Akai MPD24 review

Congrats man. Nice information and the photos were great. Please let me know when you have more information about the more in depth progamming features on this baby.

Yeah for sure J.Silva - that being able to switch software drum patches etc sounds very useful.

And thats right Coolboy, the merry fat man delivered via UPS instead of the traditioal Sleigh this year ;)

Hey thanks Beatmaker EI - I hoped everybody would get into it. When ever I'm looking at gear, I know I want tons of photos from every angle, and real world comments on it, so thats what I tried to do here.

As for the Akai delay, I'm not too sure what that was about - I'll see if I can track down the reason for you.

As far as I know, there isn't a tap tempo feature - I haven't worked much with MPCs so the whole pad setup is quite new to me, but I'm lovin it so far! I'll be the funky drummer some time soon ;)

Welcome to MakeTunes by the way, and feel free to get involved, upload some of your tracks, studio pics.

Ok, unfortunately I haven't used the TriggerFinger, or the PadKontrol, but I can tell you the pads seem just the right size to me.

The pads are exactly 30mm x 30mm, which equals 1.18" x 1.18".

The entire 16 pads area (minus the outer black surround) is 145mm x 145mm, which equals 5.7" x 5.7".

As far as pad sensitivity goes, I can very lightly tap them, to get say a barely audible hihat, or give it a solid two finger jab to give a full velocity hit (and everything in between).

I briefly tried the 16 levels, which takes the last sample played, and splits it into 16 velocity levels. Seems fine, but not something I'm wanting to use at the moment - as I'm needing to learn, I want a whole kit to play.

The knobs and faders I will definitely be using once I've practiced plenty with the pads. I'll use them to control settings within Battery.

I haven't tried the included software drum samples yet, but it comes with BFD-lite (by FXpansion, the makers of Guru, BFD etc), so I would think there would be some good kits amongst that lot.

Haven't used it with Ableton or Sonar, but it was easy to set up in Cubase.

The standard presets it comes preprogrammed with are:

• BFD-lite
• Reason
• GuruPads
• GuruPatterns
• Live
• Stylus
• Battery
• ArkaosVJ
• GM Drums
• GM Chrom
• CubaseLE
• MPC 2500

Thats the 12 presets, and there are another 18 empty preset slots, for user created presets.

Hope that helps some more.

Sure thing beenobeats...

First off, I'll list whats included on the Akai MPD24 CD. (There is also a copy of BFD-lite included, which I will also post some information about later, but the following info is purely from the main Akai CD).

Files included on Akai CD:

• MPD24 Factory presets
• PC version of UniQuest Editor software
• Mac version of UniQuest Editor software
• Reason Remote files
• Spectrasonics StylusRMX MIDI Templates
• Important Read Me.pdf
• MPD24 Factory Preset Doc.pdf
• MPD24_OwnerManual_rev1.3.pdf
• UniQuest MPD24 OwnerManual.pdf

I'll try and get onto installing and learning how to use the Editor software later tonight as well.

From what I've read so far, it appears that you can basically do all your preset creation and editing on the MPD24 unit itself, but the Editor software just gives you another method to do your preset modifications. It can also serve as a method of backing up all your created presets I believe.

Stay tuned for more about the MPD24 software.

Ha, yeah no worries.

No I haven't used an MPC, which is a shame because I'd like to be able to confirm that the pads are of the same quality - they certainly seem good to me.

Hey no problem BeatmakerEI, I actually snapped one up at Audiomidi.com, I think pretty much the day they got them in. Not sure if they've got any left in stock or not.

Hey Deneteus, I'm pleased for you! I know what it's like to get new gear, have fun!

Coolboy in the Mix.

I've found that the MPD24 pads get a little easier to hit 127 after a week of bashing too... still quite firm, which I think I'd prefer personally. I think it would come down to percussion style - mine tends towards naturally bashing away like I'm physically hitting the drums etc. ;)

Whoo Hooo! Just got mine today from Guitar Center. They only had two left, an I got one. I called all over the country for it. Seems like no one has em'. I was given a tip to try GC and it was all good! I'll let you guys know how it's going. By the way is there an updated software version to be installed?

