Akai MPD26 pad controller replaces MPD24
| Posted in DJ
The Akai MPD26 USB/MIDI pad controller is set to arrive on the shores of the UK next month, replacing the MPD24 controller which has occupied a position of strength within the Akai range since its release in 2006. With the promise of a controller aimed at “producers, programmers, musicians and DJs”, Akai is aiming to “bring the feel of classic beat-making to the world of computer music production” thanks to a blend of MPC-derived controls linked to USB functionality.
Indeed, it’s the MPC-flavour of the new controller that Akai is hoping will separate it from its competition. The MPD26 includes a complement of MPC technology, ranging from its internal features – more of which in a moment – to its pads and the inclusion of assignable Q-Link controllers which enable users to operate software parameters in real time. Like its forerunner, the controller comprises 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, each one of which allows users to access four different sounds, making for a total of 64 sounds at a time. Six assignable Q-Link faders and six assignable Q-Link 360° knobs also feature, with the manufacturer promising that this will ultimately mean less production time spent at the mouse – always happy news for producers. Completing the control-set is a set of dedicated transport controls intended for use with common DAW or sequencer functions.
So what of the goodies offered inside the box? Again, Akai is making much of the MPC technology included within the MPD26, describing the aforementioned MPC pads and Q-Links as the “heart” of the controller, with a brain “transplanted directly from the MPC”. That’s no mean boast, but the manufacturer is delivering the functionality to back it up, with a selection of key features to whet the user’s appetite.
First among them is MPC Swing, a famous name in itself among hip-hop producers thanks to its primary function of taking a perfectly aligned sequence and effectively adding a ‘humanising’ groove to it by adding a swing feeling. Users can alter the amount of ‘swing’ required for the sequence in question. This inclusion alone is sure to capture the MPD26 some serious attention.
Also included is MPC Note Repeat – a fondly regarded function enabling users to automatically play a rhythm pattern – Akai suggests 16th notes on a hi-hat – and guarantee accuracy and speed of entry. Finally, the controller offers both MPC Full Level and MPC 16-Level on its pads.
Drawing its power from its plug and play USB connection (traditional MIDI jacks are also included for use with synths and sound modules), the controller comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite plus Editor Librarian software. While the MPD24 has long been a mainstay of Akai’s range, it looks like March may be the month when the MPD26 controller takes over. Watch this space for a full review.
About Barney Jameson
A contributor, editor and in some cases creator of more music and pro audio magazines than he cares to remember, Barney Jameson is a veteran of writing about gear, and a pretty keen singer songwriter to boot.
Having started his musical education reading old copies of the Melody Maker while riding the tube to University in the mid-nineties, Barney once sang in a band called Sugarstone, troubling record company chequebooks not quite enough to make it a career option. Instead, he achieved his goal of starting a music magazine of his own when he founded Playmusic in the early noughties. Later on, having exploited VIP access to as many festivals as possible, he wrote about the pro audio industry throughout Europe and the Middle East, travelling to far-flung destinations such as Dubai, Doha and Muscat (nice mountains).
As the latest addition to the DV247 team, Barney has big plans. But when he’s not plotting online domination of the musical instrument world, he keeps himself busy writing songs on a battered old acoustic guitar and playing them to audiences in his home town.
Tags: akai mpc, Akai MPD24, Akai pad controller