AKAI MPD 226 Review

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The AKAI MPD226 is the mid-size pad controller of the AKAI MPD2 series. Next to a fatastic pad section it contains a control section with four knobs, faders, and buttons, as well as an LCD display with which you can make changes to settings on the fly.
In this video I will give you an overview of the hardware.
XpressPads AKAI MPD 226 playlist:
• AKAI MPD 226 Finger Dr...
If you want to share your own views of and experience with the AKAI MPD226, please use the KZbin comments section below. Please also use the comments section for any questions regarding this video.
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[@ericseavey6252]

Ghost Notes Solution: I just purchased the Akai MPD226, and have been trying it out in Cubase. As I was initially recording my strokes I too was getting many ghost notes that people have been complaining about. The solution to eliminating this problem lies with the sensors picking up a second vibration after the initial stroke. What is actually causing this second vibration to occur I am not quite certain of, however, in general, reducing vibration can be done by adding absorptive materials. I set my pad on a small folded towel, and this reduced the number of ghost notes by about 75%. Then, I carefully monitored my strokes as I am playing and made sure the velocity is above the threshold and below the maximum, while also making sure my strokes are brief and gentle taps. This takes a bit of practice, but once I got the feel, I don't get the ghost notes anymore. (In Cubase, I opened the drum editor that shows little bars at the bottom showing the velocity, and the notes represented as colored diamonds. The color of the notes correspond to the velocity as well, where blue diamonds represent low velocity notes and red are high velocity notes. Basically, I try to keep the notes all looking purple-ish.) Hope this helps.

[@XpressPads]

Many thanks for sharing your solution, Eric.

[@mana_beast_beats1114]

Get a package of circular Yard Sale Stickers, get a School Hole Puncher. Take apart the unit, place ONE hole punched yard sale sticker per pad (shiny side of the plastic film), use Tweezers to get it on the film perfectly centered. Put the Pad Backplate Screws in, tighten all the way and THEN, dial back the screw by TWO quarter turns (1/4th of a full turn). Now to put the back plastic cover on, do the same thing. Tighten the screws all the way THEN dial back by TWO quarter turns. This should fix the ghost notes issue (this worked on my MPD218).

[@alexlawson6327]

yeah I purchased this

[@jimineedles]

would you recommend this for playing songs live from ableton? eg building drums, the incorporating loops, dropping samples in time etc ??

[@cluelesstrainer]

Love the blast beats at the end /../

[@SirusLawson]

Awesome vid my wife has bought me one for Xmas I can't wait to use it I'm upgrading from a mpd218 I'm giving my dad the mpd218 once I get my mpd226

[@hednoc9263]

How do you find the MPD226 in comparison to the pad sections of the MPK series? I'm on the fence about getting an MPK249 and or the MPD226. I use keys a fair bit for my synths, however I also have an older KORG X3 that I use as a controller for keys, so not to much of a deal breaker if I choose to go with the MPD, but just trying to get some feed back with that comparison between the MPK & MPD...

[@Herfortz]

Thanks for this awesome review.

[@XpressPads]

+Herfortz Many thanks my friend!

[@samallum864]

Keep it going dude😁

[@odahay]

There's a video about these units double triggering and not having a functional threshold setting to address the issue. Just wondering if you could give any advice on that. Thank you in advance and thank you for the interesting videos as well!

[@jovanlovato4700]

I'm new to this . What computer do I get and software. Basically how to use it in general

[@pubudu313]

Does 218 also share the same pads used in 226? and Could you please tell whether we can set sensitivity as we prefer?

[@NuMogulMedia]

Great Tutorial!

[@lordbryson]

I wonder if is posible to used as mixer with microphone

[@azurebeats_]

How do you find pad sensitivity and accuracy?

[@gusmcquade8622]

Is the step up of this from the MPD218 worth it for a beginner?

[@1trey302]

how many tracks does it give you with mpc essentials

[@Sketcher86]

didn't expect thrash metal drumming at the end 😃

[@fogmusicporto]

black

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

@@fogmusicporto what are you doing here? Shut up, idiot and take your depression meds!