Beatmaker E.I.
Uplifted Productions,LLC
http://www.upliftedproductions.com
http://www.myspace.com/ei1

Well Done Beatmaker E.I. I share your excitement man! feels great getting new gear, have a blast buddy!

Coolboy in the Mix.

Latest update!

I connected the MPD 24 to Reason last night. This thing is like an MPC but without all the bells and whistles that come with the more expensive units. However, it's incredible! I love the feel of the pads and the transport was a great addition. It makes working in Reason all the better! I'm jumping up and down with joy! Sorry for the guys who didn't get theirs yet, but don't worry when you do you won't be disappointed.
The BFD lite that comes with it is good too. Nice real sounding drum kits. Didn't do any extensive beats yet just trying to get a feel for the thing. But all in all EXCELLENT bang for the buck!!

Question for those who have the unit and use Reason:

Say you record a drum pattern into the Reason sequencer but you want to erase some notes. How can you erase them using a function on the MPD 24? Right now I'd have to take the mouse and erase those notes manually. There must be a way to do this using the MPD? Any body have any idea?

Beatmaker E.I.
Uplifted Productions,LLC
http://www.upliftedproductions.com
http://www.myspace.com/ei1

Hey BM I'm wondering the same thing actually - I'd like to be able to erase via the controller too. If its possible to treat the Program Change midi data as hotkey presses in some way? I haven't done this - just speculation.

Anyone know if this is possible with Program Change midi data? I can't see any other way to do it via a controller?

All MPD24 users,

So far the MPD 24 is my newest and hottest studio toy, I just can't stop messing with it.

As far as erasing notes using the unit, the only idea I came up with is to map the Overdub Replace switch in Reason 3.0 to one of the 360 degree pots on the MPD 24. This turns the switch on and off to erase or replace notes.
Just go to Options> Remote Override Edit>The screen will turn opaque/white>click on the transport area you'll see 5 yellow buttons with several arrows.>double click on the arrow over the Overdub Switch. It will turn into something resembling a lightning bolt. When it starts to spin, just move any of the controllers on your MPD 24 to assign it. Then go back to Options and uncheck Remote Override Edit.
Don't forget to Save!. Hope there's an easier way but it's the best I can think of for now.

Beatmaker E.I.
Uplifted Productions,LLC
http://www.upliftedproductions.com
http://www.myspace.com/ei1

Cool BM, that sounds like a good start anyway!

Chi_rap - no the MPD24 is purely a MIDI controller, so you don't load sounds INTO it. It basically acts as an interface to whatever sampler software you're using, eg BeatMakerEI has been using it with Redrum in Reason.

No worries Chi.

My studio is software based, and I control my softsynths etc with my Edirol PCR80 midi keyboard - but I didn't find it suitable for drum sequencing - so I got the MPD24, and have found that my drumming is really starting to get a lot better :)

Too me at least, it just feels so much better to be basically tapping out the beat that I want, rather than pushing squishy keyboard keys - which didn't give that tight drumming response that I want with percussion based sequencing.

So yeah, if you're happy drum programming with mouse/keyboard, then it probably ain't for you, but if you have a software studio, and want to tap out funky beats with your hands, a midi pad controller is where its at.

Hey Deneteus,

There definitely is a pad adjustment window within the unit.
Just go to Global then click the right directional button which looks like this > to scroll through to Pad Sensitivity. There you can adjust to your hearts content!

Have fun!!!

Beatmaker E.I.
Uplifted Productions,LLC
http://www.upliftedproductions.com
http://www.myspace.com/ei1

Kidtonz,

The size of the MPD 24 is roughly 12 1/4" W x 11 1/4" L

As far as what I use in my studio- Yes, I do use Protools with Reason. Along with other software synths and a few secret weapons!! I mix my own stuff, and I have my mastering engineer take it from there. The song "Opened My Eyes" is not mastered, but "Take A Stand" is. Stay tuned for the up and coming Holy Hip Hop CD from Miraculous. Also, I'll be soon selling a CD with wav drum sounds and other sounds, so look out for them.

