Akai MPX8

Shop at B&H: bit.ly/AkaiMPX8
The Akai MPX8 is an ultra-portable pad controller that features 8 velocity and pressure sensitive pads that can trigger samples from an SD or SDHC card or from other instruments via MIDI.

[@BandH]

+Tiny Bird Productions Thanks for the correction. We have made an annotation to reflect the fact that these are balanced TRS 1/4” outputs. The original manual for the MPX8 states that the connections are TS, or unbalanced, but Akai has since updated its specs to note that the connections are indeed balanced.

[@RelentlessCreation]

I subscribed because of the amazing improv playing at the beginning

[@BandH]

The pads on the MPX8 SD are velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive, which makes them very responsive and intuitive to play. Note: The pads' pressure sensitivity does not affect sample playback. "Pressure information" is only sent out the MIDI Out as polyphonic aftertouch messages when MPX8 is used as a MIDI controller. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: askbh{at}bandh{dot}com. Mark

[@BandH]

Yes - Use the included 1/8"-to-MIDI cable to connect the MIDI input to the MIDI Out of an external MIDI device. This is useful if you want to use an external MIDI device to trigger samples assigned to MPX8's pads. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: askbh{at}bandh{dot}com. Mark S.

[@Deep-Sea-Dream]

What he doesn't really mention is that this unit can only store 8 samples at a time and depending on the size of the sample it does take a few seconds to load in a new sample. Also I had trouble getting larger samples to stay in time/tune with the simpler one shot stuff so for instance if you want to fire off a sampled guitar riff it isn't going to blend in with your beat. Also you cannot have multiple kits stacked and ready to load with a twirl of the knob...You can have them but you'll have to look for them then load them. Making this unit only fit as a simple drummer.

[@joaofilipeferreira1279]

Does this work without being connected to a pc? Like a live performance?

[@monomixer]

Yes it’s so slow and stupid it’s unbelievable

[@winterzealot]

Your comment is a decade old but it helped me immensely. Thank you.

[@kurtlindner]

Rob, you always do great, well informed, unbiased reviews. Nice job -always.

[@martinjackson558]

I realize it's kinda off topic but does anyone know a good place to watch newly released movies online ?

[@trevorlouis7041]

@Martin Jackson Flixportal :P

[@martinjackson558]

@Trevor Louis thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I appreciate it !!

[@trevorlouis7041]

@Martin Jackson happy to help :D

[@TheSlyKangaroo]

Thanks for the review, I'm thinking about buying one now!

[@Human-Failure]

i try one of this few years back and my experience was NOT good at all... basically adding the files to the card for the device to read (i remember weird formats, names, and how big files would be?) was hard and the pads were not so responsive... but i love the fact that is really small and basic to shoot saplers live. There is a new version with 16 pads but i dunno.. looks a bit big whats the experience for you?? should i give a second try?

[@patiencehantamouth]

Thanks a lot for the info, guys!

[@oddomaticmusic]

Is it able to select through 8 samples, as in.. Our band has a 15 song set, and we have a diff sample for each song. would we need to switch sd cards, or can we cycle thru the set and trigger them individually? I'm looking for something to replace the laptop onstage, but it looks like I'd need one to power the MPX8. any other suggestions if this isn't the answer?

[@BandH]

You can use just one memory card, but only 8 pads can be loaded with one sample per pad. You may want to use two of these controllers while performing live. You can power this controller via USB without a computer, using a USB AC adapter/charger: The Monster Outlets to Go 300 for Laptops is equipped with three outlets and two quick-charge, high-powered USB ports. This provides a great way to keep all your portable devices charged and ready to go like laptops, cell phones, and more -- even when you're on-the-go. Additionally, it has a retractable plug for maximum portability; simply fold and slip into your bag, backpack, purse or pocket! B&H # MOMOTG300 Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@soilsminor11]

B and H looks like the output is FIREWIRE on the device. so you have to get a "firewire to usb" cable THEN plug that into an adapter

[@theprogrammerrolandmc3039]

@@soilsminor11 ha ha it's not firewire there is no such thing as firewire to usb

[@dynopascal6793]

@@theprogrammerrolandmc3039 yes this is USB DOUBLE D

[@tintisha123]

A great job... thanks for posting. I appreciate that you have actually tried it before creating the video ...and not created an 'out of the box' ..'oh ..I haven't tried that yet' kind of video. Is there a limit to the duration of a single sample? (I've had a lot of fun with a Tenori-on ...but samples that can be stored are limited) Thanks!

[@BandH]

The available memory is limited to the accessible space on a 32GB SDHC card. You can assign up to 30 MB's worth of samples onto MPX8's pads at a time (the sample library on your SDHC card can be larger, of course). Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@lisaviktorya]

The trigger modes don’t seem to be working on mine - holding a pad doesn’t loop the sample. Is this a common new user error?

[@BandH]

You must be in "TRIG/HOLD" mode to set the looping parameters. You might also try a RESET: To restore MPX8's default settings, which will reset all Internal Kits to their defaults, press and hold both Volume +/- buttons while switching MPX8's power on. >Mark

[@OctoSideStorytellers]

Hi, thank you for this clear and straightforward information. We'd like to know: is there a limitation in terms of mins/secs to the length of samples you can assign to a pad and then play? I.e. would it be possible to assign a drum track for a whole song that lasts, say, 4-5 minutes so you can set it playing with just one touch? TY in advance!

