Akai MPD218 Review & Tutorial

This is a review of the Akai MPD218 which is a MIDI pad controller with 16 backlit MPC pads and 6 assignable knobs. Including an overview of the MPD218 Editor.
Instagram ► / romanriccio
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#mpd218 #akai #review #musicproducer #soundengineer #recording #mixing #music #musica #musician #studio

[@brianrobison]

Thanks for the clear overview. And thanks especially for the MIDI channel tip!

[@RomanRiccio]

No prob! Cheers!

[@ShaniAce]

1:19 Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! Someone playing drums on the pads and showing off their velocity sensitivity! Finally someone who gets it right.

[@RomanRiccio]

Thank you! Glad I could help!

[@JudgeFish]

You don't need to set the midi channel on the individual pads, Use the auto-populate tool for global adjustments.

[@RomanRiccio]

Wow, I didn't know that was an option! Thanks!

[@XxTheGoOfYxX]

how?

[@8terminusmaximus8]

@@XxTheGoOfYxX the MDP218 has an editing software. In the tools tab there is an auto populate option that lets you make changes to all of the pads at once

[@Jeannek4493]

Such a clear tutorial! Thank you

[@RomanRiccio]

Cheers! :)

[@douglasmitchell4063]

Thanks for the info. Well presented.

[@RomanRiccio]

Thank you!

[@JeffyG]

I just bought a used MPD218 for $50. It’s perfect for iOS / iPad in its simplicity and size. I’m so impressed, I’m toying around with it in Logic and Ableton. You missed the mass change feature in the Editor software to change the midi channel for all pads and/or encoders in one click. I’m using different midi channel assignments in different programs (pads and encoders) for specific plugins, effects and virtual instruments. Owners are dumping these for more recent devices, but I think it’s very underrated for what it is. 16 pads X 3 banks = 48 pad assignments AND 6 encoders X 3 banks = 18 encoder assignments. The combined 48 pads and 18 encoder can have 16 different programs = 768 pad assignments and 288 encoder assignments. That’s crazy flexible!

[@RomanRiccio]

Awesome! Thanks for the heads up on the mass change feature! It is indeed a great little controller.

[@garycrouse1918]

really excellent tutorial .thanks alot roman. Just borrowed from local library ( nice)

[@RomanRiccio]

Thank you!

[@RocknRollkat]

Excellent presentation and very helpful, thank you !

[@RomanRiccio]

Thank you!

[@RocknRollkat]

@@RomanRiccio You're welcome !

[@fahadahaf]

If the tempo issue is anything like the MPK Mini 3, try turning on clock sync in your DAW and set your MIDI out to the the pad/keyboard. After that, your pad/keyboard should use the tempo set in the DAW

[@RomanRiccio]

Awesome, thanks!

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

Nice video. For the price, it's a great controller, I've had mine for a few years now, no issues. One tip I would like to pass along. If the top of the pads look a bit on the "dirty" side, get some cotton swaps (QTips) and just dip them in a "little bit" of Isopropyl alcohol (70% is fine) to clean the "top" of each pad. Really.. It will make the pads looks like "new".

[@RomanRiccio]

That's great advice! Thank you!

[@3kbeatz]

Also what Akai fails to tell you is if you want the rotary knobs to control the Q-links inside the software you need to make sure that [Control] and [Track] buttons are lit under Preferences> MIDI/Sync for your respective midi controller (i.e MPK Mini or MPD218). If [Control] button is not lit (or selected) then the rotary knobs on your controller will not map to the Q-links. I now can control up to 12 Q-links depending on which Q-Link Mode I'm on in MPC Beats software. I plan to do my own video on this process cause there's more to it. Oh and this has nothing to do with that Midi Learn function which ain't worth a crap!

[@RomanRiccio]

Wow, I'm not familiar with Q-links. I'll have to look that up. Thanks!

[@buggieb9971]

Where was this video man I’d like to learn

[@oyn5868]

I JUST GOT IT . I LOVE IT

[@RomanRiccio]

Awesome! Congrats!!

[@forsale313]

Thank you so much for the set to channel 1 Gem.

[@RomanRiccio]

Cool!

[@thedave1602]

In the past, MIDI Channel 10 was always reserved for the Drum track. I'm sure that's no longer the case, but I'm sure that's where that decision originated from.

