Comments on: Akai MPD32 Software Pad Controller Now Shipping http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2008/07/05/akai-mpd32-software-pad-controller-now-shipping/ Synthesizer and electronic music news, synth and music software reviews and more! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:16:46 -0500 hourly 1 By: dj Thomas http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2008/07/05/akai-mpd32-software-pad-controller-now-shipping/#comment-129051 dj Thomas Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:54:33 +0000 http://www.synthtopia.com/content/?p=7322#comment-129051 If you’re looking for a MIDI pad controller on a modest budget and can’t be troubled to build your own then no doubt you will have found these three; M-Audio Trigger Finger, Korg padKontrol and the Akai MPD 24. They are all around a similar budget and each has their own appeal but on paper its a tough call. To get full comparative view you may visit http://www.djtechtools.com/2008/08/08/pad-controller-smackdown/ If you’re looking for a MIDI pad controller on a modest budget and can’t be troubled to build your own then no doubt you will have found these three; M-Audio Trigger Finger, Korg padKontrol and the Akai MPD 24.

They are all around a similar budget and each has their own appeal but on paper its a tough call. To get full comparative view you may visit
http://www.djtechtools.com/2008/08/08/pad-controller-smackdown/

]]> By: JR http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2008/07/05/akai-mpd32-software-pad-controller-now-shipping/#comment-128589 JR Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:02:51 +0000 http://www.synthtopia.com/content/?p=7322#comment-128589 I also have an Akai MPD32 but do not have the same problem as Steve. My version of Ableton Live 6 recognises the controller without replugging. It sounds like you've tried all the usual tweeks so I can't offer any help - sorry. However, a couple of gripes I have about the controller are when using it to control my Arturia soft synths (or any I guess). There is no control pick-up - so when moving a fader or knob you get huge jumps in volume or filter settings etc. I also find it annoying that you cannot use the controller connected via usb and send pad data to the midi 5 pin output. I also have an Akai MPD32 but do not have the same problem as Steve. My version of Ableton Live 6 recognises the controller without replugging. It sounds like you’ve tried all the usual tweeks so I can’t offer any help – sorry. However, a couple of gripes I have about the controller are when using it to control my Arturia soft synths (or any I guess). There is no control pick-up – so when moving a fader or knob you get huge jumps in volume or filter settings etc. I also find it annoying that you cannot use the controller connected via usb and send pad data to the midi 5 pin output.

]]> By: Steve Cooke http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2008/07/05/akai-mpd32-software-pad-controller-now-shipping/#comment-128345 Steve Cooke Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:43:04 +0000 http://www.synthtopia.com/content/?p=7322#comment-128345 I bought an MPD32 a couple of weeks ago. One aspect of its performance has been a constant annoyance, though. When Windows is powered up with the MPD32 connected via USB, it appears that the device is working properly as the MPD32's display screen is fully lit. Launch your DAW, however, and it doesn't recognise the MPD32 as being connected. You have to disconnect the MPD32 from the USB port and then reconnect it, and then relaunch your DAW before it is recognised as present. This happens with both my DAWs - Ableton Live 7 and Cubase Studio 4.1 - so it's not a problem isolated to just one system. I've tried all sorts of things to rectify this issue, including tweaking the MIDI devices element of the registry, removing all other USB devices, reinstalling drivers, etc. All the Akai technical support person could suggest was disconnecting and reconnecting the device as described above. Well, yes, that works but it's hardly what you expect of a MIDI controller, which ought to be able to remain connected all the time. It wouldn't be so if the MPD32 had an on-off switch, but it doesn't, which means you have to keep detaching it from your computer. That can't be good for the longevity of the USB ports. I bought an MPD32 a couple of weeks ago. One aspect of its performance has been a constant annoyance, though. When Windows is powered up with the MPD32 connected via USB, it appears that the device is working properly as the MPD32’s display screen is fully lit. Launch your DAW, however, and it doesn’t recognise the MPD32 as being connected. You have to disconnect the MPD32 from the USB port and then reconnect it, and then relaunch your DAW before it is recognised as present. This happens with both my DAWs – Ableton Live 7 and Cubase Studio 4.1 – so it’s not a problem isolated to just one system. I’ve tried all sorts of things to rectify this issue, including tweaking the MIDI devices element of the registry, removing all other USB devices, reinstalling drivers, etc. All the Akai technical support person could suggest was disconnecting and reconnecting the device as described above. Well, yes, that works but it’s hardly what you expect of a MIDI controller, which ought to be able to remain connected all the time. It wouldn’t be so if the MPD32 had an on-off switch, but it doesn’t, which means you have to keep detaching it from your computer. That can’t be good for the longevity of the USB ports.

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