Beatmaker E.I.
Uplifted Productions,LLC
http://www.upliftedproductions.com
http://www.myspace.com/ei1

Hey Matt,

Whatz poppin'? Thanks for giving the correct measurements, I only gave Kidtonz a rough one. Anyway, how's your adventures with the MPD going? I'm in love, i'm in love with my MPD, my MPD!(Singing). Did you ever figure out the erase note situation?
I e-mailed Akai and they didn't have any clue as to how to do it.

Beatmaker E.I.
Uplifted Productions,LLC
http://www.upliftedproductions.com
http://www.myspace.com/ei1

Thanks. Thats perfectt, I gotta pick this up as soon as possible. Nice size controller.

--Tonz

can anyone offer me any help/advise for setting it up to control the faders/knobs in Cubase SX?

I set up the F1 Fader and get a "signal" in the volume part of the channel when i move it, but the fader stays stationary.

I only got it yesterday so i plan to print off the manuals and have a good read today at work but any tips (or a preset patch!!!!!!) would be helpful.

Excellent review btw

Jason

Hey guys ! what up ? just got my MPD24 for a week already... And It's really cool... BTW, Just wanna ask you guys if is it possible for me to get the Drum kits on the BFD lite and load it in Reason 3.0 ? coz BFD lite has the bombest kits...Hehehe And I also wanna ask if is it possible to connect MPD24 in M-Audio Oxygen via Midi Cable ? coz I'm just new to these controller thing right now and I want to minimize the use of USB... And if its possible for me to connect the mpd to oxygen, that way I can use the Oxygen's switch to turn off the MPD and only one USB slot will be use... You know what I mean ?

This comment has been moved here.

Hi people.. I just bought the MPD-24 and I'm sitting here trying to figure this Uniquest thing out.

I hate it! I cant get sounds out of it, when I load my preset banks, and the presets are shown in the popup screen along with a nice picture of my mpd and all its pads and features it still wont make any sounds when Im tapping on the pads.

Only piano sounds when I chose my midi in to be the soundcard I am currently using.

PLEASE someone help me out, I dont want to regret my mpd

I bought a Akai MPD24 instead of a padKontrol the other day(29th)
and to be honest im not very pleased, im actually disappointed, very.

The 8 '360 degree' knobs (one of my buying points), they feel good and everything but its pointless, i mean whats the point of having 360 degree knobs if it cant send relative[incremental/decremetal] values (only absolute values)?
i've been cheated here, because the Product Manager (Glen Darcey) specifically said in a video demonstrations that the 360 degree knobs are incremental/decremental, so you dont get 'jumping parameters' check for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKxJujHkBvc .
The 360 knobs are actually worse then non 360 degree knobs because now you have no indication were the parameters will jump (no indents or markings). So that just silly now (and useless most times).

The pads feel ok, better then my Axiom61 but that disappointed me as well, they cant be assigned to Midi CC(wtf), i thought that was standard the padKontrol and Trigger Finger can do it, even my Axiom61 pads does it (and i thought them pads was just thrown in), all the MPD24 pads could be assigned to other then notes with aftertouch is Program/bank changes. Also you cant even assign the aftertouch to a Midi CC, so you cant make the aftertouch on 1 pad control a parameter (eg volume, cut etc) and the aftertouch on another pad control another parameter, the padKontrol and Trigger finger can do that, and the aftertouch never drop back to zero when i release the pad(may be a defect, not sure)
...actually the Axiom61 pads have much more functions minus aftertouch + notes simultaneously, they allow Program change increment/decrement, Midi CC increment/decrement even MMC commands and more.

theres only 1 fixed velocity, at full level even my Axiom has more than that(low, moderate, full), then theres only 4 velocity curves including the default ‘/’ curve(Axiom61 has 13), and you cant assign different velocity curves or velocity min+max levels to each pad again trigger finger and padkontrol can.

Transport controls (another buying point), would of been alright if there could be assigned to Midi CC message(there unassignable, great!) because my DAW app doesnt recieved MMC[Midi Machine Control], so thats useless to me now.
(my Axiom61 transport controls can send either Midi CC or MMC message and more)

I could go on but im angry, i’ve been waiting for the MPD24 since june, wtf have Akai been doing all this time, its like they forgot to put in functions that should be just standard, and compared to competition...

