Akai MPD32 USB/MIDI Pad Controller

Built for the industry professional, this controller features 16 full-sized genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response.

Overall User Ratings (based on 24 ratings)
  • Overall:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(24) (see rating details)
Submitted April 3, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com

"MPC For Your PC"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
After I upgraded to a laptop with Windows Vista, I was on the hunt for a new MIDI controller. I was using an Akai MPD16 but after several failed installs on my Vista laptop, I found out that Akai decided not to make a Vista driver for my antiquated hardware. At first, I was a bit angry that my equipment that I've been using for a long time with Windows XP no longer worked. But then the prospect of getting new gear calmed me down. All I really wanted was a pad controller with MPC style pads and a "note repeat" function. I researched several pad controllers: M-Audio Trigger Fingers, Akai MPD24, and Korg padKONTROL. I also gave Akai's new MIDI keyboard, the MPK49, serious consideration since it has 12 MPC style pads. After much debate, and plenty of time spent watching demos of each product on YouTube, I finally placed a pre-order for an Akai MPD32. It arrived a couple months later and it was plenty worth the wait and money. The first thing I noticed is that the MPD32 is large, much larger than my previous MPD. Its footprint is a bit bigger than my 15.4" laptop. The next thing I noticed is that it's built solid. All of the knobs, faders and pads feel great. These pads are the same pads that are used on the MPC2500. The only criticism I have for the pads would be with the sensors. Akai uses a round sensor under the pad so not all of pad surface is usable, unlike the Korg padKontrol which uses a square sensor for its pads. But this is not a deal breaker for me. The MPD32 comes with presets for many popular music production programs (e.g. Live, Reason, FL Studio, Cubase, etc.) Personally, I use Reason 4.0 and Live 7. The presets for Reason work perfectly. The 8 knobs and faders are easily assignable to manipulate filters and effects within Reason. For me, the MPD32 is perfect. If you're in need of a MIDI controller with MPC pads for your DAW, look no further.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Hip Hop, Electronic, Rock
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Submitted April 16, 2009 by a customer from gmail.com

"I love it!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
All in all, great controller. Great features, endless possibilities when it comes to programming it and setting it up. Great integration with Reason so far. Would buy another one, no doubt.
Sound
It's the midi controller, so it doesn't have any sounds.
Features
The only thing I still can't make fully functional is Tap Tempo and Note Repeat syncing with Reason. The one suggested by Akai works fine, but the tempo is not displayed in Reason (it says 0). This is the only reason for 9 for features. Everything else works great, lots of useful features.
Ease of Use
I read lots of reviews with people having problems setting up the device and programming different controls. OK, I understand not everyone is technically strong and stuff, but I had no problems at all. Very easy to use, program, set up the way you need it.
Quality
It's really early to say, but seems durable. Well build, all the pads, knobs, sliders and buttons seem solid and feel great.
Value
Payed 365 CAD for the new one. Great deal. Worth every cent.
Manufacturer Support
Never had a need to contact them.
The Wow Factor
Esthetically perfect. Great colors, looks really nice and modern.

Musical Background:

Producer

Musical Style:

Urban
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Submitted January 13, 2009 by a customer from aol.com

"AKAI MPD 32"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
overall this is a good machine for any kind of studio that is dealing with drums or melodies there is so many things that i can do with this machine when im in my studio
Sound
the ableton lite software that came with the mpd 32 had good drums kits, loops and sounds all which sounded real and professional not cheap and fake
Features
Comes with some on board face effects and features my favorite feature is the pressure sensitive touch pad which trigger with much ease.
Ease of Use
this machine is pretty easy to use the only problem i had was getting this thing installed. at first i didnt even know that to do so i called akai and they told me everything about this machine from start to finish now it a breeze to use
Quality
this thing is probly the number 5 most important item in my home studio of about 15 items. every time i make music in my studio i use this machine
Value
this machine is a very valueable peice of equipment is my home studio
Manufacturer Support
akia was good with the tech support that they gave me when is called
The Wow Factor
i think that this thing look good it has good looks and feels mine is jet black

Musical Background:

Music PROducer

Musical Style:

Southern Rap ( anything that sounds good)
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Submitted May 17, 2010

"DON'T BUY it if you are not experienced with such devices because no body will support you at all and the company will IGNOR you"

Overall: 0.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
let me think for another product that might be better and I don't think that other companies are the same with the support thing like this one
Sound
not producing any sound when I connected to the computer
Features
when there is no sound how could I know
Ease of Use
difficult to produce sound, actually no sound its mute
Quality
dont know still
Value
if I can make de ja vu I will not but even for 20$
Manufacturer Support
Nooooooo Support because when I contact the company about problems that I have, they ignored me many times, they even don't give me any answer, I needed their help but they are still sleeping and don't want to wake up for some reasons.
The Wow Factor
sorry i will sell it
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Submitted March 9, 2009

"Akai's MPD 32"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Sound
Cannot provide sound rating, as the device is a MIDI controller
Features
Very nice features with plenty of flexibility It would be nice if Akai added a humanistic feel
Ease of Use
Very easy to use but the lack of a power switch was a colossal blunder on Akai's part. you'll have to unplug the usb cable from the rear of the unit when it's not in use.
Quality
The unit seems very durable. The pads, switches, knobs, and faders are solidly constructed and very responsive
Value
It has tremendous value to me. I have several PC based drum programs, including Stylus RMX, Elab Obsession, Spectrasonics samples, Fxpansion's DFD and Guru,and Steinberg's Groove Agent. The controller allows me to maximize my rhythm programs using a single controller.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't engaged their support. That's a good thing
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