[@BandH]

Please make sure only 30 MB's worth of samples are assigned to MPX8's pads at a time. Also, please note that a sample's size will be rounded up when loaded (e.g., a 2.1 MB sample on the SD card will be treated as a 3 MB sample when it is assigned to a pad). >Mark

[@PhilJakes]

could one of those pads be triggered with a foot switch???

[@BandH]

This controller does not offer a port for a footswitch. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]>Mark

[@betees]

It's just a controller, not real sampler? Am i able to create tracks and record some live pasterns with playback of existing ones without computer?

[@BandH]

You will need a computer with DAW software to create with this controller. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@6riffmaster]

Could I use a midi keyboard to trigger more than 8 sounds or is it only 8 sounds at once ?? Thanks

[@BandH]

You have access to 8 different sounds at any one particular time via the programmable pads. But you can insert a standard SD card containing samples into the SD card slot and save hundreds of "kits". Use the MPX8 Editor (downloadable for free from www.akaipro.com/mpx8) to load samples onto an SD card. Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@j1e149]

how to record music with it? and do you need to connect it with a computer to play music?

[@BandH]

This controller connects to the computer via the included USB cable. Your sounds, shots, stabs, and drops can be recorded into your DAW software. With the included sample kit editor, you can easily arrange, tune, and add reverb to your samples on your Mac or PC before loading them onto MPX8. The editor?s drag-and-drop functionality makes loading your samples as easy as possible. bit.ly/1ywMBCz Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]>Mark

[@rjpineda9557]

hey everyone. :) this is a great product!! just wanted to ask, is this recommended for a live band set up? could it produce a separate click track, other than the L and R out for front of house? please let me know, many thanks!

[@BandH]

The MPX8 is a designed to be used as a standalone one shot sample playback unit. It is not able to produce a click track and other than Left/right panning there are no output routing options. *Andrea

[@rjpineda9557]

+B and H, thank you for replying!! sorry, what do you mean by no output routing options? would be grateful to your response!

[@bxcellent_87]

Could this be hooked up to my Akai XR20 drum machine for beat production use?

[@BandH]

Sure. Connect via the 5-pin DIN - MIDI Output. >Mark

[@HeruBocil]

Can akai mpx8 triggered by keyboard?

[@timleghorn157]

Can the prerecorded samples (in the SD Card) be triggered externally (say by a BOSS ES-8) via midi?

[@BandH]

Per AKAI: . MIDI In: Use the included 1/8"-to-MIDI cable to connect this output to the MIDI Out of an external MIDI device. This is useful if you want to use an external MIDI device to trigger samples assigned to MPX8's pads (set each pad's MID parameter to the desired MIDI Note number). MPX8 recognizes MIDI Note On messages over Channel 10 only. static.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/84745.pdf >Mark

[@njgmovies07]

How can I put different instruments behind each button to record with as a MIDI controller in for example FL Studio?

[@BandH]

You can edit the parameters of each Kit, including the samples assigned to the pads and the tuning, trigger type, panning, etc. for each pad. To assign a sample to a pad: 1. Select a Kit 2. Press the pad you want to assign a sample to. It will light up red, and the name of the sample currently assigned to it (if any) will appear in the display. 3. Select the Location field (LOC) by using the Select +/?buttons. 4. Use the Data Dial to select where your desired sample is located: MPX8's internal memory (INT) or an inserted SD card (CARD). If you are using your own samples on an SD card, please see the important "Using Your Own Samples" section 5. Select the sample name field by using the Select +/?buttons. 6. Use the Data Dial to select the desired sample. When the desired sample name is shown,wait a few seconds?the sample will load automatically. IMPORTANT! Your Kit (including its pad assignments, parameters, etc.) will not be saved automatically! To save it, please see the Saving Kits section of the owner's manual. cdn2.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/84745.pdf Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@njgmovies07]

Ha thanks for this detailed and for others useful answer, but I meant inside my DAW, to record MIDI-wise with the Pads inside my DAW. It's done with FL Studio's FPC plugin!

[@BandH]

njgmovies07 Please refer to AKAI for step by step guidance: www.akaipro.com/support. In this case FL Studio may be the better resource, since you are using their app: bit.ly/1m2Lss2 Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [e-mail]. Mark S.

[@francescocorasaniti6077]

is possible to connect it to akai mpx16?

[@BandH]

They cannot be interconnected or linked together. >Mark

[@francescocorasaniti6077]

@@BandH neither with the midi?

[@kiskadar69]

@@francescocorasaniti6077 Akai MPX16 with the latest firmware (v1.0.19) sends on channel 10 and receives on channel 1. Akai MPX8 with the latest firmware (fw v1.0.01) transmists and receives on channel 10 (does not understand MIDI Running Status!) So you can connect the Akai MPX16 MIDI Out to the Akai MPX8 MIDI In.

[@museypoo]

nice

[@adrosorbot1267]

looks cheaply made