Akai MPD26 Part 1 Review

Brief look at the Akai mpd26 midi controller.
Enjoy, cheers.

[@Musicsification]

Thanks for this vid,mate.I took the plunge and got one off eBay.50 notes!Sweet as a note!

[@jjseluk]

Good review! Nice and clear and concise. I was really wanting to get Maschine but I've been looking at getting Ableton and this instead. Really considering either the MPD26 or 32. Thanks!

[@amoiioiima]

very helpful vid man, good work!

[@EliasGadgets]

yes you can, I've heard its compatible with beatmaker 2 only but am not sure about the set-up, I believe they have it on you tube somewhere so do a search.

[@nottix624]

Thanks man, this really helped.

[@EliasGadgets]

Yes you can do that with having another laptop, one of the strengths of having an mpd. I will have this included in my vid when I do a comparison with the mpd32 both connected at once on one computer. The only set-up you will need to do is find in the software plugin the mpd's.

[@EliasGadgets]

Depends on the software but again if your going to use other DAW than MPD is easy as it has settings built in for various presets of various software.

[@EliasGadgets]

I would recommend the mpd 18 as a starting point which is below the 100 price tag which will only have the pads and basic functions to get you started

[@EliasGadgets]

Selected under control surface - input - output your mpd model among the list. Than you want to make sure below you have on "highlighted in yellow" track - sync-remote and that's it your mpd will be setup with ableton. Your knobs will be assign automatically and faders and pads but be sure to go on your mpd and press the preset button and select "Live" and enter.

[@318quinn]

great video i never made a beat a day in my life and I'm looking at this to start me off

[@ramonaispuro8188]

Did you get it after all? Hows everything going bro?

[@ontheblockgod]

How did everything work out for you. I just got mine the other day

[@hasanyucel9288]

Trey Peters with which programme are u gonna use it?

[@ontheblockgod]

@@hasanyucel9288 Ableton 10

[@EliasGadgets]

Go into your reason options, go to the "Sync" and check if its on 'Midi Clock" or "Internal". You need to make sure you have it to "Internal" and make sure you have the reason preset selected also.

[@EliasGadgets]

MPD TUTORIAL uploads coming up this weekend..I will be covering everyones questions and doing a step by step explanation of every controls and functions on the mpd for the beginners and intermediate users.

[@OLIVER949OC2]

How do you adjust note when you have assigned a sound or sample to a pad how do you adjust the note and pitch???

[@EliasGadgets]

Sorry, I missed this question..I would say the MPD because of the velocity pads and the fact that you can customise the MPD easily to other software. APC 20 or 40 is really made for Ableton Live only and whatever you have on the APC in regards to functions, you easily have also on the MPD for the exception of the clip launch that the MPD don't have.

[@nicosmith3924]

Ive heard the same however i cant seem to find it any where appreciate the help

[@EliasGadgets]

pretty much everything but the mpk can do that extra bit more and a lot more easy to custom and import chops. I would go with the mpk25 or 49 which will have even more features.

[@HVACUncensored]

I had one of these and took it back I had the MPD218 I wanna use it for my Podcast as a soundboard. People keep telling me telling it will work for that but I have no idea how to do that in the software. Do you have any idea on how to do that?

[@rjabreu89]

Nice review! Only one thing I noticed, the preview button doesn't work as you mentioned. You press it and while it's pressed you change the value of fader or knob, and the next time you touch that fader or knob its value will be the one you "previewed" it to be. I could go further on this... Anyway, great job with your videos :)

[@scottm4193]

Great review! So I've seen below that you must have the apd26 connected to a laptop at all times? I play in a band and will be using the apd26 through various native instrument software, battery, etc. Is it possible to have two apd26's connected to the same laptop and have independent functionality with different software, or do you think you'd need a laptop per device?

[@EliasGadgets]

Hi Mate, sorry for delay in reply, on holiday :) what software are you using? have you selected the correct Preset on your MPD for that software? to change the notes of a sound on a pad, 1.select the pad and press edit on t he mpd. 2.Press rotary enter knob. 3. select a different midi note pattern by turning the rotary knob up or down example "Note 035 to note 036 etc.. 4.press enter on the knob to confirm your selection and than preset to finish. Let me know if that has helped.

