MIDI Pad controllers are no longer consigned to the bottom of the controller pile, behind the likes of the MIDI keyboard or even bespoke DAW controller. They now share equal billing in the studio and on stage.
MULTI-SENSORIAL PAD MODE SECTION Slicer, loop, sampler and dynamic multi-effect control are just a few of the new, exciting remixing possibilities that can now be controlled directly via the BeatPad 2.The touch-sensitive drum pads with smart RGB illumination give you visual feedback for the selected mode so you know exactly what you're doing. BEAT-PAD is a free and powerful application that allows you to create your music. With the help of Beat Pad you can play Dubstep music, add a song ad remix it, combine rhythms, create solo beats, or team up with others. It also provides a beginner and a professional mode.
They are an essential part of many a modern producer’s arsenal, with some even placing one at the centre of their setup, replacing the keyboard. Some - notably Native Instruments' Maschine products - come with their own companion software, while others - Ableton's Live-friendly Push 2, for example - are designed specifically for controlling a certain DAW.
No longer used simply for tapping out beats, or triggering clips and samples, today’s best pad controllers are practically instruments in their own right, enabling you to compose and record melodies, chords and basslines. Some also contain powerful sequencers, which can be used to trigger both your music software and other hardware.
Obviously, all of this is great news, especially if you’re not so comfortable when it comes to playing the keys, but which of the many MIDI pad controllers on sale today is right for you?
We’ve corralled the best of the current controllers so that you can see what’s available right now. No matter what your budget, there’s a MIDI pad controller out there with your name on it, so let's help you find it.
1. Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
Launch price: $599/£479/€569 Pad grid: 4x4 Encoders: 9 Faders: Touchstrip Screen: Yes I/O: USB, 2 x 1/4” TRS line outputs, 2 x 1/4” TRS line inputs, 1/4” dynamic mic input, stereo headphone output, MIDI in/out, Footswitch Power: 15v DC, USB 5V Easyworship 2009 crack free download.
It’s not really accurate to call Maschine a pad controller; it ships with its own companion software, so is pretty much an instrument in itself. The workflow follows the classic MPC blueprint, and gives you a pad-based way of composing, arranging, mixing and performing. The new Mk3 model brings Maschine Studio’s flagship feature – its fabulous screens - to the mainstream model, taking a couple of cues from Maschine Jam, and updating the hardware in general terms. NI has taken the obvious step of building an audio interface into Maschine; a simple 2-in/4-out setup capable of recording and playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz quality.
2. Arturia BeatStep Pro
Launch price: $299/£185/€249 Pad grid: 2x8 Encoders: 20 Faders: None Screen: Yes I/O: USB MIDI, 6x 1V/octave CV/Gate/Velo outs, 8x drum gate outs, Clock in/out, MIDI in/out Power: USB 5V
BeatStep Pro features three independent step sequencers and a set of general purpose MIDI controllers. Two of the sequencers are monophonic, intended for riffs, basslines and the like, while the third is for sequencing up to 16 channels of drums. All three are programmed with 16 velocity-sensitive pads (with aftertouch), 16 step buttons and 16 rotary knobs. Perhaps the most obvious targets for BeatStep Pro's sequencers are hardware synths and samplers, but we had just as much fun controlling standalone music apps on our laptop. The same goes for plugins in a DAW, of course, and we can imagine many studio producers using it to create sequences on the fly that are subsequently recorded into their DAW for further editing. It can also send and receive MIDI clock, and so can act as either master or slave with almost anything.
3. Ableton Push 2
Launch price: $799/£499/€699 Pad grid: 8x8 Encoders: 11 Faders: Touchstrip Screen: Yes I/O: USB, 2x pedal inputs Power: 12v DC, USB 5V
Beat Pad Software Free
As well as developing Live, the all-conquering production and performance DAW, Ableton also sells its own pad controller: Push 2. This 64-pad grid is used to play and record melodic MIDI clips and Drum Rack beats, either 'live' or through an ingenious step sequencing system. Push 2 also facilitates browsing for devices, presets and sounds, which can be loaded onto tracks in Live, and controlled and automated using the eight rotary encoders, and even offers basic mixing operation. In summary, Push 2 is quite simply the most powerful, wildly creative Ableton Live controller on the market, and a worthy purchase for those who use said software.
