Akai MPD218 - Review after 4 years + feature overview (note repeat, scales and more)

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In this video I'll review my trusty Akai MPD218 MIDI controller I've been using for the past 4 years. I'll also make a brief overwiew of its features like note repeat, scales and more.
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TSE B.O.D. Bass Distortion Sim
🎛️ Studio gear I'm using:
M-Audio Profire 2626 audio interface (studio interface)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 3 audio interface (travel interface)
Akai MPD218 (mpd 218) midi controller (travel pads)
Nektar Impact LX25+ midi controller (travel keys)
Casio Privia PX-100 (main MIDI controller)
Presonus Faderport v2 production controller
Adam A3X studio monitors
Resident Audio M8 studio monitors
Yamaha NS-M125 passive speakers
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250ohm open headphones
Audio Technica M30x closed headphones
Yamaha MG 10/2 mixing console
Unitra Fonica GS461 vinyl player
VOX Valvetronix VT20+ electric guitar amplifier
MXL 770 condenser microphone
MXL 2006 condenser microphone
⌚ Timestamps:

[@Crowbar11115]

I LOVE my 218!! I had issues with notes sounding twice if I pressed hard...then I set two layers of Yoga Mat material under it and that problem went away. These devices are absolutely amazing. I also use mine to activate tons of Reaper shortcuts ;)

[@WodzuBeats]

Some people report that, but I guess my MPD works just right on any surface 😀

[@thekeysman6760]

It sounds like there was a batch with some dodgy pads that were being triggered by the impact of other pads. People sent them back and received a perfect model. Shouldn't have to mod it when it was faulty.

[@walkingriver6104]

Grabbed one of these secondhand from eBay after watching this review!

[@WodzuBeats]

Have fun!

[@handclapsapp]

The note repeat feature honestly seems really helpful! Great video!

[@WodzuBeats]

Thanks 👊 Glad you liked it

[@AttamanKing]

Is good be grateful bro, cool! Nice review, this tool is on my list for the next year, or the keyboard, gotta learn how to play keys

[@WodzuBeats]

I have to learn keys too, haha, but I'm having more guitar lessons for now

[@ErinIsBlueBlue]

Well deserved tribute ! Well done and thank you for all the MPD218 owners !

[@dtfluker1617]

Dope>>> My MPD been sitting on a shelf for years but now Im making a playlist on how to use it for scales and I found this video

[@Wirswaf64]

Very nice Video!! Thanks for the good Tips!!!

[@MarcinRajski-]

The only issue with MPK218 is that it's easy to accidentally double-tap any pad :(

[@WodzuBeats]

Really? Never noticed that before

[@leoopokat8235]

if this happens just unscrew the back a little job done

[@TBD3.0]

Bravo👍 Merry Christmas 🎄and a Happy New Year God bless

[@ldee1969]

Great info

[@leoopokat8235]

mpc studio mk2 is mpd218 with features I love mine studio mk2 gr8 buy

[@elishalott8860]

🤘

[@SanplerVarondaro]

que buen video saludos desde mexico amigos

[@kendallsmith9199]

Quick question on the scale insert function, maybe i missed it, can you set a different scale config from each pad (and in the akai app I saw you select one or multiple pad banks)? For example, I would want to use each pad to set different scales for keys/melody on one bank, drums on another bank, and use the other banks to perform things like scene/clip launching in Ableton session view.

[@KurruptedDataYouT]

I've always liked the OG MPD pads vs the 2xx series. The newer ones have some QC issues.

[@threezysworld8089]

I think I'd like it. I used to use older MPD's but I hated the chasis. It was like a big dumb hollow box with pads on it. I want something more solid.

[@WodzuBeats]

That one is really rugged and lightweight. Been carrying it many times without any protection in my backpack and it just always works.

[@RolandDeschain1]

I bought one and I don't have the slightest clue how to program drums from Steven Slate through Reaper. Can anyone help!

[@MrJoeygregory]