[@EliasGadgets]

In order to put beats on the mpd's you will need to use your software to chop sample of beats of your choice and than use them to be assign to the pads by using the Vyzex software that came with your mpd. Am still putting a vid together of how to use the mpd and set parts of functions to cover everyones questions. Are you able to use your mpd to play the samples in ableton? if not, your mpd is not setup. Go to preferences-midi sync option- see if your mpd is selected......

[@driton83]

Thank you my friend :)

[@1750rico]

Can u just connected to a vinyl/record player for sampling? Or it have to be hooked up to a computer/labtop

[@EliasGadgets]

No to both question am afraid, the MPD will not work without been connected to a laptop or pc and it needs a music software to assign controls. The mpd has no built in storage onboard so you can't save any beats on it, it's all based around your computer unless you get actual drum machine or an mpc.

[@aculanim]

thanks for this review man! one thing: when i release the pad after i push it the sound stops. how can i change that to have a longer sound with only one touch?

[@diamondjaypower]

can i connect this midi directly to my mixer? because i see no aux out to headphone option

[@EliasGadgets]

For me on a personnel level, I think Live is a great program and works best with all the MPD'S and APC'S. The software is more intuitive with these hardware. Now if your a current FL user and that is what your use to than stick with it as it compatible but not as intuitive. Either way you will get live lite for free to try which will have preloaded lessons/tutorials as an mpd edition of the software to get you started.

[@MarkGenerous]

I remember first starting out with the MPD26. It's a real great controller and I kinda wish I still had it. I upgraded to an MPC X and been posting up videos on my channel - really appreciate anyone checking them out and leaving some feedback!

[@EliasGadgets]

what software will you be using? what are looking to achieve? 2 different products completely. I would suggest you have a look at my "Maschine and MPD comparison" vid that will give you an idea of what may be suited for you because the Maschine Mikro is pretty much like the maschine in every way but more compact without the knobs.

[@sigmundthesock]

So is it possible to connect the MPD to a synth or keyboard and loop it live and then have it banked in a pad as you would a regular (preloaded) sample? In other words you could have both preloaded loops and create new live loops and control them all individually using the pads?

[@Artur_Yahyaev_AR]

What about sample memory?? how many megabytes does it support?

[@EliasGadgets]

Different hardwares but the XR-20 comes similar to an MPC with preloaded and sampler free drum machine without the need of USB. The mpd needs daw software but the XR-20 doesn't and comes with additions such as a synth section with various instruments built into the hardware. You can edit on board, overall it's a actual drum machine. There are limitations, no usb or control of your daw, can take some learning curve, it's not a mpc, you can't edit as much or change sound.

[@amonster8mymother]

I just bought one is it any good?

[@scottm4193]

right that's good to know, thank you!

[@bboyzeke23]

if I wanted to save money should I get the mpd26 or just get the 32

[@fado9631]

buen día, les escribo porque hace un par de años compre un MPD26 AKAI la verdad no lo he explotado al 100, uso ableton live, ya lo configure, funciona a la perfección. el único detalle es que el mpd26 tiene 4 bancos de 16 pads. cuando lo conecto solo reconoce los pads de esta forma. bank 1 todos funcionan. bank 2 duplica el mapeado del pad 1 al 4 y del 13 al 16 por otros del bank 1. bank 3 todos funcionan. bank 2 duplica el mapeado del pad 13 al 16 por otros. que puedo hacer para que funcionen correctamente el mapeado de todos los pads de los 4 banks son que se repitan notas del mapeado. gracias.

[@kyleharris8792]

Should I get this or maschine mikro

[@MaticBeatsGermany]

good video

[@10HJR]

do you think that abelton live lite is a good software or should I get a program like fl studio once i buy this mpd26?

[@damespeed]

how to make your pads sensitive ? electric tape and a screwdriver

[@EliasGadgets]

Yes I would for a beginner to intermediate level, thanks.

[@jiiimmyuno7587]

Can You Use This With Out The Computer ? And If So Can You Save Beats To The MPD ?

