Struggling to figure out the latest software/controller/update?

Then watch your back – because there’s a new generation coming. Check out this drum and bass improv by an 11-year old kid, if you have any doubt.

via strrrangemen:

brother playing around with ableton live He took the whole afternoon to learn Ableton Live Basics, now

i’m proud of him

He’s 11 and decided suddenly to play with my stuff

DJ Magazine took the Akai Pro MPD32 for a spin.

The MPD32 is a MIDI-over-USB performance pad controller for DJs, programmers, producers, and others musicians.

If you’ve used the Akai Pro MPD32, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Akai Pro MPd32 Features:

• MIDI controller for production and performance
• MPC pads: bank of 16, velocity and pressure-sensitive
• Four selectable pad banks for a total of 64 sounds accessible from the pads
• Eight assignable Q-Link faders, eight assignable Q-Link 360° knobs, and eight assignable Q-Link buttons, all three banks
• MIDI-synced MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing
• Two assignable footswitch inputs and expression-pedal input
• Dedicated transport controls
• Backlit, easy-to-read display
• MIDI-over-USB or MIDI operation
• USB powered or powered via optional AC adapter
• MPC 16-Level and Full Level
• Comes with custom versions of Ableton Live Lite, FXpansion BFD Lite, and Vyzor Editor Librarian software
• 30 user-definable presets for DAW applications

via AkaiProVideo

The MPD18 is the smallest-sized model in Akai’s line of MPD MIDI-over-USB pad controllers. The heart of the MPD18 is its bank of 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive genuine MPC pads, an Akai Professional exclusive. Users can access three different banks of sounds from the pads for a total of 48 sounds at once. The MPD18 also borrows the MPC series’ assignable Q-Link controllers, enabling users to control nearly any parameters in their software in real time on an assignable Q-Link fader and an assignable Q-Link button.

The MPD18 sends MIDI information over its plug-and-play USB interface for use with Mac or PC without installing any drivers. The USB connection also powers the MPD18 so musicians can use the controller with no power supply. The MPD18 can control nearly any MIDI software, as well as MIDI hardware, such as synths, sound modules, samplers, sequencers, drum machines and more.

The MPD18 will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q3, 2009. Pricing is to be announced.

Specifications:

• MIDI controller for production and performance
• MPC pads: bank of 16, velocity and pressure-sensitive
• Three selectable pad banks for a total of 48 sounds accessible from the pads
• Two Q-Link assignable controllers: fader and button
• MIDI-over-USB or MIDI operation
• MPC 16-Level and Full Level
• USB powered or powered via optional AC adapter

Includes:

• MPD18 portable performance controller
• USB cable
• Software CD
• Quick start guide

DJ EGADZ’s reinterpretation of What We Are Destined To Do. 

The video was performed and recorded live – no loops or background tracks. All sounds are programmed onto the buttons and played in real time. 

Directed by Patrick Guera.

via CrateKings

Thinking about getting a MIDI drum pad controller?

DJ Tech Tools has a great smackdown between the Korg PadKontrol, the M-Audio Trigger Finger and the Akai MPD 24

They compared the MIDI drum pad controller 8 ways:

• features
• build quality
• ergonomics
• what’s in the box
• ease of MIDI configuration
• looks
• price
• mixing challenge

The bottom line:

“The Akai MPD24 kicked ass in every round that mattered in this smack down (6 our of 8). OK, it’s a bit more pricey than the Trigger Finger and it doesn’t have as much software as either of the other two but it’s built like a tank and really has a pro feel to it.”

See the full smackdown for the details.

Akai Professional has released updated firmware for the MPD24 USB/MIDI Pad Controller.

Offering improved transport functionality, v1.09 is the second update to the original release of MPD24 firmware. A complete document of release notes is also available for review at www.AkaiPro.com.

Owners can update their MPD24 firmware by selecting the Docs & Downloads section of the MPD24 product page on the company’s website. Users may download the 44 kb zip file at no charge. The firmware is installed to MPD24 via a USB-connected Mac running OS X or later, or a PC running Windows XP or later.

Designed for use with Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), sequencing, and other software applications, MPD24 is a velocity sensitive USB/MIDI pad controller. The MPD24 allows users to program drum parts in a much more intuitive and natural way than by simply playing them on a keyboard. With its array of knobs and sliders, the MPD24 allows users to control parameters on their favorite DAW or software synths, offering incredible real-time control.

Akai Professional is now shipping the MPD32 pad controller.

MPD32 is Akai Professional’s flagship pad controller for musicians and DJs. Using a USB cable to connect to a Mac or PC, MPD32 is designed for hardware control of apps like Reason, Ableton Live and GarageBand.

MPD32 also features transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications like Sonar, Cubase and Logic. MPD32 is a fully programmable controller and multifunctional control surface that fits perfectly within any production or performance environment.

Features:

• MIDI-synced note-repeat with MPC swing
• Sixteen full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response
• Three banks of eight assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers
• Two assignable Foot Switches
• One assignable Foot Pedal controller
• Large, easy-to-read backlit LCD
• Thirty user-definable presets for use with software applications
• MMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttons
• Ableton Live Akai Edition software included
• BFD Lite software included

MPD32 is available now, with an MSRP of $499.00.

NAMM Update: The MPD32 is Akai Professional’s latest pad controller for musicians and DJs. Using a USB cable to connect to a PC or Mac, the MPD32 is designed for hardware control of programs like Reason, Ableton Live and GarageBand.

The MPD32 is the only pad controller on the market to feature the MPC Note Repeat with swing and gate time parameters. Additionally, it is the only pad controller that can also work as a master clock for MIDI sequencers. With the built in Tap Tempo button musicians can control tempo in real time during performances.

The MPD32 also features transport controls for interfacing with DAW/sequencing applications like Sonar, Cubase and Logic.

Key features of the MPD32 include:

• MIDI synced note-repeat with MPC swing
• Sixteen full-sized, genuine MPC pads with velocity and pressure-sensitive response
• Three banks of eight assignable switches, sliders and endless knobs for a total of 72 controllers
• Two assignable Foot Switches
• One assignable Foot Pedal controller
• Large, easy-to-read custom LCD display
• Thirty user-definable presets for various DAW and software applications
• MMC/MIDI Start/Stop transport buttons
• Ableton Live Akai Edition software included
• BFD Lite software included

The MPD32 is coming Q2 – 2008 to musical instrument retailers with an MSRP of $499.