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Most of the beginner or home studio music producers generally make use of best MIDI keyboard controllers to have perfect control of synthesizers and other instruments. This is because MIDI was mainly developed for this purpose of providing “at-home” producers of music a single platform from where they can control other instruments and synthesizers. MIDI pad controller, however, had just evolved as an afterthought or offshoot which later become an essential addition to the MIDI controller. Since its inception, the MIDI drum pad has dramatically improved and evolved from the tap-out 4-on-the-floor design that came with little drum pad to the present MIDI drum pad controller that is capable of arranging, composing, sequencing, and separating instruments.
MIDI drum pad controller are now cool and easy to use. However, there are myriads of MIDI drum pad controllers’ brands and models on the market today. This makes it a bit difficult and confusing for someone who is just beginning to tinker to find the best MIDI drum pads for his need.
Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider When Buying A MIDI Pad Controller
Pads
You will find myriads of MIDI controller pads in the market today, and most of these pads are velocity-sensitive. However, if you want to have more control leverage with your pad, you should choose something that is also pressure sensitive. Pressure-sensitive pads allow for better expressiveness similar to the aftertouch you’ll get from midi keyboards.
Controls
Most buyers of controller want to make their controller an extension of their DAW. If that happens, then they become more productive because their workflows become smoothly flowing. A great controller will do that for you. So, when choosing a controller, you should choose something with great controls to facilitate the process for you.
So, select a controller with all the essential buttons like tempo and transport. Your prospective controller should also have faders and knobs for controlling effects. It should also provide easy-to-control mixer parameters on your DAW.
Software Compatibility Issues
Another thing that you need to consider when buying a controller is the aspect of software compatibility. Manufacturers usually offer controllers with an editor application. This allows you to customize the features of controllers like MIDI mappings. Moreover, some midi controllers also come with DAWs.
If you would buy, for example, a controller, you should ensure that it can integrate well with the specific DAW that you are going to choose. Thus, at the onset, you should read the specifications of the controller to know that it comes with the compatible bundled software. Moreover, the bundled software should be compatible with your tablet or computer.
Lighting
Lighting may not be your primary concern when buying a controller. Yet, you will surely find good lighting convenient and useful in making your workflow smooth. Without proper lighting cues, you would feel robbed of one of the convenient features of a controller.
Of course, the lighting feature determines the response of the MIDI pad controller using visual light cue when you press the pads. This feature may come in forms like a simple LED that lets you know that you have pressed the pad right.
The lighting feature may also come in the form of a complex range of light bars that feature numerous DAW effects that represent various sequences, drum kits, samples, and voices. A controller pad that offers more lighting options, of course, is a better choice. Yet, the downside of having more lighting options is that it requires steeper learning curves.
Dimensions and Weight
Controller pads come in different dimensions and weights. Sizes usually depend on the number of pads that come with the controllers. If portability is one of your primary considerations, then you should choose a portable one that you can easily connect to your tablet, phone, or laptop. Yet, if you want greater functionalities with your controller, then you should go for a larger one replete with great functions and features. In the last analysis, your choice would depend on your needs and preferences.
Recommended MIDI Pad Controllers For Beginner
Hence, to facilitate the process of looking for the best MIDI drum pad controller, we have delineated here the most recommended MIDI pad controller on the market today:
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1) Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Drum Controller
The Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Drum Controller can surely stand alone as a digital audio workstation in itself. It is not, therefore, accurate to tag Maschine MK3 as solely a pad controller for it comes with the software of its own, although it follows the same workflow as those of the classic MPC blueprint. Thus, Maschine MK3 gives you a perfect pad-based method for arranging, composing, mixing and performing.
Native Instruments have showcased its fabulous screens in the MK3 model while giving its hardware a bit of sprucing up. Hence, it is obvious that Native Instruments has taken that bold step of giving Maschine MK3 an audio interface. Its simple 2-in/4-out setup allows you to record and playback at the maximum 24-bit/96kHz quality.