[@RomanRiccio]

Right. That makes perfect sense. Thanks!

[@zakcolbert]

Thank You for sharing

[@RomanRiccio]

Cheers mate!

[@Papoistoico]

Its great

[@silumanberiman6077]

Great video. Can you please tell me if the knob is endless or have a start and end limit? And are this knobs can be mapping in any vst or control in DAW?

[@RomanRiccio]

Thanks! The knobs are endless in rotation. Yes, I map the knobs to all sorts of things in the DAW.

[@krystoffritsch1401]

Hey, I hope you'll read this because I am having a problem with resposivity. I have connected mine to my pc where I have the fl studio 20 and I have speakers plugged into the pc with 3.5mm jack. Basically whenever I touch the pad the sound comes out a little short time after I have touched it, so it confuses me and makes me always go out of the tempo because the sound isnt happening in the same time as the touch. If you or anyone could help me I'd really appreciate it thx

[@RomanRiccio]

The latency could be caused by a couple of things. You could try decreasing the buffer size in FL Studio down to 128 or even 64 if your computer can handle it. If that doesn't work you might need to invest in an audio interface with a better driver than the one that comes with your internal sound card.

[@vio4jesus]

Thanks for the video. I was wondering if I can use this as a MIDI input for my iPad? (as opposed to a Mac)

[@RomanRiccio]

It should work if you have the right adapters to connect it...

[@SanplerVarondaro]

que buen video saludos desde mexico amigos

[@RomanRiccio]

Gracias mi amigo!

[@FREEZER4000]

Is it true that when you make a chord progression in a certain key , the software sets any additional notes you may play to match the key of the chord progression you've just made? I used software called 'PERFORMER ' 30 years ago , the manual was 3 inches thick! , I'm impressed with how far tech has come along but it seems like some things have remained the same .> - 30ty years ago, to do anything with a microphone ,like singing , you had to strike one of the tracks on your reel to reel 8 track recorder with smpte code to sync it with your midi song? It was a mess , looking at it that way I guess this thing is pretty good . then again 30 years ? , these units should be even better , unless ( like most things ) companies are dealing out technology in small profitable helpings.

[@RomanRiccio]

Well there are certain programs that can figure out additional notes based on the key. I think Ableton might do that.

[@bankovicalexandre7221]

thank you

[@Parapsyglider]

Hi there, very helpful video. Thinking about getting this one. One doubt though, Can we control drum machine designer and battery 4 on logic without the MPC software?

[@RomanRiccio]

Yes, the pad controller sends out MIDI notes so you can use it to trigger any drum software.

[@arcadeapocalypsemusic]

Have a question for you. I have 3 hardware drum machines I use & what I normally do is record & trim individual one shots from them into my DAW & then arrange patterns within the DAW's sequencer. I'm hoping for a new, more hands on workflow where I could connect all drum machines to one device with drum pads & set let's say map a kick from 1 machine onto 1 pad, map a snare from another machine onto another pad, etc. & then play live patterns on the device's pads into my DAW. Would that be possible with this? Or would I still have to record/trim each hit seperately from the drum machines into my DAW, then map the recorded hits onto the pads on this to play live patterns? The latter would be alot more time consuming

[@RomanRiccio]

It might work to do that with the MPD218 if you connect your drum machines to the MIDI output of your DAW. The drum machines are probably already mapped to standard keymapping, and to get a kick from the first one and a snare from the second you would probably have to turn down the level on the elements you don't want to hear to zero. Otherwise I imagine that all the kicks will play at the same time and all the snares, etc. It would take some fiddling around but I believe it's possible.

[@clapforboobies5892]

how do you assign a sound to a pad vs just using whatever is assigned when you pull up a midi drumset in garageband?

[@RomanRiccio]

You should be able to do this in two ways; either change the keymapping for the pads themselves using the MPD218 Editor, or change the keymapping for the notes on the drumset in Garageband.

[@Elman411]

Feel that set to number 1 feeling. Could you possibly tell me if I could program sound effects to the pads? Is there a time limit? Trying to make a hotkey soundboard for fun and I can't get a straight answer. thanks in advance

[@RomanRiccio]

It really depends on what program you will be triggering with the controller. For example, Kontakt could do that for you.