[@TheKingOfTheLlama]

If you mean preloaded samples or sounds then no it does not. It does have preloaded MIDI settings for a number of programs so you can just plug it in and play! Some examples are, Live, FL Studios, Reason, Sonar and many more! I think all together it has 18 preloaded but my MPD isn't plugged in at the moment so I cannot see! It does also come with a lite version of Live so if that is what you mean by preloaded software then yes! Hope this answered your question!!!!

[@EliasGadgets]

My personnel experience I would have to say the MPD for making beats and samples over the Launchpad. Launchpad I think would be more suited if you were djing working with a lot of cue points juggles and launching clips, samples.

[@Elisoolo]

can you use it without a daw?

[@rachaelcurrin9019]

So I Have Logic X Pro. I feel like Im all linked up but one I press the pads, I can't hear anything. Help??

[@benbenbenmaria]

+Rachael Currin did you ever figure it out? thinking about getting one, and thats what i use as well.

[@EliasGadgets]

Mikro will have a better workflow than the mpd as the MPD can from time to time disrupt your workflow to make various assignments or map certain controls. Mikro provides continuous flow like the Maschine.

[@MrSUBMISSION78]

i want to get an mpd but have never really tried and dont really know much about dj software what mpd do you recommend for beginners which is fairly cheap

[@nicosmith3924]

Any one know if i could use this as a midi with beatmaker 2 on ipad

[@fluke205]

Questions....Do i have to use this through a software on a laptop?? Can i create my own percussion tracks and use them at gigs?? Does an adapter come with it?? Does it run on batteries or can you charge it??

[@EliasGadgets]

1. Yes you always need to have a music software connected in order for this to work, it's a midi controller, it controls various functions of a software. 2. You can make your own percussion tracks in your software and than use the hardware to play and activate the sound but you cannot install or store anything in the hardware, again it's all software base. 3. No adaptor comes with it you only get the usb cable. 4.It runs via usb power from you computer or via an adaptor, no batteries and no charging.

[@CADOIP]

+Elias Gadgets (Gary) does it come with a program or do i have to also buy some 5000$ program

[@EliasGadgets]

Cadiop It only comes with lite version of Ableton live but sorry yes you will have to buy a software. It can be any software however rather a a certain set software.

[@CADOIP]

Thanks

[@tittolillooo]

I have a question, can i play with mpd26 without connect it to the pc?

[@mixandproduce]

does it come with a software

[@EliasGadgets]

Mpd 32 because the 26 would make you further save at a later date to buy the extra of the 32.

[@babachichibaba]

thanks man!

[@BieberXholeX69]

Does it have a preloaded software?

[@KingAnime101]

I need help with this, how would i make it and put it on my laptop and which studio is recommended? FL?? I also have a yamaha piano and i plan to start a side music career. What cords and /or products would i need to get all of that togetehr on my laptop in terms of connecting it together and recording it.? Thanks.

[@EliasGadgets]

+Jonathan Kenley - well connect is simple, you just hook it up via usb to your computer, run whatever software you have and the pads are ready to go. Recommended software is Live, it's really tailored for that daw, yes you can use fl studio and everything else but on a lot of occasion your going to spend most of your time trying to figure out how to add this, map this controls or fx etc which can be a pain and not really straight forward. You need to remember that this is not a workstation but more a trigger hardware system for your software, so in regards to you hooking it up with your keyboard, all its going to do is trigger sounds or keys from your keyboard and you would need midi cables. Again I would suggest software program live but rather than the mpd, i would really suggest you look at the maschine hardware or ableton push because they both easily can have anything connected to them all through your computer.

[@kennylee5621]

It's not a drum machine or sequencer. It's a MIDI controller. All drum samples and sequencing capability relies on the DAW you use it with. A true drum machine has its own sounds and sequencer.

[@EliasGadgets]

Yep, Ableton Live lite brand new mpd edition.

[@DanielAlvarez-tu8uw]

Anyone working on reaper with the mpd 26??

[@apricotaltar4596]

ty so much

[@HennyXPJAC]

im kinda new to this what programs is this capable on ?

[@EliasGadgets]

The programs that are compatible are cubase, Reason, Fl studio, logic, garage band and many more that you can use the MPD to control your software and effects and more.

