MPD26 vs MPD32 vs padKontrol

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MPD26 vs MPD32 vs padKontrol
Posted on: 26.01.2010 by Luna Coupal
The MPD26 is the new MPD24 with key note control. Aside from having foot control, I can't tell why the MPD32 is $100 more expensive than the MPD26/24. I've read mixed reviews about the padKontrol.

I'm looking for a pad controller to go alongside my Stanton SCS 3 system for cue juggling and sampling. I'm leaning towards the MPD26, but the lower price on the padKontrol is very tempting.

Could you all share your experiences on these with me?
Wai Rofkahr
28.02.2010
Originally Posted by DJ Van Draken
Looks like the MPD26 removed two knobs and placed a "tap tempo", "swing", and "note repeat" button. So if you want to make drumrolls and such in a program that supports note repeats, this one will support it.

I've read complaints of the padKontrol accidently triggering multiple pads when you only press one pad. On the other hand, I've heard the MPD24 requires a harder button push.
I have the MPD32 and love it to death. I personally would shell out the extra dough for the extra controls. The faders are nice for filter sweeps, delays, etc... but more importantly:


The buttons UNDER the faders can be used as triggers/pads. I have "DJ EFX" routed to mine, airhorns, 'aw yeah!'s, etc. They can also be programmed as ON/OFF or momentary switches, which changes the LED's feedback as well. This is really cool because then the LED's light up as you press them. I have one setup as a "OH SHIT" panic button that's ON/OFF toggle, so when the LED is lit, I know sound will pass, when it's not, sound is mute.


As far as the padkontrol triggering other pads by accident, the MPD32 does this as well, which I hate, especially when it happens in a show, but it hasn't made me not want to use it. Besides, that's what the panic button is for.

The pads are not as responsive as I'd like. There is an easy mod you can do to fix it, but I don't like taking professional products apart.
People always say this but I've never had a problem with it. You can line 3-4 pieces of electrical tape on the underside of each pad to make it "more responsive", but I believe in actuality, there's more of an issue with the latency in your computer VS an MPC, rather than the responsiveness of the pads.
Shana Minsk
25.02.2010
Originally Posted by DJ Van Draken
I found a used MPD24 for $95 and a used padKontrol for $120 (both in good condition).. so the MPD26 is pretty much out of the question for me. I'm really leaning towards the MPD24. Is there any reason I shouldn't purchase the MPD24?
I own one and I have only 2 issues with it. Unfortunately both the issues are quite important.

The pads are not as responsive as I'd like. There is an easy mod you can do to fix it, but I don't like taking professional products apart.

The other problem I have is with the "endless" encoders. Yes they do spin forever, however they don't give out a +1, +1, +1 as you turn them. They go up to the maximum value of 127 and then no matter how much you turn them they stay on this value. Not too useful if you want to use them to search through tracks as I did.

I now want to build my own controller so I don't have to use my MPD24 any more.
Herschel January
26.01.2010
Originally Posted by DJ Van Draken
...but the lower price on the padKontrol is very tempting.

Could you all share your experiences on these with me?
The padKontrol is exceptional (in addition to the sweet price) as a pad based controller... as long as you use Farmpad with it and spend the time to tailor it to your needs. It is not built as solid as the akai, and is plastic, but seems to hold it's own. Plus the x-y pad is handy in a lot of situations, but has no faders.
Luna Coupal
26.01.2010		The MPD26 is the new MPD24 with key note control. Aside from having foot control, I can't tell why the MPD32 is $100 more expensive than the MPD26/24. I've read mixed reviews about the padKontrol.

I'm looking for a pad controller to go alongside my Stanton SCS 3 system for cue juggling and sampling. I'm leaning towards the MPD26, but the lower price on the padKontrol is very tempting.

Could you all share your experiences on these with me?
Kesha Pietrak
24.11.2011		WHy not go with something like an lpd8? youd be able to do cue points and samples
Buford Dworkin
24.11.2011		I have a padKontrol, only the 16 pads + the two potentiomenter knobs + the X-Y section is MIDI mappable.
So you can't use the rotary knob for a browser method and can't use the other 19 buttons or program the LED's from Traktor or anything.

The Akai's have more MIDI mappable buttons and knobs so they are more versitile but their pads are not illuminated which is shame. I am using the padKontrol because I set the pads to CC# mode and have them illuminated all the time so I can see them in dark venues.
Keli Vandenbergh
28.02.2010		...

I prefer the padkontrol vs mpds because the pads are different response. A matter of choice. Try yourself and decide which.

...
Wai Rofkahr
28.02.2010
Originally Posted by DJ Van Draken
Looks like the MPD26 removed two knobs and placed a "tap tempo", "swing", and "note repeat" button. So if you want to make drumrolls and such in a program that supports note repeats, this one will support it.