[@Elman411]

Roman Riccio thank you.

[@TheMjriley5150]

Nice overview. I noticed you have a MIDI key map for BFD3. I plan on using this exclusively for BFD3 drums. Does it work well with BFD? Thanks for sharing!

[@RomanRiccio]

Yes for sure! Works great with BFD.

[@TheMjriley5150]

@@RomanRiccio Thanks, Roman. Just ordered one, will be here tomorrow:-)

[@RomanRiccio]

@@TheMjriley5150 Awesome! I think you're gonna love it. :)

[@ChrisJacobsonBand]

great video, it helped me tremendously!. Do you know of a userforum or website where one can find a midi keymap for BFD3? I'd love to find a starting place. Thanks. Chris

[@davidscott2095]

Thank you for the video. I am a newbie. For someone like me, would it just be easier to stick to the MPC software, or would it make any difference if I were to use it running FL Studio as my DAW? Thank you again.

[@RomanRiccio]

Right on! The MPC software is okay, but a program like FL Studio is far more powerful. I use mine with Logic and it works great.

[@davidscott2095]

@@RomanRiccio 👊

[@scruggi.e.3940]

big up!

[@RomanRiccio]

Thank you!

[@manueltritri1524]

Hi! Can you change the colors in the editor for the MPD218?

[@RomanRiccio]

Do you mean the colors of the pads? As far as I know they can only be red.

[@SEALEDBEATS]

Can it be mapped to othe daw software other thank Akai? For example Magix Music Maker Premium?

[@RomanRiccio]

It should work with any daw that can accept midi messages. I have used it with a few different ones.

[@quentinguerit2023]

Can we make a beat without sampled an original song but only with instruments on the mdp ?

[@RomanRiccio]

You can trigger whatever instrument you want in the computer with the mpd. It doesn't have any internal sounds.

[@EpicFeedsTime]

I’m looking to buy one for my dad , does it need to be plugged into a computer and used with a daw? Or can you just plug in and play it without any software?

[@RomanRiccio]

It does need some kind of software on the computer to trigger by MIDI. It doesn't have any onboard sounds.

[@devanshsurana1685]

Does it have an independent sound? Or can I only use it if I have samples on my software?

[@RomanRiccio]

It does not have independent sound and will only work as a controller sending MIDI.

[@Wazio]

Any luck with external clock for note repeat? Also, thank you for taking the time to make this!

[@RomanRiccio]

I still have no idea about that. If you figure it out please let me know!

[@Wazio]

@@RomanRiccio Just picked mine up today. External clock works fine in Logic Pro X (as long as the playhead is running). In FL Studio you need make sure you've chosen "send master sync" for the MPD. And like in Logic, you need to have the playhead running for it to work. Hope this helps!

[@RomanRiccio]

@@Wazio I just messed around for like 20 minutes and I finally got it working. Thanks buddy!

[@matstjean]

Ohhh! that controller who double trigs your finger drumming!

[@RomanRiccio]

haha

[@TheChameleon2008]

well, i bought mine 2 days ago and have zero double triggers. I got mine from amazon.

[@daydrmrofficial1966]

Yeah its fucking annoying me

[@doakalicious5964]

So can this do the same MPC machine that Araabmuzik uses?

[@RomanRiccio]

It's a different model, but it's made by the same brand and it has similar pads.

[@iba3913]

Is this device specifically for drums only? Meaning no base or gitar function?

[@RomanRiccio]

You can use it for any plug-in that can receive midi notes. But it works particularly good for drum rolls or anything played fast.

[@Su_So]

Someone here using this thing with Maschine Software? It works, but I can't manage to assign pad 1 to pad 1 in the software... Any ideas?

[@RomanRiccio]

I think you might need to figure out what the Maschine pads are keymapped to and then map the MPD pads to match it using the Editor.

[@323232blue]

I am starting from the bare minium pc thickcenntre, window 10, and computer speak can I start with this machine

[@RomanRiccio]

I'm not sure but probably?

[@Eric-dd8bk]

Have you tried the Presounus Atom? If yes, how did you like it compared to this? I'm torn between the 2.

[@RomanRiccio]

I haven't had a chance to try the Atom yet, but I've seen it and the pads aren't quite as thick. Not sure if that matters.

