AKAI MPD232 MIDI Pad Controller

The MPD232 is the top model in a set of a high-performance midi controllers that bring a playful and creative work flow to creating music using virtual instruments and plugins.

Everyone loved the original MPD Series, so why not make it even better?

Now in it's second generation, this new set of controllers build on the popular MPD series design with the wisdom of 6 years of customer research and feedback from the initial launch.

The result is a lineup that's been redesigned from the ground up; controller designs that are even better to play, have all the best functions that you really want, and feature the latest technology so that it can connect with all your devices.

All new 32 Step Sequencer

The MPD232 now has a 64-channel, 32 step sequencer so that you can programme crazy drum beats and arpeggiated riffs.

Maybe you know exactly what you want, or you could just press some buttons randomly to get something and chisel away to find something that you would have never created organically; step sequencers are a hell of a lot of fun and a perfect tool for creating something completely different.

Thick Ultra-Sensitive Pads

The MPD232 features 16 fat and highly sensitive MPC pads with velocity and after touch. This new MPC pad design feels great to play, and lets you perform with an even more expressive touch than ever before. Arranged into 4 different banks, you can scroll to up to a total of 64 pads.

What's more, the MPD226 and MPD232 get upgraded backlit LED's on each pad with full RGB colour instead of a select few, giving you even more useful visual information to help with both composition and when performing.

Expanded Control Set

The MPD232 now has a control set of 8 knobs, 8 faders and 4 buttons in 3 banks, giving you a total of 36 controls. This gives you much more control over effects without having to resort to using the mouse on your computer which could distract your creative mindset.

Simple Connection to your Devices

All MPD2 controllers feature a plug-and-play interface for use on both Mac and PC, so you can simply plug-in using an available USB port and the computer automatically sets you up, ready to go.

The USB connection to your computer also powers the unit so you don't have to worry about plugging the MPD2 controller into any external power supply.

The New MPD controllers are also now compatible with Apple mobile devices.

For this, you will need the Camera connection kit (sold separately) that converts the USB connection into an iOS connection so that you can plug into your iPhone or iPad and create music on the go.

Free Software

The MPD2 series also come with a range of free software included. Titles include: Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Akai Pro MPC Beats Big Bang Drums and Big Bang Cinema from Sonivox, Ableton Live Lite, and Software Preset Editor.

Akai Professional MPC Beats

Akai Professional are now offering that classic MPC beat-making workflow in a software format. Introducing MPC Beats! With both Simple and Advanced modes, MPC Beats has features to satisfy both beginner and experienced beat producers. The accessible interface, streamlined Simple mode, and the included templates make MPC Beats a great starting point for those looking to get into making beats. More experienced users will enjoy the over 80 audio FX plugins for warping, manipulating, and transforming audio, as well as the VST/AU compatibility for using third-party virtual instruments and audio plugins. You also get two stereo tracks for recording instruments or vocals.

MPC Beats comes free with this controller but is also free to download and use with any class-compliant USB MIDI controller regardless of brand. You can also expand the sample library in MPC Beats by purchasing expansion packs from premier sound designers.

Features

• 64-part, 32-step sequencer to control pad events
• 16 Thick Fat RGB illuminated velocity and pressure sensitive MPC pads
• 64 assignable pads accessible via 4 banks
• 8 assignable faders, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, 8 assignable Q-Link buttons
• 72 assignable controls accessible via 3 banks
• Classic MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing, 16 Level, Full Level and Tap Tempo
• 30 presets total, with configurations for most popular DAWs
• iOS compatible using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
• MIDI In and Out jacks for controlling external gear
• Dedicated Transport controls
• Includes Ableton Live Lite, Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic Percussion and Big Bang Universal Drums

Specifications

• Macintosh: 1.25 GHz G4/G5 or faster (Intel Mac recommended); 1GB RAM (2GB recommended); Mac OS X 10.4.11 (10.5 or later recommended)
• PC: 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 Celeron-compatible CPU or faster (multicore CPU recommended); 1 GB RAM (2GB recommended); Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP; Windows-compatible sound card (ASIO driver support recommended); QuickTime recommended
• Available USB port