I've read complaints of the padKontrol accidently triggering multiple pads when you only press one pad. On the other hand, I've heard the MPD24 requires a harder button push.
I have the MPD32 and love it to death. I personally would shell out the extra dough for the extra controls. The faders are nice for filter sweeps, delays, etc... but more importantly:


The buttons UNDER the faders can be used as triggers/pads. I have "DJ EFX" routed to mine, airhorns, 'aw yeah!'s, etc. They can also be programmed as ON/OFF or momentary switches, which changes the LED's feedback as well. This is really cool because then the LED's light up as you press them. I have one setup as a "OH SHIT" panic button that's ON/OFF toggle, so when the LED is lit, I know sound will pass, when it's not, sound is mute.


As far as the padkontrol triggering other pads by accident, the MPD32 does this as well, which I hate, especially when it happens in a show, but it hasn't made me not want to use it. Besides, that's what the panic button is for.

The pads are not as responsive as I'd like. There is an easy mod you can do to fix it, but I don't like taking professional products apart.
People always say this but I've never had a problem with it. You can line 3-4 pieces of electrical tape on the underside of each pad to make it "more responsive", but I believe in actuality, there's more of an issue with the latency in your computer VS an MPC, rather than the responsiveness of the pads.
Shana Minsk
25.02.2010
Originally Posted by DJ Van Draken
I found a used MPD24 for $95 and a used padKontrol for $120 (both in good condition).. so the MPD26 is pretty much out of the question for me. I'm really leaning towards the MPD24. Is there any reason I shouldn't purchase the MPD24?
I own one and I have only 2 issues with it. Unfortunately both the issues are quite important.

The pads are not as responsive as I'd like. There is an easy mod you can do to fix it, but I don't like taking professional products apart.

The other problem I have is with the "endless" encoders. Yes they do spin forever, however they don't give out a +1, +1, +1 as you turn them. They go up to the maximum value of 127 and then no matter how much you turn them they stay on this value. Not too useful if you want to use them to search through tracks as I did.

I now want to build my own controller so I don't have to use my MPD24 any more.
Mac Fly
23.02.2010		In theory ya, but honestly I would rather do more mixing and playing then mapping for hours on end haha
Lorene Boehler
22.02.2010		So would no one recommend the Midi Fighter? I know it's just a 4x4, but the mappings for it are beast. But all that could be mapped to any other 4x4 in theory lol.
Karolis Petrauskas
22.02.2010		I have am akai mpd16 and also had a mpd 32. They are both built very well, the faders on the mpd32 was very close to a djm800 mixer's faders. I believe akai builds great gear ...Maybe you can go to Guitar Center or Sam Ash and test it out.
Buster Kiper
22.02.2010		I currently have an MPD16 and the pad response isn't great at all! I've been kicking around getting the PadKontrol or maybe a Maschine(a lot more money). Whats everyone's opinion of the PadKontrols response.
Ricki Stasak
22.02.2010		I'm currently using a nanoPad in conjunction with a nanoKontrol but have been having issues with the NP. I am looking at the same items to replace the NP. Right now I'm on the mailing list for when the MPD26 becomes available(mid march) so I will have a price then. The pricing is sometimes very different in Canada. Once I get that info I'll pull the trigger on either the MPD 18 or the 26. Will post my experiences once I have either.

With the SCS3 system, you have a lot of controls. Wouldn't the MPD 18 suit your needs for cue points and be a lot cheaper?
Luna Coupal
27.01.2010		I found a used MPD24 for $95 and a used padKontrol for $120 (both in good condition).. so the MPD26 is pretty much out of the question for me. I'm really leaning towards the MPD24. Is there any reason I shouldn't purchase the MPD24?
Luna Coupal
27.01.2010		Looks like the MPD26 removed two knobs and placed a "tap tempo", "swing", and "note repeat" button. So if you want to make drumrolls and such in a program that supports note repeats, this one will support it.

I've read complaints of the padKontrol accidently triggering multiple pads when you only press one pad. On the other hand, I've heard the MPD24 requires a harder button push.
Kayleen Positano
26.01.2010		I got the akai MPD18, and I'm pretty happy with it.

Also: midiFighter!
Herschel January
26.01.2010
Originally Posted by DJ Van Draken
...but the lower price on the padKontrol is very tempting.

Could you all share your experiences on these with me?
The padKontrol is exceptional (in addition to the sweet price) as a pad based controller... as long as you use Farmpad with it and spend the time to tailor it to your needs. It is not built as solid as the akai, and is plastic, but seems to hold it's own. Plus the x-y pad is handy in a lot of situations, but has no faders.
Jayne Yellowhair
26.01.2010		Wow I have the exact same dilemma. What's the difference between mpd24 and mpd26? Except for less faders and knobs?
Eagerly waiting the outcome of this thread.

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