[@Joe-kt7zp]

It`s called a blast beat :-D

[@pluto3142]

Do u have a software for it they dont have it on the akai website. Also i feel i really have to hit the pads

[@fax7451]

Hi May I ask can I use the 16 level function in this controller with ableton or other DAW? Or I have to work with akai software to use this function? I want to use it with koala sampler on iOS, but I don’t know can I use the 16 level there

[@felixjustus9624]

Hi, I baught an AKAI MPD226 yesterday an it works well in FL studio. However, I have e little Problem. In the "Full Level" Mode the Pads trigger twice. Maybe someone can help me, because I do not think that my MPD226 is damaged. Pls answer! Greetings

[@Maulleygxxx]

I need help mapping to nord drum 2

[@drd1614]

I came for the review and stayed for the blast beats at the end.

[@XpressPads]

Awesome... we love blast beats... for more blast beats at the end of youtube videos, check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4G7mnRqrp2KhNE

[@dzikun4949]

hello i bought the same one and i wanted to ask if you have a problem whit the drum pads like the 4 ones on the middle are alot harder to push for some reason is that normal ? sorry for bad English

[@lrnzMM]

Can I connect it with the iPad?

[@itsPumpks]

How do I make it so instead of holding pads I can toggle them?

[@mckayschannel4834]

one question, can you use this as a standalone?

[@jorgecds]

Hi thanks for the nice review. Im just having the same question that someone asked before, but it's been some time (couple weeks hehe) since then so maybe youre appreciation of these devices is a bit stronger. Im between the 218 and the 226, just because I want the pads to be very sensitive (I dont really need the faders and knobs). I know about the editing advantages of the 226 over the 218 but you mentioned before the most sensitive configuration of 226 resembles the feeling of the 218. Is this accurate? I want to stop hitting my mpd32 with custom pad fix hehe Thank you!

[@XpressPads]

+jorgecds If you own the MPD 32 then moving up to any of the MPD2 pad controllers is a HUGE step forward, especially regarding the pads. I personally like the MPD218 the most as I also don't need a lot of knobs and faders. I'm using the devices exclusively for finger drumming. Regarding the pad sensitivity setting of MPD226 I can only say that it is my subjective feeling that the highest sensitivity setting comes close to the MPD218 default sensitivity setting, but unfortunately I cannot measure this technically. Hope this helps. Cheers!

[@semajbowens]

Could someone explain how I could use a hi hat controller with this? How would I hook it up?

[@SPROCKET23]

Thanks for the video. Really helpful in deciding to buy it or not. Can you answer a question i have? When changing the knobs and faders, does the screen display the current value of the knob/fader? Cant seem to find an answer elsewhere.

[@XpressPads]

yes, the screen indicates the value changes, but beware! The MPD226 is a highly criticized controller due to it's often reported pad sensitivity issues. sensitivity cannot be changed is what many users have reported.

[@eliojojo]

Great Video man! It helped me a lot, but could you make a video where you use it when your DAW is open?

[@XpressPads]

+eliojojo Thanks for your feedback! Right now I am busy with some other videos I produce, but will keep it in the back of my mind. Cheers.

[@eliojojo]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming Awesome!

[@axel_wk2963]

Another great review , keep up the good work . I'm new to this so could you tell me what is better out of the AKAI MPD 226 or the AKAI MPX16

[@axel_wk2963]

Or AKAI MPX8 open for discussion

[@XpressPads]

Thanks, mate. Hard for me to tell though because I don't own the MPX16. Hope someone else here can help you. Cheers, Andreas

[@yvetteolu8968]

I bought it and thought the sound comes out of device but I guess not. So what software do I need to get sound?

[@xxcoolrick92xx]

the editor will not pop up. it will only run in the background on win 10. anyone have a fix for this?

[@whiteclouds247darkclouds]

Hi, could you please tell me if akai mpd 232 and mpd 226 are compatible with windows 7, 32 bit.

[@mamapapafitness]

hey there i know its been a long time since you uploaded this video but i ve a mpd226 and a berhinger microphone, i am trying to make a rap music for a starter . is it possible with the mpd226 or is it just for finger drumming. i have ableteon live and mpc beats but i just dont know how can make a beat with these programs and cant find any resource , do you know what to do ?

[@olivertorres7452]

Thanks for the review. I'm thinking about also using this product along with Kontakt 5 as a midi controller. I want to use it live to trigger loops. Have you tried something like this before? Thanks again.