I am looking very forward to getting back into making beats it was a hobby back in the day and this is a great budget way for me to get started I also learned that the buttons are touch-sensitive like the other high-end synthesizers and music production kids on the high end of course that is the high-end because it akai no matter the cost I enjoy playing at freestyle I can't wait to get my music studio set back up again I still have some equipment somewhere in the attic I have an OG Roland tr-808 synth I had a little beat making Harvey going before my daughter was born and then I pretty much had to put it all up because I was scared that it would get destroyed messed up or broken by my daughter accidentally or something would happen so I put it all up for safekeeping and unfortunately I had the OG big dog Akai MPC 2000 and didn't really know a lot about making music and was learning pretty much by the same way you handle senior citizen a smartphone after you take their clamshell LOL by touching and learning but I'm looking forward to get back into it I was getting pretty good at it and the tr-808 sense synthesizer to me has some of the nastiest dirtiest drum hip hop any type of bass kids kits and now with technology like this and the apps and the computers and technology is not like it used to be half they use big bulky desktops I can use this in my super thin notebook Chromebook Samsung to use on-the-go with any music program I want thank you for the great review I've been watching a lot of them everybody has different styles and different ways and uses of using theirs and I'm still getting back into the swing of it but this looks like a good first budget starter way to get back into the game to make sure that my head is straight before I pull the trigger and buy all expensive professional s*** and lose interest or can't enjoy it I'm not going to lie back in the day I used to love smoking Blunts and sit in there by myself making beats even if nobody heard them I remember one day just on the NPC I made like a half an hour house mix playing it like a real drum tapping and Lupe and then sew on sampling the one I come across these on Amazon I couldn't believe the prices this is 100 and they have plenty more is there any other that you recommend buy a kayak that is a good beat maker under $200 that maybe better than this or is this the best bang for your buck under 200 or any other brands that would be like this on your box ready to laid play the Beats down your input is appreciated if possible if not I understand thank you thumbs-up and great review

[@WodzuBeats]

Thanks, hope you'll get back to making beats asap 👊

[@fawzialnazer2465]

can this control amp plugins like neural dsp, stl tones? likecontrol switching pedals on/off , adjusting knobs...? thanks!!

[@WodzuBeats]

Sure, any plugin that works on midi. Neural does as far as I know.

[@meynardoboringot1266]

Hi does MPD218 have 16 levels multi velocity feature similar to MPC’s 16 levels feature?

[@WodzuBeats]

Haven't really used a real MPC, so I can't tell

[@MS7.7]

Not sure if it has a built in 16 levels. But You can activate it in your DAW and it will work, I use it with my MPK mini mk3.

[@weavingthevaluess]

hows the mkIII for you? im switching from mkIII to the mpd because the maschine compatibility with ableton is asssssss

[@WodzuBeats]

Works fine 😉

[@kryptonitelog5624]

Cześć Wodzu. Nie miałeś nigdy problemów z nadwrażliwością padów? Często łapią dodatkowe hity ?

[@WodzuBeats]

Cześć, raczej nie było z tym problemów

[@2k2malin]

Kwestia egzemplarza. Poluzuj delikatnie wkręty z tyłu (dosłownie 1/4 obrotu) i zobacz czy pomogło. Jeśli nie - czynność powtórzyć 🙂

[@ruimaia2995]

I bought yesterday this ,i installed mpc beats. I dont have any knowledge to create music...i watched a few videos but seems very dificul to follow....it got me frustred right away. Do you guys recommend some curse for reallyyyy beginners? MPD218 and softwares that come along for DUMMIES?😅pls help

[@iduncanw]

Hopefully you eventually got yourself going. If not, or for anyone else reading this: check out Quest for Groove. There is a KZbin channel and a website with a free beginners course which includes setup of specific devices, including this one.

[@SlayHey981]

Hello, could i use the akai mpd218 with a android phone or with a software on a pc?

[@WodzuBeats]

It uses midi protocol so with pretty much any platform including android

[@gabrielmusic1788]

can I turn off this controller?

[@WodzuBeats]

No, it's on when it's plugged in

[@mariomingione5213]

can this be used as and extra pad fx to a dj controller example DDJ-1000? I want to use it as a remix station. thank you in advance.

[@WodzuBeats]

I never used this DJ station, so I can't tell. MPD 218 uses USB connection, so I assume it's for computers only.

[@mariomingione5213]

Thank you for getting back to me.

[@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?

[@WodzuBeats]

Note repeat isn't for looping the whole beat. It's just supposed to repeat a ceatain note value on a specific note

[@torianderson5203]

@@WodzuBeats Thank you, so I can only access live looping using DAWs?

[@WodzuBeats]

@@torianderson5203 indeed

[@ianmoon3063]

cześć, chciałbym cię zapytać: chciałbym użyć 218 jako soundboard w trakcie koncertu live, czy można wrzucić do 218 własne ścieżki / sample typu wav czy mp3 które później będą wyzwalane padem. rzecz w tym, że chciałbym wyzwalać ścieżki live ktore będą trwały np kilka minut a inne tylko kilka sekund - po naciśnięciu jednego pada, tylko pozostaje jeszcze sprawa jak je "zgasić" , czy można przez naciśnięcie pada taką ścieżkę także wyciszyć, czy trzeba je jednak zrobić na określony czas. poza tym - jak je tam wrzucić? czy z poziomu garage band moge je tam w jakiś prosty sposob umieścić.

[@WodzuBeats]

MPD to tylko kontroler, nie ma opcji wygrywania dźwięków. Musiałbyś skonfigurować sampler w jakimś DAWie

[@flashyk2430]

How do you connect mpd218 to fl studios?

