The ultimate pad sensitivity test for finger drummers

CURRENT GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS:
BLOG /// 🌟 questforgroove.com/gear-recom...
The time is now! I acquired every pad controller I could get my hands on and tested for pad sensitivity and playability.
Wanna know which device to get to take your finger drumming to higher, more expressive levels? This is the definitive guide on what to get for the foreseeable future. Enjoy!
*Special thanks to 'Adam' (you know who you are) for letting me borrow his MPC live. Adam, you rock!
Tested Devices:
- Akai MPD218
- Akai MPD226
- Akai MPC Touch
- Akai MPC Live
- Maschine Mikro mk3
- Maschine mk3
- Presonus Atom
- Roli Lightpad Block M
- Korg Pad Kontrol (the old white model)
#fingerdrumming

[@TheQuestforGroove]

UPDATE Feb 2021: New video out with my current best buy recommendations: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4CVaHuVeNZqmK8 I also keep everything up to date in this blog post: questforgroove.com/gear-recommendations/

[@frankjaegr8604]

Thank you so much for your recommendation at the beginning without going 20+ minutes into it.. I'm looking for something with encoders/sliders.. Pads (I don't need keys) and especially Note Repeat or an Arpeggiator built in if possible. Looking for a DAW controller w/pads pretty much.. If it were class compliant that would be siiiick. Any leads?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

My guess would be that ableton push can do a lot of those things. Maschine mk3 in midi mode can also do a lot if you take the time to configure how your daw responds to midi cc messages. Also, there are a lot of iPad apps available that have digital faders and can remote control your daw. Also something to consider.

[@HardKillaz]

I looked through your videos for a dedicated video on Atom and did not find one, maybe I didn't look hard enough. If I'm right though, please make one as soon as is convenient to you. Your approach to reviewing a product is as good as me having the device itself and yes you already sold me on the Atom but the extra info wouldn't hurt

[@TheQuestforGroove]

There is no dedicated review! That must have been a misunderstanding. I just did a comparison between a bunch of devices. Will keep your request in mind though! Thnx.

[@HardKillaz]

@@TheQuestforGroove no thank you sir

[@feikeuphoff4309]

Finally someone on KZbin with honest reviews! Thank You!

[@themarshmellow410]

Currently waiting for my Maschine Mikro, so that was good to hear, thanks! looking forward to check more stuff out here

[@VoxJ]

This just saved me al lot of time and money! Thanks!

[@Eugene.g]

Finally! Great review. Going to buy the Mikro mk3

[@manulukusa378]

Excellent review, thanks a lot!!

[@ralphsolo6483]

Thanks so much for the video dude!

[@VideosVonDennis]

Your videos are great and so honest. Subscribed because of that. I am guitarist and I am thinking about starting finger drumming... found your channel. Really honest videos, no marketing talk. Keep the stuff up!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Thanks Dennis! I'll be back soon with more content. Right now I'm finishing up my new free beginner course for the website. Release end of this week. Highly recommended if you're just starting out!

[@simoncallender]

Top quality content as always.

[@lauris.marcenoks]

love the production and videos... you are great guy and true inspiration

[@SoundslikeTunesTV]

Props from Germany! I wrote a similar Comparison a few Weeks ago on my German Blog with a nearly same Result! Now I am more secure about my conclusion about the Pad Controllers! In my Opinion you´re one of the most skilled Hardware Advisors and without knowing your POV I am really happy about this Video right here, right know! Thank U very much!!!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Awesome to hear we both got the same results!

[@derien5433]

very good work, man! appreciate it!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Thanks!

[@cameronthompson7575]

Love the vibes bro

[@Bboyquin98]

Quarantine money about to make me a producer

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Aiight!

[@x.v3n0m.x]

Thanks for the great information. This gave me insight on which devices to start off with and to upgrade to. I love finger drumming and currently I use a mobile app called Drum Pads 24. As of now, I plan on getting the Akai mpd218 as a step-up beginning controller, but I’m also considering the Atom, since I’ve heard that a lot of 218s are inconsistent. Once I get better, I plan on finally getting the Big Maschine. Thank you so much for your time!

[@benhaim2098]

Man!! You’re the BEST on KZbin Now!

[@valentaskackauskas626]

Now i know what i need 😊 😉 (maschine mk3). Thanks you very much!

[@shoeengine1161]

i just checked out a few other videos on this channel and this might be the BEST channel on youtube! SUBSCRIBED AND NOTIFICATIONS ON!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hahaha, thank you! You just made my day!!

[@manugalera7209]

I've just found this channel... Thanks a lot!

[@mb2776]

Nice to hear that the padkontrol is nice and that the white version is the one to get cause i was gonna to buy one and didn't care what color to get

[@indradarni2232]

Once again thanks for this review of almost every possible pad device in the market. I don’t have usd600 to spend so mikro mk3 is my best choice. This will add to my existing s88 mk2, m32 and Audio 2. Omg I’m all with Native Instruments right now and I’m happy with every device they came out! Thanks for making my decision much easier. Mikro mk3 I’m cmng to get you later!

[@peterjeyaraj2579]

Thank you so much for the great information..

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Make sure to check out my 2021 video as well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4CVaHuVeNZqmK8

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

Very informative video, as i begin the hunt for my first drum pad controller.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah right now my 'quick' recommendation summary is: - Maschine mikro mk3 - If you have clear plans for using more pads, then get a launchpad pro mk3 - Nektar aura is also a good choice but you have to configure it very precisely. Did another video about that. If you have less to spend: - Launchpad X - Presonus atom I have not heard of any controller never having any problems. A lot of people buy the mikro mk3 for example and on the qfg message boards there were a few unlucky people who had to send it back and get a working device back in return. Same for the atom or the launchpad x. I do think its rare that you g see t a bad unit, but keep that in mind and keep the receipt. All people who exchanged the unit got a good one in return.

