PADS - Akai MPD18 vs. MPK49

[World Wide]

Just wanted opinions on how the pads of these two units compare.

I was thinking about picking up an AKAI MPD18 (I'm looking for a basic pad controller with just pads and a tap tempo button), but then I went over my boy's house recently where he has an MPK49. This is my only hands-on experience with the AKAI midi controllers, and i was really surprised to find that the MPK49 pads were extremely difficult to play. You had to damn near hit these things with a hammer to get them to trigger... super tough.

So does anyone know if this is a similar problem with the MPD18??

Appreciate any input I can get.

 

[BIGpun4EVER]

there basically the same built with the same quality. I think the mpd's are just a lil more sensitive. you can go to mpcstuff.com and get the pad sensitivity upgraded so either way you'll be set

Akai MPC / MPD Pad Corx Sensitivity Upgrade Kit Corks

 

[World Wide]

^^^ Thanks for the info man!

Its a little bit more than I wanted to spend, but I think I'll just get the PadKontrol instead.

 

[CPhoenix]

Just upgraded the pads on my MPD18. Sensitivity-wise it's actually a pretty unbelievable difference lol. But for some reason if I tighten the screws on the bottom too tight (like they normally were) it doesn't give the pads enough space to trigger. It's like they are being held down. So I have to keep the unit loose.

Think i'm going to grab these pads and see if they are implemented better... i got some from a reputable ebay dealer.

 

[Salem Beats]

^^^ Thanks for the info man!

Its a little bit more than I wanted to spend, but I think I'll just get the PadKontrol instead.

That's honestly the best idea. If you really need knobs/faders, get a nanoKONTROL to go with it.