[@WodzuBeats]

Probably somewhere in the MIDI settings, I don't use FL Studio

[@flashyk2430]

@WodzuBeats ow thanks and what do you use to make beats?

[@WodzuBeats]

Maschine MK3

[@flashyk2430]

@@WodzuBeats is it free?

[@WodzuBeats]

It's hardware and software, it's not free, see any of my recent vids if you want to check it out 😉

[@josamabingundyakawarpath9429]

From the shettiest device to such a wonderful instrument! Lol. You acted too quick when u made your 1st video I seen about this product from a few yrs ago. I don't like it when people do that u know; rate something without even knowing what they're rating becuz it spreads misinformation and can be a real bummer for someone who may have had a good opportunity to get one for a great deal but chose something else instead (unless what they chose turn out to be better). That's why I don't rely on anyone's word on anything until I try it out myself but don't get me wrong, I do take into consideration what people have to say about a product without taking it to heart & I don't just check out only 1 source~ I check out what every bodies gots to say about something then do the math taking the more credible critics more seriously then depending on the Verdict I'll either pass on going out of my way to giving it a try or I'll seek it to check it out myself. Don't get me wrong; u do give good detailed compositions on what ur reviewing & that can be valuable to consider. Personally, I'm a hands on creator type of musician so I prefer playing single notes & hitting chords in composition to create teh melody & tune from ground up~ instead of hitting 1 button to play something pre recorded by someone else, like a riff, melody, etc becuz I prefer making my own. Therefor something like an akai 218 is more like a child's toy for me. Not degrading it nor am I saying I would roll my eyes at it, becuz all big musical kids like to fk around with musical toys now and again so I would kop one of these things on sale or say if a 'head stopped into the office one day with one a these wanting to exchange it for a 20$ fix I definitely would take the ruddigan on his offer. Somethjgn like this (for a guy like me) is good for sitting on the toilet, going for a long ride on a rain, bus or passenger in a car, or for basically just fkn' around and make a couple a tune with it just for the fk of it lol. Sure why not?! When it comes to digital drums something like an Alesis sr 16 is more like my kinda thang but I really love the huge pads this 218 has to offer! A true musician has no boundaries and will Play, enjoy & make something good with anything

[@WodzuBeats]

Thanks for a very long comment! The thing is - I don't know what you've watched before, but this video is my first and only video of Akai MPD218. I haven't made any other ones in the past.

[@kristopherdetar4346]

Wow Dude, that was an epic rant. You must be related to my family line.

[@michael86734]

Does it work with Mac

[@WodzuBeats]

Sure, midi is versatile

[@bricdw]

Can you download the beat as a wav

[@WodzuBeats]

What beat? 😉

[@bricdw]

@@WodzuBeats if you make a beat can you download it as a wav

[@WodzuBeats]

@@bricdw all my beats can be downloaded in mp3 with voicetags for non profit use from my website. To get a .wav you need to purchase a license

[@WodzuBeats]

@@bricdw or if you just meant exporting beats from Reaper in wave rather than downloading then sure, you can export in wave

[@bricdw]

@@WodzuBeats thanks

[@Eric-dd8bk]

I heard a lot of bad things about the thing like double trigering, not so sensitive pads, not registering some of the hits when playing and so on. Have you come across any of those issues over the years you've used the thing? If so, were you able to solve them? I really need a drum controler and the MPD218 is currently the only one that's within my budget range so I really want to get it if there's a higher chance of getting a decent one over the falty one. Thank you.

[@WodzuBeats]

never experienced any of those

[@Eric-dd8bk]

@@WodzuBeats Okay. I'm pulling the trigger some time soon.

[@blazebloxer9776]

@@Eric-dd8bk did you get it is it good?

[@nachodaisuki91]

@@blazebloxer9776 Yeah I got it and it's good enough. Besides one of the pads having way less sensitivity than the rest, but I can just adjust the velocity of that particular note afterwards so no big deal. If you want to do edm, it will certainly do the job. If you want to do the more dynamic acoustic music, it's still good enough. Not the best, but good enough.

[@WodzuBeats]

Couldn't say better

[@prostarphone]

Akai Pads are too hard

[@WodzuBeats]

Depends on personal preference imo

[@nikolajtillberg7690]

I’m looking at buying this but by being new to this i don’t really understand explenations. Can you change the sounds on the pad? All 16? And if yes. Are there any limitations to the sounds you can put in? If you make a background noice. Can you make it go on repeat in background while you try things out and then maybe add more while it still being ok repeat?

[@WodzuBeats]

All the things you're asking about depend on the DAW you're going to use, not the controller. Most of the DAWs have the features you've mentioned.

[@DohertyMax]

Lopez Karen Hernandez Gary Miller Sharon

[@WodzuBeats]

Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya de la Rosa Ramírez