[@VarsityAthlete04]

Cool video! I bought the MK mikro, its not too expensivr but still has quality

[@estebanmartinez1723]

I'm a drummer who wanted an alternative for playing drums without the actual drums. I bought my mpd218 some months ago following your advice. I'm not sure if I got one of the good or bad ones because I haven't played on another drumpad yet to compare, but I have to say that it was a great choice. First because of my low budget, considering that I live in Argentina and nowadays a 218 is worth more than 200 dolars here, so you can imagine how expensive can be one of the superior models that you mention, also knowing that the salaries are pretty low here in comparison to Europe. Second because I found it very simple and easy to use and configure because it has just the necessary, which makes it perfect for begginers. Now i'm trying to improve my technique so I can play live with some friends someday. I invite you to watch the two videos in my channel if you want to. For last, I must say that your videos helped me a lot to get started in this and improve as a finger drummer. Thank you, Robert!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey Esteban, that is so great to hear! It makes me very happy to know that my advice from a year ago did help people. I really like my mpd218 as well. And apparently you got lucky and found a good one which is indeed super great if you don't have a fortune yo spend! I hope akai improves their quality control so I can start recommending the 218 again.

[@EgoShredder]

My issue with my MPD16 and maybe other models in the range too (?), is using two fingers on one pad to simulate using two sticks for rolls etc. My MPD16 and also Yamaha RY30 tend to either not register both hits, or I get unwanted hits / double triggering when only one note was needed. So what I am saying is I need something that is predictable and does not need firmly hitting with your fingers.

[@mynamephwong5428]

this is the best review ever. i was really trying to decide between presonus and the mk3 mikro. i'm definitely going with the mikro now. i want great pads, and i like how it can work as a stand alone as well so that i could just set up little drum loops when trying to come up with ideas on the acoustic guitar before trying to turn it into a real project in my DAW

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah for the best pads I would go with the mikro! Both the atom and the mikro have this limitation in standalone mode where you cannot change the notes inside the device. So if you set up a drumkit you have to go the other way around and configure which pad triggers what sound inside the drum software. This is easy with addictive drums 2, but it can be harder with other drum software. That's the only downside. The pads are great! And honestly, for the price there is no alternative right now.

[@mynamephwong5428]

@@TheQuestforGroove hey thought I'd hit you up one more time just before I make my final decision. Do you know how the MK3 Mikro compares to the MK2? Even though it's newer and probably has a few features the MK2 doesn't have, I'm assuming the MK2 still has more features? The reason I ask is because the MK3 Mikro is $399 Canadian, but the MK2 is on clearance right now for $349. Perhaps you haven't tried that model and don't know, but I figured I'd ask since you seem to be very informed on drum machines. thanks in advance.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Good question, but unfortunately I never played a mikro mk2. What I know from users is that a mikro mk2 can be pretty good although never as good as a big maschine. The mikro mk3 is good but also not as good as a big maschine. So... yeah. My guess is that the mikro mk3 pad les are just the best budget pads available. Better than (mikro)mk2. That said, with the mikro mk2 you can still edit the notes in midi mode by using controller editor. This is not possible on the mikro mk3. You can still use it in midi mode but all configuring takes place inside the drum software because the controller has just one midi mode that is static.

[@-OK-Fine-]

Just boughtba MPD218. Think I've been super lucky. Worked close to flawless aside from the odd ghost beat (picking up unwanted pad activation) loosened the screws on the circuit board by 8th of a turn and that has now completely stopped and even the velocity/sensitivity of the pads has improved. After watching all your videos I was excited but skeptical. Guess I found treasure on this hunt. Thanks for the info and have to say great technique on the pads you have there man.

[@julianfishboyazhou3938]

Thanks a lot！

[@paulcamus8944]

Awesome! I was really looking forward to seeing your take on the Atom. While you certainly don't seem to be blown away by it, the size and price were already tempting and now I might just have to get it. I only have an MPKmini and the pads are deplorable. Thanks again!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah it's great for the money. Just not as good as another device that $100 more or two other devices that are a couple of $100's more. :-)

[@TheQuestforGroove]

It's exactly where it should be in terms of price/quality which is a great achievement.

[@nicolasnovella1451]

Hey, ur videos are great. Subscribed!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Thanks!

[@supadjmq]

Good info

[@JHsp-mx6tz]

Thank you for a greate video.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I'm seeing all of these old reactions for the first time. No idea what happened! But thank you!

[@IKI-KIKI]

Completely new to drum pads yet I feel very secure trusting your words. Thanks for some great reviews!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Welcome to the club! :-) let me know if you have questions.

[@IKI-KIKI]

The Quest for Groove Thanks man :) I seem to lean towards Maschine Mikro for purely cosmetic reasons (since I find the Atom kinda ugly). But what holds me back is that I’m not really interested in using the Maschine software. It’ll mostly make my projects more cumbersome. How big deal would you say that is, how easy is it to use directly in a DAW? Also, where are you at? Finland?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I'm in Amsterdam Netherlands. And I only use my controllers in midi mode inside a daw. I have a big maschine and never used the software Haha. The mikro can be used in midi mode but you cannot change the notes it sends out. Which means that in midi mode you need to combine it with software instruments that have midi learn functionality. I use addictive drums 2 for drumming and the midi learn function is excellent. So the mikro in midi mode plus addictive drums is a killer combo!

[@IKI-KIKI]

The Quest for Groove Wow My guess was way out then 👌 So in midi mode, you don’t even have to open the software?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Exactly. If you go to my website questforgroove.com and sign up for the free beginner course (seriously, no secret marketing trick here) you'll get info about what to buy and also a step by step setup guide for maschine mikro mk3 and addictive drums.