4. ROLI Lightpad Block M
Best compact MPE controller
Launch price: $140/£190/€150 Pad grid: Configurable up to 5x5 Encoders: None Faders: None Screen: No I/O: USB MIDI, Bluetooth connectivity Power: Buss-powered
Having announced its arrival with the keyboard-style Seaboard controllers, ROLI moved into more affordable territory with its iOS-centric Blocks range. The centrepiece of this is the Lightpad Block M, a rectangular, rubber-topped control surface incorporating MPE technology so it can be played using a variety of expressive gestures. It's a slightly different animal to the rest of the controllers on this list, but now that it's compatible with a wider range of software, it's an intriguing option.
5. Akai MPD 232
Launch price: $299/£190/€299 Pad grid: 4x4 Encoders: 9 Faders: 8 Screen: Yes I/O: USB MIDI, MIDI in/out Power: 6V, USB 5V
While the previous MPD32 looked utilitarian, the MPD232 looks much more inviting. The larger, flatter case is made from smooth black and red plastic and surrounding the screen (which is mainly used for assigning MIDI data/CCs to the 72 assignable controls), the case morphs into shiny black perspex (unfortunately the same fingerprint and scratch-inviting type found on the recent Advance controllers and on Roland's JD-XA synth). In keeping with recent trends, there's a decent 32 step x 64 track sequencer onboard which adds a welcome new dimension to the MPD range (it can be MIDI-synchronised and used to control software instruments and/or external MIDI instruments).
6. Novation Launchpad Pro
Best affordable controller for Ableton Live
Launch price: $299/£275/€289 Pad grid: 8x8 Encoders: None Faders: None Screen: No I/O: USB MIDI, MIDI in/out Power: 12V DC, USB 5V
The Launchpad Pro isn't the be all and end all of Live controllers, but what it does, it does very well. It's not suited to precise mixing but it's intuitive and inspiring for creative purposes - allowing users to fluidly compose without being drawn away in order to jump between views or devices. It's brilliantly suited to live performance too, and we can see it becoming a centrepiece to a lot of musicians' stage set-ups. It's not as powerful as Push, but being more portable and cheaper it doesn't need to be. Its standalone MIDI capabilities give it a distinct edge, too. In all, for the price, the Pro is one of the best controllers on the market.
7. Livid Instruments Base II
Best customisable controller
Launch price: $299/£275/€289 Pad grid: 4x8 Encoders: None Faders: 9x touchstrip Screen: Yes I/O: USB MIDI Power: 12V DC, USB 5V
If you're in the market for a durable and attractive pad controller that's highly customisable and can integrate with most if not all of your music software, the Base II is a fantastic solution. Situated above the pad matrix is an array of nine touch-sensitive fader strips and eight capacitive touch buttons, with a set of eight illuminated silicone push-buttons down the right-hand edge. As with the original Base, all of these controls are freely assignable. The thick, soft pads are highly responsive and default to step through a series of colours when played, depending on how hard you hit or press down on them. With its robust construction, versatility and open-endedness, Base II is a fine pad controller option.
8. IK Multimedia iRig Pads
Best affordable iOS controller
Launch price: $140/£130/€150 Pad grid: 4x4 Encoders: 3 Faders: 1 Screen: No I/O: USB MIDI, iOS (32-pin, Lightning) Power: Buss-powered
The iRig Pads is an MPC-style pad controller aimed at iPad/iPhone/iPod touch musicians, but also fully compatible with Mac, PC and Android. It comprises 16 two-colour backlit pads (red and green, but mixable to orange, too), two knobs, a fader, two buttons and a push-button rotary encoder, all of which can be assigned to output a range of MIDI data. The iRig Pad scores well in terms of playability, is pretty easy to program and sits comfortably alongside its acclaimed iRig stablemates. iOS musicians, in particular, should keep it in mind.
9. Native Instruments Maschine Jam
Best for sequencing and track-building within Maschine
Launch price: $399/£319/€372 Pad grid: 8x8 Encoders: 1 Faders: 8x touchstrips Screen: no I/O: USB, Footswitch Power: Bus-powered
Maschine Jam provides a completely new way of interfacing with the Maschine software, which remains largely unchanged; one that neither supersedes nor replaces the original hardware, yet provides a very different user experience. It ditches the 16-pad format in favour of a grip of 64 smaller pads, which are backlit. Its other major addition is a bank of eight touchstrip faders that, broadly speaking, replace the eight Macro knobs of the original Maschine. It also does away with the built-in screens, the functionality of which is replaced by a number of pop-up windows that appear on the computer screen in response to button presses on the hardware. The main consequence of these changes is to move away from the sampler-style workflow of the original hardware towards one focused on 'performance' parameters, along with considerably deeper sequencing and arrangement capabilities.
