Akai Professional MPD 218
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The Essentials to Know About the Akai MPD218 Pad Controller
The Essentials to Know About the Akai MPD218 Pad Controller
- Authentic MPC Feel: 16 "Thick Fat MPC" backlit pads, ultra-sensitive, designed for finger drumming and rhythmic programming.
- More Control Than the Previous Generation: 6 assignable knobs and 3 banks to control up to 18 parameters (compared to a much more limited approach on the MPD18).
- Immediate Workflow: USB plug-and-play on Mac and PC, no driver installation required, powered via USB bus (just one cable needed).
- Built for Performance: Note Repeat and Full Level functions, plus 16 configurable presets to adapt the MPD218 to any software and playing style.
Manufacturer Information
Akai
https://www.inmusicbrands.com
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Safety manager:
Algam SAS
Email: contact@algam.net
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MPD2: The Modern Evolution of an Essential Controller
The MPD218 is part of the MPD2 series, designed as a direct response to the needs of beatmakers and producers working in computer studios. Akai leveraged years of user feedback to refine ergonomics, pad responsiveness, and control logic, with a clear goal: to regain the "instinctive" efficiency of an MPC while benefiting from the flexibility of a DAW environment. Within the lineup, the MPD218 positions itself as a compact and accessible format, without compromising on the fundamentals that make Akai pad controllers successful.
A USB MIDI Controller Designed for Producers, Musicians, and DJs
The MPD218 is an ideal USB MIDI pad controller if you compose using drum kits, samples, and virtual instruments. It caters equally to producers who want to program grooves quickly and musicians wishing to trigger clips, play finger percussion, or record expressive patterns in real time. In the home studio, it becomes a true extension of the keyboard and mouse: you keep your hands on the pads to input your beats and on the knobs to automate filters, volumes, effect sends, or macros.
For live performance, its compact format facilitates integration into a mobile setup: on a DJ console to launch one-shots, on stage to control effect racks, or during rehearsals to build arrangements quickly. Thanks to presets, you can switch from one software to another without reconfiguring your entire session.
Technical specifications
| Category | controller | Velocity sensitive | Yes |
| Number of potentiometers | 6 | Color | Black |
| Arpeggiator | No | Power supply | USB |
| Bluetooth | No | Number of pads | 16 |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, iOS | Weight | 0.75 kg |
| Provided software | Ableton Live Lite, Editor, Bassline Air Music Tech, Electric Air Music Tech, MPC Beats, Tubesynth Air Music Tech | Dimensions (mm) | 239 x 201 x 41 |
| Backlit pad | Yes | ||
| Pads | 16 large, thick, backlit MPC pads | Presets | 16, configurable |
| Assignable pads | 48 via 3 banks | Interface | USB MIDI plug-and-play |
| Assignable knobs | 18 via 3 banks (6 knobs with 3 banks) | iOS compatibility | with Camera Connection Kit not included |
| Knob rotation | 360 deg | Included | Ableton Live Lite software download |
| Note Repeat | yes | Dimensions | 237 x 200 x 39 mm |
| Full Level | yes | ||
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Customer reviews
What customers say
Summarized and selected by AI from recent customer reviews
MIDI pad controller praised for "excellent value for price" with responsive pads and plug-and-play functionality. Customers said pads offer good sensitivity for realistic drum rolls. Features velocity modes including full-sensitivity option. One beginner found setup too complex, noting difficulty getting started quickly.
Review highlights
- “Excellent value for price with good pad sensitivity”
- “Just the best, very good feel of the pads”
- “Great support during musical composition”
Based on 7 reviews
- 4 stars, 0 reviews
- 3 stars, 0 reviews
- 1 star, 0 reviews
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very good pads:
- Plug n play
- good sensitivity (realistic snare drum rolls/toms)
- button to switch to zero sensitivity mode (i.e. at full speed, midi speed to 127)
Excellent value for moneyAutomatically translated
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very good pads:
- Plug n play
- good sensitivity (realistic snare drum rolls/toms)
- button to switch to zero sensitivity mode (i.e. at full speed, midi speed to 127)
Excellent value for moneyAutomatically translated
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Great product! Very good quality and robustness for home studios! perfect delivery
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Great support during musical composition
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Just the top very good touch feeling
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Questions frequently asked
Is the Akai Professional MPD218 compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS?
Compatibility includes PC, Mac, and iOS. On iOS, connection requires a camera connection kit, which is not included.
How many pads and knobs are available?
The 16 thick backlit pads are velocity-sensitive. The 6 assignable knobs have 3 banks, providing up to 18 accessible MIDI controls.
Does the MPD218 operate without a power adapter?
Power is supplied via the USB port, with no need for an external power adapter. MIDI data also transmits over USB. Operation is plug-and-play on Mac and PC, with no driver installation required.
What software is included with this Akai controller?
The software bundle includes Ableton Live Lite as a download, MPC Beats, as well as Bassline, Electric and Tubesynth from Air Music Tech. An editor is also provided to configure MIDI controls.
Are the Note Repeat and Full Level functions used for finger drumming?
Note Repeat generates regular rhythmic repeats for hi-hats or rolls, while Full Level sends a fixed velocity across the 16 pads.