[@thebreen82]

very helpful. you lad.

[@couch1196]

what software do you use to get sounds?

[@EliasGadgets]

+Couch - it came with Ableton Live Lite which had sound packs but the sounds and plugins are pretty much from whatever music software you have. Remember, this does not store sounds or comes with built in sounds.. it only triggers sounds from your music software.

[@onandibrooks4498]

just one second hand in 2022 I hope I make some bangers

[@bboyzeke23]

Thanks

[@nolangerard9518]

What software do i use for this?

[@EliasGadgets]

You can use any software, live, logic, garage band, fl studio etc.. its a midi player that will trigger sound from these software.

[@VioletJabayevapurpl3v]

Hi! It's look so good. I'm beginner and I want to buy a MPD26. What can you suggest to me?

[@EliasGadgets]

I would suggest you first try it out yourself at a store and make sure it's right for you. The reason is because there is a lot about the mpd that many are not aware of and ends up disappointed because they wanted something like the MPC or MASCHINE. The MPD doesn't have samples built it, nor stores samples and will alway be required to be connected to a computer software to work. If these are not a problem and you find assigning parameters simple than this is for you and you will fully enjoy it.

[@EliasGadgets]

Also if your a beginner I would recommend the mpd 18 and this one the 26 for intermediate to advance that will allow you to have further control to your software. If you want just the pad, go for the 18.

[@VioletJabayevapurpl3v]

Thanks for all! Good Luck!

[@EliasGadgets]

thank you

[@EliasGadgets]

no, you need a software and pc connected all the time.

[@455ninjasniper]

Do you know if you can use garage band with this?

[@EliasGadgets]

+brendan lang - Sorry pal but not really.. yes but only to trigger sounds thats about it, sorry.

[@TheMourningPalace]

What about Logic Pro?

[@EliasGadgets]

TheMourningPalace its the same thing overall for whatever software you use. Its a midi hardware, all it will do is trigger sounds from Logic, fl studio and other music software.

[@TheMourningPalace]

Elias Gadgets Allright, thanks.

[@jujuproductions4828]

can I use any software

[@EliasGadgets]

+Juju Productions Yes you can use any software with the controller.

[@dominusdominomusic]

It comes with Ableton Live Lite

[@EliasGadgets]

Yes, Mikro.

[@PolicemanPlanet]

Awesome Review! But I'm new to making and producing music. would you recommend this piece to a New-comer? (BTW ignore my username. Friends can be butts)

[@EliasGadgets]

Yes you will a computer and software every time. Without either your mpd is useless. However you can use it to control other hardware device like a keyboard or other controllers and workstations connected with midi.

[@ConradAllStar]

Please Help! Help can anyone direct me to a youtube vid STEP BY STEP or instructions on how to chop samples using vinyl (or anything) with Akai MPD26 through to Ableton live. Cant find anywhere. Please help!!

[@doriangasparlin6699]

Lew brought me here;P #UnboxTherapy

[@EliasGadgets]

+Dorian Gašparlin - Love his channel, the guy is awesome.

[@Kryptdegen]

i never found out what was the ac adapter for if it has to be plugged to a pc

[@madsrefshauge9643]

Is this worth buying for $100?

[@EliasGadgets]

hmmmm, gosh It really depends on what you want it for. If you want it as a midi trigger sound for your music software, yea sure its worth it. If you are expecting it to be like a mpc or ableton push and maschine miko or maschine.. I would say dont waste your money because it will not be anything like these. You will only be able to trigger sounds, like a midi keyboard, that doesn't have built in sounds but needs you to run a music software and trigger/play the sounds from that software. Keep in mind that you will also need to assign various commands to it sometimes. Look, its a great device which I loved when starting up and to experiment with, you will learn a lot from it, and $100, I think that's a good price, anything over I would say no.

[@madsrefshauge9643]

Okay sure, thanks.

[@OLIVER949OC2]

I got one and its fun once you get the hang of it

[@ybl12]

You will need a computer and software at all the time

[@diamondjaypower]

can i connect this midi directly to my mixer? because i see no aux out to headphone option

[@EliasGadgets]

no i doubt you can but i don't own this anymore due to it limitations.