[@RestLess-MinD]

Get machine micro if you want more sensitive pads,soft touch like ..Akai s a lot stiffer they need more power more power to press

[@joelcoleman5236]

Has anyone figured out how to resolve PAD 8 not responding!? PLEASE HELP!?!?! Thank you!

[@RomanRiccio]

It sounds like you need to reassign the keymapping for pad 8 with the MPD218 Editor app. If that doesn't work you might have a defective unit.

[@fffelipon]

Hi, can you tell me if this drum machine works with batteries please?

[@RomanRiccio]

It's USB bus powered so it will only work if you plug it into a computer, phone, iPad, etc.

[@mixmcinfrarave]

NICE

[@2bad4unme]

Hi, thks for the vid. I just got a mpd226. It's connected to pro tools. I'll I get is bells and whistles!! I'm using a rock kit in xpand2. Do you know if this works with xpand2? Do I need to make a preset or template? thanks

[@RomanRiccio]

If you are getting bells on a drum preset then maybe the midi is going to the wrong channel? It should work with xpand2 but you may need to change some settings. The MPD outputs midi that can be used by any program and the default is set to channel 10.

[@jortsgod7892]

how do i make it so it’s just a midi controller. when i use serato sampler sometimes it plays different pads when i don’t touch it. it’s super annoying

[@RomanRiccio]

That sounds strange. I'm not sure why that would happen. Maybe contact Akai through their support system? Hopefully they will have a fix.

[@panodkrywacz8521]

There is possibility to add own samples under every pads? Or only from the akai data of this equipment?

[@RomanRiccio]

The unit itself has no internal sounds, so you have to use it to control software. When you are using the software you can definitely use your own samples.

[@panodkrywacz8521]

Nice thank you very much :)

[@bhrisphoria428]

2:16 sounds like the intro to Fireworks by Animal Collective

[@RomanRiccio]

Yes!

[@ssbfan101]

I just want something that I can plug into my loop pedal via 1/4" audio jack to loop behind my guitar, can I do this? I don't even care about all the fancy PC stuff I just want easy drum beats to loop when playing through my amp

[@RomanRiccio]

The MPD218 doesn't do that. I'd recommend something like an Alesis SR16 if you just need an affordable and easy to use drum machine.

[@saffronbandit4764]

I'm completely ignorant to this but very interested. Would you need to download these beats and sounds or do they come already on it ? I'd like to get a machine with sounds already on it.

[@RomanRiccio]

This is just a controller so it has no internal sounds, but it does come with software that can be installed on a computer.

[@valley_robot]

It comes with the free software MPC beats , this has everything you need to make music

[@Mlivenew]

Does anyone know how to factory reset the MPD218?

[@RomanRiccio]

I'm pretty sure you would need to use the MPD218 Editor software to flash the default settings into the unit.

[@maxjsilverman]

I’m still trying to figure out what the knobs do. Anyone know?

[@romanriccio4482]

The knobs are assignable to whatever you want, so for example the cut off frequency of a synthesizer. I use it for that a lot.

[@mikekemp7664]

Not sure but he recons there nice smooth knobs........ pondering on what he ment there🤔

[@romanriccio4482]

@@mikekemp7664 smooth meaning that the knobs have weight so they don't feel loose, but they also don't feel too stiff. It's a nice amount of torque.

[@patricialarasati27]

Is it good? What difference with MPD226? Need info..

[@RomanRiccio]

The MPD218 is very good and I really like the pads. The 226 has 4 assignable faders and transport control, which is useful if you want the faders. I prefer the 218 because it takes up less space on my desk and I mostly just use it for the pads, but I have also made use of the assignable knobs from time to time.

[@gpichel47]

Does this work with serato studio

[@RomanRiccio]

I haven't tried it with serato studio, but if serato can receive midi notes then it should work.

[@Musiclover6404]

I just ordered one a few days ago, I'm hoping to make so cool stuff. Can I use it with FL studio? What music software makes great beats for low cost of software?

[@RomanRiccio]

Awesome! FL Studio will work. I currently use Logic X, but these days any major DAW should allow you to make great stuff.

[@mana_beast_beats1114]

@@RomanRiccio --- Will it work with Reason????

[@RomanRiccio]

@@mana_beast_beats1114 Yes it will!

[@chilledm.136]

Did you have any problem with the sensitivity of the pads or everything good?