10. Keith McMillen Instruments QuNeo
Launch price: $140/£190/€150 Pad grid: 4x4 Encoders: 2x rotary pads Faders: 9x touch strips Screen: No I/O: USB MIDI Power: Bus-powered
QuNeo is an LED-rich (251, actually) MIDI controller with 27 touch-based controls including pads, sliders, and rotary 'knobs'. It’s billed as a 3D multitouch pad controller; the point of difference is that the pads are sensitive to note-on, velocity, pressure and 'location' - the XY position of your finger on the pad. Not everyone will fall in love with the QuNeo, but its feel and functionality are undeniably different to most of its rivals. Get your hands on it and see what you think.
11. Native Instruments Maschine Mikro Mk3
Dell server update utility download. Launch price: $259/£199/€239 Pad grid: 4x4 Encoders: 1 Faders: 1x touch strip Screen: Yes I/O: USB MIDI Power: Bus-powered
Last year’s Maschine Mk3, with its added interface and improved screens, did an impressive job of drawing user focus away from the computer, making it easier to select, edit and play sounds without referencing plugin UI.By drastically downsizing the hardware screen, this Maschine Mikro update actually pushes things in the opposite direction; minimising the amount of visual information that’s provided by the controller in favour of more space for hands-on control. While increased reliance on a computer screen might seem counter-intuitive, it actually does make a lot of sense.
12. Pioneer DJ Toraiz Squid Sequencer
A creative standalone sequencer that can handle all your gear
Launch price: $599/£549 Pad grid: 4x4 Encoders: 11 Faders: N/A Screen: Yes I/O: MIDI I/O, USB, CV/Gate, Clock, Din Sync Power: Mains-powered
SQUID (derived from SeQUencer Inspirational Device) is a standalone 16-track polyphonic step sequencer, capable of outputting MIDI, CV, clock triggers and DIN sync. Its interface is focused around a grid of 16 backlit pads that can be played live or used to input sequencer steps. Each of the 16 tracks can be programmed with up to 64 patterns, each with a maximum of 64 steps. One of the great advantages of the Squid is how each track can be set up individually to sequence the output channel and device of your choice. In fact, there's a lot to love about it in general, particularly if you're already the kind of producer who likes to work with a lot of separate machines for sound generation. It opens the door to a world of bespoke sequencing options, with new features like Groove Bend and speed modulation putting a new spin on your step sequencing moves.
Today's best MIDI pad controller deals
Combine a touch screen and a basic music app and you can do some pretty incredible things. That is the thinking behind Beat Pad, a free app for the iPhone that features 12 evenly-spaced pads that produce a variety of different beats. The goal of the app is simple enough--provide an easy-to-use beat pad that you can take on the go with you anywhere. While the limitations of the app are certainly an issue, the fun of the interface is enough to make it a good download for any beat boxing or DJ hopeful.
The app is as rudimentary as it gets. Open it and you'll be presented with 12 squares that make different sounds. The response time is rapid and the sounds are all unique enough to make it possible for you to create a range of different sounds. That's where the features of Beat Pad end, though. There are no other menus, no share options, and no recording options. It's basically an instrument in an app and while it works quite well, the lack of additional tools makes it a very limiting one.
So who is this app right for? If you enjoy instrumental apps, or any tool that allows you to create sounds on the go--whether you're freestyling a bit or just having fun with friends--this is a good app. If you are planning on recording your efforts, then you'll almost certainly want a more robust, feature-rich alternative, of which there are quite a few on the App Store.
Find, download, and install iOS apps safely from the App Store
Combine a touch screen and a basic music app and you can do some pretty incredible things. That is the thinking behind Beat Pad, a free app for the iPhone that features 12 evenly-spaced pads that produce a variety of different beats. The goal of the app is simple enough--provide an easy-to-use beat pad that you can take on the go with you anywhere. While the limitations of the app are certainly an issue, the fun of the interface is enough to make it a good download for any beat boxing or DJ hopeful.
Free Beat Pad Software Downloads
The app is as rudimentary as it gets. Open it and you'll be presented with 12 squares that make different sounds. The response time is rapid and the sounds are all unique enough to make it possible for you to create a range of different sounds. That's where the features of Beat Pad end, though. There are no other menus, no share options, and no recording options. It's basically an instrument in an app and while it works quite well, the lack of additional tools makes it a very limiting one.
Beat Pad Software Download
So who is this app right for? If you enjoy instrumental apps, or any tool that allows you to create sounds on the go--whether you're freestyling a bit or just having fun with friends--this is a good app. If you are planning on recording your efforts, then you'll almost certainly want a more robust, feature-rich alternative, of which there are quite a few on the App Store.