Hi folks!
We've been busy researching MIDI Pad Controllers to help you figure out what you need to make
your best audio and video content and stay on budget.
Links to all the products in the review are in the description box below, where you'll
find current pricing for your region wherever possible.
The video has timestamps so that you can jump straight to the MIDI Pad Controller that interests
you the most.
Now before I move on, we'd love to hear what MIDI Pad Controller you're using right now
and what you think of it.
Let us know in the comments!
Okay, let's get into it!
Here are the top five best MIDI Pad Controllers according to our research.
The fifth product on our list is the PreSonus ATOM.
The PreSonus ATOM is a MIDI Pad Controller for your production and performance needs.
It features a square body with a grid layout for the pads.
It is compact and fits in a regular backpack, making it perfect for the traveling musician.
The ATOM is also fully bus-powered by USB, so you won't have to worry about carrying
batteries around.
PreSonus gives this MIDI Pad Controller 16 pads, each with a dedicated pitch, amplifier,
and filter control that you can edit with ATOM, making adjustments easy.
The pads are velocity and pressure-sensitive, which makes playing virtual instruments all
the more fun as you can bring out a richer expression.
There are four rotary encoders that you can find at the top panel of the PreSonus ATOM.
A rotary encoder converts physical turns into a digital signal in your computer.
There are also 20 assignable buttons, so you can have a personalized experience.
The PreSonus ATOM is compatible with most production software via USB.
Musicians who work with Studio One, Ableton Live, and Impact XT will find the ATOM a breeze
to work with.
This MIDI Pad Controller comes with MVP loops that were custom curated for it.
Here's something you should know before buying the PreSonus ATOM:
Pros may find the controls a little limiting.
If you're a beginner or professional looking for a compact MIDI Pad Controller, the PreSonus
ATOM is an excellent choice.
A bonus for beginners is that it comes with computer recording software and plug-ins,
so you can get started right away.
The fourth product on our list is the Akai Professional MPC Studio Black.
The Akai Professional MPC Studio Black is a compact MIDI Pad Controller less than 1.5
inches or 3.8 centimeters thick.
This makes it portable as you can easily slip it in a backpack or laptop bag.
This Akai MIDI Pad Controller has 16 pads with backlighting, making them convenient
to use during performances where lighting conditions may be less than ideal.
The construction of this Akai unit is fantastic.
It boasts a rugged body with a brushed black design on aluminum, making it look sleek and
durable.
The data dial is also aluminum, ensuring its longevity.
There are also four Q-link control knobs, which are assignable, so you can control the
parameters and their values to best suit your needs.
Above those knobs is a Scroll knob that you can use to navigate the menu.
You'll notice that the MPC Studio Black boasts an LCD screen.
This gives you better control over your MIDI, so you can easily record tracks without looking
at your computer and keep track of your current parameters.
You can use the Akai Professional MPC Studio Black with the MPC software, a production
suite combining 128-track sequencing capability, audio editing and recording, MIDI editing,
sampling, VST compatibility, and real-time stretching.
Here's something you should know before buying the Akai Professional MPC Studio Black:
Akai's customer service can be hard to reach.
If you're looking for a mid-priced MIDI Pad Controller, the Akai Professional Studio Black
offers a ton of bang for your buck.
The third product on our list is the Alesis Strike Multipad.
The Alesis Strike Multipad is the perfect MIDI Pad Controller for drummers.
It features nine velocity-sensitive pads that are wide enough so you can hit them with drum
sticks comfortably.
They also have customizable RGB backlighting that's easy to configure and looks excellent.
It can also help you keep track of your assigned sound based on the color.
The first thing the Strike Multipad can do is sample.
You can sample any sound or effect using a microphone, smartphone, computer, USB input,
or other audio devices.
You can also download pre-recorded samples from the Internet.
The Alesis Strike Multipad allows you to edit right off the bat with the controller.