[@mana_beast_beats1114]

@@chilledm.136 --- I had to take apart and modify the MPD218 to even make it useable.

[@pancitcanton1803]

this is an very interesting review! Can you connect this on mobile?? like on Android??? Thanks in advance.

[@RomanRiccio]

I think if you have the right connectors and the phone can receive MIDI then it should work...

[@pancitcanton1803]

thanks for the reply sir! mine is coming on the way, can't wait to use it.

[@RomanRiccio]

@@pancitcanton1803 Awesome! I hope you enjoy it!

[@chilledm.136]

@@pancitcanton1803 Can you tell me your expirience using one of this on Mobile? Any problem with the sensitivity?

[@HaydenS24]

Are they Pads programmable or are they just preset nosies?

[@RomanRiccio]

The unit itself does not contain any sounds. It's designed to be plugged into your computer and then you can assign the pads to whatever virtual instrument you want, likes drums, sound effects, synths, etc.

[@marcswennen8465]

Which software do i need voor PC, Windows 10?

[@RomanRiccio]

You can download the MPD218 Editor software near the bottom of this page; www.akaipro.com/mpd218.

[@michael86734]

does it work with logic or garageband

[@RomanRiccio]

Yes, it works with both programs. I use it with Logic all the time.

[@REAL6]

Where can i find the Editor for mac? I cant find it anywhere.

[@RomanRiccio]

Try this link - www.akaipro.com/amfile/file/download/file/457/product/3/

[@REAL6]

@@RomanRiccio You are a life saver. I spent 30 min trying to find it all over the place. Thanks

[@RomanRiccio]

@@REAL6 No problem.

[@Kickk02848]

Can I use this on Logic Prox?

[@RomanRiccio]

Yes for sure! That's what I currently use.

[@iamjarrettdean9358]

What are those headphones you have on?

[@RomanRiccio]

AKG K712. They were a big investment but I needed headphones I can trust for mastering and I think they're amazingly accurate sounding. AKG has replacement parts so they should last a long time.

[@meynardoboringot1266]

Hi! Does the akai MPD 218 have the 16 levels feature?

[@RomanRiccio]

I've been asked this question before but I still don't know if it has that feature.

[@clapforboobies5892]

how do you access the editor?

[@RomanRiccio]

There is a download tab near the top of this page; www.akaipro.com/mpd218

[@Kemuridajit]

Which is better akai professional LPK25 or this?

[@RomanRiccio]

It depends on what you are doing. I like the pad controller mostly for drum stuff, and the keyboard controller for playing pitched parts.

[@Kemuridajit]

@@RomanRiccio thank you💯🤞🏼

[@TheChameleon2008]

@@Kemuridajit the 218 is the best because you have 16 presets with each preset holding 3 banks of pads and 3 banks of knobs so do the math :)

[@Kemuridajit]

@@TheChameleon2008 alittle new to providing but THANK YOU!🙏🏽💯

[@Music_11148]

Mine isn’t working I can’t hear the sound

[@RomanRiccio]

There could be a number of reasons why you are not able to hear the sound. What software are you using?

[@pierpa_76pierpaolo]

I wanted to know where I can find Akai drivers for MPD16 and so on. For win7\10. Thank you very much.

[@RomanRiccio]

I did some searching and I found this; www.akaipro.com/amfile/file/download/file/451/product/78/

[@pierpa_76pierpaolo]

@@RomanRiccio Yes, I had already downloaded it yesterday. Today I wanted to install Ableton but I don't have any more space on my hard disk and I will have to delete some programs that I don't need anymore. Yesterday I tried the free software recommended by Akai but I didn't get any sound. Now I'm going to try looking at some basic procedures to get started.

[@RomanRiccio]

@@pierpa_76pierpaolo I think the MPD16 should just work without installing a driver. The editor software is for customizing settings, so the problem is probably a setting in Ableton. Did you select the MPD in the MIDI settings window in Ableton?

[@pierpa_76pierpaolo]

@@RomanRiccio I don't use Ableton too expensive and complicated. I had abandoned MPC Beats but today I managed to "get out" some sounds by pressing the 16 pads of my Akai mpd218 and then I came back to consider it. In these days I hope to be able to test the old mpd16 very dated but still valid. could you tell me where I can find some valid examples starting from scratch? On youtube there is a lot of stuff but few explain step by step the various procedures. Many take these steps for granted. :(

[@RomanRiccio]

@@pierpa_76pierpaolo I'm not sure what you mean when you say valid examples. Are you talking about MPC Beats?