[@XpressPads]

+Oliver Torres Yes, this works. You can heavily customize the pad assignments.

[@1MusicalSoul]

Thanks for the review! Great job! I nearly bought the 226 but went for the 218 in the end. I was worried that the 218 wouldn't be sensitive enough as it didn't have the ability to change the velocity/sensitivity, but in the end, I really love how the pads feel on the 218 so I'm happy :) (I made a little rough video on my channel). Do you find the pads on the 226 are the same out of the box as the 218, or did you change the sensitivity to suit your style?

[@XpressPads]

+1MusicalSoul Many thanks! The MPD218 is indeed great! I use two of them all the time now when I play finger drumming with two pad controllers. As you say, the default pad sensitivity is very good so there is nothing that needs to be changed. The MPD226 pad sensitivity by default is set to 5 of 10, but I turned it down to 1 of 10. Then I chose the linear curve with 0 gain and I think that is roughly the pad sensitivity that the 218 has. But even with the default setting of the MPD226 I got along well with. Cheers.

[@1MusicalSoul]

That's good to know :) If I need another in the future I may add the MPD226 as they are more affordable than most, but for now I love my MPD218....you can really get some expression going. Akai have made a great line with these controllers! I will have to have a go at learning your drumming method...it looks epic!

[@XpressPads]

1MusicalSoul Fully agree. The MPD2 series is awesome. The pads are gorgeous. Good to read that you are interested in the XpressPads eCourses. Did you see that we have a 50% sale going on at the moment? It will end on Monday night and such a discount will not come again in the near future. Many thanks for getting in touch and your interest!

[@XpressPads]

+BurnrateUK Yes, another user made a "paper test", dropping a piece of crupled-up paper on the pads with differen threshold settings. No matter with threshold setting... the result is always the same. I have forwarded this issue to AKAI as well but don't know if it's being worked on there. Anyway thanks for the heads-up.

[@djjimkas]

Need some advice. My preset display on the Screen isn’t visible. Is it broke?

[@iancropley725]

Great video. Thanks for that. I'm completely new to samplers/drum machines and am looking to get an mpd2. I'm leaning towards the 218 because it's the cheapest, but I was wondering if there's anything about the 226 that really makes it worth the extra $100 in your opinion.

[@XpressPads]

Well, the only value-addition is the following feature-set: addl. faders / knobs, custom lighting options, and the fact that you can setup the device via the hardware (LED display) and don't have to use the software. Hope this helps. Cheers! Andreas

[@iancropley725]

Thanks man!

[@JeffTuneK]

Awesome review my friend! It's too bad the unit's note repeat is limited vs the mpd232. However it's much more portable and has the same great pads which is all you need for finger drumming. 👍👍

[@XpressPads]

+Jeff Tunque Thanks, mate! Indeed, it's a bit limited compared to the MPD232, but the pads is 90% of what's really important for finger drumming... and those are great.

[@jeffreynolds3794]

Jeff Tune-K À

[@alexlawson6327]

I have this now but what it is is I don't quite get it I believe that when they make this issue come with sounds install but that's how they get you to think of that gotta put sounds and it is going to cost more so that's why they made this only a controller and so what happens is it locks on to whatever program sounds you got you know whatever you load up into your system and then it locks onto it and the sounds automatically jump into it went you lock it

[@TheKing4576]

Might add this to my studio

[@siqaraminmassaquoi1999]

I just bought one yesterday from Guitar Center online for $105. I've seen them everywhere else for $229. I've enjoyed it so far

[@totokaura9166]

anyone can tell me how to make the transport button (rec,play.stop) working in pro tools first? because mine doesn't work, it makes me sad

[@pxpilucy6769]

Do you need a computer/laptop to sample songs or can you do it straight from the vinyl with the turntable?