[@danieles6684]

Wow. I tried to get into finger drumming 8 years or so ago with the korg padkontrol (the black one). I assume I read a lot of reviews that it was good, but when I got it... it just wasn't very sensitive. I ended up putting it on the shelf and never used it. Your videos got me interested in finger drumming again, so I tried pulling it out this week. Indeed, it still sucks. I decided to bite the bullet and get your recommended mikro mk3. Lo and behold, I watched this right after buying, and I finally have an explanation for why the padkontrol didn't work well! Thanks for making these videos. Really looking forward to getting my mikro mk3 this week :)

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey that's great to hear! Hope you're going to have a blast playing and making music. If you stick with it, finger drumming can be a big plus to your music production and even improve the groove and flow of any other instruments or parts you're playing. At least that's what I found over the years.

[@justszpaq]

Some of great finger drummers are using korg padcontrol. It's about 20 year old midi controller. I think it was great for many years

[@Marrcello]

Great video! For me, in terms of pad feeling, the mpc live is my favourite 😉

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah I understand completely. I don't rule out the possibility that one day I'll change my mind. Its kinda like with guitars. You have a stratocaster, telecaster, les paul, all great guitars but they all have something different. Theres no real right or wrong there... just how you feel personally about them at a certain point in your career as an artist. The mpc live is very nice. Shows that akai can build good stuff and that they should deliver this quality to more of their devices. If the mpd series had mpc live pads... I would forget native instruments even existed :-)

[@Marrcello]

@@TheQuestforGroove true..

[@KidFictionOfficial]

Real indeed!

[@darthvoda]

Thank you so much for putting this videos out, they are a precious resource for us who have this hobby and want to take it to another level. Big hug! >:D

[@vladimirivanov6353]

nice!

[@renn6699]

Longtime PadKontrol Blk owner here. No sensitivity issues for over 10 years. Used it on a MPC1000, Boss SP-505, a Reason 5 set up and Reason 10/11 rig with Superior Drummer 3. I had tried an older Akai MPD32 way back but it wasn't sensitive enough for jazz style drums. I can play the corners of the PK pads for more nuanced hits. Plus, the X/Y pad note repeat, foot switch and midi ports are nice. I still can't find a solid replacement for it. Should say it came in the older box with the White model on it, not the Silver boxes that later shipped.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Interesting! It's always hard to pinpoint when exactly the "average quality" of the devices went down. I got myself a black pad kontrol a few years ago and it wasn't nearly as good as my white one. The stupid thing is obviously: maybe the pad controls that are made today are good again :-) you never know... I think because at the moment Kong isn't really testing for those super sensitive responses to be there so it ends up being kinda random.

[@brmbkl]

good to hear. i used a white padkontrol and was dissapointed in any and all other controllers after that. was going to get a blackone and it sure is reassuring that your black one was fine!

[@brmbkl]

I saw a detailed explanation somewhere over the years (in an article?) with pictures that really showed why the korg mechanism was superior (patented I believe). the reason is the sensor underneath the pads is proprietary and circular, going all the way to the edge of the pad.

[@fradenX]

I hit that sub button when you said, "Shit just got real." And I don't regret it.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Haha thanks man, welcome aboard!!!

[@fradenX]

@@TheQuestforGroove Read your blog post for the updated recommendations, too! They're so great and detailed. Thank YOU.

[@DukeKox]

Very nice reviews of the different pads and good explanations for varying budgets & needs. Well, I've got the opportunity to get a cheap used Akai MPD 218 (older production line) and will try to be successful on my "treasure hunt". If I'm able to test before buying it, do you have any on-the-go, imitable methods & tips to check if the sensitivity and playability are okay (within the DAW)?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah well, the best thing to do is to make sure you somehow play a maschine (mikro) mk3 first. Then you can check if a beat that you were able to play on the mikro also works on the mpd218. Then it's a good one :-) If that's not possible just give each pad a few soft taps. Are all pads responding the same? That's a good sign. Do you need to give it a serious hit before a pad lights up? Thsts bad

[@sasharobbiati5124]

I am still tweaking my MPD218. The size is perfect. I am experimenting with the screws. I have removed the ones in the middle. Also I have placed tape inside on top of the pad sensors. The response is good but still there is double trigerring.. I will try adding an extra layer of tape this time on the bottom of the pads..

[@leorodo8951]

Great video again! Thank you very much! Here goes a quicky: Is there a way to change the pad bank in the Maschine Mikro MK3 by pressing only 1 button? (while playing)

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Looks like group + 2 is the only way. Theres no 1 button to do this. In midi mode you cannot switch pad banks at all by the way.

[@SpyderBlackOfficial]

The presonus atom has good sensitivity & and pads are good quality.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yes!

[@LewisSatini]

Have you try the arcade pad like the midi fighter?

[@pierrehansen7042]

Hello, thanks for that very informative video! Well done and very helpful. I am also on the hunt for a good piece of controller gear for finger and hand drumming. The first idea I had was to get a used Roland Handsonic HPD-10. Additionally to the midi capabilities it most probably has some very nice own sounds and probably very good pads. Do you have experience with a Roland Handsonic + Finger drumming? Thanks! Keep it up.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I have never played one but I have a good feeling about it. Looks like a sturdy, quality device! But yeah... if have to play one to be sure.

[@ulrap1202]

I've been watching a bunch of reviews of these controllers. I can't believe how bad some of them are, especially the Akais. What is the point of having a pad to trigger a sound if it doesn't work consistently? You're better off just using a keyboard if the pads are that bad. Good to see that the Maschines and Pushes are quality gear. At least you can be confident that you can get something good for a little more money. Thanks for the great reviews, you're the man!

[@SteelerY360Nation]

Maschine MK3 👍 👏 🥇

[@sumyunguy4150]

Great overview! I have a question though. Can Maschine MK3 replicate the roll speed/volume that is achievable when using the Padkontrol's x/y pad? Do you know what I mean? The x/y pad on Padkontrol can create AMAZINGLY dynamic drum rolls. BUT you need to keep a finger on the x/y pad to modulate them! I want to buy an MK3 I just would like to replicate thus feature! Can you tell me?! Thanks a lot, it's a great series of vids you've done.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey, that type of roll is a pad kontrol exclusive im afraid. I don't miss it though. Love playing my machine. The pads respond better and give me an overall better sense of control.

