini keyboard it’s an amazing item I really reckon you should pick it up 💯
Seeing ALOT of double tapping reviews. Any comment?
these reviews are legit
Sold. Now wondering if you could recommend a particular software for drum samples as well as editing of these samples, loading and tweaking new ones etc. Thanks!
I think it comes with Ableton live lite if I'm not mistaken
If I unwrap this and plug the power source into it (and some speakers), and press the pads, will I hear anything, or do I have to put the sounds in myself?
No - it's a controller, it has no sound built in. You use it to play samples in f.e. Ableton Live.
That was some excellent finger drumming. I'd be surprised if you weren't a traditional set drummer as well.
Thanks mate. I Never played real drums. Just guitar.
Ahhh! Then still. Finger work. I too play guitar--not as good a finger drummer as you, perhaps a better actual drummer than you?! LOL! but "musican" cross pollenates between instruments.
I think he was just showing off! 😂🤣😂🤣😂 I most certainly agree tho. AWESOME!
Question... Are the pad midi notes reassignable?
How can i manage to send the Sounds to my MPD 218? Please help me!
+TheSheebey Sounds can't be sent to or received by the MPD218. The device only sends midi data that needs to be turned into sound by e.g. your DAW.
what would I have to plug it into?
A usb into your computer
Is this the sampler pewdiepie use?
Are you able to create a beat the continually loop it for live performance?
sharkfrenz its just a midi, you cant record anything on it, it needs to be hooked up to a computer or recording device
im a qucik and dirty kinda guy
How do I hook this up to my keyboard?
? it's usb so you plug it in to your computer
Does it work if I use it for vocal choping in logic? ( like "Petit Biscuit" : th-cam.com/video/XZ4edsVgEKM/w-d-xo.html at 1:17)
damn people are stupid.
This was made on my birthday
Hello I'm between Akai MPD 218 and MASCHINE MIKRO MK3. Is the difference in quality too big? Can I use both in FL Studio and Ableton Live? Hug!
the Mikro is definitely higher quality and yes you can use them both in both daws
@@XpressPads show man. tks
can you connect it to a speaker?
Great video
Thank yon
Do you think the drum pads on the Akai Mini keyboard are as good as this? Do you experience any double triggering?
tbh, I don't know. I don't have an Akai Mini
@@XpressPads what about the MPD 218? Any double triggering? Could you easily do a light snare roll?
you definitely can do a snare roll easily, but double triggrting will happen with the MPD218
Hi, great controller and video. I was wondering if I can connect this to Keystep Pro via MIDI and assign the pads to modular drum voices controlled by the Keystep Pro gates and sequencer. In other words live record a drum beat of my eurorack drum modules using this pad and the Keystep Pro sequencer and gates?
How theh fook do you remember where all the drums, cymbals, etc are??
I standardize
Can you add samples from other songs on it?
Yeah
does this connect good with garageband?
Yes it does.
does it work with mac
Yes yes yes 🧡❤🧡 I've been freakin waiting for something like this 😀👌🙏 I just brought it and used to be a drummer 😅 gunna be having some fun with this for sure
Finger hit was dropped by the device at 1:13, no ?
Louis Couka Absolutely correct. I wanted to start very gently and thereby went below the triggering treshold.
would you recommend this akai mpd218 or korg padkontrol.
Carolina De La Rosa At the price of 99 dollars there is currently no better pad controller than the AKAI MPD218.
the new one because the old one just crappy
@@XpressPads I wonder how the pad softness / quality compares to PadKontrol and Push 1. I own Push for several years now but feel its pads are way too stiff for long fingerdrumming sessions. What would you choose out of the mentioned three devices? Disregard the price.
Is this compatible with FL studio and melodics?
yes. and sorry for the late reply
How much is this USD?
Excellent demo, thank you. You gave me pretty much everything I needed to know.
I’m super impressed with this drum machine, especially at the listed price point. It sounds like a real acoustic drum kit, and the velocity sensitivity greatly enhances the realism of track being created.
Did you ever find out if this is editable in a DAW? I’ll be using Pro Tools.
I'm getting a lunachpad and one of these! I can't wait till I do!
1:38 through 1:50
😯
Nice!
I was thinking about getting a second mpd218 and flipping that 2nd mpd218 upside down and put against the other one side by side so all the controls would be on the far right and far left and making all the pads together as a 8X4 configuration as one unit. Then i would remapp it accordingly as i want them 32 pads to be.
I have this but it has glitches. It triggers double notes and drum flams for no reason. My controller keyboard does a better job, in fact it puts the MPD to shame. And.... it shouldn't.
Hello. What is it plugged into? Does it require another device to make it work?
could you explain to me what the advantage is at playing drums on pads instead of the keys? By the look of it wouldn't the keys be easier in terms of how easily the keys align with your fingers?
Could I change Octaves of the drum pad? Say I have a big drum kit set up in my DAW (ableton) and there are more samples than pads. Could I go up and down octaves of the same kit to play all samples?
hi.. what's this like with ipads? Is it worth getting? or will it be a waste of money? thanks
Please do a video on using MPD218 with Beatmaker 3 or any other iOS apps.
Would I need a computer to start, because I know some controllers need a program to start making noise
thanx. Realy nice device and you are good finger-drummer. I decided to buy after watching your video.
Many thanks, mate! Enjoy the eCourse.
Noob question but can i assign my own samples to pads or does it only use its pre set samples?
Chicao You can assign your own samples to the pads.
XpressPads Finger Drumming Thanks
Can you record sample from vinyl on to one of these?
Danny O'Brien it’s just a controller... You sample through the DAW.
Have you had any problems with it double triggering or anything? I got one used recently and it seems to triggering when I don't want to with the more technical soft hits.
Just ordered one to use with the koala sampler app / also have a mpc2500 so glad to hear the pads a thick and responsive!!!! :)
When im pushing the PAD 12 live in MPC Essentiial it always plays Pad 8, does someone know why? Every other Pad is synchronized with the pads in mpc Essential Except Pad 12.
Mpc Element is better more sensitive because you can adjust thresold better also the touch is slightly better on the pads.But MP218 is great too (i own both)
got mines need help getting sound...
+DEE JAY JUS NICE What kind of help especially?
Hey, can you use this soundboard to play sounds in video games with it or on stream through voice comms ?
Would you recommend this for a logic pro user to make beats?
Absolutely!
cool thanks!
better than Maschine studio?