[@comradebrucewayne2607]

To my understanding u do need a laptop/ software to use this, as it is simply a controller and doesn’t have the software built into it

[@matelaurent]

Does anyone have experience using this with iMPC PRO? They recently added midilearn on it so can't wait to see how it works with iPad :)

[@Aspect8_5_2]

also how can i turn off the flashing tempo button - its actually quite distracting

[@shadowmixx]

Quick question. Can U sample 'into' the MPD226 from another source such as a vinyl record and then chop up and spread the sample across the pads and have them play when U touch the pads like an MPC does? Reply

[@sjoerdvermeijden]

You need a daw, like FL studio

[@shadowmixx]

Sjoerd Vermeijden Thanks

[@papolws]

or Ableton , they add Ableton Lite to this MPD

[@U.F.0z]

please help me xpress I don't know how to set up the sounds for it ive tried everything please help

[@XpressPads]

you need to set it up with your DAW (FL-Studio, Cubase, etc.). It needs to be recognized as a midi controller there, then you'll be able to produce sounds. It doesn't come with onboard sounds.

[@rhampton1914]

Does this come with GB worth of sound right out box? and does it h ave Midi in so i can connect my Electribe to it?

[@XpressPads]

The software content it ships with is huge. I like the Percussion library as it gives you access to the raw files. The drum sample library is ok, but there are certainly better options available on the market. Don't have it here right now but it's a generic midi controller without onboard sounds, so I'd rather see its benefits in the midi out capabilities.

[@pat7945]

is it possible to cut vinyls and use the sounds with this controller???

[@carlosortiz9913]

yes but it really depends on the program. I use ableton and thats how I get my vinyl rips and what not. so yeah. it comes with ableton. its worth it. i have tons of fun making music with this.

[@belikeeb4739]

How do I connect this to my MacBook?? Or my fl studio I have one & dont even know how to set it up🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️Any help please??

[@maxwell_young]

can u chop up samples on this like the maschine?

[@XpressPads]

+Maxwell Young No, not as far as I know. It's just a pad controller. No sampling engine like on the Maschine available on it.

[@EARART]

Yes you can when you use it with any daw

[@MykiMykonos]

Maybe someone can help me out. I'm relatively new to DJing, using the Denon SC Live 2. Since I have unfortunately only two decks I want to add some more possibilities. I was wondering if I can add a midi controller like the MPD 226 or similar to play samples, not only drums but whole segments for example lyrics or a 16/32/64 beat segment. So I want to configure the controller on a computer to add samples to the pads and play live during DJing with the Denon. Is that somehow possible in a standalone mode combined only with the Denon (I'm using no laptop while playing) or together with a audio interface (using the Focusrite i212 3rd gen) and what device will do the job?

[@kikihohohaha]

I have a Scarlett 2i4 interface and, I only want to record at home as a hobby, so I have audacity, a free audio recording system. Is there a way for me to record my Akai md226 onto Audacity?

[@XpressPads]

+AceZZ BurnOut Hi, yes, that's possible if audacity has a midi input and you can use the incoming midi to control / play virtual instruments in audacity. Please note that the MPD226 does not send audio data to your DAW, just and only MIDI data. Cheers, Andreas

[@Overth_inc]

Do you have a video that shows how to navigate and load beats/samples onto the MPD226? I've been trying to figure it out for quite sometime, and still can't manage to get it right. The MPD will work with pre-sets based on what I select in my Ableton Live program, but nothing happens when I try using the MPC software :(

[@onemikethreesports4194]

I'm trying to learn how to do the same thing with the MPD226. But this video is very old, so we'll see if you get a reply from the maker of this video

[@pierrefitch]

AKAI Professional MPD226 can this work well with my MPC One for more drum pads ?

[@XpressPads]

probably

[@peterbeng]

Very fine, thanks! But I cant see the Display, therefore I don't understand your discribtion.

[@JEFFMAN90]

Sucks that the pad sensitivity is fucked up on the Akai MPD2 series. I was going to get this but since its a faulty product I'm just gonna save my money and buy a MPC Studio Black.

[@animalochi]

Hello, what are the differences in size between the pads of mpd226 and mpd26?

[@XpressPads]

A couple of years back I had the MPD26 and from what I recall I'd say there's no big difference in terms of pad size, but definitively in quality. Huge improvement.

[@Deckardrick007]

Can these be used for iMPC Pro? Would love to add it to live performance.

[@XpressPads]

+Aye Run Sorry, can't tell you. I don't use iMPC Pro. Cheers.

[@azc29103]

does the MPD 226 come with sounds you can use !!!

[@XpressPads]

+Arran Chander Yes, it comes with a great software package: Sonivox Big Bang Universal Drums & Cinematic Percussion, plus MPC Essentials and Ableton Live Lite... not bad.