[@Ace0nPoint]

What about the pad action on the Ableton Push 2? really interested to know how it holds up from a veteran perspective. I've heard the actions not great, and you should have a dedicated drum pad for the actual drumming inputs, but its still really good for controlling sequencing, etc.

[@kairn3735]

Yes, please say us something about Push 2

[@HazyJ28]

I actually just got the MPD218 two weeks ago along with an Akai Fire!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

If they work for you they work! Don't wanna spoil anybodys fun :-) Its always a surprise what you get with those cheaper akai devices though. Sometimes they're great and then .. they're not. I hope you were one of the lucky folks!

[@luckyone2125]

Nice1, i just got myself korg school :D

[@MichaelCozineSounds]

I currently own an ATOM and an MPD218 and I have to say there is definitely a trade off between the two devices. MPD218 I feel responds to a lighter touch, but doesn't have a great velocity curve. The ATOM on the other hand I have to hit a little bit harder but responds much better to my playing. I feel like both devices have a tragic flaw however. While the MPD218 has double triggering issues, my ATOM will often drop notes when playing 16th note patterns on one pad (aka snare / hi hat rolls). I have never had dropped notes on the MPD218 so I think one is only better than the other depending on what style of drumming you are trying to play with them. I personally find myself using the MPD218 more often.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Thanks for your two cents! My guess is that if you own a good mpd218 it can be better than the atom I guess. Problem is that you usually get a bad device nowadays . Did not know about the note repetition... I did check but since I have two pads for snares, kicks and hihats it usually only happens s when doing stuff on the Toms. Thanks again, always good to hear how these devices are doing across the world!

[@emu55]

Korg Pad Kontrol is the best. I have the old white model but it’s still amazing in 2019

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah, it's pretty astonishing they could make that 10 years ago and somehow cannot do it anymore with the black pad kontrol.

[@maccagrabme]

Agreed its the best I've use, way better than the MPC touch, you can almost blow on it and get a sound out of it.

[@salvatorediguido4883]

Hi, i would also suggest as the cheapest option to find a Vestax Pad One, some store still have one as cheap as euro 29, it has very sensitive pads with velocity and aftertouch and it's also made of aluminium.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Wow, never heard of that!

[@etaborya]

What do you think about Akai MPC One? Is Novation Circuit series good for fingerdrumming?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Well with the circuit you think you have for rows of pads, but you actually have two rows and then two rows for the sequencer. So you have less drum pads than you think. For me it was not very useful since I could not set up a 4x4 grid on the thing.

[@etaborya]

@@TheQuestforGroove thank you for answer. And thanks for your videos, great and very useful stuff! Honestly I don't have a plan to become greatest fingerdrummer, I am already rather known harmonica player, but I want to add some fingerdrumming to my show, but I don't want heavy stuff. I already have a lot of harmonicas, pedals, amps etc, with me so I don't want to have laptop (and I don't own working laptop right now). Usually we have real drummer, so I plan to trigger some 808 samples for some parts. I already own AKAI MPX8 and AKAI MPK mini play. Both are standalone but both are 2x4. However so much tutorials recommend 4x4 layout. I think it is also useful to fingerdrum for my overall timing. My fingerdrumming timing is so bad now comparing to my harmonica and guitar timing, so I sure if I overcome it will be useful for my harmonica playing too. Does it worth to become good on 2x4 layout before getting 4x4, is 2x8 ok to start? Or it is better to get 4x4 from the beginning?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I think 4x4 is the easiest way to get started honestly. It allows for quickly playing some basic beats. With 2x4 stuff gets a little complicated and in a way with the small pads on the 8x8 stuff gets complicated too. Using fingerdrumming to improve timing is absolutely a great thing! I recently made a video about how it improved my guitar playing :-)

[@gabrielepuntin1893]

Great video, helped me a lot. I got and Akai MPD218 for Christmas as my first drum pad, after seeing all their marketing and good reviews from everyone, so I was very excited... only to find I literally had to smash the pads to get maximum velocity, and still apply in my opinion too much pressure to trigger them. So now I'm on the fence about buying an used PadKontrol and an used Maschine Mikro MK2, if you ever used the latter, which one of them would you recommend?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I think I would try to find a mikro mk3 to be honest. Maybe there are folks that are selling theirs already. Only important thing with a used maschine device is that you get the software licenses as well! You don't need the software when playing but you might need it to get everything activated and running.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Also, a mikro mk3 needs a firmware update before it can be used in midi mode!

[@gabrielepuntin1893]

The Quest for Groove thanks didn't know about the software being possibly needed for the setup of the Maschine, in fact I've seen really good offers for these devices where I live that probably don't include software for such a good price though. Will keep that in mind, thanks for pointing it out, and yeah at this point I'll try to find an used MK3 but that'd be a hard guess at least here in Italy haha. Thanks for the help and good work with the KZbin channel!

[@jeffreyepsteinseggshapedpe143]

Hi there , loved the video. I am hoping to add a device like one of theese to my guitar setup, preferably connected to my loop pedal so I could loop some percussion , but have noticed alot of them need to run through a computer or DAW TO operate . Would you possibly have any advice about a pad like theese that would have the correct output jack to run directly into an amp / pedalboard ?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey! Good to see that Jeffrey Epsteins egg-shaped penis is looking for new hobbies :-) :-) If you want to bypass the computer completely you should look into the akai mpc one or akai mpc lice devices. You won't get the same realism in drumsounds but you can leave the laptop at home completely!

[@jeffreyepsteinseggshapedpe143]

@@TheQuestforGroove thanks very much for the info !