Hi gig101 - yeah the MPD24 is basically a MIDI controller just like a MIDI keyboard in what its capable of. It can "play" whatever instrument you have that responds to MIDI data. That could be a software sampler like Battery, or the free Grizzly, which you load up drum kits (or any other samples) into, and can play with the pads. You can then record that MIDI data as a MIDI track on your computer, and tweak it, modify it - do whatever with it.

You could also use it to play a VST synth for instance, but most people agree that keyboards are best for playing synths and other instruments, due to the wide range of melodies and expressive playing that a keyboard allows. Where the MPD shines is in loading it up with drum kits, or other banks of samples you want to be able to physically interact with, and then start rhythmically tapping out your sequence. To a lot of people, hitting keyboard keys just doesn't "feel right", and they're able to naturally put more expressive drumming and percussion in by hitting pads, which give an instant sound, whereas keys are spongier, and don't give that tappable percussion ability. Search for Grizzly here on MakeTunes if you want to try out a free software sampler with some alright drum kits. Nothing amazing on the kits, but enough for you to try out.

No worries man - get stuck in :)

Hey masterless whats up - yeah I just tried it and got acid 4 playing grizzly with the mpd24. Make sure you've setup your MIDI settings in Acid, and also make sure that when you open Grizzly within Acid, that you select the MIDI input device to USB device using that icon near the top right.

Then you just have to select a preset in Grizzly, to load some default kit to try it out. If you get audio when you hit the pads, you can then set about loading your own samples into Grizzlys 8 banks. Its not a full 16, but its a start

I just bought the MPD 24 and I am wondering if when you plug in the USB to your computer if the device is supposed to turn on. I got a refurbished model so i am wondering if it is defective or just not working right. Any help with this would be swell.

Dammit!! Return to sender....thanks matt.

Wut's HooD Fam!!!
I cant wait to get one myself!!!
This will be my next addition to my studio collection!

Thanx for this review!

Hey TEF - you might like to post that question as a new forum topic so we can get some mbox knowledgeable folks on it. Should be able to get some suggestions for you there

No problem Sasha, glad you liked it.

Welcome to MakeTunes too by the way, make yourself at home :)

I read a review about the MPD24 that said something interesting. That one of the rotary knobs doesn't ever send data, and another one of the rotary knobs is always sending data (when you're not moving it, it constantly sends data as if you were). That was really interesting to me because I have the same problem with my M-Audio 49 key midi keyboard. One of the rotary knobs is always sending data (its annoying 'cause the display is constantly doing something) so when I'm working with, say, Reason... It will often change the drum pan in redrum of drum # 1 from center to all the way right. sometimes I don't catch it until I hear it on a freshly burned cd in the car!!! And I have to go back to fix a "finished" song... Very annoying.

My question is, does anyone else have this problem with controllers sending unnecessary data?

Hmmm I haven't done much with the extra controls so not too sure on that extra data thing. I haven't noticed anything on the display to indicate data going haywire though.

Hear what you're saying though, some of the controllers perhaps aren't tested/QA'd really thoroughly. Come to think of it I'm pretty sure my Edirol midi keyboard has one or two knobs/faders that don't seem to transmit data - I never bothered to figure out whether I broke them, or whether it was some kind of driver/install issue - or indeed whether they never worked in the first place.

I've worked on a factory production line before, and it seems a miracle *anything* works at all in a lot of cases ;) Especially if they're being cranked out at 1000 miles an hour by little slave kids in china! :P

But on one of the other aspects of that review, I find it really funny when people have complained that the MPD or Korg padkontrol etc aren't built solid enough... its like, "OMG thiss $199 midi controlla doesnt feel exactly like ma friendzzz $2000 MPC?!?!?!!!!111?!11 OMG THat suxzzz"

;)

Really... who would have thought that something a 1/10th the price feels at least a bit cheaper...

The manufacturers *could* go all out and put together a bombproof midi pad controller that looks and feels exactly like an MPC... but guess what, it ain't going to retail for $199 the day its released. Then guess whos going to be complaining the loudest all over again, but for pricing reasons this time...