[@aghdudye]

Can the MPD 226 be used for sampling?

[@XpressPads]

+Adewale Maye The MPD226 doesn't contain it's own sampling functions. It's just a generic midi controller. cheers.

[@fingerdrummers]

Have you ever tried the Zendrum? I have ZAP2, which is amazing, but has some disadvantages, besides being very expensive.

[@XpressPads]

+abnorm77 I thought about trying Zendrum but then saw the prices and lost interest. ;) Saw some videos a couple of years ago when researching about BFD. Very interesting concept, but they look a bit like UFOs. ;) Isn't it bulky? And how is the midi integration? Is there a reasonable editor available for it as well? - I think that's the problem with niche products sometimes. They aren't great in every aspect.

[@fingerdrummers]

Yes, there is an editor which comes with. It's called Zenedit. I have the ZAP2 model, not the one that looks like a guitar or a UFO :D. It has a standard layout.

[@XpressPads]

+abnorm77 Nice one! Thanks for sharing.

[@rjkral]

Triplet resolutions for note repeat?

[@adrian.a.padilla]

It’s going to change with the software and you might’ve figured that out by now lol

[@beeisbad]

QUESTION.... Unlike the MPC 2000XL, MPCTouch, Ren, etc, the MPD226 does not have an "ERASE" button. Therefore, how do you erase unwanted notes that you may have played incorrectly on the MPD226? Can you do it FROM the MPD? If not, what's your workflow way of erasing those unwanted notes quickly?

[@sjoerdvermeijden]

It's not a stand alone unlike the mpc, you'll need a daw.

[@papolws]

its MIDI controller , not MPC :D

[@philipagudelo235]

You can program the 4 buttons used for note repeat and assign them to be things like "ctrl+z" as undo button. Note repeat button has to be off.

[@illCapBeats]

How does the note repeat funtion work? I own a MPK49 and MPD26 but for some reason the note repeat is off sync.

[@XpressPads]

+illCapBeats On my MPD226 it works in sync. Unfortunately I can't tell whether this is the case on all setups. Cheers!

[@illCapBeats]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming Oh ok. And I've been seeing a "bug" on this unit. Have you encountered anything weird with it?

[@XpressPads]

+illCapBeats Interesting. What kind of bug have you seen? The one item that could be a bug is that the pad threshold parameter doesn't seem to have an effect on pad sensitivity at all. Another user has found that out.

[@gen7productions]

I have Reason 7 and just bought a MPD226. I can get Reason to recognize the MIDI signal from the 226, but it wont' actually trigger anything in Reason after I get it set up. Any tips/coaching on how I can get the MPD to work. I was excited about getting it, but now can't even utilize it. Please help.... I'm open to any advice.

[@kingspy2]

I have the same problem except in Studio One 3 :(

[@onemikethreesports4194]

Did you ever get this figured out? I have a MPD226, but I don't want to buy anything like Reason or anything like that if it won't work with the midi controller

[@bradfordmoeller]

Have you personally had any issues with the "ghost notes/missing notes" on any of your MPD2 series stuff? & Does turning off the "aftertouch" in the software solve that problem, or is it an entirely different issue? Cheers :)

[@XpressPads]

Hi, in the beginning I sometimes had double-triggered notes on, but on my MPD218s which I play most of the time the problem seems to go away in the course of time. However, there is a fix for the MPD218 that another user explained and which I have made a video about as well. Just loosen the skrews on the bottom side of the device in quarter turns. That might solve the issue. Cheers!

[@bradfordmoeller]

Thanks for the quick response! Do you know if the same over-time effect & solution apply to the mpd226?

[@XpressPads]

Really not sure, because the MPD226 has a much thicker housing than the MPD218. But I think it's worth a try.

[@anatolianINVASION]

XpressPads Finger Drumming do you mean the 3 screws in the center of the bottom? Or do you mean after you remove the bottom plate? On the inside of the device??

[@Aspect8_5_2]

mine always double presses - how can i fix this????????????/

[@garytskvaught7743]

Someone tell me what I need to do to get it to work on my CPU. I'm using Windows and I can't download anything. What are you guys using?

[@siqaraminmassaquoi1999]

It should be plug & play my brotha

[@randomsmd16]

Does this model have the same "double trigger" problem that the 218 has?

