Brand: Akai
Feature: MIDI synced note-repeat with MPC swing
Label: Akai
Manufacturer: Akai
Publisher: Akai
Special Features: The MPD32 Control Surface is Akai Professional's ultimate velocity-sensitive pad controller for musicians and DJs. Modeled after the industry-standard MPC series, it delivers one of the most expressive software beat control available. Sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive, genuine MPC pads, provide for one of the industry's finest in feel and expression. It has four selectable pad banks for a total of 64 playable pads. Eight assignable faders, eight assignable switches, and eight assignable 36
Studio: Akai
MPN: MPD32

• MIDI synced note-repeat with MPC swing
• 16 full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response
• Assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers
• Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
• 30 user-definable Presets for various DAW and software applications

The MPD32 Control Surface is Akai Professional's ultimate velocity-sensitive pad controller for musicians and DJs. Modeled after the industry-standard MPC series, it delivers one of the most expressive software beat control available. Sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive, genuine MPC pads, provide for one of the industry's finest in feel and expression. It has four selectable pad banks for a total of 64 playable pads. Eight assignable faders, eight assignable switches, and eight assignable 360ø knobs, for transmitting MIDI Control Change data, all combine for unprecedented creative freedom. Three selectable control banks extend the number of available faders, buttons, and knobs to 24 each. Two assignable footswitch inputs, and an expression pedal input, takes the total assignable controller count to 75, which is a lot for any pad controller. The Akai MPD32 MIDI Controller also features transport controls for interfacing with your DAW and sequencing applications. It is a fully programmable controller, and multifunctional control surface, that fits perfectly within any audio production or performance environment.

Customer Rating:
Summary: MPC for Your PC
Comment: After I upgraded to a laptop with Windows Vista, I was on the hunt for a new MIDI controller. I was using an Akai MPD16 but after several failed installs on my Vista laptop, I found out that Akai decided not to make a Vista driver for my antiquated hardware. At first, I was a bit angry that my equipment that I've been using for a long time with Windows XP no longer worked. But then the prospect of getting new gear calmed me down.

All I really wanted was a pad controller with MPC style pads and a "note repeat" function. I researched several pad controllers: M-Audio Trigger Finger, Akai MPD24, and Korg padKONTROL. I also gave Akai's new MIDI keyboard, the MPK49, serious consideration since it has 12 MPC style pads. After much debate, and plenty of time spent watching demos of each product on YouTube, I finally placed a pre-order for an Akai MPD32.

It arrived a couple months later and it was plenty worth the wait and money. The first thing I noticed is that the MPD32 is large, much larger than my previous MPD. Its footprint is a bit bigger than my 15.4" laptop. The next thing I noticed is that it's built solid. All of the knobs, faders and pads feel great. These pads are the same pads that are used on the MPC2500. The only criticism I have for the pads would be with the sensors. Akai uses a round sensor under the pad so not all of pad surface is usable, unlike the Korg padKontrol which uses a square sensor for its pads. But this is not a deal breaker for me.

The MPD32 comes with presets for many popular music production programs (e.g. Live, Reason, FL Studio, Cubase, etc.) Personally, I use Reason 4.0 and Live 7. The presets for Reason work perfectly. The 8 knobs and faders are easily assignable to manipulate filters and effects within Reason.

For me, the MPD32 is perfect. If you're in need of a MIDI controller with MPC pads for your DAW, look no further.

Products Referenced:

Akai MPD16 USB/MIDI Pad Controller
M-Audio Trigger Finger Drum Pad Control Surface
Akai MPD24 USB/MIDI Pad Controller
Korg PADCONTROL KORG USB DRUM PAD CONTROLLER
Akai MPK49 Keyboard Controller
Akai MPC2500 Music Production Center

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