Yeah that multiple unwanted MIDI data flying in all directions thing doesn't exactly sound ideal ;)

yea I got a question about the optional power supply setup. you see I heard certain midi features are bypassed when using the mpd24 through the USB setup and it becomes your only midi controller, heres the link. (http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/Akai-MPD24-USBMIDI-Pad-Controll...).. So I went out and picked up a power supply from radio shack, it powers up and everything but now I cant get my computer to recognize it. If I were to switch it back to USB power up it'll work fine, it's just when I try to use the power supply is when it doesn't recognize it. any ideas??? Im using a mac and I already tried to go to system preferences/midi setup/ and reason preferences....etc. but no luck. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I bought mine last weekend!

Still tinkering with it, getting to know it.

Yo Surya! What up?

I am actually using Protools LE with an MBox and I'm running Mac OSX 10.4.9...

Have you worked with midi tracks in Protools yet? Here are the steps you want to take in order to control Battery 3 with the MPD in Protools:

1. Make sure the MPD24 is connected and powered up.

2. Open a new Protools Session

3. Create two tracks: a) a stereo audio track, and b) a midi track.

4. Go to the "mix" window instead of the "edit" window.

5. In the "inserts" section of the audio track you created, insert Battery 3. Wait a second for Battery 3 to open.

6. When Battery 3 opens, you can close it's window so it's not blocking the view of Protools. As long as it's still "inserted" on the audio track, you can close the window at will and it will still run even though you don't see it.

7. You might want to name the audio track "Battery" to avoid confusion later on. Then go ahead and name the midi track "drums midi" or something to that nature.

8. While still in the "mix" window view in Protools, find the in/out section of the midi track. Click on the output button and select Battery 3 (or the desired part of Battery 3) from the flyout list.

9. Still looking at the in/out section of the midi track, click on the input button and select your Akai MPD24.

10. Make sure the volume is all the way up on the midi track, and start with the audio track at zero dB.

11. Hit some pads to make sure you're getting midi input and audio output. You might have to assign the pads to trigger each specific sound in Battery 3, but the default settings should get you working right away without doing that.

If you have any problems let me know.

If there are multiple instruments to be controlled within a single Battery 3 application, you can add additional midi tracks and route each to their respective instrument within that Battery 3 app.

I hope this works for you. Once you get used to creating this set up, you can run many programs through Protools this way (Reason, FL(?), Ableton Live, and any plugin that's compatible with RTAS for LE versions of Protools).

Hey Amittai...
Thank you so much for the instructions, it has really helped me tremendously! I'm going to see if I can get some things going here now. However, I am sure I'll have more questions quite soon. Thank you again...

I just got a mpd24 and i was wondering if it worked with logic 8?...i noticed that everyone is either talking about cubase or acid or reason

Yup - agreed.

Its just a midi controller sending midi data - any half way decent music software should have no problem "listening" for incoming midi notes etc...

Hi Waga, sorry I'm not sure about that, its not something I've seen as a function in any of the menus, though there are a few bits and pieces in there I haven't really dealt with.

Well, finally i get my MPD24 here in Saint-Petersburg.. That was just 6 months of awaiting.. Ok, now my question 'bout midi banks. I don't really understand the difference between bank "1A" or "1B". I tried to setup the midi remote control in Live 7 using 2 devices - M-Audio Oxygen and MPD24. Well, first i can't find out how to setup the mmc buttons on the MPD. Second - i thought if i setup the mpd to the "1B" bank i can use the same controller numbers as the Oxygen. But when i push the slider, it triggers the same controller as the Oxygen. What is my mistake?

Thank ya.
--------------------------
Listen to my tunes at www.indiestore.com/sashatorr

Hey Amittai, thanks for reply. Well, finally I've found the truth ;) My problem was that one knob on the MPD and another knob on the oxygen were triggering the same controller in Live. Ok, i just remapped the MPD to another midi channel, so that's it.

Scarfac3386 - first the basics - you've got it plugged in via USB cable. You realize its purely a midi controller, and needs some sampler software filled with samples (eg drum samples) to control?

Do you have FLstudio?

do u have yahoo, msn, or aol so we could chat on there to help?