[@XpressPads]

Basically, yes. But I don't think it's a big problem. On my 218s it seems to have gone away over time and even back then when it was there it wasn't annoying as the double-triggered sound wasn't a loud one.

[@Ikkster]

What does this get plugged into, does a usb come with it

[@XpressPads]

yes, it's usb powered and usb is used to transmit its midi data to the computer

[@dervinarauz2391]

Hey which do u think is better, Im thinking of buying one, the 18 or this one?

[@XpressPads]

I use my MPD218s (two of them for finger drumming) all the time.

[@Moshka62]

why so few people use it to create drum parts?

[@matheusc9442]

does it work as a sampler? I was looking for an affordable alternative for Roland sp 404

[@willysegura6216]

Late reply, but it is only a MIDI controller. You need a DAW or a hardware synth/sampler to use it.

[@gilliancarterband]

hey how good is this for sampling & making rap beats??

[@XpressPads]

+Gillian Carter I think that depends on the software that you're going to use with it. The device itself doesn't sample, but I'd say that for rap beats it will work as well as other generic midi pad controllers work. Cheers.

[@dubyoustudios]

Howdy there! Was hoping to get your opinion on something. I'm looking to purchase my first Akai MPD product. I'm debating between the MPD218 and the MPD226. I would "mainly" use them for samples, along with electronic beats, bass, etc. I'm not ready to throw down the money for the MPD232, and like that the 226 has some extra features compared to the 218, but didn't know if maybe I should just start out with the basic, and move up later. I am however prepared to get the 226 and learn with it...so I don't have to move up so much next time around.... anyway... sure would appreciate some advice. Thank you much!

[@XpressPads]

+dubyoumedia Hi there, I like both devices and if you ask me, you can't do anything wrong starting with the MPD218 and later on - in case you need more control elements (knobs / faders / buttons) move up to the MPD226. Cheers.

[@dubyoustudios]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming - Thanks so much for the reply! That helps! One last question if and when you have time. Can the 226 do everything that the 218 can do plus more? Or are there any features that the 218 has that the 226 does not have? I would assume the 226 can do everything the 218 can but wanted to make sure... thanks again!

[@XpressPads]

dubyoumedia Indeed, the MPD226 can do everything the MPD218 can do, plus more. Especially tweak pad sensitivity, edit parameters right on the hardware, and a couple of other things. Cheers!

[@dubyoustudios]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming. Well shoot, add the custom colored back lighting and I think you sold me! Thanks for all the help.. it's much appreciated!

[@XpressPads]

dubyoumedia Anytime! Cheers.

[@WohnnieJalker]

Heyho, the first time i plugged the mpd into my pc via usb, i recognized that the button tap tempo, was blinking the whole time. Can u tell me, how i can turn it off?....sry i'm a little bit new with that stuff and i'm not good with manuals. I hope u can help me. Thanks.

[@XpressPads]

+WohnnieJalker I think you can turn that off in the global settings area. Cheers.

[@WohnnieJalker]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming thx for ur help. i found it before i saw ur comment ^^". by the way cool review. i will give ur video a like and subscribe ur channel. :-D

[@XpressPads]

WohnnieJalker Cool, thanks mate!

[@BeastMore21]

Can I add my own samples to this Mpd?

[@XpressPads]

+MysMiLeIsArIfLe13 You can add your samples to the software you use the MPD with. The MPD can only be used as a "control device". You can't load any audio materials onto it.

[@fanaticzrecordz]

pad sensitivity is fucked on the mpd 226 Threshold 1 or 10 is no difference... You tried that ?

[@LovinPavan]

are these the same pads as the mpc live?