[@SefaDrums]

Thank you so much for this video! I just returned my MPD226. The sensitivity and responsiveness was pretty bad. I just received the Mikro MK3 and so far love how the pads respond. Now its just a matter of learning the Maschine software. Im not a fan of how it limits integration with your DAW. At least with the MPD I could plug it in and record midi notes into Logic while running MPC. It seems like such a hassle with Maschine. Thats a separate issue though. So far I’m very happy with the hardware and midi mode. Keep making great videos 🙌🏼

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey Sefa, Yes it is actually a concern of mine that when Native Instruments gets too much marketshare, they will abuse their power, ditch midi standalone mode altogether and start forcing everyone to use their software. Apple / Microsoft style. So let's hope that other companies step up their game and start producing kickass midi controllers :-)

[@SefaDrums]

@@TheQuestforGroove I agree! Hopefully they will see this video and realize they should be catering to all instead of just one platform. Quick question, while in midi mode on the Mikro MK3, is there a way to change the pad banks? With the MPD I just push bank to cycle through them, but I can't find any information on how to do this with Maschine in midi mode. Thanks for your help.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

It seems to not be there. The mikro just maps all pads and knobs to a set midi note and that's it. The big mk3 does have pad banks but they really toned down the midi support to the bare minimum with the mikro which is exactly why I'm a little scared they're gonna keep pushing the envelope towards abolishing midi in the future.

[@Jun-er8fu]

@@TheQuestforGroove I already experienced this... if you buy the Maschine without software, in some cases you can't enable midi standalone. If anyone buys a maschine second hand, they need to be really careful.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah that makes sense. I noticed I had to fire up maschine software (updated to latest version) one time before I could switch on midi mode so indeed, without the software you're screwed.

[@SHR3DD3Rx]

Would you be able to speak on the Maschine Mikro Mk3’s integration with Ableton at all? I’m looking for a dedicated pad controller for finger drumming within Ableton, so the push 1 that I have can be focused on other tasks. It seems that the Maschine is a great option as far as playability, but from my reading has a difficult time working with other DAWs.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah, well you can switch maschine into midi standalone mode and then it can work pretty well with ableton. In midi modex every button, knob and pad becomes a midi note or midi control thing and since ableton has midi learn for basically all knobs and faders you should be able to create a nice setup and assign knobs on the maschine to things in ableton. Setting up the pads is probably the most annoying part but it can be done. A friend of mine recently set it up with addictive drums in ableton.

[@etaborya]

Can you recommend any standalone device for fingerdrumming?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Not for my style of playing at the moment. I tested devices like the Maschine + and also Novation Circuit, but they're really don't sound and feel like you're playing on a drumkit. As long as you're more oriented towards electronic sounds it's ok, but otherwise standalone is not really a thing.

[@2000jago]

I just recently bought the Akai MPSD218, so far I'm satisfied with it. Without experience with any other pad controller, how could I know if I have a "good" or a "bad" one?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Honestly, if you play it and it seems to respond well you have a good one. You will immediately know you have a bad one because one or more pads simply don't respond well to soft touches and you miss notes and stuff like that.

[@GreasyBelcher]

Great channel, I’m teaching myself piano at the moment and recording with Logic, also want to get up the finger drumming skills.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Welcome aboard!

[@rmaartmann-moe382]

Roland HandSonic HPD-20 "World tour" featuring Kornél Mogyoró kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnbZlqafnstla8U

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Awesome!

[@psrinivasreddy714]

Hi I have akai 2000xl and mpd 26 controllers Its perfect velocity pad Now i took mpc live its good but compared to mpd 26 ets velocity and threshold are not good because when i play on triggers mpclive takes only above 30-127 velocity values am a live orchestra player iwant play hihates snare rolls ets..with very low dynamic range its not coming in mpclive i tryd to set in mpc live preference mode but not coming wt i want in recording we can adjust velocity values but when we play on live stage its necessary to play with velocity levels right .... So can u plsss help me how to set velocity wt a i want in mpclive

[@jorgecds]

Let me share my own experience with the few devices I have owned. The pad controller with the best sensitivity I have ever had is the old MPD32 WITH the pad upgrade kit installed. It was amazing, I felt that I was in full control of my hit-hats (I love recording them h hats). Unfortunately I had to get rid of it because it was too big/chunky and the faders broke (accident). I replaced my MPD32 with 3 devices over the past 3 years... MPD218, Push2 and MPC Live. I had the chance to buy any of the Machine controllers at some point (when the MK3 got released) but I opted for the MPC Live. The MPD218 had good sensitivity but always double triggered samples or just did not detect some of my inputs, it felt inaccurate and I was sad. The looks, built, size... it is the dream pad controller and I still own it because it is great in a way... but the moment I got the Push it stopped being my main controller. Push2 felt waaay more sensitive and of course 64 pads. The problem with Push (and Ableton) is that it is also unreliable! This is a known "glitch" that they have not solved even after Live 10; everytime you go from a track that's got a simpler in slice mode to session view (in the Push) and then back to the track with the simpler... the sensitivity DOES NOT adjust. Sensitivity is just terrible, the worst ever... and the only way to fix that is by going back to classic mode and then back again to slice mode. It ruins my workflow in so many ways... terrible. Finally the MPC Live, which I chose over the Maschine because the pads felt very comfortable, fatter, and of course standalone, 6 hours battery... it is a dream. The pads are not as sensitive as the Maschine, that is kind of true... but it felt more satisfying to play.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Thank you so much for all this useful information!

[@ArapBayraminOglu]

Indeed. I sold the MPD32 because of the size. I got the MPD218 and the size is perfect but the double triggering is driving me mad. I've placed tape on the sensors and removed the center screws on the inside board. This has helped but still double triggering occurs. I keep on tweaking it but not with 100% reliable result. Whenever you loosen tighten the corner screws the boars seems to move around. This plays a big part in the bugy behaviour. they should create a new pro version with stable and sensitive pads, 16 levels and maybe transport controls. The demand is huge and it would sell as the number 1 generic padcontroller on the market.They are missing out!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

They absolutely should. I would gladly pay $200 for a well tuned mpd218

[@MediaMusik777]

mines good and you have to loosen the bottom screws too plus the mpd218 is stiff until you beak it in with your style....1 erk i wish the repeat button was a toggle button

[@Paraclap]

Maschine mk3 pads are dope

[@pridebelow]

I bought mpd218 right when it came out, so I guess I have one of the good ones ? yay :D

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Lucky you!