In a way, it is safe to say that Maschine MK3 is more than a drum pad controller. It is more like a veritable complete instrument in itself since it comes with its Maschine software. It works like a classic MPC, but it also allows you to arrange, compose, perform, mix, and many other functionalities. Its dual high-resolution screens let you do sampling, browsing and previewing of sounds. They also allow you to edit and mix your projects without necessarily needing your computer. Hence, Maschine MK3 is genuinely a good choice.
2) Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 Groove Production Studio
The Maschine Mikro Mk2 is one of your best choices when it comes to best MIDI pad controller. It offers great power and flexibility with its pattern-based sequencer, exemplary drum synths, high-performance sampler, and an incredible suite of effects and instruments. It also features a highly acclaimed sound library.
The good thing about MASCHINE Mikro Mk2 is that it comes with an 8 GB sound library. It is a compact production system that combines hardware and software harmoniously. With its use, you can get hands-on control of new software couched in a portable package. It also offers an intuitive groovebox workflow.
You can also easily update its software to keep your equipment up-to-date and of cutting-edge technology. This will further push your level of creativity to a new height. It also comes with 8,627 samples, consisting of 445 drum kits and 403 sliced loops. Furthermore, it comes with 388 multi-sampled instruments, 1,200 patterns, along with 38 projects. Used by a very skilled producer, this MIDI pad controller can become a powerful tool for creating impressive music.
3) Akai Professional MPD218
The Akai Professional MPD218 comes with 16 high-quality velocity-sensitive pads. It also comes with 6 rotary encoders, 6 navigational buttons. This MIDI controller comes with Ableton live lite. The Ableton live lite is a very popular DAW for veteran as well as newbies in music production.
Akai Pro MPD218 comes with Akai Mpc Essentials, Sonivox Big Bang Universal Drums software, and Sonivox Big Bang Cinema Percussions. These features are undoubtedly some of the most important features that you would need to create beats using a pad-based system. At its bottom left-hand side, you’ll find the Swing, Full Level, and Note Repeat. Using this MIDI drum pad controller, you can create an easy flow and repetitive functions using your left hand while you keep on playing with your right hand. The Akai Professional is surely a great product, to begin with.
4) Arturia BeatStep USB/MIDI/CV Controller
The Arturia BeatStep USB cable/MIDI/CV Controller is basically a standalone sequencer for CV-equipped hardware or MIDI. Hence, it is more than a USB MIDI controller. It is capable of storing up to 16 different sequences with 16 steps individually. It comes with velocity-sensitive pads that let you do expressive finger drumming. Its encoders allow you to assign various parameters for perfect real-time control of the virtual instruments. You can also store its 16 customizable presets in its memory and recall them automatically using the “Recall” button.
Asturia BeatStep features expanded sample libraries together with its drum-focused offerings. It has a very sleek design with a straightforward and highly functional controller. You got more options of connectivity with Arturia BeatStep for you can simultaneously connect it with external MIDI equipment and with your computer. Moreover, the pads are highly responsive and very sensitive allowing for easy triggering of drum beats. Its rotary knobs offer a solid control feel. Its parameters feature awesome flexibility for cool customization via software.
One downside, however, that is frequently pointed out by its users is its lack of visual display with its controller. Well, this one is readily solved by merely adjusting the DAW’s parameters. The Arturia BeatStep is surely a good choice if you want a drum pad that also works as a hardware sequencer.
5) AKAI Professional LPD8 Portable
The AKAI Professional LPD8 Portable is a very portable one. In fact, it can readily fit into your backpack. It features eight backlit pads together with eight knobs that are similar to those of professional AKAI MPCs. This one is likewise very affordable and will not cause a dent on your savings. Despite its affordable price, its pads and knobs can provide you with a great feel. Moreover, they are very responsive and perfectly complement your DAWs and modern software instruments. You can customize the settings of each of its parameters using the LPD8 editor.
The AKAI Professional LPD8 Portable is undoubtedly very simple. It’s not overwrought and comes as a no-frills MIDI drum pad. It is perfect for those who want to engage in specific projects or for those who want to immediately get a hand on a controller for the first time. Compared with other MIDI drum pad controller of the same price, this one is undoubtedly your best option.