[@elijahweaver8607]

Yea

[@enysymikita6530]

Well, I was looking for a drum pad and in my research I stumbled upon your review of the Akai MPD226. I ordered one from Amazon and tried it out. I am so glad I could return it !! The ghost notes and the missing notes issue was a real turn off for me. I also found a post by you in another blog where you basically said you had experienced the same issue as everyone else (like 50+ posts on this issue?). The blog also mentioned that the sensitivity setting does nothing and you agreed? Even my rep at Sweetwater agreed that this is a known issue and felt these devices fall short of the pads and operation from the MPC models. I am at a loss as to why you give this device such a positive review! Full disclosure please: Does Akai pay you or give some other compensation for these reviews? I still think you are an awesome and inspiring finger drummer :P

[@XpressPads]

+enysy mikita, Thanks for your comment. Just to answer your most important question first: AKAI does not pay me a penny. I got the MPD226 and MPD232 for free after I did the full MPD218 reviews which they seemed to like. I love the MPD218 and back then when I reviewed these controllers they were brand-new and I wasn't aware of any product faults. I came across this pad sensitivity issue just after I had shot all these videos - and to be very honest with you, the high "default" sensitivity of the pads did not bother me at all. Rather the opposite is the case. I love highly sensitive pads because you don't have to hit them very hard and thus protect your fingers from cramps and other pains. Moreover, I reviewed the MPD226 and MPD232 just to provide a full picture of the product line. I never used them since back then since I almost always use my MPD218s for finger drumming. I don't need bells and whistles, just the pads... and the MPD218 kills all other pad controllers just for the pads. If I had continued to play the MPD226 / MPD232 I might have felt the same pain like several other finger drummers... or maybe I still won't be bothered... really don't know. Moreover, a couple of months ago I tried to get an AKAI MPC Touch for free from AKAI in order to create a video tutorial series for that device. No MPC Touch video on this channel, right?! ;-) So, in a nutshell, I understand your concerns about promoted videos... but you won't find such on my channel. No company can buy me with plastic bombers. :-D It's just my personal view that I share here, and how I use those devices for finger drumming with the XpressPads technique. In the case of the MPD226 I might have been a bit too euphoric just because I love the MPD218 pads so much and knew that the pad sections of all the MPD2 product were the same. Well, maybe they are not, but back then they felt like the same and AKAI's marketing department announced it. My bad that I trusted and didn't deep-dive. Still think these controllers are good for finger drumming with the XpressPads technique, but maybe not for all kinds of possible applications. Many thanks for your appreciation at the end! :-) Cheers Andreas

[@jmcbade2960]

I have been scanning the net for reviews and comments and came across your review. It appears finger drumming is "your world" Very cool. To Enysy's question and your reply: It seems you have been "enumerated" for your efforts though. Just not in "cash". I am ok with that, but it would be good to say so in your review(s) I think. I also have tried the MPD pads and they do indeed not only send the "phantom notes" others have described, but I also found that sometimes, evening hitting the center of the pads, not just lightly, but hard also, I would get instances of the pads not sending anything at all. Then hitting an edge, the pad comes alive again. Very odd indeed. Do you think this is an internal/external clock issue? I also found the sensitivity setting to make no change whatsoever when trying to adjust the sensitivity. The gain setting seemed to make "some" change". I also found the blog or forum Enysy was mentioning where you made some comments agreeing that there is a known issue. I just can't for the life of me remember where it was. It might have been on Akai's forum? I don't think the pads themselves throughout the range of MPDs are any different. The units as you say just have other "bells and whistles". I am wondering if this same tech is being used in the units (MPK etc.) that have keys also. Just curious, I know you are "finger drummer", but have you ever tried the pads on the new Akai Professional 249 for example? Are they even close to the MPD pads? How about Alesis VI / VX series? They are owned by the same parent company "InMotion". It would be cool to have your take if possible on some of these combined controllers. Maybe even a trip to your local music store if they have any of these kind of units there. BTW, I also agree with Enysy that your drumming is pretty freaking awesome. Inspiring for sure :)

[@XpressPads]

John McBade Thank you for your comment and your kind feedback! The MPD226 was a lesson learnt for me. Sure, I could have mentioned that I got it and the MPD232 for free, but that would not have changed my reviews. The only thing it caused was that I made thorough reviews and wrote a blog post on the XpressPads website for both. Unfortunately I haven't tested the devices you mention, but I've thought about reviewing combined keyboard-pad-controllers already. Right now I am too busy with other things to do so, but it's on my todo list. Cheers! Andreas

[@sansha_1840]

can you use this with MainStage?

[@XpressPads]

I haven't used MainStage, but if it supports generic midi devices it will recognise this one.

