AKAI MPD 218 Review (Quick & Dirty)

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_drum_machines
Also interested in virtual drum kits and need some help getting started? Here's another comprehensive guide: bit.ly/best_virtual_drumkits
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_FullReview
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 KZbin 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...
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Learn Finger Drumming with the XpressPads Technique!
Website: bit.ly/XpressPads
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Experience Rhythm In A Completely New Way!

[@godo-techno]

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

[@XpressPads]

+Geo Frais Thanks, mate!

[@DukeofHell]

Yeah man, your amazing with your skills. Great video

[@eddmtz4028]

@@XpressPads I am buying this right now and I would like to know if software is friendly to install? Is there any bass sound?

[@XpressPads]

@@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

[@johncitizen8828]

Yeah SERIOUS skills. Kudos. Would you consider doing a video breaking down your finger drumming technique?

[@jordindearinger]

You're crazy good at using this machine dude! So sick loved your playing

[@fungusbeats5724]

Dude, ur a fingerdrumming god

[@magatrone100]

Man what am I watching? This is unholy

[@jadenbatt3158]

Bruh he’s not even hitting the pads 😭😭 + he switches up his kick pattern halfway through

[@fungusbeats5724]

@@jadenbatt3158 you can see the pads light up when he hits them

[@muriloninja]

Rumor has it his ex-girlfriends are still cumming to this very day!

[@vladcrisupersonal]

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.

[@XpressPads]

Many thanks for this terrific feedback! :)

[@mrgrace8856]

Sick skills dude, I aspire to one day be that good. Thanks for the review, now I know the piece of gear im getting.

[@anthonyulibarri3690]

You're an amazing drummer with this machine, thanks for posting the video it helped me decide on what to buy!

[@davidbooth7747]

I'm getting a lunachpad and one of these! I can't wait till I do!

[@blameks9136]

Maaaan. You’re bad ass. I’m hoping to get this good. Subscribed 🤘🏻

[@spanneng]

I came for MPD218 review...but the finger drumming is so good I ended up seaching more for XpressPads Finger Drumming!

[@electrosonicnebula]

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?

[@joelpoitras6226]

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.

[@arschflugkoerper007]

Excellent review

[@x.v3n0m.x]

Can you record the beats you make on it?

[@peite7878]

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.

[@timgouthro9620]

Just ordered one to use with the koala sampler app / also have a mpc2500 so glad to hear the pads a thick and responsive!!!! :)

[@dannyl2250]

Can you explain how to chop a sample onto the pads? You've inspired me to get into finger drumming/producing!

[@XpressPads]

+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!

[@tunairaiol]

Thank you, and amazing playing!

[@David_loves_foods]

I never used any pads in my life, do you think this one is a good one to start with?

[@XpressPads]

absolutely yes

[@silenceisgoldenrecords2653]

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.

[@phosphore7991]

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)

[@IvI4rt1n14]

Can you upload custom sounds to it? I wanna use it for sound bites and still for streaming.

[@theaterdreamer]

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.

[@wolfunplugged]

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?

[@XpressPads]

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.

[@siryessirnosir]

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.

[@gamingtech4721]

does anyone know if i can use this connected to traktor pro 2... something like the albleton push

[@Mezaaa_ow]

Hey, can you use this soundboard to play sounds in video games with it or on stream through voice comms ?

[@ericramos4056]

Excellent review... Thanx!

[@XpressPads]

+Eric Ramos Thanks, mate!

[@samueljoseph1867]

Please do a video on using MPD218 with Beatmaker 3 or any other iOS apps.

[@cyberoverkill5844]

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?

[@XpressPads]

thanks. please check my website. there you'll find presets and many more helpful things

[@cyberoverkill5844]

@@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!

[@XpressPads]

awesome, thanks!

[@Nokeoner]

Is it good for making hip hop beats? Plz answer

[@xxspinzzxx]

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?

[@jeanounou]

You play so good! Should play some more.

[@Loretek]

it can be used only for finger drumming or i can use like a drum machine seq?

[@adenanonthysene7075]

Does anybody know what software is required to run this? Thanks!

[@ripitup32]

How do you assign the samples to each pad using the editor?

[@Al-vt9hg]

Hey Xpress. thank god for your website, it is helping me immensely!!! I am trying to keep things simple and minimal in my first studio setup. Do you know if you can use BFD3 software on the MPD218? Would really appreciate your feedback on this!

[@XpressPads]

Glad the website helps you progressing. You can definitely use BFD3 with the MPD218.

[@ShadelessDen]

Can I use this product as a tool for keyboard shortcuts? Can I play random sound from each pad instead of the drum sounds?