The bottom section is home to a 4.3-inch or 10.9-centimeter color screen, where you can
view your parameters in real-time.
The buttons and knobs act as selectors and encoders.
Alesis also includes five onboard effects processors.
Another fun feature is the built-in looper.
You can create loop-based recordings from your samples or from an external source.
You'll have a lot of connectivity options on the Alesis Strike Multipad.
There are four audio outputs, two inputs, two headphone outputs, a MIDI in and out,
and three extra trigger inputs.
Here's something you should know before buying the Alesis Strike Multipad:
This MIDI Pad Controller can be challenging to configure.
If you're looking to perform or create music in a studio, the Alesis Strike Multipad has
your back.
The second product on our list is the Ableton Push 2.
The Ableton Push 2 is what you need to make your sound production experience a breeze.
The Ableton Live software can be daunting for new users, but with Ableton Push 2, the
user experience becomes much more intuitive.
The Push 2 is an extensive piece of hardware weighing 9 pounds or 4 kilograms.
It has a solid and durable body.
The upper shell is a thick yet lightweight plate of anodized aluminum.
This makes it easy to transport despite its size.
On the top section of this MIDI Pad Controller is a multicolor strip display that showcases
information on your current edit without being too distracting.
The Ableton Push 2 boasts 64 soft silicone pads calibrated to respond perfectly at any
velocity.
They also have RGB backlighting that is functional and looks fantastic.
High-resolution endless controllers are on the uppermost part of this MIDI Pad Controller.
There's also a 6.6-inch or 17-centimeter touch strip on the left corner.
The touch strip helps for pitch bending or scrolling.
It also has 31 LEDs that aid in navigation, an excellent feature for beginners.
The RGB display boasts a high resolution, making it easy to view from any angle and
under any lighting condition.
Here's something you should know before buying the Ableton Push 2:
It doesn't have arrangement view editing, which some users may dislike.
If you work with Ableton Live software, the Push 2 is the perfect investment to make your
music production journey more manageable, so you can take your compositions to the next
level.
The first product on our list is the Native Instruments Maschine Mk3.
The Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is everything you need for a smooth workflow.
It boasts Native Instruments' classic groovebox look, making it faster and more intuitive.
The MIDI Pad Controller is lightweight at only 4.8 pounds or 2.1 kilograms.
The controls are arranged logically, most located on the left-hand side of the device.
You'll also get two high-resolution color displays that help you navigate the controller
and keep track of your current parameters.
You can also use it to edit and preview sounds without having to look at your computer.
There are 16 pads that'll help you create beats from the comfort of your studio.
You'll notice that these RGB-lighted pads are larger than the ones on the Maschine Mk3's
predecessor.
The pads are ultra-sensitive.
In drum mode, you can use them as drums.
You can also switch to keyboard mode to use them like a piano.
Above the pads are eight touch-sensitive knobs that you can use to tweak your parameters.
There's also a Smart Strip that you can use in different applications.
It can function as a pitch bender or to strum notes.
You'll also love how the Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 has dedicated function buttons
and a four-directional push encoder.
Finally, this MIDI Pad Controller is USB-powered and boasts a professional-quality 96 kilohertz/24-bit
audio interface, allowing you to edit and perform anywhere.
Here's something you should know before buying the Native Instruments Maschine Mk3:
Some users may find it a little uncomfortable as it doesn't have back legs for angling.
If you're looking for a complete MIDI Pad Controller compatible with all major Digital
Audio Workstations, the Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is the way to go.
And there you have it folks - the five MIDI Pad Controllers that got us excited this year.
If this video helped you in any way, let us know by giving it a Like and, if you’re
new here, hitting the Subscribe button.
If you would like to see some more reviews from our team here at Gear Music Tech, check
out this one on Midi Drum Pads on the left, or this one on Midi Controllers on the right.
We look forward to seeing you back here on Gear Music Tech soon.
Bye for now.