[@borislavppetrov]

Awesome video! Quick question for the finger drum king: Is one of the differences between the MK3 Mikro and the big MK3 that the big MK3 produced fewer double-triggers? I just bought an MK3 Mikro and am already wondering if I should upgrade to the big one because the Mikro double-triggers quite frequently as I play it. And to be clear, by “double-trigger” I mean: You hit a pad once and it erroneously registers two hits in quick succession.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yes this is something I noticed earlier. However, when I tested the mikro for the second time with upgraded firmware in midi mode somehow the problem seemed to be less. So if you don't have the latest firmware you can try installing that first and see if it helps. There might also just be a difference between midi mode and normal maschine mode. What I can tell you is that my big maschine never double triggers in midi mode. I have not used it with maschine software so no idea about that.

[@ruthmore739]

@@TheQuestforGroove Thanks!

[@Laotzsa]

Quest for groove master... I saw in a comment response you stated plugging directly into your computer rather than a hub will decrease latency. This is a slight stretch but a similar question. I really want a UA audio device for their master plugin sweet. However my thunderbolt port on my computer is already being occupied so my solution would be a thunderbolt hub. Will this defeat the purpose of the super quick thunderbolt connection and give me latency? Is upgrading my Mac to a two thunderbolt port model my main differentiator or will I be okay with a port? I know this is probably very situational and one would have to test it out for the most accurate answer. From your experience tho what do you think? I’m looking at the Apollo mk2 duo vs quad. Is the 300 worth the extra two sound cards?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey! Interesting question... the truth is that a lot of times using a usb hub is fine. I for example plug my soundcard directly into my laptop and my maschine mk3 goes through a usb3 hub. Simply because I have only 2 usb ports so I have no choice since I also need some other stuff plugged in. I bought a high quality hub from anker and it works and I dont have problems. So my guess is that with a quality thunderbolt hub you'll be fine. This direct plugging thing is more of a "if you can do it, do it" or "when you have problems try this" sort of tip. Not a necessity. Good luck!

[@joaquinvildosola]

Hi Rob, great video, thanks for sharing! Question: if I plug in my kick pedal, would it be velocity sensitive with the Maschine Mk3? Cheers!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Thanks man! Honestly: I'm not sure. I bought a roland digital hihat foot pedal once which did not seem to so much when plugged in by itself. So first of all it needs to be a pedal that sends a clean midi signal to the maschine and not some roland language signal that needs to be decoded by roland hardware first. Secondly, my guess would be that the pedal, when implemented would function more like an on off switch and not a fully playable pad you can control with your foot. But all of these things are assumptions since I didn't check :-)

[@joaquinvildosola]

@@TheQuestforGroove Much appreciated, will post here if I find out more. Cheers

[@Subzearo]

I agree, the sensitiivty on the MPD 226 are ridiculously low. They're uncomfortable to use.

[@wondaamusic]

Great review! It was very helpful.

[@st.thomas5802]

How about the MPC Studio?? I've been seriously considering one of those coming from an MPC1000. I have an Maschine Mikro Mk2 but can't stand using the software for some reason even though I like the sounds and sensitivity of the pads. I use Studio One so I was either going to go with an Atom or MPC Studio bc I love the MPC workflow and the fact it's so hands on/hybrid but it costs 2.5 times the Atom. Thoughts?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

The original mpc studio (silver color) was actually not that good. I think they improved the pads with the mpc studio black. That said, master finger drummer David Haynes used to promote the mpc studio black but now only plays on the mpc live and says it's the best pads he ever played. So you're not getting the best pads with the mpc studio that's for sure . It might be on par with the atom though, I haven't played a recent model.

[@MediaMusik777]

What about the launch keys mk3 pads for finger drumming ? Also is the padlontrol still a good buy in 2020. ? Found one for 60

[@TheQuestforGroove]

The launchkey mini mk3 pads were pretty good! So yeah, if you want a small keyboard plus some pads I can recommend it. A white pad kontrol can also still be a great controller but it will depend on how worn out it is. If somebody has hit those pads a million times they will be less sensitive.

[@DaMaster1983]

i was at a shop today looking for the most sensitive finger drumming pads.. and i could not find a singer one.. that matches my desires.. But i can tell you that Alesis have keyboard with pads that actually the most sensitive that i ever felt.. and that what im looking for. some that will be like touching a phone screen AKAI mpd 218 and 226 disapointed me and also The ATOm.. i could not find a 16 pads finger drumming machine that will match

[@LatherFace]

Great series! I have been a drummer for 30 years (classic rock and metal) and I’m always looking for a decent way to get my energy out. I’m thinking one of these pads may do the trick. Are there any lower-end-ish models like an Akai or Presonus that can be used to play with stand-alone without having to be constantly connected to a computer. Second, is there a model that I can hook headphones to, play an mp3 on, and then drum/tap along to in real-time? That would be amazing. Thanks!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey, thanks for the kind words No low end standalone models unfortunately. If you want to play realistic sounding drums your only option is a laptop with software like addictive drums 2 installed. The akai mpc one seems to be the closest to what you want but its $700 and it will sound like samples and not 'real' because it doesn't have different samples for different velocities.

[@LatherFace]

The Quest for Groove thanks so much. That’s EXACTLY the info I was looking for !!

[@thecartatree]

Subscribed when he said "shit just got real"

[@jerodsmith6168]

have you tried any of the pads of the nector midi controllers

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I have a review and setup guide for the nektar aura somewhere on this channel!