[@maurice970]

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?

[@Bellski]

Great review!

[@XpressPads]

Thanks a lot!

[@aren3776]

Should I buy this or the one with the 8 Pads and mini keyboard?

[@jesseasch2996]

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!

[@heze20]

I think it comes with Ableton live lite if I'm not mistaken

[@bartmuz]

thanx. Realy nice device and you are good finger-drummer. I decided to buy after watching your video.

[@XpressPads]

Many thanks, mate! Enjoy the eCourse.

[@ericgruhn2439]

Hey, I'm new to mini pad controllers and since the Akai MPD218 is the best reviewed product that fits my budget I would go with it. My question to everyone with experience would be, weather it is possible to not only play but also record what I'm playing on the controller and what program they would recommend for this. (Preferably free) And also what program I can use to program the drum pad controller. Some serious feedback from people who know what they are talking about would be awesome! Thank you a lot :)

[@KingpinRonin]

It comes with everything you need to do the basics of what you are asking. Install software, plug in controller, make music, record music.

[@jacobhamel-magicien2636]

can you plug it in computer with usb?

[@jacksonhoyt4127]

Does this work with Logic Pro x

[@seanrichbeats791]

Awesome video bro

[@derrickcollier9098]

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 🙏

[@a3poify]

They're assignable MIDI knobs. In your music software you should be able to map them to various controls (like track volume, filters, etc)

[@carter849]

Are the programs to program the drum pad free

[@streetwalk15]

awesome product generally!

[@nadroj614]

Would I need a computer to start, because I know some controllers need a program to start making noise

[@No_thanks780]

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?

[@XpressPads]

***** 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.

[@erwickdsouza]

That was insane!

[@Matthew-xx5fp]

Using ableton what channel was the mpd?

[@KatherineAnnabella]

Hello. What is it plugged into? Does it require another device to make it work?

[@pancitcanton1803]

can you hook this up on your mobile phone (android) as a controller?

[@ramsdellcp]

those drums sound amazing! what vst/hardware are you using for the drums?

[@XpressPads]

That's all from Addictive Drums 2 ADpaks

[@sharkfrenz]

Are you able to create a beat the continually loop it for live performance?

[@bayarea123]

sharkfrenz its just a midi, you cant record anything on it, it needs to be hooked up to a computer or recording device

[@user-hr1rw7zy4i]

my pads are pretty hard to push down (e.g. not super soft) is that normal??

[@spiritualgangstas]

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

[@bankovicalexandre7221]

What a talent ! As the user's manual is only 2 pages long do you know if there is a good tutorial in English where the settings from installing the soft to making a beat are clearly explained ?

[@yeaokay7871]

what DAW are you using? here is a tutorial for fl studios if that is what you are using. if you're using another DAW just let me know i'll hook you up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYq3iIiFect4btk

[@deanjackson8087]

hi.. what's this like with ipads? Is it worth getting? or will it be a waste of money? thanks

[@hhshs751]

Can you also put your own sounds on the machine ?

[@olivierzitoun7974]

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!!! 👏👏👏

[@XpressPads]

Thanks! I've never played the drums. Please check my website if you're considering to learn finger drumming.

[@lilysshit4377]

You can import your own sounds right

[@Bgsulquiano]

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.

[@XpressPads]

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

[@Bgsulquiano]

@@XpressPads Awesome stuff! Thanks for your input! Cheers.

[@kengagnon6192]

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

[@macm4820]

Can I drag and drop samples to assigned pads on the mpd within a daw and record the samples as I drum them?

[@beatarcheologzt]

Yes

[@lilysshit4377]

What software editor does it come with

[@zakramsey3508]

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?

[@jammadamma]

No - it's a controller, it has no sound built in. You use it to play samples in f.e. Ableton Live.

[@Pigeoninhat69]

But does it have a loop function and can you load new drum sounds into the machine?

[@mariusweiss5146]

Yeah you can load different sounds and drums into it. Even audio clips

[@nighthawkgaming1962]

does anyone know if u could pass the button and analogue controls to a python program instead of using it for music

[@trainchugger53]

How good is this on Audacity? I dont have an interface right now

[@prescillealforque2252]

I'm not if it works

[@SilversteinRescue]

For sampling and making beats should I go with this or the MP226? I’m thinking of also getting an MPK mini

[@societyybeatz]

yo, I have the akai mini keyboard it’s an amazing item I really reckon you should pick it up 💯

[@MeowStationOrignal]

Hey I bought this and I need some help installing the software on it, could anyone help me? Thank you

[@TheChameleon2008]

what software?

