If you are an advanced user and the MD218 doesn't cut it for you, then you'll likely be relieved to use this model. Therefore, it looks super modern and offers several advantages over the older models from the manufacturer. It is also one of the best MIDI pad controllers on the market, featuring a complete overhaul of its features.

While we love a controller you can just plug in and start playing, we like to be able to change default control settings if needed.īased on these criteria, let's take a closer look at our top picks for the best MIDI pad controllers you can buy right now.Īkai made three models in the MPD line, and this is the middle option. Our selection criteria also emphasized configurability. Since the pad is the star of the show in pad controllers, you want something that's responsive, sensitive (but not too sensitive), well-built, and well-integrated with your favorite DAWs. You can use it for anything – launching a clip, toggling a setting, finger drumming, etc.

This one is all about the PADS.Ī pad is nothing but a responsive “button”.

We're not talking about keyboard controllers in this guide, of course. Refer to this guide for our top picks for the best MIDI keyboards, and this guide for our favorite budget picks. We've covered keyboard controllers in the past. Some pad controllers might include faders, knobs and buttons, but the main attraction remains the (usually) large and responsive pads. Most don't include any piano keybeds at all.

Pad controllers: In these controllers, the pads are the stars of the show.

Though most will have a few pads, faders and knobs, the primary function is to enter notes via the keyboard.

Keyboard controllers: These controllers are built around standard piano keybeds.

As you probably know, MIDI controllers can be largely divided into two categories:

Used midi keyboard controller