[@MrHunterWiseman]

I’m struggling to get my pad to synch. What am I doing wrong?

[@RomanRiccio]

Do you mean the pads are not triggering? What DAW are you using?

[@MrHunterWiseman]

@@RomanRiccio I’m using Ableton Live 10. I uninstalled my USB hub, restarted my computer, and Windows reinstalled the most recent version. It’s working now! 😄

[@RomanRiccio]

@@MrHunterWiseman Congrats! Restarting can do amazing things! haha

[@frankvet1]

Except I can't get the Akai editor to load (and not crash) on my M1 Mac. Thanks for the intro

[@RomanRiccio]

I just loaded it on my M1 Mac and it worked. Have you tried downloading again and reinstalling the software?

[@frankvet1]

@@RomanRiccio Thanks so much for your help. I'm sure you (youtube content creator) guys are busy and I appreciate the assistance. Frankly, I'm working through how to use the two pieces of Akai kit and think it best just to plug it/them in and use logic directly, mapping the pads and dials to logic (and not mess with the Akai Editor if possible). Just a newby and overwhelmed but reasonably tech savvy enuf and musically inclined enuf to figure out the best set up for what I want to do. Cheers

[@RomanRiccio]

@@frankvet1 That makes sense. There are no rules with using this stuff. Do whatever you gotta do to get it to do what you want. Cheers!

[@tomt6480]

Are the pads soft? Do they respond well to touch?

[@RomanRiccio]

The pads are somewhat firmer compared to other pads I've tried and they have good velocity response, but not as super sensitive as something like the Ableton Push 2.

[@tomt6480]

@@RomanRiccio I would love to buy this machine, can you recommend it?

[@romanriccio4482]

@@tomt6480 Well I own one and I use it all the time. I definitely recommend it.

[@Jorge.O85]

Save ur money....

[@EL-VISUL]

This work at a Android phone?? And its work whit a USB card??

[@RomanRiccio]

As far as I know it should work with a phone if you have the right connectors. There is no USB card because it is a controller and contains no internal sounds.

[@EL-VISUL]

@@RomanRiccio ok thx

[@NormBates]

Are those pads bigger than the pads on the mpk ?

[@RomanRiccio]

Yes, the pads are slightly bigger than on the mpk mini I believe.

[@ctatrains]

Did those sounds come with it?

[@RomanRiccio]

The sounds I'm using in this video are from Native Instruments Battery 4.

[@ctatrains]

@@RomanRiccio Thanks for replying. Funny, I have Battery4 but for some reason it sounds better when someone else has it. Kind of like food. lol

[@RomanRiccio]

@@ctatrains I know exactly what you mean. :)

[@FREEZER4000]

what is key mapping ?

[@RomanRiccio]

Key mapping is a way you can reassign the keys and pads on a controller to trigger different notes than their default which can be particularly useful with drum software.

[@FREEZER4000]

@@RomanRiccio Thank you

[@fax7451]

does it has 16 level mode？

[@RomanRiccio]

I'm not sure what that is.

[@fax7451]

@@RomanRiccio which is you can have different velocity for one sample(pad), and increased velocity will applied from pad 1 to 16

[@RomanRiccio]

@@fax7451 I am not familiar with this but it sounds interesting.

[@tommasodetesta4720]

actually you could set the synth midi channel to 10....

[@RomanRiccio]

That is true!

[@Savi-digital]

I have one of these, I’m selling it on eBay tho. It’s unused, open box.

[@michaelseidl1562]

bad sensitivity. im verry disappointed... it dosent notice soft pressure :( it kills the flow

[@RomanRiccio]

I'm sorry to hear that. The only controller I've tried so far with super sensitivity is the Ableton Push 2. It's a lot more money but the pads are unbelievable.

[@michaelseidl1562]

Thx bro. I order one and try it

[@RomanRiccio]

@@michaelseidl1562 Awesome! I hope you like it!

[@Reelreel2002]

Destroy them

[@RomanRiccio]

lol