[@dannyoamethyst]

Can you record sample from vinyl on to one of these?

[@djleadone]

Danny O'Brien it’s just a controller... You sample through the DAW.

[@koreyhendricks2775]

I'm in need of a lot of help here!! can you use the akai MPD 218 on any beat making software, or is it only meant for specific places like FL studio?

[@XpressPads]

+Korey Hendricks The MPD218 is a generic pad controller. You can use it with any DAW or other music software that supports midi.

[@muffin1090]

Can this record real time sound

[@torianderson5203]

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?

[@Herfortz]

Amazing.... I'm the proud owner of 2 Yamaha RX5s and 1 Alesis SR-16 so can imagine how facinating this is to me.

[@XpressPads]

Herfortz Thank you! A few years ago I also had an Alesis SR-16. Nice device...

[@mrjjangles]

dude u the best on the internet! are the pads the same as the mpk mini mkII or are they different (upgrade I assume)??

[@XpressPads]

+Jaay Priest Thanks mate. Sorry, can't tell you. I don't have the MPK MINI MK2. I can just tell you that the pads are great for my taste.

[@menine]

cool vid , would this be okay for a beginner?

[@XpressPads]

thanks. yes absolutely

[@myronjohnson7169]

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.

[@lcguitar7074]

can you connect it to a speaker?

[@rafioled8997]

Great review, is it easy to connect with reason 10?

[@XpressPads]

Should be easy. It's a generic midi controller.

[@silumanberiman6077]

Hi great video. Can you please tell me if the knob is endless or have a start and end limit?

[@MetalZombie2]

endless

[@larrydj549]

Is there an on board drum beat recording feature?

[@tribalfromthetrapdontrappi3030]

I like this!

[@sirgemahender6148]

Are the pads on this and akai mpk 249 are same ?

[@XtruhSpecialK]

wouylkd like to know this as well

[@richardwilliams1310]

How does the Akai MPD218 compare to the Akai MPC Element?

[@XpressPads]

+Richard Williams The MPD218 is a simple yet very good pad controller while the MPC Element is the entrance-level hardware that is meant to be used with the MPC Essentials application, AKAI'a music production studio. I don't use the MPC Element a lot, but I do use the MPD218 very often for finger drumming. The pads of the MPD218 are great.

[@TheSheebey]

How can i manage to send the Sounds to my MPD 218? Please help me!

[@XpressPads]

+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.

[@amazingvocal4935]

you should make a video where you can see how you set the various drum sounds on the pads .... and if you do video lessons, it would be the best !!!!

[@XpressPads]

on the xpresspads website in the getting started section you can find the setup and pad assignments. cheers

[@fjtz1221]

how do you install it on mac ? i downloaded it but when i connect it there's no sound

[@Txtman23]

unless you have a pre arranged drum rack you will have to construct one, and then apply it to the midi device via your daw

[@LarrickOwnz]

Does it have 16 levels?

[@h.s.k.007]

will alesis vi25 pads be as good as this one's ?? pls suggest i wanted to buy alesis but then i saw this video and i am confused to purchase a normal midi keyboard and mpd2 pad individually rather than one alesis vi25.

[@XpressPads]

Hi, I haven't tested the Alesis vi25 yet, but I was tempted to. I think it could work well, if it has a good pad section. You should research a bit what v25 users say about the pad sensitivity, responsiveness, and MIDI-assignability. I certainly prefer separate controllers for finger drumming and keyboarding. Cheers, Andreas

[@AllieOk]

Can this be used with Logic Pro X?

[@furbees2662]

can I perform with this

[@xsezif538]

This was made on my birthday

[@nancygullett7531]

hello i am looking into buying one of these. sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but would you be able to use this mpd with your own custom sounds as on drum machine designer? or battery 4? thanks alot i hope you understand my question.

[@XpressPads]

yes, you can use it as you describe

[@luc_aswell]

Hey! Amazing skills. What software are you using in your videos?

[@XpressPads]

+Nico Leucrini Thanks, mate. The virtual drum module I use in this video is Addictive Drums 2. Cheers.

[@RobbieHogg1]

You make the finger drumming look so easy man. Would you recommend this for someone who is looking for a midi pad to use for triggering things like vst sequencers as well as samples?

[@XpressPads]

in principle yes, if you get a good device. I hear more and more user say that they received faulty MPD218s, which is really a pity, because I have an early version and I love it.

[@RobbieHogg1]

Good to know, thank you. I had read a few people that had issues but was fixable from backing off the screws. If more and more people are having different issues i will have a look around and see what else is available.