[@bazarmusica9393]

What do you think about the maschine mk2? its a litle less expensive here in mi country, and i dont know if the sensitive diference its big or nor. Thanks!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Heard good things about that too. Havent played it personally though...

[@chordaltapper]

Great-great job, as usual, man! I really appreciate this test on all those devices!!! I suggest you a new challenge... What about Akai MPC Studio? David Haynes changed for it after he worked 2 years on Maschine Mk2.... and the reason was just the pad sensitivity, he said! Is it only an "endorsement issue"?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I bought one when he talked about it years ago and the pads sucked... now they have the mpc studio black which supposedly has better pads so... yeah might need to check that out!

[@dennystreet2454]

I think atom is underrated in this video. I use it long time making my beats and it super responsive, specially when u r user of Studio One DAW❤

[@goonknox]

Hey So my friend gave me the white korg pad kontrol , when I hook up to my daw My drum hits are all over the place Is there a preset I have to set to have it as a standard 1 to 16 pads? Do I have to dl software off the korg site? Thanks

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah i think theres an editor feom korg, but you can also do quite a lot in the thing itself. With that small display you can change the notes and also the velocity curve per pad! All inside the thing. You should check those settings out for sure because each pad could now be set differently, so that might be part of your problem.

[@goonknox]

The Quest for Groove cool man I will totally check it out thanks

[@urfavoritehumanbean879]

Thank you very much for this video. I think I will jump the shark and get the Mikro Maschine 3*, skipping the "teenage rebel Akai phase"... I'm currently autodidact-ing myself towards proper musicianhood by playing piano and I've made some huge progress in songwriting thanks to it, hence why I want finger drumming to be my next venture, besides being really attracted. I am keeping an eye on Andreas' (XpressPads) courses and yours for when I'll get something on my hands. Anyways, my only controller with drumpads is the Korg nanoKey Studio I recently bought, but it's not impressing me at all. Pads are one chunky hard piece of gum, awkward sensitivity - I guess, as I turned velocity off pretty quickly - and triggering issues, etc... and of course there's just 8 pads as it's an all-in-one solution. Won't explain further but even if I know some of it is my DAW's fault, I'm not really into it at all regardless, not even for casual input which doesn't require a 4 by 4 setup. Full stop. *Unless they whip out a Mikro 4 this summer, lol, it's been almost 3 years. BTW, did the updates fix that note thing you mentioned? I'm a home composer/producer and not a live performer so that part barely triggered me at all, but still.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey thanks for sharing! The note stuff has been fixed with the mikro mk3 so I can recommend it as best value for money!

[@lecleto]

What do you think about Akay LPD-8? Is a good device? When you say "standalone" is because you have MIDI OUT on device and don´t need a computer to translate USB to MIDI or to your software? Thank you!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Hey Leandro, sorry for the late response. KZbin hides comments sometimes without me seeing it. I tested the lpd-8 and the pads are not sensitive enough for me! Right now i would recommend saving up for a presonus atom or better, launchpad X.

[@tonoormusic]

I unscrewed the screws on the back of my MPD218 a little bit. Now it doesn't re-trigger anymore.. seems to me that these devices sometimes get screwed to tight and this causes the retriggering

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Yeah that's a thing. Screwing with the screws (punn intended) can help easing out some problems but I have had multiple mpd218s and I could never turn the crappiest one into the best one by messing with the screws. There are pretty big quality differences!

[@ArapBayraminOglu]

How good is the Live 10 integration of the ATOM? Do all the features on the device work??

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I know the atom is basically built for Studio One, not for Ableton Live. But... Since it's a fully functional midi controller and ableton has midi learn for basically everything I assume you will be fine :-)

[@MediaMusik777]

So after getting the atom it is superior to the mpd 218 in many ways but 1 erk about the atom when externally synced to abelton the note repeat function is disabled and in order to use the note repeat I have to disable the external and go back to the Stone Age and guess tap tempo

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Ah man that sucks. I only play "stone age" style so I never really check stuff like note repeat. :-)

[@MediaMusik777]

The Quest for Groove it works in Studio one so I smell a marketing campaign has done this to sell more copies of studio one but peronis cannot say abelton is fully functional it’s about 99 percent. .. I might just connect native instruments note repeat while in external mode to atom and use that but atoms poly pressure is great and I never could get after touch to work on the mpd218

[@burtcocain1986]

Last week I watched this video. I stopped it and decided to buy the Mikro. Dude, that thing is my favourite toy right now. Totally worth it.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Haha, so great to hear man! Have fun with it!

[@vulgabeat]

Hi there, I hope everything is going well! I have a question, have you tried the Launchpad PRO for finger drumming? I feel curious because I want a 64 pad midi controller for finger drumming. Thank you so much for the information here!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I have not, should put that on my list for the next test!

[@vulgabeat]

@@TheQuestforGroove That will be awesome! Greetings from Colombia, South America. You are really talented and I wish you a happy new year!

[@RK-fg6hf]

Can Maschine mikro Mk3 be used in garageband iOS plug and play or i must route it first in windows? Your answer is much appreciated thank you my friend!!!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

You need Mac OS or Windows. Other things will not work because Maschine is not class compliant. For a device like that you might wanna look into the ESI Xjam or Nectar Aura.

[@sovka8394]

I bought Akai MPD 218 recently and I got to your video after many other reviews. These are not ultra-sensitive and best pads they ever made like they market them. Device is quite close to poor. Some pads sensitivities differ from each other and you just dont get sound with softer touch . So its hard to create rally good human groove or play more precisely. I am just very dissapointed because i was exicted about my first drum pad and i thought it will be much better as build one in my novation midi keyboard. I have no experience with “older models” though, but most seen reviews on YT are 2-3 years old and they still mislead people to these days... In coclusion, I dont recommend to purchase MPD 218 to anyone. Thanks for the video:)

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Thanks for sharing and confirming my suspicions!