[@samthompson5138]

Can you load your own sounds and samples onto this? Thanks

[@XpressPads]

+Sam Thompson You can load your own sounds and samples onto the software you'll use this device with. It's purely a midi controller. You can't load samples onto it, just control software with it. Cheers!

[@mattsmith6126]

Sam Thompson go buy the iMPC pro app you can sample with that. And control the app with this hardware.

[@paweldun]

is this standalone or just another remote control?

[@XpressPads]

+PAWELDUN Music It's a generic remote control pad controller.

[@quitenough]

can you layer the drums?

[@XpressPads]

+Alex Ruiz That depends on the software you use with the MPD226. In general, yes.

[@alexlawson6327]

yeah I purchased this device and the only thing I don't like about it is that it don't come with sounds and it don't have a built-in sequencer with it or something the path of great you know I like someone to whatever you know program you using with that got sounds and set

[@reclused]

WARNING. This unit has a Threshold adjustment parameter that does absolutely nothing when changed. The unit has a bug where the pads trigger twice when you hit them once. Akai are aware of this problem but have no intention of fixing it. So don't think you'll be able to use this unit for live work, because it's just not accurate enough. It might be useful for laying down drums in a track at home but you'll have to go back and edit all the random hits in your pattern that the unit has made by itself. Not worth the money, get an older mpd or something. At least they worked.

[@XpressPads]

+BurnrateUK Yes, another user made a "paper test", dropping a piece of crupled-up paper on the pads with differen threshold settings. No matter with threshold setting... the result is always the same. I have forwarded this issue to AKAI as well but don't know if it's being worked on there. Anyway thanks for the heads-up.

[@ericjara1150]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming Do either of you know if this bug has affected ALL of the mpd 226 models that were released? I really want one but i would like the threshold adjustment to work if i buy one.

[@producedbymarj]

any update on that?

[@jonathonmedina5841]

do you think this will be suitable to make house and trap tracks. I also have a keyboard.

[@XpressPads]

+Jonathon Medina I think this device will be suitible to make any kind of electronic music. Cheers.

[@jonathonmedina5841]

Thanks for quick response

[@BrandurM]

is it possible to import samples in it and chop it with the midi itself ?

[@XpressPads]

+BrandurM It'a basically "just" a simple midi controller. No audio files can be loaded into the device itself. But you can use it with software that can chop samples and fire them via the pads. Cheers.

[@BrandurM]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming aight thanks :)

[@DopamineOverload]

Finally AKAI gets it right.... sensitive pads, good features. Decent price.

[@reclused]

+chriscauldermusic not quite, unfortunately

[@DopamineOverload]

+BurnrateUK Yeah... I liked my MPD218, but it seems too sensitive at times.

[@zaytene4784]

Can u do a giveaway

[@BeastMore21]

Can I use this with my iPad air2?

[@XpressPads]

sorry, can't tell you as I don't have one, but the akai website says that it works with apple mobile devices if you own the camera connection kit.

[@BeastMore21]

+XpressPads Finger Drumming thanks

[@kralmarmelad5941]

Can i do a snare roll on mpd? Thanks

[@XpressPads]

Yep

[@crazycuts6891]

​@@XpressPads, there's two things missing from the MPD 226, the reverse and forward buttons. So first of all, how can that work without using the mouse? And does the MPD 226 work with only 24 tracks on Ableton? Or can it be used with infinite tracks? And if so, how can it be set to be used infinitely?

[@badhasaterefe603]

is it a sampler machine or just a drum machine

[@XpressPads]

+Abate Terefe Not a sampler, just a drum pad controller.

[@sudoku6177]

is this an mpc?

[@BackpackPoetry]

No

[@fritz3802]

can u sample on this

[@XpressPads]

Not directly. It's a midi controller without onboard sound engine

[@uzaautumus]

all I wanna know is can u make dubstep on it? 😁

[@XpressPads]

for sure

[@uzaautumus]

@@XpressPads hell yeah!! asking the rents for it for it Xmas then🤞😁🤞

[@phdtvproductions]

just got one from reverb for 140 bucks!

[@iyungakbar4611]

I have akai mpd218 and i get drum sample from youtube, i download drum review video, then i cut for kick sound, snare sound and tom tom, i convert into wav file, and i get the file into sample sound in ableton live 10lite, tadaaa, i have yamaha custom oak sound and dw drum collector sound,,