[@FB-mu8wu]

Love your video! Thanks so much. Can you share with me your mpc live pad settings please? Threshold, curve, sensitivity... Thanks!!!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Ok I'll check. What I can say from the top of my head: - curve linear - threshold and sensitivity as low as possible. If you set them both to 1, you'll get a lot of ghost triggering. So then set them to 2, then 3 until the ghost triggering stops. Then you have the perfect setting in my opinion :-)

[@FB-mu8wu]

@@TheQuestforGroove please! In my mpc live curves comes as options from A to D. Thanks for your response. I came from a Maschine Mk2 and I'm looking for setting Live as close to MK2 as possible

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I'll get back to you today.

[@Mr.Nobody-420]

Since the bigger Maschine MK3 is the best controller, is it the best option for someone who is sort of new to finger drumming? I have use pad controllers in the past, but that was years ago and I don't remember how they feel to use. So I would basically have to relearn everything. Or is it better to get the Maschine Mikro MK3 instead? I use Ableton Live for everything. And I don't plan on using the Maschine software often (since Ableton already does everything Maschine can do). I also found out that the bigger Maschine can control Ableton transport, clips, scenes and some other things. So maybe that would be a good addition if the integration with that function is easy to setup and get working.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

If you can afford it, a big maschine will be a great purchase. Also, now that MPCstuff sells pad sensor sheets, you can easily "refresh" it once the pads wear out so it's become a better investment than before.

[@flozzy1988]

Hello the korg still work on logic pro X ? mac osx mojave? the driver work or i can midi it?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Korg is 100% midi. It has midi input output and usb midi. So it will always work.

[@jonseay8887]

Does the maschine mikro have any limitations? Will it work for Reaper and Ezdrummer 2? Is it hard to set up?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

Well, it's like this: the maschine mikro can be set in midi mode and itll just be a regular midi controller. You can also set the notes and cc properties of each pad and knob in Controller Editor software. So for ezdrummer you will need to map the pads to the right sounds that way and then itll work. As for reaper: if reaper supports regular midi controllers, it will also support the maschine mikro mk3 in midi mode.

[@Juliano_DJOL]

Another thing people may wanna consider is the mpk249, I have one and I like the pads but if the settings are set up exactly like I use them it does a little ghost noting. But when I have it on... velocity sensitivity 9 Velocity curve exp 2 log 2 or linear for some things Vel Threshold 7-9 I didn't love the board, keys or pads at first (I come from triton le and mpc 1000 so little spoiled b4) but I have slowly fallen more and more in love with the mpk249. I played a few different mpd228 and 18s and the mpk24 and was like wow I thght my mpk249 felt cheap lol! I like maschine studio and mk3 pads better but not many other pads I wld take over mine now, especially on a keyboard although I also have a nektar impact lx25 and the pads are decent on it too but more like the mpd lineup (hard no play or squessh in the pads) but at the end of the day I cld play any and almost all pads if I had to lol Great learn mode, pad bank A-D, pads can change colors for on and off, then on of my fav that I didn't like too much at first is the 3 control banks (same midi ch when new) w 30 presets so u can leave the A bank as a universal and then change the controls for B and/or C comtrol bank on 30 different presets.

[@HammyHavoc]

MPK249 has one one the worst keybeds I have ever used.

[@Juliano_DJOL]

@Hammy Havoc lol I kinda like it, but def know what u mean, I have noticed mine and most that I've seen slump in the middle a little like a u. But you must not have played some of these other cheaper MIDI controllers cause I have 2 I won't name that are terrible like not even close how bad they are, they both have pads and are fairly close in size too.

[@Juliano_DJOL]

@Hammy Havoc the velocity scale is what causes the problems like I like the way the keys feel and play but if I change the velocity scale at all its like instantly unplayable, like wtf I changed it 1% and now I cld punch it and not get a sound.

[@giuseppemarchiello5962]

Nice review, what do you think about the maschine mikro mk2? I found it at 120 € and i would like to buy it.

[@TheQuestforGroove]

They need to give you the license for the software as well if they sell it to you. Secondly, I don't think you'll get something much better than a new presonus atom in terms of sensitivity. So if you don't need maschine software you might just want to buy a new atom. Warranty, service etc. Seems like a better l, less risky deal.

[@javib844]

Right now the mikro mk2 os 118€ brand new. Is it worth over the Atom or the mikro mk3? Thanks in advance and great job!

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I haven't played the mikro mk2 so I actually dont know for sure. My guess is itll be ok, but I'm sure it won't be better than mikro mk3.

[@ArapBayraminOglu]

can i get a maschine mikro and use it as a generic controller in Live 10 and also utilize each button/knob?

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I think you can. You have to update to the latest firmware so you can activate midi mode. Then you can use the midi learn functions in ableton to assign pads and knobs!

[@fattigmanskultur]

Hi! I’m an iOS user and I really sant to learn finger drumming. What do you think the combination Drumperfect Pro 3 and presonus atom? The software for iOS is much more affordable and the quality is pretty high now. Thank you for very inspiring lessons and reviews

[@TheQuestforGroove]

I actually tested playing on my iPad mini2 a few weeks ago. Still have to make a video about it. Well, my iPad mini2 refuses to power the atom, so you need a powered USB hub and then plug that in. I used my novation launchpad pro because it has a power adapter. I played some random drumkit and it was pretty nice but on the iPad mini 2 there was still a little too much latency to comfortably play and really groove. I'll check out the app you mentioned. I might be wrong but I think right now, iPad drumming is getting close but it's not 100% there yet.

[@graham.broome]

pappa fattig check out the lpd8 air. I think that's what it's called at least. its 8 pads and Bluetooth, you put some AA batteries in it and it connects to your phone with no wires. I think they sell for about $90.

[@fattigmanskultur]

Graham Broome I think latency is going to be a problem with bluetooth and I want 16 pads so I can follow the lessons but thank you for the suggestion.